- ALGN vs. WST: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?
May 11, 2026
Investors interested in Medical - Dental Supplies stocks are likely familiar with Align Technology (ALGN) and West Pharmaceutical Services (WST). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.
We have found that the best way to discover great value opportunities is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with a great grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight companies with specific traits.
Align Technology and West Pharmaceutical Services are both sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) right now. This means that both companies have witnessed positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that both of these stocks have an improving earnings outlook. But this is just one factor that value investors are interested in.
Value investors analyze a variety of traditional, tried-and-true metrics to help find companies that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.
The Style Score Value grade factors in a variety of key fundamental metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a number of other key stats that are commonly used by value investors.
ALGN currently has a forward P/E ratio of 14.87, while WST has a forward P/E of 38.33. We also note that ALGN has a PEG ratio of 1.44. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. WST currently has a PEG ratio of 2.76.
Another notable valuation metric for ALGN is its P/B ratio of 2.91. The P/B is a method of comparing a stock's market value to its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. By comparison, WST has a P/B of 7.7.
These are just a few of the metrics contributing to ALGN's Value grade of B and WST's Value grade of D.
Both ALGN and WST are impressive stocks with solid earnings outlooks, but based on these valuation figures, we feel that ALGN is the superior value option right now.
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- ALGN vs. WST: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?
May 11, 2026 · zacks.com
Investors interested in Medical - Dental Supplies stocks are likely familiar with Align Technology (ALGN) and West Pharmaceutical Services (WST). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now?
- Clear Aligner Market Report: 2026 Edition Now Available
May 11, 2026
Company Logo
The global clear aligner market, valued at $6.80 billion in 2024, is set to reach $24.07 billion by 2030, driven by growing awareness of dental health and aesthetics. With a projected CAGR of 23% from 2025 to 2030, the rise in malocclusion cases, technological advancements, and beauty standards are key growth drivers. Notably, North America leads the market due to advanced dental infrastructure. The market segments include procedure types (Doctor-Directed and Direct-to-Consumer), age groups, and material types. Key players like Align Technology, Straumann Group, and Angelalign are bolstering their positions through strategic partnerships and innovations.
Dublin, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Clear Aligner Market: 2026 Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The global clear aligner market was valued at US$6.80 billion in 2024. The market value is expected to reach US$24.07 billion by 2030. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approx. 23% during the forecasted period of 2025-2030.
The factors such as the growing patient population suffering from malocclusions, rising technological advancements in dental treatment, and escalating awareness about dental hygiene coupled with the growth of beauty standards are expected to drive the overall market growth in the forecasted period.
Some of the strategies among key players in the market are product launches, mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations. For instance, in 2023, Angelalign Technology Inc. and Medit Corporation announced a software integration. With Medit's IOS and Angelalign Technology Inc.'s intuitive iOrthoT treatment planning software and aligners, clinicians gain access to a streamlined, efficient, and highly accurate workflow.
Also, Angelalign Technology Inc. and 3Shape have announced a global strategic partnership aimed at strengthening both companies' dedication to digital orthodontics globally. The partnership enables Angel Aligner's clinicians around the world, when using 3Shape scanners, to effortlessly upload patient images to Angel Aligner's cloud-based digital orthodontic platform with a simple click of a button. At the same time, 3Shape's orthodontic clients worldwide stand to gain seamless access to Angel Aligner's comprehensive clear aligner solutions, streamlining their workflows.
North America held the major share in the market, owing to the growing availability of advanced dental care infrastructure and the availability of robust payment options. Within North America, the US is leading the market. The US clear aligner market is further analyzed based on age group (Adult and Teen), and end-user (Standalone, Group Practices, Hospitals, and Others).
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Europe held a second highest share in the global clear aligner market. According to an article, The State of Oral Health in Europe published by the Platform for Better Oral Health, over 50% of the European population suffers from some form of periodontitis and over 10% have severe disease, with prevalence increasing to 70-85% of the population aged 60- 65 years of age. An increase in the incidence of periodontitis would support the growth of the clear aligner market in Europe.
