Stifel analyst Jonathan Block, who initiated coverage of SmileDirectClub (SDC) with a Buy rating and $19 price target this morning, said in a separate note to investors that he continues to view Align Technology (ALGN) as his preferred name in the clear aligner space. While challenges, such as foreign exchange headwinds and China's macro issues, remain, EMEA has been strong for the company and he "likes what he sees so far" within his proprietary U.S. due diligence, Block tells investors. He views Align shares as oversold at current levels and expects "worst case fears" around Align's share losses to SmileDirect to ease in coming quarters, Block noted. He keeps a Buy rating on Align shares with a $290 price target.

Stifel raised the firm's price target on Align Technology to $400 from $350 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. Respondents to the firm's survey point to "solid" 2024 year-over-year case volume growth and while Invisalign's share is expected to step down "modestly" year-over-year, new product feedback is upbeat, says the firm, which adds that it has "an upside bias to our 2024 revenue estimate."