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]

Company Overview - Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN) has a market capitalization of $11.2 billion and specializes in developing and providing Invisalign clear aligners, Vivera retainers, and iTero intraoral scanners and services globally [1] Financial Performance - The company is expected to announce its fiscal Q4 2025 results on February 4, with analysts predicting earnings of $2.47 per share, reflecting a 26% increase from $1.96 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast an EPS of $8.18, which represents a 16.7% increase from $7.01 in fiscal 2024 [3] - Following the Q3 2025 results on October 29, ALGN shares rose by 4.9%, with adjusted EPS reported at $2.61 and revenue at $995.7 million, surpassing consensus estimates [5] Market Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, ALGN stock has declined by 22.5%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which rose by 16.2%, and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF, which returned 13.3% [4] Analyst Sentiment - The consensus rating for ALGN stock is "Moderate Buy," with 15 analysts providing coverage: eight rated it as "Strong Buy," six as "Hold," and one as "Moderate Sell" [6] - The average analyst price target for ALGN is $171.38, indicating a potential upside of 2.2% from current levels [6]

Core Viewpoint - Artisan Mid Cap Value Fund's performance in Q3 2025 was below the benchmark, with returns of approximately 0.97% compared to the Russell Midcap Value Index's 6.18% return, attributed to broader market conditions and specific sector challenges [1] Fund Performance - The Investor Class fund ARTQX returned 0.97%, Advisor Class fund APDQX returned 0.98%, and Institutional Class fund APHQX returned 0.97% in Q3 2025 [1] - The overall equity markets rallied, driven by strong corporate earnings, rising AI capital expenditures, and expectations of economic support from US fiscal policy and lower interest rates [1] Company Focus: Align Technology, Inc. - Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) experienced a one-month return of -1.05% and a 52-week loss of 28.71%, with a market capitalization of $11.31 billion as of January 2, 2026 [2] - The company is recognized for its Invisalign clear aligners and iTero intraoral scanners, but faced underperformance in Q3 due to high expectations and disappointing quarterly results [3] Sector Analysis - The health care sector was a significant source of underperformance for the fund, with Align Technology being one of the major detractors alongside Centene and Baxter International [3] - The health care sector has struggled due to policy uncertainty, leading to reduced investor interest [3] Investment Strategy - The fund initiated a position in Align Technology at $150 per share, following a market sell-off due to tariff concerns, viewing it as a high-quality business with long-term potential [3] - Despite recent challenges, the company is seen as a market leader in clear aligners, with expectations that it can continue to capture market share in the orthodontics space [3]