Plug Power Inc. (PLUG) vs Trinity Industries, Inc. (TRN)

A side-by-side comparison of Plug Power Inc. and Trinity Industries, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 26, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnPLUG vs TRN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
PLUG +35.9% (+3.1%/yr)TRN +131.8% (+8.8%/yr)TRN compounded faster over this window
01k2k3k4kStart $10020182020202220242026$136$232
PLUG TRN

PLUG vs TRN: by the numbers

  • PLUG is the larger company ($3.03B vs $2.35B market cap).
  • TRN is profitable (16.81% net margin) while PLUG runs a net loss (-220.59%).
  • PLUG grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.64% vs 6.38% CAGR).
  • TRN pays a dividend (4.16% yield), while PLUG has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPLUGTRN
P/E ratioN/A7.05
Forward P/EN/A13.30
P/S ratio4.241.18
P/B ratio5.432.11
EV / EBITDAN/A12.16

Profitability

MetricPLUGTRN
Gross margin-34.09%26.04%
Operating margin-95.73%15.43%
Net margin-220.59%16.81%
ROE-282.14%30.03%
ROIC-30.72%3.08%

Dividends

MetricPLUGTRN
Dividend yieldN/A4.16%
Payout ratioN/A39.30%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPLUGTRN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.64%6.38%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A19.40%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-23.53%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-38.79%4.34%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, PLUG or TRN?
Over the past five years, PLUG grew revenue faster — PLUG at a 16.64% CAGR versus TRN at 6.38%.
Does PLUG or TRN pay a bigger dividend?
TRN pays a dividend (4.16% yield), while PLUG has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is PLUG or TRN more profitable?
TRN runs the higher net margin — PLUG at -220.59% versus TRN at 16.81%.
How have PLUG and TRN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, PLUG delivered 3.24% and TRN delivered 8.73% 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 August 26, 2026.