Stock Market Crash Warning: Don't Get Caught Holding These 3 Robotics Stocks

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of inflation on consumers and businesses, leading to a rise in automation and robotics adoption, while highlighting specific robotics stocks that are recommended to sell due to declining performance and macroeconomic challenges [1]. Group 1: iRobot (IRBT) - iRobot has seen a significant contraction in sales growth, with revenue declining by more than 24% year-over-year for both fiscal years 2022 and 2023, marking the first time since 2017 that annual revenue fell below $1 billion [2][3]. - The decline in consumer confidence and high costs of new technologies have deterred purchases, prompting iRobot to announce a restructuring plan in January 2024, which includes operational cost cuts and leadership changes [3]. Group 2: Rockwell Automation (ROK) - Rockwell Automation operates in various industrial sectors but has faced sales declines, particularly in discrete and automotive sales, which fell in the "high single digits" due to challenges in the electric vehicle market [4][5]. - The company also reported declines in e-commerce and warehousing sales due to delayed modernization projects, with shares down 11.1% year-to-date as of the last trading session [5]. Group 3: Azenta (AZTA) - Azenta, a life sciences firm, has experienced a 13% year-over-year revenue decline in Q1 2024, with only a 7% increase in the second quarter, indicating weak sales growth for a largely loss-making company [6][7]. - Investors are concerned about Azenta's ability to reach breakeven, as the current revenue growth is insufficient to support its financial stability [7].