Close menu




July 17th, 2023 | 08:15 CEST

Plug Power, First Hydrogen, Daimler Truck - Bringing tomorrow's winners into the portfolio today

  • Hydrogen
  • greenhydrogen
  • renewableenergies
  • Energy
Photo credits: pixabay.com

The energy transition has only just begun. The farewell to fossil fuels is a done deal. Alongside electrification, green hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in the energy of the future, generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar power. Here, the infrastructure of tomorrow needs to be planned and implemented today. On July 12, the German transmission system operators presented their plan for a hydrogen network for Germany that is to cover a length of 11,200 km. In addition to connecting industrial sites, the plan also calls for the creation of a charging infrastructure for vehicles, as the transportation industry is primarily responsible for CO2 emissions. Investors who position themselves correctly early can profit from the upcoming hydrogen boom.

time to read: 4 minutes | Author: Armin Schulz
ISIN: PLUG POWER INC. DL-_01 | US72919P2020 , First Hydrogen Corp. | CA32057N1042 , Daimler Truck Holding AG | DE000DTR0013

Table of contents:


    Bernd Krueper, President & Director, dynaCERT Inc.
    "[...] dynaCERT's HydraGEN™ device offers a retrofit solution for diesel engines designed to protect the environment while providing economic benefits. [...]" Bernd Krueper, President & Director, dynaCERT Inc.

    Full interview

     

    Plug Power - Timely turnaround?

    Plug Power wants to take care of the infrastructure. The problem with the US company is that it has promised a lot in recent years and has yet to achieve the envisaged goals. Thus, the 1st quarter figures were also not exhilarating, and the set target of USD 1.4 billion with a positive gross margin was far off. Investors sold their shares and caused the share price to plummet to USD 7.44. But it seems the Company is getting its act together just in time. Recently, the Company has been able to announce repeatedly larger orders.

    In July, there were two noteworthy orders. One was the order from Countrywide Hydrogen for 2 x 5 MW proton exchange membrane electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects in Tasmania, Australia. It is to produce up to 4,200 kg of green hydrogen per day. On July 13, the Group received an order for 100 MW of proton exchange membrane electrolysers. The buyer and financial terms were not disclosed, but Plug Power said this is the largest project in the European oil and gas sector. The electrolysers are expected to be delivered and installed in 2024, run on 100% renewable energy, and produce about 43 tons of green hydrogen per day.

    Last Friday, Northland Securities upgraded the rating from "Market Perform" to "Outperform," with a price target of USD 22. The analyst believes the Company is on track to generate cash flow. He even thinks it is possible that Plug Power can break even by year-end due to higher revenues from the electrolysis business. Citibank has also issued a buy recommendation with a price target of USD 13. The stock briefly reached that target before subsequently pulling back to USD 12.14.

    First Hydrogen - Commitment in Quebec expanded

    First Hydrogen Corp. is a Vancouver- and London-based company specializing in zero-emission hydrogen vehicles and the production and distribution of environmentally friendly hydrogen. Together with its partners AVL Powertrain and Ballard Power, the Company has built vans, and light commercial vehicles, with hydrogen fuel cells using its best-of approach. After the vehicles had already convinced Rivus during test drives, the British energy supplier SSE Plc was given the chance to test the vehicles on its premises at the end of June. On July 13, there was positive feedback from these tests. The drivers praised the range of over 500 km, the smooth running and the short refueling time of 5 min. They also noted that the vehicle could transport heavier loads.

    In parallel, the Company is working with FEV Consulting GmbH, Aachen, to develop a hydrogen refueling system. In order to cover the entire value chain, option agreements for the purchase of land were concluded on June 28. Up to 35 MW of green hydrogen will be produced there, and up to 25,000 light-duty vehicles per year will be built. The Quebec government supports the transformation to green hydrogen and has planned an Energy Transition Valley innovation zone. On July 10, Sacré-Davey was commissioned to conduct a feasibility study for Shawinigan's green hydrogen production facility and assembly plant.

    The market for environmentally friendly hydrogen is estimated at around USD 670 million, but it is expected to grow to USD 7.3 billion by 2027. The light-duty vehicle market is also expected to grow by 5.1% annually, reaching USD 752 billion by 2030. As states have set ambitious targets for zero-emission goals, many fleet operators are forced to swap their existing fleets for zero-emission vehicles. Financial incentives from governments could accelerate growth. The stock has been running sideways between CAD 2.87 and CAD 3.30 since joining Hydrogène Québec on June 14 and is currently trading at CAD 3.03.

