In this article, we will discuss the top 5 3D companies to watch in 2022. If you want to read our comprehensive analysis of these companies, go directly to 10 3D Printing Companies to Watch in 2022.
5. Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13
Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM) offers additive manufacturing solutions to a range of industries, including the automotive, aerospace, heavy industry, machine design, healthcare, consumer products, and research and development industries. The company focuses on the production of end-use parts, and intends to replace industrial processes, which is a target market worth $12 trillion.
In November, Credit Suisse analyst Dan Knauff reinstated coverage of Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM) with a ‘Neutral’ rating and a $14 price target.
In December, Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM) announced a partnership with Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), in a bid to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in South Korea. The company will install its 3D printing systems and binder jet solutions at the institute, which will help drive adoption of these technologies with small and medium enterprises. KITECH will use this opportunity to start manufacturing components at industrial scale volumes and further the development of new materials to be used in additive manufacturing.
As of the third quarter, 13 out of 867 elite hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported ownership of stakes in Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM), worth roughly $32 million.
4. HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34
With a market cap of roughly $41 billion, HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ) is a tech giant that dabbles in many fields, and has done so quite successfully in 3D printing over recent years. The company’s Multi Jet Fusion technology is a ground-breaker that prints 10 times faster and at half the cost of conventional 3D printers. In 2017 the company unveiled a ‘world-first’ 3D Open Materials and Applications Lab in Oregon, USA, which will help companies test, develop and deliver the next generation of materials for 3D printing.
HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ) has also been collaborating with automaker Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), working on a variety of 3D printed accessories for the 2022 Ford Maverick truck. Both companies have also entered into a sustainability partnership which is aimed at reusing 3D printed materials and converting them into vehicle parts. Other collaborative projects are underway with General Motors (NYSE:GM), Volkswagen and Nissan.
On November 24, Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani maintained an ‘Outperform’ rating on HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ) shares, raising the price target to $40 from $35.
3. Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17
Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) is a digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and production parts, using 3D printing, CNC machining and injection molding techniques. The firm is based in Minnesota and announced its industrial-grade 3D printing services in 2014. Since then, the firm has become a leader in assisting designers, engineers and developers in moving from prototyping to low-volume production. In 2020, Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) announced the ability to 3D print cobalt chrome materials using direct metal laser sintering, providing a major tech upgrade to the aerospace industry. The firm is said to be the fastest digital manufacturer of prototypes around the world.
In December, Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) approved an increase of $50 million in its stock repurchase program, bringing the program to a total of $150 million, which is 10% of the company’s market cap. In the third quarter, the firm posted an EPS of $0.35, which fell below estimates by $0.08.
17 hedge funds reported ownership of stakes in Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) at the end of the third quarter, worth $259.88 million. In comparison, 19 hedge funds were bullish on the company in the previous quarter.
2. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18
3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) provides comprehensive 3D printing solutions, including 3D printers, scanners, materials, software, haptic design tools, as well as virtual surgical simulators. The company was founded by Chuck Hull, who is also the inventor of stereolithography, in 1986.
In the third quarter, 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) posted $0.08 in EPS, beating estimates by $0.03. The company raked in $156.10 million in quarterly revenue, outperforming estimates by $11.64 million.
On November 8, Lake Street analyst Troy Jensen initiated coverage of 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) with a ‘Buy’ rating and a $36 price target. The firm’s analyst noted that the company has effectively repositioned itself as a pure-play additive manufacturing firm, having made significant strides in material development and healthcare applications.
As of the third quarter, 18 hedge funds disclosed ownership of stakes in 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) at the end of the third quarter, down from 20 in the preceding quarter.
1. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 54
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) is a multinational software developer based in the United States, and its products include AutoCAD, BIM 360, Civil 3D, Fusion 360, and PlanGrid among others. The firm provides its digital products through a subscription model to industries including architecture, manufacturing, media, education, entertainment, engineering and construction. The most popular product offered by Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) is the Fusion 360 3D modeling platform, which has more than 165,000 paying subscribers as of August 2021.
For the third quarter, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) posted an EPS of $1.33, beating estimates by $0.07. Quarterly revenue of $1.13 billion was above expectations by $6.48 million. As the demand for construction grows around the globe, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) is perfectly positioned to grow by helping drive productivity and enabling the digitization of the design, construction, and asset management process.
In December, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) announced the acquisition of ProEst, a cloud-based estimating solution that is used by construction teams around the globe, with plans to integrate it with Autodesk Construction Cloud, a comprehensive construction management software. The terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, and is expected to close by January 2022.
54 hedge funds were long Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) at the end of the third quarter, holding stakes worth $2.35 billion. This is down from 64 hedge funds in the previous quarter.
Investment firm Polen Capital mentioned Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) in its Q3 investor letter. Here’s what the fund said:
“Shares of Autodesk have lagged recently due to expectations of short-term headwinds to free cash flow as the company transitions its billing structure to annual payments from multi-year up-front subscription payments. We view this as a transient issue and believe Autodesk’s attractive long-term growth profile remains in place.”
You can also take a look at 15 Biggest Companies That Don’t Pay Taxes and 10 Best Paper Stocks To Buy Now.
