This Robotics Stock Is a Far Better Investment Than Palantir

Core Viewpoint - Intuitive Surgical is presented as a more attractive investment alternative to Palantir Technologies, offering rapid revenue growth and a more reasonable valuation amid the AI boom [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance - Intuitive Surgical's stock experienced a significant jump after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results and raising its outlook [2]. - Global procedures for the da Vinci and Ion systems increased approximately 20% year-over-year in Q3, with da Vinci procedures rising 19% and Ion procedures climbing 52% [5]. - The management raised its 2025 outlook for worldwide da Vinci procedure growth to about 17% to 17.5%, up from a previous forecast of 15.5% to 17% [6]. Group 2: System Placements and Revenue - The company placed 427 da Vinci systems in Q3, an increase from 379 a year ago, with 240 being the next-generation da Vinci 5 [7]. - The installed base of da Vinci surgical systems grew 13% to 10,763 systems, enhancing future recurring revenue potential [7]. - Instruments and accessories revenue rose about 20% to approximately $1.5 billion, aligning with the increase in procedures [9]. Group 3: Management Outlook and Financials - Management raised its non-GAAP gross margin outlook to 67% to 67.5%, compared to a previous forecast of 66% to 67% [10]. - The updated margin range accounts for an estimated tariff impact of roughly 0.7% of revenue, down from about 1% previously, indicating better-than-expected sales growth [11]. - In Q3, management repurchased four million shares for $1.92 billion, a significant increase from the previous quarter, reflecting confidence in the company's long-term potential [13]. Group 4: Comparison with Palantir - While Palantir reported a 48% revenue growth in its latest quarter, Intuitive Surgical's 23% growth is considered more sustainable due to its valuation and business model durability [14][17]. - Intuitive Surgical's forward price-to-earnings multiple is 48, and its price-to-sales ratio is 18, significantly lower than Palantir's multiples of 217 and 137, respectively [15]. - Intuitive Surgical is viewed as having a more predictable and durable business model compared to Palantir, which has been outperforming competitors since the launch of its first da Vinci surgical system in 2000 [16].