Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What's happening?
Shares of 3D Systems Corporation (DDD 2.31%) dropped more than 10% during Tuesday's trading after fellow 3D printing specialist Stratasys (SSYS 0.96%) issued disappointing preliminary 2014 results and 2015 guidance.
Why it's happening
While it's tempting to think 3D Systems results -- which are due later this month -- will follow suit, that's not necessarily the case. Stratasys said its fourth-quarter 2014 results were primarily affected not by demand for its high-end printers, but rather by challenges implementing and scaling a new distribution model for its MakerBot subsidiary. In addition, Stratasys stated it "believes that Additive Manufacturing ... is poised to enter a new phase of increased adoption by manufacturers in a broad range of industries [...] by disrupting traditional design and manufacturing processes." As a result, its 2015 guidance incorporates increased investments to take full advantage of that impending shift over the next several years.
Over the long-term, that should bode well for the leaders in the 3D printing industry, which is why I'm convinced 3D Systems is being unjustly punished by the market today.
