Sunnyvale, California-based Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG) develops, manufactures, and markets products that enable physicians and healthcare providers to enhance the quality of and access to minimally invasive care in the United States and internationally. Valued at a market cap of $175.4 billion, the company offers the da Vinci Surgical System, which enables minimally invasive surgical procedures, the Ion endoluminal system, and more. Companies worth $10 billion or more are typically referred to as "l ...

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is one of the 10 best healthcare equipment stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On January 27, Freedom Capital increased the price target on Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) from $560 to $610, and also upgraded its rating on the stock from Hold to Buy. The upward revision in the target price now leads to more than 11% upside potential at the prevailing level. Da Vinci 5 Sparks Optimism Around Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG) The firm attributed its rating u ...

We recently compiled a list of the 20 Most Profitable Stocks of the Last 20 Years. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is one of the most profitable stocks on our list. TheFly reported on January 23 that Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Kumar lowered the price target on ISRG to $550 from $580 while maintaining an In Line rating. The analyst said the company’s performance was largely in line with expectations, with notable beats in both revenue and EPS driven by strong system placements and procedure growth. In contrast, ...

Stock Market Overview - U.S. stocks finished higher with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.6% to 49,384.01, S&P 500 up 0.55% to 6,913.35, and Nasdaq up 0.9% to 23,436.02 [1] Intel Corporation - Intel reported fourth-quarter revenue of $13.67 billion, exceeding estimates of $13.37 billion, with adjusted earnings of 15 cents per share compared to expectations of 8 cents [2] - Revenue declined 4% year over year, with Client Computing down 7% to $8.2 billion, while Data Center and AI revenue rose 9% to $4.7 billion [2] - For the first quarter, Intel guided revenue between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion, projecting breakeven adjusted earnings [2] - Intel's stock rose by 0.13% to close at $54.32, but slipped 11.4% in after-hours trading to $48.11 [1][2] GE Aerospace - GE Aerospace reported fourth-quarter adjusted EPS of $1.57, beating estimates of $1.39–$1.44, on revenue of $11.87 billion, above expectations of $11.24 billion [4] - Commercial Engines & Services revenue increased to $9.47 billion, driven by a 31% year-over-year increase in Services [4] - For 2026, GE guided adjusted EPS of $7.10 to $7.40 and free cash flow of $8.0 billion to $8.4 billion [4] - GE Aerospace shares fell by 7.41% to close at $295 [3][4] Intuitive Surgical Inc - Intuitive Surgical reported fourth-quarter revenue of $2.87 billion, beating estimates of $2.75 billion, with adjusted EPS of $2.53 compared to expectations of $2.26 [6] - Revenue rose 19% year over year, supported by an 18% increase in worldwide da Vinci procedures [6] - The stock increased by 0.40% to close at $525.81, rising 2.38% in extended trading to $538.30 [5][6] Capital One Financial Corp - Capital One reported fourth-quarter earnings of $3.86 per share, missing estimates of $4.11, while revenue was $15.58 billion, beating expectations [8] - Total net revenue rose 1% to $15.6 billion, but pre-provision earnings fell 12% to $6.2 billion due to a 13% increase in non-interest expenses [8] - The company confirmed an agreement to acquire fintech Brex Inc. for $5.15 billion, split between cash and stock [8] - Capital One's stock rose by 1.76% to close at $235.07, but fell 3.3% in after-hours trading to $227.30 [7][8] Meta Platforms Inc - Meta Platforms' stock surged by 5.66% to close at $647.63, with an intraday high of $660.57 [10] - The company announced the global rollout of ads on its Threads platform, which has over 400 million monthly active users [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew 21% year-over-year to $10.1 billion, with operating margins at 37% reflecting investments in R&D and manufacturing scale [10][19] - Pro forma EPS increased 22%, marking the third consecutive year of growth above 20% [19] - Free cash flow rose to $2.5 billion, up from $1.3 billion in 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total procedures grew 19%, with da Vinci procedures increasing approximately 18% and Ion procedures growing 51% [7][18] - In Q4, da Vinci procedures grew 17%, with the installed base increasing by 12% to over 11,100 systems [20] - Ion platform procedures increased 44%, with the installed base up by 24% to just under 1,000 systems [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., da Vinci procedures increased 15% to over 2 million, while international procedures grew by 23% to over 1.1 million [7] - Growth rates were 21% in Europe, 24% in Asia, and 27% in the rest of the world [7] - Total procedures outside the U.S. accounted for roughly 35% of global procedures [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on four strategic priorities: launching da Vinci 5, increasing adoption of focused procedures, building industrial scale and product quality, and enhancing digital tools [5][16] - The company aims to expand its platforms and digital features while increasing adoption of focused procedures through training and market access efforts [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the company is in the early stages of advancing minimally invasive care, with significant long-term opportunities ahead [4] - For 2026, the company anticipates da Vinci procedure growth in the range of 13%-15%, driven by general surgery in the U.S. and international procedures [41][42] - The company expects pro forma gross profit margin to be between 67% and 68% of net revenue in 2026 [42] Other Important Information - The company placed 1,721 da Vinci systems in 2025, including 870 da Vinci 5 systems [8] - The installed base of da Vinci systems increased by 12% to just over 11,100 systems, with average system utilization increasing by 4% [20] - The company received FDA clearance for several cardiac procedures on da Vinci 5, indicating a focus on expanding into new disease states [11][52] Q&A Session Summary Question: FDA approvals for cardiac non-force feedback instruments - Management discussed the foundational aspects of supporting cardiac surgery and the importance of training pathways for minimally invasive approaches [48][50] Question: Incorporating advanced imaging features into the robotic ecosystem - Management explained that advanced imaging capabilities are being developed to improve surgical outcomes and will have associated revenue streams [54][55] Question: Expanding footprint in ASCs - Management highlighted the importance of high-quality clinical outcomes and the economic structure needed for ASCs, with a focus on lower acuity procedures [61][62] Question: Utilization and system ASPs in 2026 - Management indicated that while overall da Vinci utilization grew 4%, they are not ready to predict future utilization rates [66] Question: Gross margin and OpEx assumptions - Management outlined various dynamics affecting gross margin, including higher trade-ins and a mix of da Vinci 5 systems [72] Question: Competition in China - Management acknowledged increased competition in China but expressed confidence in their ability to compete effectively [75][76]

