Why 3-D Printing Stocks Moved Today

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: Shares of 3-D printing stocks 3D Systems and Stratasys popped 5% and 3%, respectively, today after Credit Suisse launched coverage on the space with an upbeat review.

So what: To be sure, Credit Suisse only planted a Buy rating on 3D Systems, but its upbeat view on the entire space reinforces optimism over outsized sector growth going forward. Stratasys was given a Neutral view, while ExOne was even hit with an Underperform rating due to valuation concerns, reminding investors that selecting a reasonably priced 3-D printing play is still very important.

Now what: Don't expect the 3-D printing momentum to slow anytime soon. "Our main conclusion is that, despite the hype, additive manufacturing revenue growth could potentially exceed consensus forecasts for ~20% annual sales growth in the coming years," wrote Credit Suisse in a report to clients. Fools know to take analyst opinions with a grain of salt, but given the mind-blowing potential of 3-D printing, the space is at least worth tracking closely.

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The article Why 3-D Printing Stocks Moved Today originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Brian Pacampara has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems, ExOne, and Stratasys. The Motley Fool owns shares of 3D Systems, ExOne, and Stratasys and has the following options: short January 2014 $36 calls on 3D Systems and short January 2014 $20 puts on 3D Systems. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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