3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) operate in entirely different industries. However, they have many similarities. In fact, 3D Systems is trying to do in 3D printing business what Amazon has done in online retail. The Rock Hill-based company is investing aggressively to ensure its long-term success rather than focusing on short-term earnings, just like the online retail giant.
3D Systems can adopt and grow more easily than its rivals
With its diverse portfolio, 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) is trying to define itself as “Everything 3D Printing Store,” says Steve Heller of The Motley Fool. It allows the company to adopt and evolve more easily in the 3D printing business than its niche-focused rivals. 3D Systems is focused on growth, partnerships, R&D and strategic acquisitions. As Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s performance suggests, these investments and solid strategy execution can produce massive returns for investors.
Over the past two years, 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) has acquired 45 companies to expand or strengthen its business. It has also formed strategic partnerships with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG), Hershey Co (NYSE:HSY), and Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS). The company has launched some great products, and the upcoming fab-grade continuous 3D printer is likely to be a blockbuster, says Canaccord Genuity analyst Bobby Burleson. The research firm says 3D Systems can easily maintain 30% organic growth rate.
3D Systems increased its R&D spending by 87% last year
3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) increased its R&D spending by 87% to $43.5 million in 2013. The company plans to raise its R&D budget by 75%-100% every year to bolster innovation and product development. The 3D printing industry is expected to reach $10.1 billion by 2021. Analysts estimate that the overall industry will be worth $4 billion in 2015. 3D Systems aims to surpass $1 billion in sales in FY2015, which means it will have 25% market share.
The most exciting opportunities for 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) include printing jet engine components and healthcare products. Aviation heavyweights General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) and Rolls-Royce Holding PLC (ADR) (OTCMKTS:RYCEY) are working to 3D print jet engine components. Meanwhile, 3D printing can be used to create exoskeletons, prosthetic limbs and dental implants. Steve Heller says 3D Systems’ aggressive strategies and core technologies are expected to drive market share growth in coming years.
