Tag Archives: nke

HP’s Thrust Into 3D Printers Could Torch 3D Systems, Stratasys

The entry of HP Inc. ( HPQ ) into the 3D printer market is seen as creating problems for 3D Systems ( DDD ) and Stratasys ( SSYS ), causing an analyst to issue a warning about the two market leaders. While 3D Systems and Stratasys are the two largest providers of 3D printers, HP (formerly Hewlett-Packard before its split) will gain market share over time, wrote UBS analyst Steven Milunovich in a research note. He reiterated a sell rating on Stratasys with a price target of 19. UBS also has a sell rating on 3D Systems and a price target of 9. Stratasys stock was up almost 3%, near 26, during afternoon trading in the stock market today . 3D Systems was near 15, down a fraction. The stocks of 3D Systems and Stratasys, having collapsed over the past two years due to numerous problems, are up sharply since recently hitting bottom. Despite the improvement and expectations of a turnaround, Milunovich believes that HP will be a disruptor. He says that HP expects to formally announce its first product in a few months, with availability by year end. “We expect HP to discuss betas with large industrial companies and provide impressive performance metrics,” Milunovich wrote. He also said, “(HP) indicates little interest in acquiring either Stratasys or 3D Systems, which surprises us.” He believes that HP could gain broader technology, patents, channels and, with 3D Systems, metals capability, via an acquisition of one or the other. HP has also said that it plans to avoid the consumer market, where 3D Systems and Stratasys have flailed. 3D printer revenue, including supplies, is expected to top $7 billion this year and approach $10 billion by 2017. Despite the struggles of 3D Systems and Stratasys, the 3D printing industry is stronger than it seems , say industry analysts who track the field. Among companies with big investments in 3D technology are Nike ( NKE ) and General Electric ( GE ). Nike has used 3D printers to develop several sport shoes, while General Electric uses them to produce advanced jet-engine fuel nozzles.

Apple Has Been A Loser Since Joining The Dow — That’s Not A Surprise

Apple ( AAPL ) marked its first anniversary on the Dow Jones Industrial Average Friday with a fractional gain. But over the past year, the iPhone titan’s shares have fallen 17.6%, proving critics right when they say that stocks that join the blue-chip index are often past their prime. Ironically, AT&T ( T ), which was kicked out of the blue-chip index to make room for Apple, has risen 14.8% over the past year. Apple has had a tough year. Its Apple Watch has not been a blockbuster, while iPhone sales disappointed in the holiday period and should fall year-over-year in the current quarter. Apple will unveil a new, smaller smartphone at a Monday event, along with other products. But some analysts say that Apple’s event won’t excite . Apple’s slide is hardly unusual. Intel ( INTC ) and Microsoft ( MSFT ) were added to the Dow at the tail end of the dot-com boom. Microsoft marked time for the next 15 years, finally hitting new highs late last year. Intel is still well off its all-time highs. Bank of America ( BAC ) stands out. Added to the Dow in early 2008, its shares crashed 91% over the next year during the financial crisis. The Dow dropped Bank of America in late 2013, only to see its shares shoot up 17% over the following year. Alcoa ( AA ) and Hewlett-Packard, kicked out at the same time as BofA, rose 96% and 73%, respectively, in the next 12 months. But joining the Dow doesn’t have to be the end. Nike ( NKE ), one of the late 2013 additions, popped 17% in the next year and continued to outperform until its December 2015 peak. Nike reports earnings on Tuesday.

After-Hours Action: Nike, Apple, Micron, Celgene

Here’s a quick rundown of Tuesday’s after-hours action: Nike (NKE) hit new all-time highs in extended trading after the athletic shoe and apparel giant reported a 22% rise in earnings that beat expectations, boosted by gross margin expansion, a lower effective tax rate and lower share count. Nike also reported strong future orders. Revenue rose 4% but slightly missed views. Apple (AAPL) has updated its bylaws to let investors who hold at least 3%