Align Technology (ALGN) Slid as Demand Rebound Expectations Fell Short

Core Insights - Meridian Growth Fund's third-quarter 2025 performance was negatively impacted by sector positioning and strict investment discipline, resulting in a return of -1.78% compared to the Russell 2500 Growth Index's 10.73% return [1] Company Overview: Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) - Align Technology, Inc. is a leader in dental technology, known for its Invisalign clear aligners and iTero intraoral scanners [3] - The stock experienced a one-month return of 6.25% but has lost 37.14% over the past 52 weeks, closing at $147.19 with a market capitalization of $10.669 billion on November 28, 2025 [2] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Align Technology reported revenue of $995.7 million, reflecting a 1.7% decline from the previous quarter but a 1.8% increase year-over-year [4] Market Dynamics - The company faced challenges with demand rebound expectations not materializing, particularly in the teen segment where revenue growth slowed to 3% [3] - Market share gains reversed due to a weaker macroeconomic environment affecting discretionary dental procedures and a shift towards lower-cost alternatives [3] Investment Sentiment - Align Technology was held by 48 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 54 in the previous quarter, indicating a decline in popularity among hedge funds [4] - Despite its potential, the company is viewed as less favorable compared to certain AI stocks that are perceived to offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk [4]