Core Insights - Align Technology (ALGN) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.99 per share, a 22.5% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $1.03 billion, reflecting a 3.9% year-over-year growth [1] Earnings Estimates - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised upward by 1.1%, indicating analysts' reassessment of their initial forecasts [2] - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3] Key Metrics Projections - Analysts estimate 'Net revenues- Imaging Systems and CAD/CAM Services' to be $208.31 million, representing a 3.7% increase from the previous year [5] - 'Net revenues- Clear Aligner' are forecasted to reach $825.06 million, indicating a year-over-year change of 3.9% [5] - The consensus for 'Clear Aligner Shipments' is projected at 655, compared to 629 in the same quarter last year [5] Stock Performance - Align Technology shares have recorded a return of +2.2% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.8% change [6] - With a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), ALGN is expected to outperform the overall market in the upcoming period [6]

Core Insights - Align Technology, Inc. collaborates with the University of Bern on Switzerland's first Swiss Oral Health Study, aiming to gather comprehensive data on the oral health of the Swiss population [1][3][9] Group 1: Study Overview - The Swiss Oral Health Study is a large-scale epidemiological initiative targeting three age groups: 6–12, 35–44, and 65–74 years, with a goal to examine approximately 1,800 children by June 2026 and 1,650 adults by the end of 2027 across six cantons [3][4] - The study aims to identify trends in oral health, such as early-childhood caries, and establish a baseline for future public health strategies [4] Group 2: Technology Utilization - Align Technology is providing its iTero Lumina intraoral scanner, which will play a central role in data collection, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient experience [5][9] - The iTero Lumina scanner features advanced capabilities, including near-infrared imaging technology for real-time monitoring of dental conditions without harmful radiation [6][10] Group 3: Implementation and Impact - An Align-branded mobile dental van equipped with the iTero Lumina scanner will facilitate on-site examinations and digital scans in schools and communities across Switzerland [2][7] - The collaboration exemplifies the integration of industry and academia to drive innovation in oral health research, with the potential to improve patient outcomes significantly [8][9]

Core Insights - Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in Align Technology, Inc. by 38.9% during the third quarter, owning 15,551 shares valued at $2,029,000 at the end of the quarter [1][2] - Several hedge funds modified their holdings in Align Technology, with notable acquisitions including QRG Capital Management Inc. and Virginia Retirement Systems, indicating strong institutional interest [3] - Align Technology's stock performance shows a market capitalization of $11.70 billion, with a 52-week price range of $122.00 to $232.20 [4] Financial Performance - Align Technology reported earnings of $2.61 per share for the quarter, exceeding the consensus estimate of $2.38 by $0.23, with revenue of $995.69 million, surpassing expectations of $980.75 million [5] - The company experienced a year-over-year revenue increase of 1.8%, with a net margin of 9.50% and a return on equity of 13.96% [5] Analyst Ratings - Recent analyst reports show varied price targets for Align Technology, with Jefferies Financial Group raising their target from $140.00 to $155.00, while Evercore ISI lowered theirs from $220.00 to $170.00 [6] - The consensus rating for Align Technology is "Hold," with an average price target of $176.82, reflecting mixed sentiment among analysts [6] Company Overview - Align Technology, Inc. is known for pioneering digital technology in orthodontics with its Invisalign system, which offers a clear alternative to traditional braces [7][8] - The company has expanded its offerings to include intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM software, enhancing its position in the digital dentistry market [8]

Core Insights - Giverny Capital Asset Management's portfolio returned 0.01% in Q4 2025, underperforming the S&P 500's 2.66% return, and YTD returns were 12.58% compared to the Index's 17.88% [1] - The firm faced challenges due to underweighting in large technology companies and overweighting in smaller niche leaders, despite strong earnings growth and capital returns from portfolio companies [1] - The market's focus on AI investments has overshadowed the actual benefits of portfolio companies, impacting overall performance [1] Company Insights - Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) was highlighted in Giverny Capital Asset Management's Q4 2025 investor letter, noting a one-month return of 5.18% but a 52-week loss of 25.10% [2] - As of January 29, 2026, Align Technology's stock closed at $164.12 per share, with a market capitalization of $11.896 billion [2] - The company is recognized for its innovative product, Invisalign clear aligners, which are expected to gradually replace traditional braces, potentially impacting the orthodontist profession [3]

