BE
Bloom Energy Corporation
Electrical Equipment & Parts
Market Cap$62.18B
5Y Perf.+3120.9%
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Stock Comparison
BE vs PLUG vs FCEL vs BLDP vs GNRC
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
PLUG
Plug Power Inc.
Electrical Equipment & Parts
Market Cap$4.36B
5Y Perf.-25.7%
FCEL
FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Electrical Equipment & Parts
Market Cap$646M
5Y Perf.-80.8%
BLDP
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Industrial - Machinery
Market Cap$1.41B
5Y Perf.-56.4%
GNRC
Generac Holdings Inc.
Industrial - Machinery
Market Cap$15.65B
5Y Perf.+139.8%
BE vs PLUG vs FCEL vs BLDP vs GNRC — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | BE | PLUG | FCEL | BLDP | GNRC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Electrical Equipment & Parts | Electrical Equipment & Parts | Electrical Equipment & Parts | Industrial - Machinery | Industrial - Machinery |
| Market Cap | $62.18B | $4.36B | $646M | $1.41B | $15.65B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $2.45B | $710M | $170M | $99M | $4.33B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $6M | $-1.63B | $-183M | $-91M | $189M |
| Gross Margin | 31.1% | 99.8% | -15.9% | 5.5% | 38.1% |
| Operating Margin | 8.2% | 38.1% | -67.6% | -104.7% | 7.5% |
| Forward P/E | 123.6x | — | — | — | 30.9x |
| Total Debt | $2.99B | $997M | $144M | $22M | $1.33B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $2.45B | $1M | $295M | $526M | $341M |
BE vs PLUG vs FCEL vs BLDP vs GNRC — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
BE
PLUG
FCEL
BLDP
GNRC
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloom Energy Corpor… (BE) | 100 | 3220.9 | +3120.9% |
| Plug Power Inc. (PLUG) | 100 | 74.3 | -25.7% |
| FuelCell Energy, In… (FCEL) | 100 | 19.2 | -80.8% |
| Ballard Power Syste… (BLDP) | 100 | 43.6 | -56.4% |
| Generac Holdings In… (GNRC) | 100 | 239.8 | +139.8% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: BE vs PLUG vs FCEL vs BLDP vs GNRC
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: GNRC leads in 4 of 7 categories (5-stock set), making it the strongest pick for valuation and capital efficiency and profitability and margin quality. Bloom Energy Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for recent price momentum and sentiment. FCEL and BLDP also each lead in at least one category. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
BE
Bloom Energy Corporation
The Long-Run Compounder
BE is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if long-term compounding is your priority.
- 9.3% 10Y total return vs GNRC's 6.7%
- +14.6% vs GNRC's +129.9%
Best for: long-term compounding
PLUG
Plug Power Inc.
The Industrials Pick
Among these 5 stocks, PLUG doesn't own a clear edge in any measured category.
Best for: industrials exposure
FCEL
FuelCell Energy, Inc.
The Income Pick
FCEL ranks third and is worth considering specifically for income & stability and defensive.
- Dividend streak 2 yrs, beta 2.91, yield 1.0%
- Beta 2.91, yield 1.0%, current ratio 6.63x
- 1.0% yield; 2-year raise streak; the other 4 pay no meaningful dividend
Best for: income & stability and defensive
BLDP
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
The Growth Play
BLDP is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night.
- Rev growth 45.0%, EPS growth 72.2%, 3Y rev CAGR 6.5%
- Lower volatility, beta 2.27, Low D/E 3.8%, current ratio 9.86x
- 45.0% revenue growth vs GNRC's -2.0%
Best for: growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night
GNRC
Generac Holdings Inc.
The Value Play
GNRC carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for value and quality.
- Better valuation composite
- 4.4% margin vs PLUG's -229.8%
- Beta 1.69 vs BE's 3.61, lower leverage
- 3.4% ROA vs PLUG's -64.3%, ROIC 5.9% vs 10.9%
Best for: value and quality
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | BLDP | 45.0% revenue growth vs GNRC's -2.0% |
| Value | GNRC | Better valuation composite |
| Quality / Margins | GNRC | 4.4% margin vs PLUG's -229.8% |
| Stability / Safety | GNRC | Beta 1.69 vs BE's 3.61, lower leverage |
| Dividends | FCEL | 1.0% yield; 2-year raise streak; the other 4 pay no meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | BE | +14.6% vs GNRC's +129.9% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | GNRC | 3.4% ROA vs PLUG's -64.3%, ROIC 5.9% vs 10.9% |
BE vs PLUG vs FCEL vs BLDP vs GNRC — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
FY 2024
FY 2022
FY 2025
BE vs PLUG vs FCEL vs BLDP vs GNRC — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 5 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLGNRCLAGGINGBLDP
Who Leads Where
GNRC leads in 3 of 6 categories
BE leads 1 • FCEL leads 1 • PLUG leads 0 • BLDP leads 0 • 1 tied
Explore the data ↓BLDPBallard Power Systems…
0leads
PLUGPlug Power Inc.
