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 September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnPLPC vs TRN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
PLPC +894.5% (+25.8%/yr)TRN +122.9% (+8.3%/yr)PLPC compounded faster over this window
5001kStart $10020182020202220242026$995$223
PLPC TRN

PLPC vs TRN: by the numbers

  • TRN is the larger company ($2.27B vs $2.07B market cap).
  • TRN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (6.79 vs 47.70 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • TRN converts more revenue to profit (16.81% vs 5.82% net margin).
  • PLPC grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.31% vs 6.38% CAGR).
  • TRN pays the higher dividend yield (4.37% vs 0.20%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPLPCTRN
P/E ratio47.706.79
Forward P/E31.9212.81
P/S ratio2.801.11
P/B ratio4.191.99
EV / EBITDA22.5111.93
FCF yield1.66%N/A

Profitability

MetricPLPCTRN
Gross margin31.44%26.04%
Operating margin8.98%15.43%
Net margin5.82%16.81%
ROE8.71%30.03%
ROIC8.70%3.08%

Dividends

MetricPLPCTRN
Dividend yield0.20%4.37%
Payout ratio9.35%29.29%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPLPCTRN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.31%6.38%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.46%19.40%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.42%-23.53%
Total return CAGR (5Y)44.27%3.51%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, PLPC or TRN?
TRN has the lower trailing P/E: PLPC trades at 47.70 and TRN at 6.79. 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 8.31% CAGR versus TRN at 6.38%.
Does PLPC or TRN pay a bigger dividend?
PLPC yields 0.20% and TRN yields 4.37% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is PLPC or TRN more profitable?
TRN runs the higher net margin — PLPC at 5.82% versus TRN at 16.81%.
How have PLPC and TRN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, PLPC delivered 25.83% and TRN delivered 8.51% 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 September 10, 2026.