What 3D Printer Rebound? Analysts Knock 3D Systems Despite Q4 Beat
Despite fourth-quarter earnings that beat expectations, 3D Systems ( DDD ) was hit by analyst reports saying that a rebound in its 3D printing business is not yet evident. On Monday, 3D Systems stock soared 25% to an eight-month high of 14.45 after the company posted Q4 earnings that topped Wall Street’s consensus estimate. But several analysts said that the stock took off due to short sellers buying the stock to cover their positions. 3D Systems stock was down 12%, near 12.50, in afternoon trading in the stock market today . 3D Systems’ Q4 earnings followed the March 3 Q4 earnings report from rival Stratasys ( SSYS ), which also beat expectations, as did its guidance for 2016. The results from Stratasys and 3D Systems, the two biggest 3D printer companies, suggested that the field might finally be recovering from a rough couple of years. Analysts aren’t convinced. UBS analyst Steven Milunovich, in a research report Tuesday, maintained a sell rating on 3D Systems stock, with a price target of 9. “Management expects flattish revenue in 2016, citing poor visibility and unpredictable spending patterns,” Milunovich wrote. Weston Twigg, an analyst at Pacific Crest Securities, said in a research note that he expects low revenue growth from printers and materials in 2016. “Management believes industry conditions remain challenging, and it expects lots of volatility in quarter-to-quarter results,” Twigg wrote. He maintained a sector weight rating on 3D Systems stock. Among other ratings, JPMorgan downgraded 3D Systems to underweight but raised its price target to 10 from 9. Goldman Sachs maintained a neutral rating and price target of 10, while Jefferies maintained a hold and price target of 13.