Company Overview - Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG) has a market cap of $205.2 billion and is recognized as the global leader in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California [1] Financial Performance - Analysts expect Intuitive Surgical to report an EPS of $1.83 for fiscal Q4 2025, which is a decrease of 5.2% from $1.93 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, the anticipated EPS is $6.93, reflecting a 6.9% increase from $6.48 in fiscal 2024, with further growth expected to $7.79 in fiscal 2026, a 12.4% year-over-year increase [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, shares of Intuitive Surgical have increased by 10.6%, which is lower than the S&P 500 Index's gain of 16% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund's return of 12.5% during the same period [4] - On December 11, shares fell more than 1% after Citigroup downgraded the stock from "Buy" to "Neutral," indicating a more cautious outlook despite strong fundamentals [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus view on ISRG stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 29 analysts, 18 recommend a "Strong Buy," 2 suggest a "Moderate Buy," 8 advise a "Hold," and 1 has a "Strong Sell" rating [6] - The average analyst price target for Intuitive Surgical is $614.04, suggesting a potential upside of 5.9% from current price levels [6]

Industry Overview - The MedTech industry has demonstrated resilience and steady growth through 2025, with the Dow Jones U.S. Select Medical Equipment Index advancing about 8% in 2025, indicating the sector's adaptability and consistent performance despite challenges [1] - The MedTech market was valued at $549.51 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $853.37 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 4.5% [5] Growth Drivers for 2026 - Improving fundamentals in the MedTech industry are expected to drive growth in 2026, as procedure volumes normalize and healthcare providers prioritize technologies that enhance clinical outcomes and operational efficiency [2] - The expanding role of artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions is anticipated to be a key growth driver, with the global AI in healthcare market projected to grow from $26.57 billion in 2024 to $505.59 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 38.81% from 2025 to 2033 [3] - Continued momentum in minimally invasive and robotics-assisted procedures is expected to support MedTech growth, with the global minimally invasive surgery market projected to grow from $94.45 billion in 2025 to $199.3 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 16.1% [4] Company-Specific Insights Cardinal Health (CAH) - Cardinal Health is a leading healthcare services and products company with a market capitalization of around $48 billion, focusing on pharmaceuticals and medical supplies distribution [6] - The company is positioned for growth in 2026, benefiting from disciplined cost management, pricing actions, and normalization of volumes, with an earnings growth rate for fiscal 2026 pegged at 19.7% [7][9] - CAH's stock has surged more than 71% year-to-date, with a projected revenue increase of 16.2% year-over-year for fiscal 2026 [9] Medtronic (MDT) - Medtronic is a diversified global leader in medical technology, with a strong portfolio across various health conditions and a large installed base [10] - The company reported a revenue increase of approximately 5.5% organically in its latest results, driven by double-digit growth in cardiac ablation solutions [11] - MDT's stock has improved 23.5% year-to-date, with a projected revenue increase of 7.5% year-over-year for fiscal 2026 [12] Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) - Intuitive Surgical is the leader in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, known for its da Vinci Surgical System [13] - The company is poised for growth in 2026 as robotic surgery adoption expands, with an earnings growth rate for 2026 estimated at 11.2% and a projected revenue increase of 14.3% year-over-year [15] - ISRG's stock has grown by 9.7% year-to-date [15] Edwards Lifesciences (EW) - Edwards Lifesciences focuses on structural heart disease and critical care technologies, with a strong reputation in transcatheter aortic valve replacement [16] - The company is expected to benefit from the growing adoption of TAVR procedures, with an earnings growth rate for 2026 estimated at 10.4% and a projected revenue increase of 9.6% year-over-year [18] - EW's stock has improved more than 15% year-to-date [18]