Market Segmentation Analysis:
By Procedure: The report provides the bifurcation of the market into two segments based on the procedure: Doctor-Directed and Direct-to-Consumer. In 2024, the doctor-directed procedure held the share in the market, whereas the direct-to-consumer is expected to be the fastest growing segment owing to the benefits such as ease of operation, affordable prices, and the convenience of having no mandatory in-office visits.
By Age Group: The report further provided the segmentation based on the age group: Adult and Teen. The adult segment held the highest share in the market. The market's expansion is aided by the increasing awareness among adults regarding malocclusion and associated problems with this disease. Moreover, the treatment of malocclusion among adults with a clear aligner is expected to increase in the forecasted period due to the more benefits provided by clear aligners over traditional methods.
By End-User: The report provides an analysis of the market based on end-users: Standalone, Group Practices, Hospitals, and Other End-User. The standalone segment is expected to be the highest growing segment in the forecasted period owing to the benefits such as a wider range of dental treatments, shorter wait times, specialist and quality service, and high adoption of the most recent technology and high-quality materials for both diagnostics and treatment.
By Material Type: The report provides the glimpse of the clear aligner market based on the following material type: Polyurethane, Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, Poly-vinyl Chloride, and Others. Polyurethane clear aligners are witnessing increased usage due to their flexibility and durability. These aligners can be customized to specific patient needs, providing a comfortable fit. On the other hand, poly-vinyl chloride clear aligners are gaining popularity due to their affordability and ease of production.
Market Dynamics
Growth Drivers
Rapid Urbanization Rising Purchasing Power Increasing Healthcare Expenditure Rising Children and Teenage Population Escalating Demand For Aesthetics Enhancement Increasing Treatment Rate Rising Prevalence of Dental Malocclusion
Challenges
Clear Aligner Restriction Undersupply of Orthodontists and Dentists Limited Insurance Coverage For Orthodontic Treatments
Market Trends
Technological Advancements Increasing Involvement Of Private Medical Institutions Involvement of CAD/CAM Technology Growing Dental Tourism
Competitive Landscape: The global clear aligner market is consolidated
Profiles of Key Players
Align Technology, Inc. Envista Holdings Corporation Dentsply Sirona Inc. Straumann Group Henry Schein, Inc. Solventum Corporation (3M Company) Angelalign Technology, Inc. Danaher Corporation Argen Corporation Scheu Dental GmbH 3Shape Great Lakes Dental Technologies
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rb8uvx
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- What Makes Align Technology (ALGN) a New Buy Stock
May 6, 2026
Investors might want to bet on Align Technology (ALGN), as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.
A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.
Since a changing earnings picture is a powerful factor influencing near-term stock price movements, the Zacks rating system is very useful for individual investors. They may find it difficult to make decisions based on rating upgrades by Wall Street analysts, as these are mostly driven by subjective factors that are hard to see and measure in real time.
Therefore, the Zacks rating upgrade for Align Technology basically reflects positivity about its earnings outlook that could translate into buying pressure and an increase in its stock price.
Most Powerful Force Impacting Stock Prices
The change in a company's future earnings potential, as reflected in earnings estimate revisions, and the near-term price movement of its stock are proven to be strongly correlated. That's partly because of the influence of institutional investors that use earnings and earnings estimates for calculating the fair value of a company's shares. An increase or decrease in earnings estimates in their valuation models simply results in higher or lower fair value for a stock, and institutional investors typically buy or sell it. Their transaction of large amounts of shares then leads to price movement for the stock.
Fundamentally speaking, rising earnings estimates and the consequent rating upgrade for Align Technology imply an improvement in the company's underlying business. Investors should show their appreciation for this improving business trend by pushing the stock higher.
Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock movements, so it could be truly rewarding if such revisions are tracked for making an investment decision. Here is where the tried-and-tested Zacks Rank stock-rating system plays an important role, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Rank stock-rating system, which uses four factors related to earnings estimates to classify stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record, with Zacks Rank #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
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Earnings Estimate Revisions for Align Technology
This maker of the Invisalign tooth-straightening system is expected to earn $11.32 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2026, which represents no year-over-year change.
