Growth projections for the 3D-printing industry are positive, and the technological applications seem endless. But before you invest, you should use caution as bigger companies enter the market.
3D-printing stocks
3D-printing stocks are stocks of companies that operate in the 3D-printing space. 3D-printing — also called additive manufacturing — is the process of creating a three-dimensional object from a digital model by adding multiple layers of material until the object is complete. Though the first 3D printers came to market in the mid-1990s, the process has only begun to secure a foothold in modern manufacturing technology as the machines have grown larger, faster and stronger. Today, the process is used across many industries, including aerospace, auto parts, robotics, industrial tooling, medical devices and product design. The 3D-printing industry is young and only comprises a handful of companies. Here are five top 3D-printing stocks for 2022.
Top 5 3D-printing stocks for 2022
These 3D-printing stock picks warrant a second look. Do your due diligence and consider whether these stocks might be a good fit for your portfolio.
1. Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS)
Stratasys is a 3D-printing company that serves the aerospace, automotive, consumer products, dental, medical and railway industries. In addition to its 3D printers, the company also provides 3D-printing materials and software integrations. Stratasys has acquired two other 3D-printing companies in the last two years, expanding its mass production capabilities with a new photopolymer platform and a new line of 3D printers. In September 2021, Stratasys released its second quarter 2021 financial results. The company reported revenue of $147 million, up 25% from $117.6 million the same period 2020. It also posted better-than-expected earnings of -$0.2 per share compared to analyst estimates of -$0.07.
2. 3D Systems Corp. (DDD)
3D Systems Corp has seen tremendous growth in the past year alone. It was cofounded in 1983 by Charles Hull, the inventor of 3D printing, and has been a major player in the sector for over 30 years. The company specializes in hardware, software and material solutions, and its additive manufacturing processes are used throughout the aerospace and defense, automotive, jewelry, semiconductor and healthcare industries. Within the past year, 3D Systems’ stock grew nearly 1,123% from its 52-week low of $4.62 to its 52-week high of $56.50. Most recently, it posted revenues of $162.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, up 44.15% from $112.8 million in the same period 2020. The company also has $131.8 million in cash on hand and no debt, so the company is well-positioned.
3. HP Inc. (HPQ)
HP isn’t strictly a 3D-printing company, but it’s helping expand 3D-printing technology to be more mainstream. For instance, HP recently partnered with SmileDirectClub to produce 3D-printed molds for its clear teeth aligners. Leading automakers also turn to HP for its 3D-printing solutions as they replace traditional tooling with 3D-printed versions. Financially, the company recently reported a 7% year-over-year revenue increase, closing the third quarter of 2021 with net revenue of $15.3 billion. HP also posted earnings of $1.00 per share, beating Wall Street estimates of $0.84 per share by 19.05%. Investors with a broad timeline will also benefit from the company’s regular dividend payments. HP has increased its dividend payment every year for the last six years and has a current dividend yield of 2.78%
4. Autodesk Inc. (ADSK)
Autodesk develops 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. It offers a suite of 3D-printing software for use in various additive manufacturing processes, including product design, analysis, simulation and manufacturing. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2022, Autodesk reported a 16% increase in revenue of $1.06 billion. The company expects even further growth going into the third quarter and beyond. The average analyst consensus has a “Strong Buy” rating for Autodesk with a 12-month price target of around $352 per share.
5. Proto Labs Inc. (PRLB)
Proto Labs is a digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and on-demand production parts worldwide. The company offers injection molding, computer numerical control machining, 3D-printing and sheet metal fabrication products. It serves developers and engineers who use 3D computer-aided design software to design products across a range of end markets. Its accelerated manufacturing processes, where parts can be created within days, position it nicely to benefit from the rapidly growing 3D-printing market. For the second quarter of 2021, Proto Labs reported record revenue of $123 million, up 15.5% from the second quarter of 2020 and up 6.0% from the previous quarter. Specifically, its 3D-printing segment saw 28% year-over-year revenue growth to $18.2 million for the quarter. The company is a “Buy” with a $107.50 price target.