Core Viewpoint Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 4, with positive growth anticipated in both revenues and earnings per share (EPS) compared to the previous year. Group 1: Earnings and Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter revenues is $1.03 billion, indicating a 3.9% growth from the previous year [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is $2.99 per share, reflecting a 22.5% increase from the year-ago figures [2] - Earnings estimates have remained unchanged at $2.99 per share over the past 60 days [3] Group 2: Factors Influencing Q4 Performance - The Clear Aligner segment is expected to benefit from increased volumes, particularly in the EMEA, APAC, and Latin American regions, with growth driven by orthodontists and general dentist channels [4] - Strong contributions are anticipated from products like Invisalign First and DSP touch-up cases, along with the rollout of the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement in Thailand and the Philippines [5] - Recent innovations in treatment planning tools, such as the ClinCheck Live Plan, are expected to enhance operational efficiency and positively impact revenues [6] Group 3: Segment Performance - Clear Aligner revenues are projected to grow by 3.9% year-over-year [7] - The Imaging Systems & CAD/CAM Services segment is likely to see revenue growth from increased scanner services and iTero CAD/CAM sales, with strong performance in scanner leases [8][9] - Recent product innovations within the iTero Digital Solutions ecosystem are expected to resonate well with customers, further driving revenue growth [10] Group 4: Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank - Align Technology has an Earnings ESP of -1.62%, indicating a lower chance of beating estimates [12] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a favorable outlook compared to other stocks [13]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Medical - Dental Supplies industry is expected to maintain upward momentum in 2026 due to innovation, an aging population, and normalized orders post-COVID-19 [1] - The global medical supplies industry is projected to reach $163.5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2022 to 2027 [4] Technological Advancements - Continued adoption of digital services and AI-enabled tools is anticipated to enhance patient experience and reduce administrative burdens for physicians [2] - Innovations such as CAD/CAM systems, 3D imaging, and AI diagnostics are expected to improve treatment efficacy and broaden product use [8] Market Trends - The industry is shifting towards higher-margin specialty areas like oncology and urology, with precision health and theranostics emerging as significant trends [3] - There is a growing emphasis on preventive care and minimally invasive procedures, which is expanding market segments for dental consumables [9] Regional Growth Drivers - Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, are benefiting from increased healthcare expenditure and improved access to care, contributing to faster growth rates [10] Economic Factors - Strong healthcare infrastructure and higher disposable income in developed regions support the adoption of advanced dental products [11] Challenges - U.S. tariffs have raised costs on essential imported dental supplies, leading to increased prices and supply-chain disruptions [12] - The industry is responding by shifting supply chains towards domestic production to mitigate tariff exposure [13] Company Performance - The industry has outperformed its sector with a collective gain of 6.6% over the past year, compared to the Zacks Medical sector's rise of 1.9% [16] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 17.67X, lower than the S&P 500's 22.81X [19] Company Insights - West Pharmaceutical is expected to maintain growth momentum in 2026, driven by demand for high-value products and operational improvements [21][22] - McKesson anticipates revenue growth of 11-15% in fiscal 2026, supported by strong demand in specialty distribution [30] - Cardinal Health expects revenues from its Pharmaceutical segment to grow 15-17% year-over-year, with challenges from competitive pricing pressures [35] - Align Technology is positioned for growth in 2026 due to restructuring actions and technological innovations, with a projected revenue increase of 3.7% [42]

Core Viewpoint - The analysis of Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN) indicates a negative outlook, with a previous recommendation of Strong Sell due to anticipated disappointments in performance [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Align Technology, Inc. has been under scrutiny for approximately three years, with a focus on its stock performance and market position [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment approach discussed emphasizes a long-term horizon, typically between 5 to 10 years, with a preference for a diversified portfolio that includes growth, value, and dividend-paying stocks, although there is a stronger inclination towards value stocks [1].

Core Viewpoint - The analysis of Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN) indicates a negative outlook, with a previous recommendation of Strong Sell due to anticipated disappointments in performance [1]. Company Analysis - Align Technology has been under scrutiny for approximately three years, with the initial assessment predicting challenges ahead [1]. - The analyst emphasizes a long-term investment horizon of 5-10 years, suggesting a preference for a balanced portfolio that includes growth, value, and dividend-paying stocks, although there is a stronger inclination towards value stocks [1].

Core Insights - A significant majority, four in five workers, believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will impact their daily tasks in the workplace, indicating a strong perception of AI's influence on job functions [1] Group 1: Worker Sentiment - Gen Z workers are particularly concerned about the increasing reliance on AI chatbots and automation in their workplaces, highlighting a generational divide in attitudes towards AI [1]

Core Insights - Align Technology, Inc. has launched a new initiative in collaboration with the Canadian Foundation for the Advancement of Orthodontics (CFAO) to support Invisalign treatment for 30 eligible patients [1] Company Overview - Align Technology is a leading global medical device company specializing in the design, manufacture, and sale of the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry [1]