Analysts have been steadily raising their estimates for Align Technology. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased 4.2%.
Bottom Line
Unlike the overly optimistic Wall Street analysts whose rating systems tend to be weighted toward favorable recommendations, the Zacks rating system maintains an equal proportion of "buy" and "sell" ratings for its entire universe of more than 4,000 stocks at any point in time. Irrespective of market conditions, only the top 5% of the Zacks-covered stocks get a "Strong Buy" rating and the next 15% get a "Buy" rating. So, the placement of a stock in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks indicates its superior earnings estimate revision feature, making it a solid candidate for producing market-beating returns in the near term.
You can learn more about the Zacks Rank here >>>
The upgrade of Align Technology to a Zacks Rank #2 positions it in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks in terms of estimate revisions, implying that the stock might move higher in the near term.
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- Is Agenus (AGEN) Stock Outpacing Its Medical Peers This Year?
May 6, 2026
Investors interested in Medical stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Agenus (AGEN) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Medical sector should help us answer this question.
Agenus is one of 889 companies in the Medical group. The Medical group currently sits at #8 within the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank includes 16 different groups and is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors.
The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. Agenus is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).
Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for AGEN's full-year earnings has moved 140.7% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.
According to our latest data, AGEN has moved about 32.8% on a year-to-date basis. At the same time, Medical stocks have lost an average of 7.3%. This shows that Agenus is outperforming its peers so far this year.
Another Medical stock, which has outperformed the sector so far this year, is Align Technology (ALGN). The stock has returned 8% year-to-date.
For Align Technology, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 4.2% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Looking more specifically, Agenus belongs to the Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which includes 433 individual stocks and currently sits at #148 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has lost an average of 1.6% so far this year, so AGEN is performing better in this area.
In contrast, Align Technology falls under the Medical - Dental Supplies industry. Currently, this industry has 13 stocks and is ranked #63. Since the beginning of the year, the industry has moved -7.6%.
Going forward, investors interested in Medical stocks should continue to pay close attention to Agenus and Align Technology as they could maintain their solid performance.
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Agenus Inc. (AGEN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Story Continues
Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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- What Makes Align Technology (ALGN) a New Buy Stock
May 6, 2026 · zacks.com
Align Technology (ALGN) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
- Henry Schein (HSIC) Q1 Earnings Report Preview: What To Look For
May 4, 2026
Dental and medical products company Henry Schein (NASDAQ:HSIC) will be reporting results this Tuesday before market open. Here’s what to expect.
Henry Schein beat analysts’ revenue expectations last quarter, reporting revenues of $3.44 billion, up 7.7% year on year. It was a strong quarter for the company, with an impressive beat of analysts’ revenue estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.
Is Henry Schein a buy or sell going into earnings? Read our full analysis here, it’s free for active Edge members.
This quarter, the market is expecting Henry Schein’s revenue to grow 5.5% year on year, improving from its flat revenue in the same quarter last year.Henry Schein Total Revenue
The majority of analysts covering the company have reconfirmed their estimates over the last 30 days, suggesting they anticipate the business to stay the course heading into earnings. Henry Schein has missed Wall Street’s revenue estimates multiple times over the last two years.
Looking at Henry Schein’s peers in the healthcare equipment and supplies segment, some have already reported their Q1 results, giving us a hint as to what we can expect. Align Technology delivered year-on-year revenue growth of 6.2%, beating analysts’ expectations by 1.8%, and Intuitive Surgical reported revenues up 23%, topping estimates by 5.8%. Align Technology traded down 1.3% following the results while Intuitive Surgical was up 7.2%.
Read our full analysis of Align Technology’s results here and Intuitive Surgical’s results here.
There has been positive sentiment among investors in the healthcare equipment and supplies segment, with share prices up 6% on average over the last month. Henry Schein’s stock price was unchanged during the same time and is heading into earnings with an average analyst price target of $90.21 (compared to the current share price of $74.56).
