Should You Buy Plug Power While It's Below $3?

Company Overview - Plug Power is a green energy company focused on delivering sustainable and clean energy through innovative hydrogen fuel cells [1] - The company aims to create a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem, including production, storage, transportation, and dispensing of liquid green hydrogen [3] - Plug Power's fuel cell technology generates clean electricity without combustion, powering material-handling vehicles, stationary power stations, and electric delivery vans [4] - Notable clients include Amazon and Walmart [4] Market Potential - The green hydrogen market is estimated to reach $1.4 trillion by 2050, indicating significant upside potential for Plug Power [1] Financial Performance - Plug Power's revenue grew 27% last year to $891 million, but has since declined by 35% to $437 million through three quarters of 2024 [6] - The company reported an operating loss of $720 million through Sept 30, up from $718 million in the same period last year [7] - Over the past 12 months, Plug Power has lost nearly $1.5 billion [7] - Third-quarter revenue was $174 million, below analysts' expectations of $210 million [9] - The company guided for 2024 revenue between $850 million and $950 million, below analysts' estimates of $1.18 billion [9] Operational Challenges - Plug Power's stock price has plummeted 97% from its peak of $75 per share in 2021 [2] - The company has significantly diluted shareholders, with outstanding shares increasing from 173 million to nearly 880 million over the past 10 years, reducing share value by 80% due to dilution alone [11] - Hydrogen site installations have slowed to 11 this year compared to 41 last year, as the hydrogen economy develops more slowly than expected [7] Strategic Initiatives - Plug Power launched a 350,000-square-foot fuel cell manufacturing facility in New York to meet growing demand [5] - The company began producing liquid hydrogen at its Georgia facility and has plans for additional plants in New York, Louisiana, and Texas [5] - Plug Power hired Dean Fullerton as COO to improve operational efficiencies across its supply chain [8] Industry Outlook - The long-term market opportunity for green hydrogen is significant, but Plug Power faces challenges in improving margins and reducing cash burn [10][12]