6 steps to invest in 3D-printing
Invest in 3D printing by purchasing shares of individual 3D-printing stocks or by buying into an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in 3D-printing. Here’s a look at the process:
Pick a stock trading platform. Online trading platforms are plentiful, so compare your options by features, fees and trader feedback.
Open your account. Be prepared to provide your ID, Social Security number and bank account information.
Fund your account. To invest, you’ll need to transfer funds to your brokerage account. Some platforms let you get started with as little as $1, while others may impose a minimum deposit requirement. While it takes a few days for your funds to settle, most platforms allow you to begin trading immediately.
Search for stocks. Start with our top 3D-printing stocks, but do some further research so that you’re comfortable with your investment. Pinpoint stocks by ticker symbol or use a stock screener to narrow down your options through various metrics, like price and industry.
Submit an order. Once you’ve decided on a stock or ETF to add to your portfolio, specify how many shares you wish to purchase and submit your order.
Monitor your investments. Track the performance of your portfolio by logging on to your account.
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An ETF that tracks the 3D-printing sector
If you want access to an index that tracks the 3D-printing sector, you might want to consider the Total 3D-Printing Index. It’s the only index that includes exchange-listed companies that are involved in the manufacturing and development of 3D-printing technology. And only one ETF that tracks this index –– the 3D Printing ETF (PRNT). Ark Investment Management oversees this fund.
3D-printing sector pros and cons
3D-printing is versatile and rapidly growing, so these stocks have a ton of potential. But investing in 3D stocks also has its disadvantages.
Pros of 3D-printing stocks
Here are some reasons to invest in 3D-printing stocks.
The 3D-printing market is rapidly growing. Like many sub-industries in the technology sector, 3D-printing is a growing trend. According to Statista, the global 3D-printing market was worth $12.6 billion in 2020 — but by 2026, this figure is expected to rise to $37.2 billion, nearly tripling its value in those six years.
3D-printing applications are plentiful. 3D-printing is disrupting several industries, from aerospace to automotive to healthcare. And though it will take some time for its broader adoption, it looks like this once-niche subindustry will only continue to grow. Investors have the opportunity to support potentially groundbreaking technology.
Cons of 3D-printing stocks
While there are benefits to investing in this young industry, 3D-printing stocks also carry unique risks.
Competition. As this technology continues to take off, more and more companies will enter the 3D-manufacturing race. And beyond the ferocious competition among startups vying for capital and influence, investors will also need to be wary of well-established names entering the space. As larger companies begin to adopt this technology and invest in their own 3D-printing programs, the viability of smaller tech startups may be affected.
Volatility. Long-term growth projections for the 3D-printing industry are largely positive, but investors should know the journey won’t be linear. Before purchasing 3D-printing stocks, be prepared for volatility.
Compare trading platforms
To invest in 3D printing, you’ll need a brokerage account. Compare your platform options below.
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Bottom line
3D-printing offers investors the opportunity to support groundbreaking research, but the industry is too new to promise stable returns. Review your brokerage account options across multiple platforms to find the account that best meets your needs.
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Matt Miczulski is an investments editor at Finder. With over 450 bylines, Matt dissects and reviews brokers and investing platforms to expose perks and pain points, explores investment products and concepts and covers market news, making investing more accessible and helping readers to make informed financial decisions.
Before joining Finder in 2021, Matt covered everything from finance news and banking to debt and travel for FinanceBuzz. His expertise and analysis on investing and other financial topics has been featured on CBS, MSN, Best Company and Consolidated Credit, among others. Matt holds a BA in history from William Paterson University. See full bio
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Shannon Terrell is a lead writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet and a former editor at Finder, specializing in personal finance. Her writing and analysis on investing and banking has been featured in Bloomberg, Global News, Yahoo Finance, GoBankingRates and Black Enterprise. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and English literature from the University of Toronto Mississauga. See full bio
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