3D Systems (DDD) continues to nosedive as the stock lost 25% of its market cap during the last month. Disappointing earnings results was the primary reason for the poor stock performance. Despite several positive developments including launching of a new printing platform, contract extension with Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW:XTER) and positive sentiment from Piper Jaffray, 3D Systems is struggling to trend upwards.

The company missed both the top line and bottom line consensus guidance. EPS was in the red. Analysts were modeling for an EPS of 12 cents. Revenue performance was no different. The company missed revenue consensus by $10

3D Systems Corp. (DDD), one of the manufacturers of 3-D printers, plunged on Friday. The stock was down 9% on news that HP Inc. (HPQ) is entering the metal printing business in 2018. Fellow 3-D printing company Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) was also down around 6% on the same day.

Since hitting all-time highs during the 3-D printing hype in 2013, 3-D printing companies have been in a downward spiral. Both Stratasys and 3D Systems failed to materialize on the touted growth prospects of the industry.

What precipitated the recent decline?

The recent downturn was ignited by the competition fears from

3D Systems (DDD) was on a great run in 2017 as the stock had risen considerably on the back of several rumors. While the rise was impressive, it set 3D Systems up for failure as the company has a record of sharing bad quarterly results. With the stock having appreciated roughly 20%, 3D Systems had to deliver an outstanding quarter to keep the rally alive. However, the company’s earnings report made it certain that the stock will fall back under $15 soon enough.

3D Systems released its quarterly earnings last month. It reported fourth-quarter EPS of 15 cents, beating the

Three-dimensional printing has been the topic of discussion for much of the last four to five years, with the majority of this debate being focused on what changes 3-D printing might bring to our daily lives. Discussions have ranged from health care to manufacturing to even redesigning and producing 3-D printed cars. This is all great talk, but while many uses have been covered already, there is still a huge chunk left to mull over. This is why Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) and 3D Systems Corp. (DDD) remain appealing options for investors.

Stratasys is braced to announce its financial results for

3D Systems Corp. (DDD) has been on a terrific run in 2017 with the stock up almost 30% year to date. Although the company had a great 2016, appreciating over 52% throughout the year, it appears the stock is already on track to surpass last year’s run. While the company’s fundamentals have not changed, 3D Systems rallied on the back of strong acquisition rumors in 2017.

Given that 3D Systems in still unprofitable and has hit the growth ceiling however, I think investors should use the current rally to exit their positions. I do not expect the stock to perform