Align Technology Stock Gains Competitive Edge from Rival’s Pricing Move

Align US0162551016

A significant shift in the competitive dynamics of the clear aligner market appears to be unfolding to the benefit of Align Technology. The dental technology specialist stands to recapture market share following a key competitor's announced price increase, according to recent analyst observations.

The company's operational foundation remains solid. For the third quarter of 2025, Align reported robust results that surpassed expectations. Revenue reached $996 million, exceeding the high end of its own guidance. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at $2.61, significantly beating the consensus estimate of $2.42. This represented a year-over-year revenue increase of 1.8%.

Rival's Price Hike Creates Opening

Market attention is currently focused on competitor Angelalign. The company plans to raise prices for its comprehensive suite of clear aligners by 8-9% effective January 1, a move expected to primarily impact the U.S. market. This development is seen as strengthening Align's competitive positioning.

Align's planned "Zero Refinement" plan, anticipated to be priced around $850, could become substantially more attractive as a result. This price point would position Align's offering below Angelalign's new pricing structure, and without the potential additional costs for refinements.

Analyst Consensus Points to Upside

This evolving landscape has garnered positive attention from market researchers. Stifel recently reaffirmed its "Buy" rating on Align with a $200 price target. Piper Sandler also raised its target to $200 while maintaining an "Overweight" rating. Leerink Partners followed suit, increasing its target to $189.

Concrete evidence comes from a Stifel survey of 109 dental practices:
* 21% of practices that had fully moved away from Invisalign indicated that Align's Zero-Refinement plan could motivate them to return some or all cases to Align.
* 69% of practices currently splitting their aligner volume said the plan reduces the likelihood they would assign further cases to competitors.

The survey results suggest tangible potential for Align to regain or solidify market share. Stifel noted plans to discuss potential for greater pricing flexibility in 2026 with the company's management.

Institutional Activity and Product Innovation

Institutional investors have been adjusting their holdings. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its stake in Align by 31.0% during the second quarter. Others, including IFP Advisors Inc. and Covestor Ltd., also added to their positions. Conversely, American Century Companies Inc. and Brown Advisory Inc. reduced their holdings.

Simultaneously, Align continues to advance its product pipeline. The introduction of the Invisalign System with Mandibular Advancement in the Philippines spurred a share price increase of approximately 6%. Furthermore, at the Greater New York Dental Meeting 2025, the company showcased new digital technologies like the accelerated iTero Lumina scanner and software tools such as the Invisalign Smile Architect. These geographic and product initiatives remain central to the company's growth strategy.