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- Healthcare earnings impress with 86% beat rate, yet sector lags: Earnings Scorecard
May 2, 2026
[Magnifying Glass On Top Of Bar Chart]
DNY59
Out of 22 S&P 500 healthcare companies that reported results this week, 19 beat earnings expectations and 15 posted year-over-year EPS growth. All 22 companies recorded year-over-year revenue increases, with only two missing Wall Street estimates on the top line.
Despite the strong results, the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/XLV]) is down 6.2% year to date, lagging the S&P 500, which is up 5.6%.
EARNINGS RECAP
* AbbVie (ABBV [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ABBV]): missed by $0.02; EPS up $0.19 Y/Y
* Merck & Co. (MRK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MRK]): beat by $0.19; EPS down $3.50 Y/Y
* Eli Lilly and Company (LLY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/LLY]): beat by $1.76; EPS up $5.21 Y/Y
* Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BMY]): beat by $0.16; EPS down $0.22 Y/Y
* Amgen (AMGN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AMGN]): beat by $0.38; EPS up $0.25 Y/Y
* Moderna (MRNA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MRNA]): beat by $0.48; EPS down $0.88 Y/Y
* Incyte (INCY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/INCY]): beat by $0.47; EPS up $0.65 Y/Y
* Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/REGN]): beat by $0.57; EPS up $1.25 Y/Y
* Biogen Inc. (BIIB [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BIIB]): beat by $0.68; EPS up $0.55 Y/Y
* Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CAH]): beat by $0.38; EPS up $0.82 Y/Y
* Stryker Corporation (SYK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SYK]): missed by $0.38; EPS down $0.24 Y/Y
* Centene Corporation (CNC [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CNC]): beat by $1.24; EPS up $0.47 Y/Y
* The Cigna Group (CI [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CI]): beat by $0.18; EPS up $1.05 Y/Y
* DexCom, Inc. (DXCM [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/DXCM]): beat by $0.09; EPS up $0.24 Y/Y
* Humana Inc. (HUM [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/HUM]): beat by $0.11; EPS down $1.27 Y/Y
* Baxter International (BAX [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BAX]): beat by $0.05; EPS down $0.19 Y/Y
* Align Technology (ALGN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ALGN]): beat by $0.29; EPS up $0.45 Y/Y
* GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GEHC]): missed by $0.06; EPS down $0.02 Y/Y
* Zimmer Biomet (ZBH [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ZBH]): beat by $0.23; EPS up $0.28 Y/Y
* ResMed (RMD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/RMD]): beat by $0.06; EPS up $0.49 Y/Y
* Labcorp (LH [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/LH]): beat by $0.13; EPS up $0.57 Y/Y
* Universal Health Services (UHS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/UHS]): beat by $0.16; EPS up $0.78 Y/Y
ABBVIE (ABBV [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ABBV]) reported Q1 revenue of roughly $15B, up about 12% year over year and ahead of estimates by $280M. Skyrizi generated $4.5B in global sales (up ~31% YoY), while Rinvoq contributed $2.1B (up ~23% YoY), driving the topline beat. Humira, once the world’s best-selling medication, generated $688M with a ~39% YoY decline as its off-patent versions hurt its sales. Adjusted diluted EPS stood at $2.65 with ~8% Y/Y growth but was missing the consensus by $0.02.
MERCK (MRK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MRK]) beat top- and bottom-line estimates for Q1 and issued a narrowed outlook for 2026. The drugmaker incurred an adjusted loss per share of -$1.28, better than the -$1.47 analysts expected. Global sales rose nearly 5% in Q1 to $16.3B, beating estimates by $440M. The Rahway, New Jersey–based company adjusted its guidance for the year to between $65.8B and $67B in revenue, with the low-end narrower than the previous $65.5B. It expects adjusted EPS between $5.04 and $5.16, up from the previous outlook of $5-$5.15.
ELI LILLY (LLY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/LLY]) posted better-than-expected Q1 financials driven by its GLP-1 franchise. The company reported $19.8B in revenue for the quarter, indicating ~56% YoY growth, exceeding the consensus by $2B, as volume gains offset the impact from lower prices for its GLP-1 products Mounjaro and Zepbound. As for the bottom line, the company recorded $8.55 of adjusted earnings per share, indicating ~156% YoY growth and beating the consensus by $1.76.
