Investors focused on the Medical space have likely heard of Align Technology (ALGN Quick QuoteALGN - Free Report) , but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? One simple way to answer this question is to take a look at the year-to-date performance of ALGN and the rest of the Medical group's stocks.

Align Technology is one of 845 individual stocks in the Medical sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #2 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups.

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. ALGN is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALGN's full-year earnings has moved 4.06% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.

Based on the most recent data, ALGN has returned 55.03% so far this year. In comparison, Medical companies have returned an average of 4.45%. This means that Align Technology is outperforming the sector as a whole this year.

Looking more specifically, ALGN belongs to the Medical - Dental Supplies industry, a group that includes 21 individual stocks and currently sits at #39 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 14.97% so far this year, so ALGN is performing better in this area.

Investors in the Medical sector will want to keep a close eye on ALGN as it attempts to continue its solid performance.