Wolfspeed vs. Plug Power: Which Stock Will Outperform in 2026?

Core Viewpoint - Wolfspeed and Plug Power are speculative stocks attempting to turn around their financial situations, with Wolfspeed emerging from bankruptcy and Plug Power facing ongoing financial challenges [1]. Wolfspeed - Wolfspeed's current market capitalization is $476 million, with a stock price of $18.37 and a gross margin of -1941.56% [3][4]. - The company filed for prepackaged bankruptcy earlier this year, which significantly reduced its debt by 70% and cash interest expenses by about 60%, improving its financial position [4]. - Wolfspeed has invested heavily in silicon carbide technology for electric vehicles, but challenges in manufacturing and low yields have resulted in underutilization of its plants and negative gross margins [5][6]. - In Q3, Wolfspeed reported an adjusted gross margin of -26% and negative free cash flow of $98.3 million, although it generated $5.7 million in operating cash flow [6]. - The key to Wolfspeed's future success lies in improving yield and utilization levels in its manufacturing processes [6]. Plug Power - Plug Power has a market capitalization of $3.1 billion, with a stock price of $2.20 and a gross margin of -7128.74% [7][8]. - The company's core business involves selling fuel cell systems and hydrogen fuel, but it has been operating at a loss due to selling hydrogen fuel below distribution costs, leading to negative gross margins [8]. - Plug Power is transitioning to an end-to-end hydrogen solutions provider by building its own hydrogen plants, but it has not yet scaled operations to meet customer commitments [9]. - In Q3, Plug Power reported a negative adjusted gross profit of $37 million, but management aims to achieve gross margin breakeven by mid-next year through increased hydrogen production and restructuring efforts [10]. - The company is also exploring opportunities in the data center market, having sold electricity rights to a developer in exchange for cash and backup power agreements [11]. Conclusion - Both companies are highly speculative with significant challenges ahead, but Wolfspeed is viewed as having a cleaner story and a new management team focused on resolving yield issues, while Plug Power has a history of overpromising despite recent leadership changes [12].