ISRG vs. SYK: Which Robotic Surgery Stock Is the Stronger Buy Today?

Core Insights - The article discusses the competitive landscape of robotic-assisted surgery, focusing on two industry leaders: Intuitive Surgical and Stryker, highlighting their distinct market positions and growth strategies [2][3]. Market Position and Differentiation - Intuitive Surgical is recognized for its da Vinci Surgical System, dominating the soft tissue surgery market with nearly 80% global market share by volume [4][5]. - Stryker, through its Mako robotic platform, has established a strong presence in orthopedic procedures, surpassing 1.5 million Mako procedures [5]. Revenue & Growth Trends - Intuitive Surgical reported a 19% revenue increase to $2.25 billion in Q1 2025, with da Vinci procedures growing by 17% and instruments/accessories revenue reaching $1.37 billion, up 18% [6]. - Stryker's MedSurg/Neurotechnology sales rose 13.4% to $3.51 billion, while Orthopaedics sales increased by 9.7% to $2.36 billion, driven by Mako demand [6]. Innovation Driving Growth - Intuitive Surgical is advancing with the Ion endoluminal system for robotic bronchoscopy and has received FDA clearance for the next-gen da Vinci 5 system [14]. - Stryker is enhancing its Mako SmartRobotics platform with AI-driven features and has launched Mako Spine and Shoulder in select markets [15]. Price Performance & Valuation - Year-to-date, shares of Intuitive Surgical and Stryker have increased by 12% and 13.1%, respectively, amid rising competition and tariff concerns [18]. Investment Outlook - Intuitive Surgical's strong market share, sustainable revenue growth, and innovative products position it as a compelling option for growth-oriented investors [19]. - Stryker's focus on the orthopedic robotics niche and integrated offerings make it appealing for those targeting specific market segments [19].