BLDP vs. BE: Which Hydrogen Power Stock Has Better Potential for 2026?

Hydrogen fuel cell technology represents an attractive long-term investment as governments and industries intensify efforts to decarbonize energy and transportation. Offering zero-emission operation, high efficiency and rapid refueling, fuel cells are well-suited for heavy transport, shipping, aviation services and industrial power. Expanding policy support, including subsidies, carbon pricing mechanisms and national hydrogen strategies, is reducing costs and accelerating adoption and commercialization.Investment momentum is being reinforced by improving electrolyzer technology, falling renewable energy costs and the buildout of hydrogen infrastructure. As green hydrogen scales, fuel cells are becoming more cost-competitive, strengthening their role in the global energy transition and supporting long-term growth and value creation.Bloom Energy BE is well positioned to benefit from increasing demand for reliable, low-carbon on-site power solutions. Its solid-oxide fuel cell technology provides highly efficient, ultra-clean electricity, helping customers reduce reliance on an increasingly strained grid. Growing momentum in green hydrogen, supportive policy frameworks and ongoing improvements in Bloom Energy’s electrolyzer platform strengthen its long-term outlook. As corporations and data centers seek dependable and sustainable power options, Bloom Energy is set to play an expanding role in the global energy transition.Ballard Power Systems BLDP offers a compelling investment case as a leading provider of proton exchange membrane (“PEM”) fuel cell technology for decarbonization markets. Its high-performance, scalable fuel cells are well suited for heavy-duty transport applications, including buses, trucks, rail and marine. Ongoing product launches and PEM technological improvements enhance its competitive positioning, while falling costs and rising adoption support Ballard’s ability to gain market share and drive long-term growth and shareholder value in the hydrogen economy.Both companies have strong backlogs due to the increasing acceptance of fuel cell technology as an alternative to conventional power generation. Amid rising demand in the usage of fuel cell technology for clean electricity production, let us discuss fundamentals of both companies.BLDP & BE’s Earnings EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for BLDP’s earnings per share in 2025 and 2026 indicates a year-over-year increase of 43.86% and 25.78%, respectively.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe same for BE’s earnings per share in 2025 and 2026 implies a year-over-year increase of 85.71% and 78.75%, respectively.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchBLDP & BE’s Sales EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for BLDP’s revenues in 2026 indicates a year-over-year increase of 3.03%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe same for BE’s revenues in 2026 implies a year-over-year increase of 37.74%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchValuationBloom Energy’s shares are trading at a premium compared with Ballard Power’s shares on a Price/Sales F12M basis.BE’s shares are presently trading at P/S F12M of 8.02X compared with BLDP’s 7.85X.Return on Invested CapitalThe return on invested capital (“ROIC”) measures how well a company generates returns on the money it invests. ROIC is a key indicator of a company's profitability and operational efficiency. BE’s current ROIC is 5.22% against BLDP’s negative 16.75%. It indicates BE is using the funds more efficiently than BLDP.Price PerformanceIn the last six months, shares of Ballard Power have gained 59.6% compared with Bloom Energy’s rally of 299.5%.Price Performance (Six months)Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchSumming UpBloom Energy and Ballard Power are both working tirelessly to provide reliable, emission-free electricity to their customers.BE’s strong earnings and sales estimate movement, higher ROIC and price performance make it more attractive compared with BLDP.Both companies are currently having a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) but based on the above discussion, it appears Bloom Energy has an edge over Ballard Power going into the new year. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here #1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA)The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow.One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.See This Stock Now for Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ballard Power Systems, Inc. (BLDP): Free Stock Analysis Report Bloom Energy Corporation (BE): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks