If You'd Bought 1 Share of Plug Power at Its IPO, Here's How Many Shares You Would Own Now

Recognized as a leading hydrogen and fuel cell business, Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG) is optimistic that it will play a pivotal role in the ongoing adoption of hydrogen power solutions. Plug's not alone in waxing optimistically about the burgeoning hydrogen economy, as many energy experts acknowledge that hydrogen will occupy an increasingly significant position on the energy landscape.

While investors recognize Plug as an interesting growth opportunity, the company has been on the public markets for nearly 25 years. Let's take a look to see how many shares of Plug stock investors would have if they had clicked the buy button when the company held its initial public offering (IPO) in 1999.

There's only been one stock split for this hydrogen hopeful in its history

In its history as a publicly traded company, Plug Power has had only one stock split: a 1-for-10 stock split it executed in 2011. This reverse stock split meant that for every individual share of Plug stock that investors held, they then had 0.1 shares. To make the math a little simpler, for every 100 shares before the split, after the split, investors would then have 10 shares.

Management stated that its decision to implement the reverse stock split stemmed from its receipt of a noncompliance notice from Nasdaq in December 2010. At that time, shares of Plug Power were trading for around $0.40 on a pre-reverse stock split-adjusted basis.

Is now the time to put a jolt in your portfolio with Plug Power stock?

While Plug Power has maintained compliance with the requirements of the Nasdaq exchange, it's not as if the stock is in such high demand now. In fact, shares of Plug are down almost 60% since the start of the year. Most recently, investors have turned their back on Plug stock after the company reported disappointing third-quarter 2024 financial results.

Those considering a position in Plug with the stock's decline should tread carefully -- extremely carefully -- as plenty of risks exist with the persistently unprofitably company.

Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Nasdaq. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.