Earnings results often indicate what direction a company will take in the months ahead. With Q4 behind us, let’s have a look at 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) and its peers.

Automation that increases efficiency and connected equipment that collects analyzable data have been trending, generating new demand for industrial machinery and components. Companies that innovate and create digitized solutions can spur sales and speed up replacement cycles while those resting on their laurels can see dwindling market positions. Like the broader industrials sector, industrial machinery and components companies are also at the whim of economic cycles. Consumer spending and interest rates, for example, can greatly impact the industrial production that drives demand for these companies’ offerings.

The 57 industrial machinery stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.2% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 6.7% since the latest earnings results.

3D Systems (NYSE: DDD)

Founded by the inventor of stereolithography, 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) engineers, manufactures, and sells 3D printers and other related products to the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods industries.

3D Systems reported revenues of $106.3 million, down 4.3% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 8.5%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter for the company with EBITDA guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

Dr. Jeffrey Graves, President and CEO of 3D Systems said, "We are pleased with our fourth quarter performance, which exceeded our expectations driven by both our Healthcare and Industrial segments. Three markets were particularly noteworthy: med tech, dental, and aerospace and defense, which are rapidly adopting 3D printing as a core manufacturing method. These three markets have been a particular focus for our new product development over the last several years, and we believe offer sustained, growth opportunities over the next decade."

Interestingly, the stock is up 20.9% since reporting and currently trades at $2.37.

Is now the time to buy 3D Systems? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q4: Arrow Electronics (NYSE: ARW)

Founded as a single retail store, Arrow Electronics (NYSE: ARW) provides electronic components and enterprise computing solutions to businesses globally.

Arrow Electronics reported revenues of $8.75 billion, up 20.1% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 6.6%. The business had an incredible quarter with EPS guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

However, the results were likely priced into the stock as it’s traded sideways since reporting. Shares currently sit at $140.95.

Is now the time to buy Arrow Electronics? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q4: Chart (NYSE: GTLS)

Installing the first bulk Co2 tank for McDonalds’s sodas, Chart (NYSE: GTLS) provides equipment to store and transport gasses.

Chart reported revenues of $1.08 billion, down 2.5% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 8.4%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ revenue estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

The stock is flat since the results and currently trades at $206.91.

Read our full analysis of Chart’s results here.

Proto Labs (NYSE: PRLB)

Pioneering the concept of online quoting and manufacturing for custom prototypes and low-volume production parts, Proto Labs (NYSE: PRLB) offers injection molding, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication for manufacturers in various industries.

Proto Labs reported revenues of $136.5 million, up 12.1% year on year. This print topped analysts’ expectations by 5.4%. Overall, it was a stunning quarter as it also recorded EPS guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations and a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

The stock is up 5.3% since reporting and currently trades at $55.29.

Read our full, actionable report on Proto Labs here, it’s free.

Enpro (NYSE: NPO)

Holding a Guinness World Record for creating the world's largest gasket, Enpro (NYSE: NPO) designs, manufactures, and sells products used for machinery in various industries.

Enpro reported revenues of $295.4 million, up 14.3% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 5.1%. It was a very strong quarter as it also produced a solid beat of analysts’ revenue estimates and full-year EBITDA guidance slightly topping analysts’ expectations.

The stock is down 9.3% since reporting and currently trades at $244.45.

Read our full, actionable report on Enpro here, it’s free.

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