BLT and Farsoon skyrocketing on China's stock market
The Atomic Layers: S8E9 (00215)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
Normally, I don’t make a big deal out of this kind of thing because stock prices on the exchange don’t always reflect a company’s actual health. There’s speculation, shareholder interests, and all that jazz at play.
But what happened this week in China deserves a special mention.
The stock prices of BLT (Xi’an Bright Laser Technologies) and Farsoon Technologies just skyrocketed. The market valuation of both companies crossed the 3-billion-dollar mark each. Totally unprecedented!
As I wrote, this just means that’s how the stock market values them right now. Generally, nothing new seems to have happened—at least nothing that’s made it to Western media. The websites of BLT and Farsoon are pretty quiet too. Both companies are gearing up for the upcoming TCT Asia at the end of March. Maybe some big reveals are coming there?
Could be that Chinese traders know something we don’t, or maybe it’s just classic stock market games.
Still, it doesn’t change the fact that two Chinese companies, each valued at over 3 billion dollars, are a massive show of strength. Especially when you compare it to the top Western players—Stratasys is currently at about 700 million dollars, and 3D Systems is down to just 400 million.
And both are on a downward trend.
Meanwhile, here’s how the Chinese charts look. Xi’an Bright Laser Technologies is currently valued at CNY 24.459 billion:
Farsoon Technologies is currently valued at CNY 22.37 billion:
Interestingly, for BLT, this isn’t the first time it’s hit such valuations. Farsoon, though, has just reached its all-time high.
For Western companies, this is a big problem—it shows their dominance from the 2000s and 2010s is history. The 2020s are starting to belong to Asian firms, and there aren’t many arguments against that.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
03-09-1083: Chuck Hull created the world's first 3D-printed part using a process later called stereolithography (SLA).
03-09-2023: Nano Dimension announced a $1.1 billion takeover bid for Stratasys.
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News & Gossip:
Generally, the big three Western AM legacy companies—3D Systems, Stratasys, and Materialise—have been tanking on the stock market lately. For 3D Systems, everyone’s bracing for a lousy annual report, which the company already warned shareholders about back in Q3 2024. For the other two, it’s the fallout from their already-released reports. And here’s the weird part: those reports weren’t that bad—not amazing by any means, but not bad either. I don’t know what shareholders of these companies are expecting given the current market and macroeconomic situation?
If you’re curious (doubt it, but maybe?), the value of the first 3D printing unicorn in history, Desktop Metal, is now down to less than 70 million dollars. Whoopsie daisy…
Kerry Stevenson recently wrote a sad but interesting piece on Fabbaloo. According to several Reddit users, buying desktop 3D printers in Mexico has become more difficult than ever, due to new import regulations. As of January 1st, shipments over $1,000 require registration with Padrón de Importadores. Some 3D printers may also need a SEDENA permit to ensure they won’t be used to produce weapons. Additionally, a 19% tax applies to shipments under $2,500. Buyers report customs delays, extra costs, and difficulties obtaining required certifications. These changes could push buyers toward cheaper brands or even boost Mexico’s domestic 3D printer market. The new rules create significant challenges for enthusiasts and professionals alike.