Plug Power Q2 earnings preview: Management sees stellar results

Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG) is slated to report second-quarter 2019 earnings results on Tuesday, August 6, before the regular trading hours. The fuel-cell specialist has seen its stock slide 26.3% in the past four months, underperforming the industry, and will be hoping to turn things around with Q2 results.

The company had last month stated in a press release that it is expecting record Q2 results, as it is on track to deploy approximately 2,000 fuel cell units, a 70% jump from the year-ago period. Plug Power added that it remains on target to meet full-year guidance of $235 million to $245 million in gross billings and positive adjusted EBITDA for the full year of 2019, a first.

While this gives a somewhat positive picture of the stock, let’s not forget it’s not devoid of headwinds. In three of the last four quarters, the company failed to beat bottom-line estimates. During the first quarter, Plug Power posted wider losses on a 30% decline in revenues, even as the market was expecting narrower losses.

For the second quarter, analysts expect a 35% jump in revenues to $53.74 million, helped by its increased adoption in the electric vehicle industry.

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Meanwhile, the Latham, New York-based firm is expected to report a net loss of 1 cent per share, compared to a loss of 12 cents per share it reported in the same quarter last year. The bottom-line for the quarter could be impacted by the constant increase in operating and infrastructure expenses as well as foreign currency weakness.   

During the conference call, look out for any management commentary on the company’ strategy to peg its rising liabilities.

PLUG stock has gained 57% so far this year and 3.5% in the trailing 52 weeks. The stock has a 12-month average price target of $3.42, which is at a 66% upside from its Monday trading price.

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