The fact that, per Fidelity, a 65-year-old person retiring in 2025 could expect to spend $172,500, on average, on medical and healthcare expenses throughout their retirement makes clear what most of us know: Healthcare is costly. That's not great news for us as patients, but for investors, it suggests that there's a lot of money to be made in healthcare. One of the most successful companies in the healthcare realm is Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), the giant in robotic surgeries. It's also a company e ...

Key Takeaways ISRG delivered 22% pro forma EPS growth in 2025, its third straight year above 20%.Intuitive Surgical plans 11-15% higher 2026 operating expenses, boosting R&D and new platform investment.ISRG is expanding teams and shifting to direct Europe ops, adding costs but deepening market control.After an impressive 2025, Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) remains focused on sustaining earnings strength while investing aggressively in its future. The company posted 22% pro forma earnings per share (EPS) growth ...

Key Takeaways ISRG shares fell 13.5% in three months despite strong procedure growth and da Vinci 5 adoption.Intuitive Surgical guided 13-15% 2026 procedure growth, led by U.S. and global expansion.ISRG projects margin pressure in 2026, but earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 have risen.Shares of Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) have declined 13.5% over the past three months, despite continued strong procedure growth and robust adoption of the da Vinci 5 system in fourth-quarter 2025. Over the same period, the co ...

Equipment: a mixed picture as companies see divergent sales trajectory Global Research ab 6 February 2026 First Read China Medtech Q425 read-across: many global firms maintain a cautious view on 2026 China outlook Another quarter of weak China results; challenges to linger especially for Dx Many large-cap global medtech companies continue to report YoY decline of China revenue in Q425, especially for diagnostics (Dx) business. Dx companies generally believes that the policy headwinds are likely to linger in ...

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) has been an incredibly hot stock to own over the years. Since 2023, it has risen by more than 2,000%. That easily dwarfs the S&P 500's above-average gains of around 80% over that same time frame. The tech stock has generated incredible returns for its shareholders, thanks to soaring demand as a result of artificial intelligence (AI). But as hot as a buy it has been in the past few years, its valuation is excessive. At $340 billion in market cap, the stock trades at well ...

Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG) is a promising healthcare company that could help revolutionize the sector. Its da Vinci surgical systems can help make surgery more precise and lead to better outcomes for patients. The company has been experiencing strong growth in recent years and still has much more potential in the long term. Investors, however, haven't been terribly bullish on it of late, as the stock has declined more than 10% this year, falling to less than $500. Could the healthcare stock prove t ...

以下文章来源于AI医疗观察 ，作者关注AI医疗的 AI医疗观察 . 响应《关于深入实施"人工智能+"行动的意见》，推动AI在医疗领域的应用，本账号发布权威资讯 在手术室的角落里，一个 AI引擎正以每秒千次的速度，审阅着全球数万份临床报告，将美敦力一款新心脏起搏器的上市时间悄悄提前了半年；在 GE医疗的全球仓库中，无形的算法网络正实时调度着数万种零部件，悄然锁定了数亿美元本会闲置的现金。 这些没有发布会、不产生炫目 DEMO的"静默革命"，正在成为2026年全球医疗科技领域真正的资本主线。摩根士丹利、贝恩等顶级机构在开年密 集发出报告，核心指向一个颠覆性趋势：聪明的钱，正急速从追逐"AI医疗初创公司"的喧嚣中撤离，转而重仓那些正在用AI系统性改造自己、且 已看到惊人效率提升的传统医疗巨头——美敦力、直觉外科、GE医疗、波士顿科学。 一场由 "效率"定义的静默革命，正在成为2026年全球医疗科技领域真正的资本主线。其核心信号是： 聪明的钱，正急速从追逐 "纯AI工具"的喧 嚣中撤离，转而重仓那些正在用AI系统性改造自己、并能清晰证明效率提升的传统医疗巨头。 行业领袖们并非在产品上简单添加 AI模块，而是正在沿三条 ...

Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical is a leader in robotic surgery, with its Da Vinci surgical robot being widely used in various minimally invasive procedures [2][6] - The company has demonstrated consistent earnings growth and strong stock market performance, making it a compelling investment opportunity [2][6] Product Overview - Intuitive Surgical offers four versions of the Da Vinci surgical robot, including the value-focused Da Vinci X and the latest Da Vinci 5, which features over 150 design innovations [4] - The Da Vinci platform is favored by surgeons due to extensive training and hospitals' significant investments in the technology, creating a strong competitive advantage [5] Financial Performance - In the most recent quarter, Intuitive Surgical grew its installed base of systems by 12% to over 11,000, with revenue increasing by 19% to more than $2.8 billion [6] - Procedure growth rose by 18%, and net income increased by 16% to $794 million [6] Revenue Streams - The sale or lease of Da Vinci systems generates recurrent revenue through instruments and accessories, which are disposable and need to be replaced regularly [7][8] - In the recent quarter, instruments and accessories revenue reached $1.6 billion, significantly surpassing the $785 million generated from robotic systems sales [8]

Core Viewpoint - The healthcare sector is expected to rebound and deliver above-average returns, with Intuitive Surgical and Vertex Pharmaceuticals identified as attractive investment opportunities for the long term [1]. Group 1: Intuitive Surgical - Intuitive Surgical has faced challenges such as high tariffs and increased competition in the robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) market, but its long-term outlook remains strong due to its leadership in the underpenetrated RAS market [3]. - The company develops leading robotic surgery devices, including the da Vinci system, which supports minimally invasive procedures [3]. - Intuitive Surgical has a market cap of $173 billion, with a current price of $488.46 and a gross margin of 65.99% [4][5]. - The installed base of Intuitive Surgical's devices increased by 12% year-over-year, reaching 11,106 units, which is expected to drive procedure volume and growth [5]. - Despite a 13% decline over the past year, Intuitive Surgical's stock is considered a top pick for buy-and-hold investors due to its long-term prospects [6]. Group 2: Vertex Pharmaceuticals - Vertex Pharmaceuticals is expanding its portfolio beyond its successful cystic fibrosis treatments, with plans to submit regulatory applications for zimislecel, a therapy for type 1 diabetes [7]. - The company has several upcoming catalysts, including late-stage data readouts for inaxaplin, targeting APOL-1 mediated kidney disease, and top-line data for povetacicept, aimed at IgA nephropathy [9]. - Vertex's market cap is $121 billion, with a current price of $477.91 and a gross margin of 86.29% [8]. - The anticipated success of new therapies, alongside the continued growth of its core cystic fibrosis franchise, positions Vertex's shares as attractive investments [10].

Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical's stock is currently considered expensive with a P/E ratio of 60, compared to the S&P 500 average of 28, but presents a potential opportunity for long-term growth investors following a recent price drop [2][6] - The company manufactures the da Vinci surgical robot, which has seen a 12% year-over-year increase in operational systems and an 18% rise in surgeries performed, indicating strong demand in the market [3] - Only 25% of the company's revenue comes from robot sales, with the majority derived from services, instruments, and accessories, creating a recurring income stream that grows with each new robot sold [5] Financial Performance - The stock has experienced significant volatility, with frequent drawdowns of 25% to 30%, suggesting potential buying opportunities for long-term investors [7] - The current P/E ratio of 60 is below its five-year average of 71, indicating a relative decrease in valuation due to the January drawdown [6] - The stock is approximately 19% below its 2026 high and 21% below its all-time high reached in late 2025, highlighting potential for recovery [6] Market Position - Intuitive Surgical is well-positioned in the healthcare sector, benefiting from advancements in AI and improved surgical outcomes through robotic assistance, which may enhance its long-term growth prospects [5] - The company’s market capitalization stands at $173 billion, with a gross margin of 65.99%, reflecting strong profitability [7]