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB (BMY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BMY]) reported better-than-expected Q1 financials as its growth portfolio continued to offset a slump in demand for its legacy products. The company recorded $11.5B in revenue with a ~3% YoY growth, beating the consensus by $580M, while its adjusted earnings per share stood at $1.58 with a ~12% YoY decline amid a $0.03 hit attributed to acquired R&D and related charges.
AMGEN (AMGN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AMGN]) reported Q1 financial results that beat on both lines. Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $5.15 compares to $4.90 in the year-ago period and beat estimates by $0.38. Revenue rose nearly 6% Y/Y to $8.62B, topping estimates by $50M. Amgen was helped in the period by strong growth in its top-selling medicine, the cholesterol-lowering drug Repatha (evolocumab), with sales growing 34% year-over-year to $876M.
UPCOMING EARNINGS
Next week will see 20 S&P 500 healthcare firms report earnings, including PFIZER (PFE [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/PFE]), GILEAD SCIENCES (GILD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GILD]), VIATRIS (VTRS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/VTRS]), CVS HEALTH (CVS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CVS]), and VERTEX PHARMA (VRTX [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/VRTX]).
Analysts see Pfizer (PFE [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/PFE]) delivering Q1 EPS of $0.72 on $13.8B in revenue. Gilead (GILD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GILD]) is seen delivering Q1 EPS of ~$1.91 on $6.92B in revenue, while Viatris (VTRS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/VTRS]) is expected to post $0.50 EPS on $3.36B revenue.
MORE ON HEALTHCARE
* Trump's Psychedelics Stance Reignites Sector - How Investors Can Benefit [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4894631-trump-psychedelics-stance-reignites-sector-how-investors-can-benefit]
* IHI: Pullback Creates A Buying Opportunity In High-Growth MedTech [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4884878-ihi-etf-pullback-creates-buying-opportunity-high-growth-medtech]
* Routine Vaccines Okay For Now: Investment Implications Of The Court Decision [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4883587-routine-vaccines-okay-for-now-investment-implications-of-the-court-decision]
* Pharma stocks rebound on cheap valuations, patent cliff fears ease, UBS says—CNBC interview [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4583025-pharma-stocks-rebound-on-cheap-valuations-patent-cliff-fears-ease-ubs-says---cnbc-interview]
* Near the top of biotech rankings, AbbVie's Q1 beat makes a case for more upside [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4581605-near-the-top-of-biotech-rankings-abbvies-q1-beat-makes-a-case-for-more-upside]
- Earnings Beat: Align Technology, Inc. Just Beat Analyst Forecasts, And Analysts Have Been Updating Their Models
May 2, 2026
Last week, you might have seen that Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) released its first-quarter result to the market. The early response was not positive, with shares down 5.6% to US$179 in the past week. Align Technology reported US$1.0b in revenue, roughly in line with analyst forecasts, although statutory earnings per share (EPS) of US$1.57 beat expectations, being 5.4% higher than what the analysts expected. Earnings are an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance, look at what the analysts are forecasting for next year, and see if there's been a change in sentiment towards the company. We've gathered the most recent statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their earnings models, following these results.
AI is about to change healthcare. These 20 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10bn in marketcap - there is still time to get in early.NasdaqGS:ALGN Earnings and Revenue Growth May 2nd 2026
Taking into account the latest results, the consensus forecast from Align Technology's 15 analysts is for revenues of US$4.18b in 2026. This reflects a modest 2.1% improvement in revenue compared to the last 12 months. Per-share earnings are expected to jump 35% to US$8.10. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$4.18b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$7.99 in 2026. The consensus analysts don't seem to have seen anything in these results that would have changed their view on the business, given there's been no major change to their estimates.
