Why 3D Systems Stock Just Popped 15%

What happened

Shares of 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) are on a tear today, up 15.3% at 12:25 p.m. EST. This morning, the 3D-printing company announced a 100,000-square-foot expansion of its headquarters campus in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  

Why such excitement over a construction project? This isn't just an addition of office space we're talking about. Rather, 3D says it will be consolidating "materials manufacturing, quality, and logistics operations" and putting them all next door to management. It will also expand its "advanced manufacturing capabilities for both metal and polymer components," and add "new and expanded materials development laboratories." The aim is to improve operating efficiencies, accelerate product development, and reduce time to market.

Or in financial terms, boosting sales and improving profit margins.

Image source: Getty Images.

CEO Jeffrey Graves explained that the floor-space expansion is part of the company's restructuring and reorganization plan announced last year. This is the same plan that permitted 3D to raise the possibility that it will finally return to profitability in the fourth quarter, igniting an 84.5% rally in the stock. So it's understandable that investors are taking today's news as good news.