0leads
FCELFuelCell Energy, Inc.
1leads
BEBloom Energy Corporat…
1leads
GNRCGenerac Holdings Inc.
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs BEvs FCELMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
Tied
—
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
GNRC4/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
GNRC4/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
BE6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
GNRC2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
FCEL2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
Evenly matched — BE and PLUG and GNRC each lead in 2 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
GNRC is the larger business by revenue, generating $4.3B annually — 43.5x BLDP's $99M. GNRC is the more profitable business, keeping 4.4% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to PLUG's -2.3%. On growth, BE holds the edge at +130.4% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | BEBloom Energy Corp… | PLUGPlug Power Inc. | FCELFuelCell Energy, … | BLDPBallard Power Sys… | GNRCGenerac Holdings … |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $2.4B | $710M | $170M | $99M | $4.3B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $240M | -$1.5B | -$84M | -$100M | $472M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $6M | -$1.6B | -$183M | -$91M | $189M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $233M | -$2M | -$126M | -$66M | $419M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +31.1% | +99.8% | -15.9% | +5.5% | +38.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +8.2% | +38.1% | -67.6% | -104.7% | +7.5% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +0.2% | -2.3% | -108.0% | -91.5% | +4.4% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +9.5% | -0.3% | -74.2% | -66.6% | +9.7% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +130.4% | +17.6% | +60.7% | +37.2% | +12.4% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +3.3% | +95.9% | +65.5% | +59.3% | +69.9% |
Evenly matched — BE and PLUG and GNRC each lead in 2 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
GNRC leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, GNRC's 34.4x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than BE's 508.4x.
| Metric | BEBloom Energy Corp… | PLUGPlug Power Inc. | FCELFuelCell Energy, … | BLDPBallard Power Sys… | GNRCGenerac Holdings … |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $62.2B | $4.4B | $646M | $1.4B | $15.7B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $62.7B | $5.4B | $495M | $910M | $16.6B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -699.03x | — | -1.66x | -15.67x | 99.17x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 123.56x | — | — | — | 30.91x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 508.37x | — | — | — | 34.39x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 30.72x | 6.14x | 4.08x | 13.98x | 3.72x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 78.41x | — | 0.43x | 2.42x | 5.99x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 1087.24x | — | — | — | 58.38x |
GNRC leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
GNRC leads this category, winning 4 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
GNRC delivers a 7.2% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $7 in annual profit, vs $-124 for PLUG. BLDP carries lower financial leverage with a 0.04x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to PLUG's 19.75x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), GNRC scores 6/9 vs BE's 4/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | BEBloom Energy Corp… | PLUGPlug Power Inc. | FCELFuelCell Energy, … | BLDPBallard Power Sys… | GNRCGenerac Holdings … |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +0.8% | -124.4% | -26.8% | -14.6% | +7.2% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +0.2% | -64.3% | -20.1% | -12.6% | +3.4% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +4.1% | +10.9% | -14.0% | -68.8% | +5.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +2.5% | +18.6% | -13.8% | -12.3% | +6.9% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 3.77x | 19.75x | 0.20x | 0.04x | 0.51x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $538M | $996M | -$151M | -$504M | $992M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $2.5B | $1M | $295M | $526M | $341M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $3.0B | $997M | $144M | $22M | $1.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 1.05x | -36.18x | -30.14x | -46.37x | 4.54x |
GNRC leads this category, winning 4 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
BE leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in BE five years ago would be worth $111,339 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $500 for FCEL. Over the past 12 months, BE leads with a +1464.7% total return vs GNRC's +129.9%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors BE at 148.0% vs FCEL's -44.5% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | BEBloom Energy Corp… | PLUGPlug Power Inc. | FCELFuelCell Energy, … | BLDPBallard Power Sys… | GNRCGenerac Holdings … |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +162.1% | +40.4% | +50.3% | +75.4% | +89.1% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +1464.7% | +303.6% | +219.0% | +291.7% | +129.9% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +1425.9% | -66.3% | -82.9% | +2.4% | +141.5% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +1013.4% | -86.4% | -95.0% | -69.5% | -18.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +934.6% | +62.2% | -99.4% | +231.0% | +666.1% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +148.0% | -30.4% | -44.5% | +0.8% | +34.2% |
BE leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
GNRC leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
GNRC is the less volatile stock with a 1.69 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than BE's 3.61 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. GNRC currently trades 99.0% from its 52-week high vs PLUG's 68.3% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | BEBloom Energy Corp… | PLUGPlug Power Inc. | FCELFuelCell Energy, … | BLDPBallard Power Sys… | GNRCGenerac Holdings … |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 3.61x | 2.57x | 2.91x | 2.27x | 1.69x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $302.99 | $4.58 | $14.30 | $4.86 | $269.58 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $16.18 | $0.69 | $3.66 | $1.18 | $113.96 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +85.4% | +68.3% | +85.9% | +96.7% | +99.0% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 72.6 | 63.3 | 64.9 | 80.1 | 77.8 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 10.1M | 76.5M | 3.8M | 4.4M | 895K |
GNRC leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
FCEL leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: BE as "Buy", PLUG as "Buy", FCEL as "Hold", BLDP as "Hold", GNRC as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 24.9% upside for PLUG (target: $4) vs -42.1% for BLDP (target: $3). FCEL is the only dividend payer here at 1.01% yield — a key consideration for income-focused portfolios.