    Daimler Truck - Raising the annual forecast

    Daimler Truck has long focused only on electric trucks and buses. Meanwhile, a rethink has taken place, and from 2025, trucks with hydrogen fuel cells should also be able to be tested by customers. The GenH2 hydrogen truck is already in the test phase and should eventually be able to cover up to 1,000 km on one filling. If the transport industry wants to achieve the climate protection targets set by the EU, alternatives to diesel combustion engines are needed. This strategy change makes sense to sell customers the right vehicle for their specific application.

    Irrespective of the hydrogen truck, the operating business is doing splendidly. The Group has raised its full-year guidance and announced a share buyback program. The Company reported a strong Q1 and robust sales of 132,000 vehicles in Q2, thanks to improved supply chains, stronger core markets, higher prices and strong performance in its after-sales business. Daimler Truck has raised its adjusted return on sales (ROS) forecast for its industrial business to a range of 8.5% to 10%. The total unit sales forecast for Daimler Trucks has been raised to 530,000 to 550,000 units.

    Although internal combustion engines still account for the majority of sales, by 2030, the majority of trucks and buses sold are expected to be emission-free. Analysts were pleased regarding the new forecasts, and there were 5 buy recommendations from Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, RBC Capital Markets, JPMorgan and Jeffries. The price targets are between EUR 39.00 and EUR 53.00. Only DZ Bank issued a "hold" recommendation and raised the fair value from 32 to 35 euros. The share exited Xetra trading on Friday at EUR 33.02.


    Hydrogen will be an energy carrier of the future. This applies to both the energy-hungry industry and the transportation sector. Plug Power covers the entire value chain and can play a leading role in building the infrastructure. First Hydrogen specializes in the light commercial vehicle market - a growing market as more and more packages are shipped. But the portfolio also includes fueling systems and green hydrogen production. Daimler Truck, on the other hand, is focused on large vehicles such as buses and trucks. The market is doing well, and EU pressure will ensure further sales.


    Conflict of interest

    Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as "Relevant Persons") may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a "Transaction"). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company.

    In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships.

    For this reason, there is a concrete conflict of interest.

    The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies.

    Risk notice

    Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on news.financial. These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such.

    The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user.

    The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use.


    Der Autor

    Armin Schulz

    Born in Mönchengladbach, he studied business administration in the Netherlands. In the course of his studies he came into contact with the stock exchange for the first time. He has more than 25 years of experience in stock market business.

    About the author



    Related comments:

    Commented by André Will-Laudien on October 17th, 2025 | 07:10 CEST

    E-mobility and hydrogen take off – BYD, Nio, Graphano Energy, and Plug Power in focus!

    • Mining
    • graphite
    • Electromobility
    • Hydrogen
    • Fuelcells
    • renewableenergies

    The German government is resolutely driving forward the transition to e-mobility by 2035 - a clear signal at a time when climate targets and energy dependence are the subject of intense debate. The market for electric vehicles is benefiting from innovations in battery technologies and a growing charging infrastructure. Advances in solid-state batteries, silicon anodes, and new cathode materials are significantly increasing range, performance, and safety. Faster charging times and longer service life are making the switch increasingly attractive for consumers. At the same time, recycling processes and the circular economy are gaining in importance to conserve resources and promote sustainability. With government support and growing competition, enormous opportunities are emerging for manufacturers and investors. But while electromobility is booming, hydrogen is also increasingly becoming the focus of the energy transition as a complementary technology. Investors are free to decide where to invest for the best returns.

    Read

    Commented by Fabian Lorenz on October 16th, 2025 | 07:15 CEST

    Hensoldt forges drone alliance! Nordex peaked? Over 10% dividend with RE Royalties

    • royalties
    • renewableenergies
    • Energy
    • Drones
    • Defense

    A dividend yield of over 10% currently makes RE Royalties shares an attractive buy. The Company finances renewable energy projects and will also participate in future earnings from these projects. With success, since 2020, the Company has grown by 38% p.a. and has paid dividends for 25 quarters. By comparison, Nordex is far from such continuity in growth. However, Nordex is currently riding a wave of growth. After a 100% increase in the share price, analysts see little potential for Nordex shares. Meanwhile, Hensoldt shares would likely have jumped after the latest announcement, as the sensor specialist is forging a new German drone alliance. Is now the time to buy?

    Read

    Commented by Armin Schulz on October 15th, 2025 | 07:15 CEST

    How your portfolio can benefit from the green energy boom with Nordex, RE Royalties, and JinkoSolar

    • royalties
    • renewableenergies
    • Solar
    • GreenTech

    Winners despite turbulent times: As the global energy transition gains momentum, a future market worth billions is emerging. Ever-larger wind turbines, more cost-effective solar modules, and an explosive growth in demand for green electricity are driving the revolution. Innovative companies that produce, finance, or supply clean energy are at the heart of this boom. Three promising players have already positioned themselves and could benefit directly: Nordex, RE Royalties, and JinkoSolar.

    Read