Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC), iRobot Corporation (IRBT), 3D Systems Corporation (DDD): The Robots Are Coming

The company is looking to become an integral part of the entire design process, from prototyping to production. It recently introduced a new injection model-like material that is stronger and offers more testing possibilities.

Like iRobot, 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD)’ valuation appears quite high at its current P/E ratio around 70. Overall, the additive manufacturing market is expected to increase from $2.2 billion in 2012 to $10.8 billion in 2021. If 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) can grow its 2012 EPS of $0.72 along with the broad additive manufacturing market, then it is trading at a forward 2021 P/E ratio around 14. Its balance sheet is clean with a total debt to equity ratio of just 0.1. For long-term investors willing to invest in the company for eight years, it may be an attractive investment.

Conclusion

Robots are quietly revolutionizing many areas of human society. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is paving the way for the U.S. military with its cost saving X-47B unmanned drone. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) is working with manufacturers to increase their agility and options through new 3D printers. iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ:IRBT) is working with consumers to bring robots into the household through its cleaning products. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is more of a value play, while 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) requires a holding period of many years to justify its current valuation. Given the strong incumbents in the consumer durables market, it is hard to recommend iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ:IRBT) at its current valuation.

The article The Robots Are Coming originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Joshua Bondy.

Joshua Bondy has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems and iRobot . The Motley Fool owns shares of 3D Systems and Northrop Grumman and has the following options: Short Jan 2014 $36 Calls on 3D Systems and Short Jan 2014 $20 Puts on 3D Systems. Joshua is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

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