| Metric | BEBloom Energy Corp… | PLUGPlug Power Inc. | FCELFuelCell Energy, … | BLDPBallard Power Sys… | GNRCGenerac Holdings … |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy | Hold | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $187.56 | $3.91 | $8.73 | $2.72 | $271.22 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 31 | 38 | 19 | 25 | 39 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +0.0% | — | +1.0% | — | +0.0% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | — | 2 | — | 1 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.00 | — | $0.12 | — | $0.00 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | +0.9% |
FCEL leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
GNRC leads in 3 of 6 categories (Valuation Metrics, Profitability & Efficiency). BE leads in 1 (Total Returns). 1 tied.
Best OverallGenerac Holdings Inc. (GNRC)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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BE vs PLUG vs FCEL vs BLDP vs GNRC: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is BE or PLUG or FCEL or BLDP or GNRC a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Ballard Power Systems Inc.
(BLDP) is the stronger pick with 45. 0% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -2. 0% for Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC). Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC) offers the better valuation at 99. 2x trailing P/E (30. 9x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Bloom Energy Corporation (BE) a "Buy" — based on 31 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — BE or PLUG or FCEL or BLDP or GNRC?
On forward P/E, Generac Holdings Inc.
is actually cheaper at 30. 9x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — BE or PLUG or FCEL or BLDP or GNRC?
Over the past 5 years, Bloom Energy Corporation (BE) delivered a total return of +1013%, compared to -95.
0% for FuelCell Energy, Inc. (FCEL). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: BE returned +934. 6% versus FCEL's -99. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — BE or PLUG or FCEL or BLDP or GNRC?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Generac Holdings Inc.
(GNRC) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 69β versus Bloom Energy Corporation's 3. 61β — meaning BE is approximately 113% more volatile than GNRC relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Ballard Power Systems Inc. (BLDP) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 4% versus 20% for Plug Power Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — BE or PLUG or FCEL or BLDP or GNRC?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Ballard Power Systems Inc.
(BLDP) is pulling ahead at 45. 0% versus -2. 0% for Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Plug Power Inc. grew EPS 100. 0% year-over-year, compared to -1414. 3% for FuelCell Energy, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, BE leads at 19. 1% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — BE or PLUG or FCEL or BLDP or GNRC?
Generac Holdings Inc.
(GNRC) is the more profitable company, earning 3. 8% net margin versus -229. 8% for Plug Power Inc. — meaning it keeps 3. 8% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: PLUG leads at 38. 1% versus -80. 6% for BLDP. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — PLUG leads at 99. 8%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is BE or PLUG or FCEL or BLDP or GNRC more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Generac Holdings Inc.
(GNRC) trades at 30. 9x forward P/E versus 123. 6x for Bloom Energy Corporation — 92. 7x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for PLUG: 24. 9% to $3. 91.
08Which pays a better dividend — BE or PLUG or FCEL or BLDP or GNRC?
In this comparison, FCEL (1.
0% yield) pays a dividend. BE, PLUG, BLDP, GNRC do not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is BE or PLUG or FCEL or BLDP or GNRC better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Generac Holdings Inc.
(GNRC) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (+666. 1% 10Y return). Plug Power Inc. (PLUG) carries a higher beta of 2. 57 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (GNRC: +666. 1%, PLUG: +62. 2%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between BE and PLUG and FCEL and BLDP and GNRC?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: BE is a mid-cap high-growth stock; PLUG is a small-cap quality compounder stock; FCEL is a small-cap high-growth stock; BLDP is a small-cap high-growth stock; GNRC is a mid-cap quality compounder stock. FCEL pays a dividend while BE, PLUG, BLDP, GNRC do not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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