In this article, we discuss the top 5 3D printing companies in the world. If you want to read our analysis of the growth outlook of the 3D printing industry, go directly to the Top 10 3D Printing Companies in the World.
5. Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16
Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) is a Gaithersburg, Maryland-based marketplace with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities that provide 3D printing, sheet metal, and injection molding services online. The company has the distinction of having leading companies like Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL), General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), NASA, and BMW as its customers.
Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) acquired ThomasNet in late 2021. ThomasNet is a material procurement and digital marketing solutions provider. This strategic acquisition gave Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) access to a diverse range of manufacturers and buyers by combining ThomasNet’s market insights with the manufacturing base of Xometry.
Analysts see Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) as offering a “compelling” value proposition. They call it an investment play for investors looking for returns that significantly outperform the broader market but are willing to accept short-term volatility in share price. David Silver at CL King increased the target price for Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) from $55 to $65 and maintained a Buy rating on the stock in a research note issued to investors on August 11.
Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) posted better-than-expected Q2 2022 results, issued strong guidance for Q3 2022, and also increased its revenue guidance range for FY22.
4. Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17
Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG) is a Watertown, Massachusetts-based manufacturer and seller of 3D metal and continuous carbon fiber printers, software, materials, and other related services.
Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG) reported its Q2 2022 results on August 11. Revenue increased by 18.6% YoY to $24.23 million for the three months and outperformed the analysts’ forecast of $22.46 million. Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG) has outperformed the broader industry during periods of recession due to its ability to generate healthy cash flows and a strong balance sheet. Furthermore, the company has the highest gross profit margin in the industry despite a top line that is 80% lower than its larger competitors.
Markforged Holding Corporation’s (NYSE:MKFG) management is focused on launching major new products every year. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to Markforged Holding Corporation’s (NYSE:MKFG) most recent 3D printer, FX20, for more significant applications through the Digital Forge. Due to the printer’s ability to print parts that can withstand high temperatures, the demand for FX20 surpassed the company’s expectations during Q2 2022.
As of Q2 2022, 17 funds held a stake in Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG).
3. Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19
Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) is a Maple Plain, Minnesota-based 3D printing company that produces customized and low-volume prototypes for appliances, automotive, consumer products, electronics, and medical devices.
Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) reported mixed Q2 2022 results on August 5 as it beat EPS estimates but failed to outperform the top-line forecasts for the period. Revenue increased by 3.2% YoY to $126.9 million. On the other hand, the adjusted EPS of 46 cents was seven cents higher than the analysts’ estimates. Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) revealed that it anticipates Q3 2022 EPS to be in the range of 36 cents to 44 cents. The midpoint of 40 cents is 16 cents higher than the analysts’ forecast. Meanwhile, the company sees revenue to be in the range of $121 million to $129 million.
Currently, Proto Labs, Inc.’s (NYSE:PRLB) primary aim is the growth of its revenue through improved pricing, more product options, and Hubs network integration. During Q2, the company observed rapid growth in both its CNC machining and 3D printing segment. Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) intends to accelerate the growth of its injection molding service in the future.
Of the 895 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database, Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) was held by 19 hedge funds at the end of Q2 2022.
2. Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21
Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) is an Edina, Minnesota-based Israeli-American 3D printing company that provides 3D printers and materials to leading companies in the world through its offices in 13 countries.
To assist in the expansion of operations, Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) announced the takeover of polymers supplying entity Covestro in early August. The acquisition will make it possible for Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) to provide customers with more comprehensive solutions and quicken the production of next-generation manufacturing parts.
Following Nano Dimension Ltd.’s (NASDAQ:NNDM) 12% stake in the company, Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) adopted a limited duration rights plan or a poison fill. The rights plan is a way to prevent Nano Dimension from gaining over a 15% stake in the company.
On August 16, Shannon Cross at Credit Suisse initiated coverage on Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) stock with an Outperform rating and a target price of $24. The analyst initiated coverage of various 3D printing companies in the research note but only gave Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) an Outperform rating due to its stellar operational performance and focus on polymer-related technologies. The analyst anticipates Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) to experience margin expansion along with growth in revenue as the company focuses on manufacturing applications of 3D printing.
1. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 53
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) is an American multinational software company. Two of the company’s most popular software for additive manufacturing and simulation include Netfabb and Fusion 360.
Citi identified Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) as one of its most alluring stocks two weeks ago. The financial services firm praised the company’s fundamentals, investor confidence, and value. Since its establishment, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) has experienced almost unrestricted growth. Over the last five years, the company’s revenue has more than doubled. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) has a predominately subscription-based revenue model that promotes long-term growth due to its customers’ strong brand loyalty and high switching costs.
Analysts have given Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) stock a consensus rating of Buy with a price target of $243.52. The target suggests a potential one-year return of 15%.
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) was discussed in the Q4 2021 investor letter of Polen Capital. Here’s what the investment management firm said about the company:
“We added to Autodesk on share price weakness. Near-term concerns have made the valuations of the company quite attractive in our view. Autodesk has consistently reported solid results, but management recently provided lower than expected guidance, noting supply chain issues, inflation squeezing its customer margins, global labor shortages, and complications from rolling and unpredictable COVID lockdowns globally. In aggregate, these issues mean that fewer client projects have been completed, despite high endmarket demand. Ultimately, many of these productivity pressures will likely drive the need to digitize further.
To be clear, much of the pressure on Autodesk’s share price recently was due to expectations, not a decline in the fundamentals of the business. The company continues to grow revenues at greater than mid-teens rates while simultaneously enjoying record renewal rates. While each of the noted factors present real challenges in the near term, we think the lower share price provides long-term investors an opportunity. Given the secular trend towards digitization and the ever-increasing mission-critical nature of Autodesk’s products, we are confident in the long-term investment case.”
You can also take a peek at the 10 Stocks That Billionaire Philippe Laffont Is Selling and the Top 10 Stock Picks of Minerva Advisors.
