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Align Technology(ALGN) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Market Opportunity and Product Adoption - Clear Aligner net revenues accounted for approximately 81% of worldwide net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024[14]. - Over 19 million people worldwide have been treated with the Invisalign System, indicating strong market penetration[15]. - Approximately 600 million people globally suffer from malocclusion, with only about 22 million seeking orthodontic treatment annually, representing a significant market opportunity[20]. - The share of orthodontic case starts treated with the Invisalign System is approximately 10% globally, highlighting potential for growth[20]. - The company focuses on increasing the utilization of existing doctors and educating consumers about the benefits of the Invisalign System to drive adoption[20]. - The Invisalign System offers various treatment packages tailored to different levels of malocclusion severity, enhancing its market appeal[25]. - The company aims to create awareness for Invisalign treatment among the potential 600 million patients who can benefit from treatment of malocclusion[11]. - The company is focused on increasing adoption of the Invisalign System and Vivera retainers by orthodontists and general practitioners worldwide[60]. Product Innovations and Technology - In 2024, several new products and technologies were launched, including the iTero Lumina intraoral scanner and Invisalign Outcome Simulator with Multiple Treatment Simulation[18]. - Approximately 94% of prescription orders for the Invisalign System are now submitted via digital scan, improving accuracy and efficiency[21]. - The Align Digital Platform aims to enhance treatment personalization and predictability through ongoing technological innovations[18]. - The Align Digital Workflow integrates software, systems, and services to streamline the treatment process from diagnosis to retention[22]. - The company continues to innovate its Invisalign treatment software, ClinCheck Pro, to enhance user experience and treatment control[50]. - The company received 510(k) clearance for the Invisalign Palatal Expander System in December 2023, aimed at rapid expansion of the upper jaw for young patients[34]. - The acquisition of Cubicure GmbH in January 2024 is expected to enhance the company's 3D printing capabilities, allowing for the direct printing of millions of custom appliances daily[35]. - The iTero Element 5D Imaging System demonstrated 66% greater sensitivity in detecting interproximal lesions compared to traditional bitewing x-rays[43]. - The iTero Lumina intraoral scanner, launched in January 2024, features Multi-Direct Capture technology for improved data capture and scan quality[45]. - The Invisalign Outcome Simulator allows patients to visualize potential treatment results, enhancing patient engagement and acceptance[46]. - The SmartTrack material used in clear aligners maintains more constant force over time, improving control of tooth movements[38]. - The SmartStage Technology optimizes the path of tooth movement, enhancing treatment predictability and outcomes[40]. - The Align Oral Health Suite integrates various diagnostic tools into a single interface, improving the dental consultation experience[46]. Global Expansion and Workforce - The company is expanding its global presence, selling directly or through authorized distributors in over 100 countries by the end of 2024[11]. - As of December 31, 2024, there are approximately 130,370 active Invisalign-trained doctors, defined as those who have submitted at least one Invisalign case in the prior 12-month period[61]. - The company has established 13 fabrication and treatment planning locations worldwide, with manufacturing facilities in Mexico, China, and Poland[11]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company had approximately 20,945 employees, reflecting a decrease of 3.1% from December 31, 2023[79]. - Approximately 91% of the company's employees are located internationally, primarily in direct-labor roles in manufacturing and clinical treatment planning facilities[79]. Research, Development, and Compliance - The company has made significant investments in research and development, focusing on innovations such as SmartTrack aligner materials and AI-powered personalized care[68]. - The company is committed to compliance with various international, federal, and state regulations, including those related to medical devices and data protection[70][75]. - The company is subject to evolving antitrust and competition regulations, which could result in fines and operational changes that materially impact its business[152]. - Compliance with extensive and frequently changing regulations is critical, and failure to do so could result in penalties and harm to the company's reputation[153]. - The company faces significant time, effort, and expense to obtain and maintain regulatory clearances and approvals, with no guarantee of timely success in various markets[155]. - The company is subject to anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, requiring accurate record-keeping and internal accounting controls to avoid liability[158]. - Compliance with privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity laws is critical, with potential significant penalties for noncompliance, including fines and legal actions[165]. Financial Performance and Market Risks - The company's net revenues are primarily dependent on sales of the Invisalign System and iTero intraoral scanners, with the Invisalign System expected to continue representing the majority of net revenues[115]. - The average selling prices (ASPs) of the Invisalign System and iTero scanners are influenced by factors such as product mix, geographical mix, and foreign currency exchange rates, which could adversely affect net revenues and gross profit[116]. - The company has a history of offering volume discounts and price reductions to stimulate demand, which may lead to reduced net revenues and gross margins[117]. - Competition in the dental industry is increasing, with new technologies and products emerging, potentially rendering existing products obsolete[118]. - The company faces diverse competition, including traditional orthodontic methods and new market entrants offering clear aligners with minimal in-office care[120]. - The company is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies, which may adversely impact its financial condition and results of operations[108]. - Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and consumer confidence, can significantly affect demand for the company's products[105]. - The company faces risks from geopolitical events, tariffs, and trade disputes that could disrupt operations and impact financial performance[109]. Employee Engagement and Corporate Responsibility - The company has received numerous awards for its workplace culture, including recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in various countries[88]. - The company offers a diverse portfolio of approximately 1,800 self-directed courses in up to 80 languages to support employee development[92]. - The company emphasizes pay equity practices and regularly reviews compensation to address discrepancies[95]. - The company has implemented a global initiative called Voyage, which has seen over 45% employee interaction since its launch in 2022[93]. - The company is focused on enhancing the employee experience through regular surveys and feedback mechanisms, resulting in high engagement rates[89]. - The company donated approximately 3.0milliontoOperationSmileasofDecember31,2024,supportingfreesurgeriesforindividualswithcleftconditions[101].Thecompanyhasprovidednearly3.0 million to Operation Smile as of December 31, 2024, supporting free surgeries for individuals with cleft conditions[101]. - The company has provided nearly 2 million to America's ToothFairy, impacting an estimated 2.7 million children since 2019[101]. - During the 2024 fiscal year, the HERO Program positively impacted over 900,000 children and caregivers, reaching more than 600,000 children with educational resources[101]. - The company partnered with INCAE Business School to improve health services in Latin America, providing scholarships to two leaders focused on oral health education[101]. - The company has a commitment to employee health and well-being, sponsoring a Month of Wellness with various activities[96]. - The company maintains dedicated Environmental Health and Safety departments at major worksites to ensure effective health and safety programs[98]. - The company emphasizes the importance of creating safe environments to prevent injuries and occupational diseases[97]. Cybersecurity and Operational Risks - IT systems are critical to the company's operations, and disruptions could materially impact business performance and reputation[134]. - The company faces significant software and hardware risks related to its iTero intraoral scanners, which could materially impact its business and financial results[136]. - A substantial portion of clear aligner production relies on digital scans from the iTero and third-party intraoral scanners, and any failures in interoperability could adversely affect operations and sales[138]. - The company is highly dependent on third-party suppliers for key components, and disruptions in supply could materially affect its financial condition and results of operations[139]. - Changes in key supplier relationships could lead to production interruptions and inefficiencies, potentially resulting in lost revenues[140]. - The company relies on distributors for marketing and sales, and any failure of these distributors to comply with laws could harm the company's reputation and financial results[141]. - Disruptions in freight carrier operations or increased shipping costs could negatively impact the company's supply chain and financial results[142]. - The company is dependent on attracting and retaining skilled personnel, and failure to do so could adversely affect its strategic priorities and financial condition[143]. - The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) leads the company's information security strategy and has over 20 years of experience in the field[205]. - The company conducts annual cybersecurity enterprise risk assessments and presents the results to management and the Audit Committee[206]. - The Audit Committee oversees the company's cybersecurity risks and meets regularly with the CISO to discuss threats[207].