A comprehensive but brief rundown of the best 3D printing stocks to invest in for 2021!
3D printing is a technology that has been revolutionizing the way we make things. Since its start making models, it has since gone on to other applications that even include the printing of entire buildings. There are even plans to use 3D printing machines in building bases on Mars and the Moon.
Needless to say, there are a bunch of things 3D printing can do and it's definitely going to be used for various other things in the future. Those who know this can capitalize on it by buying 3D printing stocks -- essentially banking on their necessity in the technology of coming years.
But, since not all stocks are created equally, which stocks can be considered the best of the best. Luckily, we have compiled this shortlist of the 7 best stocks to invest in 2022:
1. 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD)
Market Value: $3.6 Billion
The company has one of the most diverse portfolios of any 3D printing company in the industry. The company deals mainly in 3D printers for polymers, metals, and has recently begun 3D bioprinting. It also sells 3D printers and software.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, many of the industries in this sector have incurred losses. The dip in revenue was due to the enforcement of lockdowns which ground their operations to a halt. 3D Systems felt these stresses too but has since started rebounding in price and value. In the past two quarters, the company has seen revenue growth of about 7.7% year on year.
Earlier last month, the company also announced the sale of its on-demand manufacturing business. The deals are expected to close around the third quarter of this year. This comes as welcomed news to investors as it will likely generate a much-needed cash flow for the company. Estimates put the amount to about $82 million with some adjustments.
Wall Street also projects a growth of 10% for the company over the next 5 years. What makes the company such a viable option for investment is the fact that it has provided investors with a 175% return on their investment year on year.
2. ExOne (NASDAQ: XONE)
Market Value: $470 Million
Though by no means a stellar performing stock, it's one of the stocks with the highest momentum of growth. Investing in XONE is a bet on future profitability especially as the world starts to go back to normal and economies start to rebound.
The Wall Street Journal estimates growth for the company of as much as 46% in the next 5 years. It has also provided investors with a 123% return on their investment -- 167% if you look at it over the past 3 years. So despite the current reports, the company is still considered a profitable endeavor.
ExOne is known mainly as a global provider of 3D printing machines and printed products. The company manufactures 3D printing machines and printing products to specification for its customers. It also supplies parts, makes repairs, and provides a host of other 3D-printing-related services.
In a sad state of affairs, the company's revenue fell by 2.7%. This amounts to a loss of $6.1 million which is wider compared to the loss of the previous quarter. That being said, the company has stated that it's seeing rebounds in prices and pinned the cause of the loss to the challenges associated with the pandemic.
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3. The 3D Printing ETF (BATS: PRNT)
Market Value: $523 Million (assets under management)
If you're looking for something without too many high stakes or something that you can invest in without too much thought, then The 3D Printing ETF is a great option. The company allows you to capitalize on the rapidly growing 3D printing industry while diversifying the investment enough to safeguard you from most risks.
The ETF focuses specifically on 3D printing, including physical printers, hardware, software, printing centers, and materials, and has over 52 holdings in total. In essence, investing in a 3D Printing ETF (BATS: PRNT) means you're investing in all the major players of the industry at once.
Over the past 12 months, this form of investment has granted investors 19.7% of returns with 47.3% of returns over the past 3 years. Though not the highest returns compared to the other entries on this list, the company is still offering security and ease of use. With EFTs in 3D printing, you are earning from a rapidly growing industry as a whole. Some estimates state that 3D printing could grow to a staggering $40 billion industry by 2024, representing a CAGR of 26.4% from 2020.
At the very least, 3D Printing ETF (BATS: PRNT) can serve as a great springboard before you dabble in riskier but profitable investments.
4. Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS)
Market Value: $1.4 Billion
The company posted great reports by the end of the first quarter of 2021. It generated $530 million in revenue -- and a small increase of 1% from their previous quarter. The stocks though had a good year last year with being up 127% -- something that's hopefully replicated in the coming months.
3D printers are used in the process of designing and manufacturing various products. Its products and services are used in industries including aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics, as well as education and dentistry. Though perhaps the only drawback is that the company does not currently have metal 3D printing services.
This might change soon as a lot of money was allocated to their research and development sector. That being said, investors only say a return on investment of 7.2% in a year to date. It would be wise to wait and see for more revenue before thinking of investing their money in the company.
5. Materialise (NASDAQ: MTLS)
Market Value: $1.3 Billion
Based in Belgium, the company is rapidly growing as the makers of prototypes and image modeling. Though it does not manufacture the printers themselves, the company is more of a service business and has been able to apply itself to a host of different industries. Namely, the company offers solutions to the industrial, medical, aerospace, automotive, and dental industries.
This particular stock has generally been something as a newcomer to investors even though it's been around for a while. This might be partly due to its situation overseas. This might come as an added benefit though as the pandemic restrictions in its region are more relaxed.
The company has a magnificent 2020 with growth rising by as much as 196%. It also is a viable option for investment for those looking for medium to long-term interests. Though profitability is currently low, the Wall Street Journal estimates the company to start seeing some major returns by the year 2022. It is expected to grow by 63% over the next 5 years.
6. Desktop Metal (NYSE: DM)
Market Value: $3.2 Billion
This company is something of a rarity on the market, being that it's classified as a "unicorn". A unicorn is an investment term coined in 2013 to describe a start-up value over $1 billion -- a statistical rarity. In fact, the Massachusetts-based company is pegged as the fastest growing unicorn in United States' market history.
Since its founding in 2015, the company has come to expand its operations to a plethora of industries. In 2019, the company announced the launch of two new printer systems: the Shop System is designed for machine shops and its Fiber industrial-grade composites printer which uses automated fiber placement.
Though underperforming so far this year, the company has new ventures on the horizon. Chief among these is Desktop Health, a 3D printing medical service looking to provide healthcare products in the fields of dentistry, dermatology, orthodontics, orthopedics, cardiology, printed regenerative, and even plastic surgery.
7. Nano Dimension (NASDAQ: NNDM)
Market Value: $1.9 Billion
Another company based overseas, Nano Dimension is headquartered in Israel and focuses mainly on 3D printed electronics. The company is seen engaging in industries like consumer electronics, healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and more.
Though not an outstandingly performing stock, the company is seen as one of the fastest-growing with a revenue increase of more than 15% since the last quarter. Back in April, the company also acquired NanoFabrica for roughly between $55 million to $60 million. NanoFabrica is a known provider of technology and turn-key systems for precise 3D-micro-printing -- making breakthroughs in the field of nanotechnology.
Bottom Line on Buying 3D Printing Stocks
Those were the best 3D printing stocks of 2021 so far. It's best to note that quite a few of these stocks have taken hits during the pandemic.
Though the forecasts for their growth are quite optimistic, it might be wise as an investor to play it safe.
Take your time in monitoring their stocks first and only investing once growth seems to be sustained.
Though 3D printing is a rapidly growing industry, like with any investment, due diligence and research are essential to getting the best value you can from 3D printing stocks.