Core Thesis - Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG) is recognized as a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery, with a strong market position and a robust business model that supports high-margin, predictable revenue streams [2][3]. Company Overview - The da Vinci system by Intuitive Surgical has been utilized in over 17 million operations across 74 countries, establishing a significant presence in the surgical ecosystem [2]. - The company holds an estimated 60–70% market share in soft-tissue robotics, supported by a comprehensive approach that includes hospital workflows, surgeon training, and recurring revenue from instruments and services [2][3]. Financial Performance - Intuitive Surgical has achieved a 15% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenues over the last decade, with nearly $10 billion in annual revenue, of which 85% is recurring [3][4]. - The company maintains gross margins near 70%, generates over $1 billion in free cash flow annually, and operates with virtually no debt [4]. - Recent performance indicates strong system placements and a 21% growth in recurring revenue, alongside stable margins despite some cost pressures [4]. Growth Drivers - Growth is driven by the expansion of the installed base, increasing procedure volumes, global reach, and ongoing product innovation, including the da Vinci 5 system and new platforms like Ion [3][4]. - Long-term trends favoring minimally invasive surgery and the expansion of procedures into new specialties are expected to support low double-digit to mid-teens growth in the future [4]. Valuation Insights - The current valuation of Intuitive Surgical is considered rich, with shares trading around 50 times earnings, suggesting limited upside from current levels [5]. - The stock is viewed as attractive primarily at lower entry points, with an accumulation target set near $380 per share to optimize risk and reward [5]. Competitive Landscape - Despite increasing competition from companies like Medtronic, CMR Surgical, and Johnson & Johnson, Intuitive Surgical's established ecosystem and regulatory approvals create a durable competitive advantage [3].

Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) stock is considered a solid investment due to high margins and cash generation capabilities at a discounted price [2] - The stock has increased by 11% this year, while its Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio is 11% lower compared to the previous year [3] Company Performance - In Q3 2025, global procedure volume rose by 20%, driven by strong adoption of da Vinci and Ion platforms, with 240 new placements of the da Vinci 5 system [4] - The installed base of da Vinci systems is nearing 10,800, leading to steady demand for high-margin instruments and accessories, which also grew by 20% [4] - Despite tariff pressures on gross margins, management's focus on operational optimization and cash generation has provided resilience, raising full-year procedure growth guidance to 17-17.5% [4] Financial Metrics - ISRG maintains a high Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio as investors anticipate long-term growth, operating under a razor–razorblade model that ensures recurring revenue from instrument sales [5] - Recent profitability metrics include an operating cash flow margin of 30.8% and an operating margin of 29.3% over the last twelve months [9] - Revenue growth for ISRG was 22.2% over the last twelve months and 16.3% on average over the last three years [9] Valuation - ISRG stock is currently available at a P/S multiple of 21.5, representing an 11% discount compared to one year ago [9] - The company is characterized by a market capitalization greater than $10 billion and high cash flow margins [10]

Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG) is valued at a market cap of $196 billion and is a leader in robotic-assisted surgery, known for the da Vinci Surgical System [1] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Intuitive Surgical reported revenue of $2.51 billion, a 23% year-over-year increase, driven by growth in global procedure volumes and adoption of robotic platforms [4] - Revenue from instruments and accessories rose by 20% annually to $1.52 billion [4] - Adjusted operating income increased to $976 million from $755 million a year earlier, with adjusted EPS at $2.40, surpassing analyst expectations of approximately $1.99 [4] - For the current fiscal year, analysts project ISRG's EPS to rise 6.9% year-over-year to $6.93 [5] Market Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, ISRG shares have increased by 3.6%, while the S&P 500 Index has gained 13.7% [2] - Year-to-date, ISRG is up 4.7%, compared to the S&P 500's 13.4% return [2] - ISRG has outperformed the SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF (XHE), which declined by 8.5% over the past 52 weeks [3] Analyst Ratings - Among 29 analysts covering ISRG, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with 19 "Strong Buy," 2 "Moderate Buy," 7 "Hold," and 1 "Strong Sell" [5] - The analyst sentiment has improved, with 18 analysts now suggesting a "Strong Buy" rating [6]