View our latest analysis for Align Technology
There were no changes to revenue or earnings estimates or the price target of US$209, suggesting that the company has met expectations in its recent result. Fixating on a single price target can be unwise though, since the consensus target is effectively the average of analyst price targets. As a result, some investors like to look at the range of estimates to see if there are any diverging opinions on the company's valuation. The most optimistic Align Technology analyst has a price target of US$240 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at US$175. There are definitely some different views on the stock, but the range of estimates is not wide enough as to imply that the situation is unforecastable, in our view.
Taking a look at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can understand these forecasts is to see how they compare to both past performance and industry growth estimates. The period to the end of 2026 brings more of the same, according to the analysts, with revenue forecast to display 2.8% growth on an annualised basis. That is in line with its 2.8% annual growth over the past five years. By contrast, our data suggests that other companies (with analyst coverage) in a similar industry are forecast to see their revenues grow 7.9% per year. So although Align Technology is expected to maintain its revenue growth rate, it's forecast to grow slower than the wider industry.
Story Continues
The Bottom Line
The most obvious conclusion is that there's been no major change in the business' prospects in recent times, with the analysts holding their earnings forecasts steady, in line with previous estimates. On the plus side, there were no major changes to revenue estimates; although forecasts imply they will perform worse than the wider industry. The consensus price target held steady at US$209, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets.
With that said, the long-term trajectory of the company's earnings is a lot more important than next year. At Simply Wall St, we have a full range of analyst estimates for Align Technology going out to 2028, and you can see them free on our platform here..
And what about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Align Technology you should know about.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content?Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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- Align Technology Announces $200 Million Open Market Repurchase
May 1, 2026
TEMPE, Ariz., May 01, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Align Technology, Inc. ("Align") (Nasdaq: ALGN), a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, today announced that it is planning to repurchase $200.0 million of Align’s common stock through open market repurchases under Align’s $1.0 billion stock repurchase program that was approved by Align’s Board of Directors in April 2025.
"We intend to repurchase $200.0 million of our common stock through open market transactions, reflecting the confidence management and the Board have in our long‑term strategy and growth opportunity," said John Morici, Align CFO and executive vice president, global finance. "This action underscores the strength of our balance sheet and our ability to generate strong cash flow. We remain focused on executing our strategic priorities, delivering meaningful outcomes for doctors and patients, and creating long‑term stockholder value through sustainable growth and performance. We are operating with a clear focus on disciplined execution—prioritizing the areas we control and continuing to invest thoughtfully in the capabilities and initiatives that will define Align’s future."
The open market repurchases of Align’s common stock will be executed pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The timing and number of shares repurchased will be based on an evaluation of market conditions and other factors, including stock price, trading volume, general business and market conditions, and capital availability. The repurchases are expected to be completed by October 2026 and will be funded with Align’s cash on hand. As of March 31, 2026, Align had approximately 71.6 million shares outstanding and $1,059.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, of which $206.6 million is held domestically and is being used to support the open market repurchases under the latest trading plan and $853.2 million is held outside the United States.
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® System, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero™ intraoral scanners and services, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for approximately 299.5 thousand doctor customers and are key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 29 years, Align has helped doctors treat approximately 22.8 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align™ Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.
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For additional information about the Invisalign System or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.
Invisalign, iTero, exocad, Align, Align Digital Platform and iTero Lumina are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding: the aggregate value of common stock to be repurchased under the repurchase program; the expected completion date and form of the repurchases; our confidence in our long-term strategy and growth opportunity, and our ability to generate strong cash flow; our ability to focus on executing our strategic priorities, deliver meaningful outcomes for doctors and patients, and create long‑term stockholder value through sustainable growth and performance; our belief that we will continue to invest thoughtfully in capabilities and initiatives that will define Align’s future; our expectation that we will finance the repurchases with cash on hand; as well as other statements regarding the planned open market repurchases under the repurchase program. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon information available to Align as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements reflect our best judgments based on currently known facts and circumstances and are subject to risks and uncertainties, and assumptions that may be inaccurate. As a result, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement.
The foregoing and other risks are detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2026. Align undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.
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Contacts
Align Technology
Madelyn Valente
(909) 833-5839
mvalente@aligntech.com
Zeno Group
Sarah Karlson
(828) 551-4201
sarah.karlson@zenogroup.com
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