Preformed Line Products Company (PLPC) vs Trinity Industries, Inc. (TRN)

A side-by-side comparison of Preformed Line Products Company and Trinity Industries, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnPLPC vs TRN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
PLPC +2744.4%TRN +836.5%PLPC compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,844$937
PLPC TRN

PLPC vs TRN: by the numbers

  • TRN is the larger company ($2.98B vs $1.37B market cap).
  • TRN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.20 vs 42.75 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • TRN converts more revenue to profit (12.37% vs 4.92% net margin).
  • PLPC grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.70% vs 3.77% CAGR).
  • TRN pays the higher dividend yield (3.20% vs 0.28%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPLPCTRN
P/E ratio42.7512.20
Forward P/E30.4716.73
P/S ratio2.101.51
P/B ratio3.092.89
PEG ratio12.360.10
EV / EBITDA18.0612.77
FCF yield2.37%N/A

Profitability

MetricPLPCTRN
Gross margin30.86%27.01%
Operating margin7.99%16.59%
Net margin4.92%12.37%
ROE7.24%23.66%
ROIC7.78%3.46%

Dividends

MetricPLPCTRN
Dividend yield0.28%3.20%
Payout ratio11.58%38.98%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPLPCTRN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.70%3.77%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.46%19.40%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.32%-8.79%
Total return CAGR (5Y)34.94%11.50%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, PLPC or TRN?
TRN has the lower trailing P/E: PLPC trades at 42.75 and TRN at 12.20. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, PLPC or TRN?
Over the past five years, PLPC grew revenue faster — PLPC at a 7.70% CAGR versus TRN at 3.77%.
Does PLPC or TRN pay a bigger dividend?
PLPC yields 0.28% and TRN yields 3.20% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is PLPC or TRN more profitable?
TRN runs the higher net margin — PLPC at 4.92% versus TRN at 12.37%.
How have PLPC and TRN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, PLPC delivered 21.26% and TRN delivered 13.29% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 29, 2026.