Why 3D Systems Is Poised to Outperform

Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, three-dimensional printer maker 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD  ) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at 3D Systems and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

3D Systems facts

Headquarters (founded)	Rock Hill, S.C. (1986)
Market Cap	$3.77 billion
Industry	Computer hardware
Trailing-12-Month Revenue	$321.9 million
Management	CEO Abraham Reichental Founder/Chief Technology Officer Dr. Charles Hull
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years)	14.9%
Cash/Debt	$183.9 million / $131.2 million
Competitors	Dassault Systemes SA Delcam Stratasys

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 94% of the 1,812 members who have rated 3D Systems believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

Just last month, one of those Fools, gandalfsherman, tapped the stock as a relatively attractive way to get into the space:

3D Printing is a big deal in manufacturing, and 3D Systems in particular. Compared to Stratasys, which uses FDM additive technology (and other 3D Printing manufacturers), 3D Systems uses stereolithography, which is much more accurate and refined, and no more expensive (for consumers). In addition, material costs -- refiller metals and plastics -- are less expensive. In terms of production, stereolithography is more capable of meeting the tight standards of the health care industry, aerospace industry, and is more capable of performing in self-automated situations.

Of course, this short pitch doesn't even come close to telling the entire story of 3D Systems. You're in luck, though. The Fool's brand-new premium report on 3D Systems tells all sides of the story for one of the most compelling growth plays in the market. You can grab your copy now, which comes with free updates for 12 months, by just clicking here.

Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.