Fred Moll, the cofounder of $200 billion Intuitive Surgical, has invested in some 15 companies building robots that could help make both complex and common surgeries more accessible to everyone. https://t.co/nfhU0uB59w https://t.co/gDtwdwakgj ...

Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) stock is considered a worthwhile investment due to high margins and cash generation capabilities at a discounted price, which mitigates risk and enables capital reinvestment [2][10] Company Overview - Intuitive Surgical is the global leader in robotic-assisted surgery, primarily known for its da Vinci surgical system, which enhances precision, efficiency, and safety in minimally invasive procedures, driving recurring revenue through instruments, services, and system upgrades [3] Recent Performance - ISRG stock has increased by 8.9% year-to-date, while its Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio is 12% lower compared to one year ago [4] - In Q3 2025, there was a 20% global increase in procedures, largely due to the adoption of the da Vinci 5 system, with 240 units installed, contributing to an installed base nearing 10,800 systems [5] - Management has raised full-year 2025 procedure growth projections to 17-17.5%, indicating strong demand and pricing power [5] Financial Metrics - Recent profitability metrics include an operating cash flow margin of 30.8% and an operating margin of 29.3% for the last twelve months [10] - Long-term profitability metrics show an average operating cash flow margin of 27.8% and an operating margin of 26.7% over the last three years [10] - Revenue growth has been reported at 22.2% for the last twelve months and 16.3% for the last three-year average [10] Valuation - ISRG stock is currently available at a P/S multiple of 16.6, representing a 12% discount compared to one year ago [10]

Core Viewpoint - Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) stock is considered a worthwhile investment due to high margins and cash generation capabilities, currently available at a discounted price [2]. Company Overview - Intuitive Surgical is the global leader in robotic-assisted surgery, primarily known for its da Vinci surgical system, which enhances precision, efficiency, and safety in minimally invasive procedures, driving recurring revenue through instruments, services, and system upgrades [3]. Recent Performance - ISRG stock has increased by 8.9% year-to-date, while its Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio is 12% lower compared to one year ago [5]. - In Q3 2025, there was a 20% global increase in procedures, largely due to the adoption of the da Vinci 5 system, with 240 units installed, bringing the total installed base to nearly 10,800 systems [6]. - The company has 85% recurring revenue from instruments and services, ensuring robust cash generation [6]. - Management has raised full-year 2025 procedure growth projections to 17-17.5%, indicating strong demand and pricing power [6]. Financial Metrics - Recent profitability metrics include an operating cash flow margin of 30.8% and an operating margin of 29.3% for the last twelve months [11]. - Long-term profitability metrics show an average operating cash flow margin of approximately 27.8% and an operating margin of 26.7% over the last three years [11]. - Revenue growth for Intuitive Surgical was 22.2% for the last twelve months and 16.3% on a three-year average, although it is not classified as a growth story [11]. - The stock is currently available at a P/S multiple of 16.6, representing a 12% discount compared to one year ago [11]. Investment Criteria - The company meets several investment criteria, including a market cap greater than $10 billion, high cash flow from operations margins, and a significant decline in valuation over the past year [12].

Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical Inc (NASDAQ:ISRG) is experiencing a significant breakout moment, supported by strong positions from notable billionaire investors [1][4]. Stock Performance - ISRG has printed a Golden Cross, with the 50-day moving average crossing above the 200-day moving average, indicating a bullish trend shift [2]. - The current trading price is approximately $575.12, above key moving averages: 8-day SMA at $571.89, 20-day at $565.57, and 50-day at $515.94, all above the 200-day average at $508.70 [2]. - Year-to-date, ISRG is up 9.74% and is approaching its 52-week high of $616, significantly above last year's low of $425 [3]. Momentum Indicators - The MACD is at 13.79, indicating strong upside momentum, while the RSI is at 63.40, suggesting buying pressure with potential for further gains before reaching overbought levels [3]. Investor Sentiment - Significant positions held by billionaire investors include Ken Fisher's Fisher Asset Management with approximately 3.89 million shares valued at $1.74 billion, Philippe Laffont's Coatue with over 710,000 shares worth $318 million, and Steve Cohen's Point72, which increased its stake by over 80% to hold over 612,000 shares valued at $274 million [4]. - These positions were established at lower price points and are being maintained as the stock strengthens [5]. Market Outlook - The combination of the Golden Cross and strong backing from influential investors suggests that the current breakout is based on solid fundamentals rather than speculation, with increasing demand for robotic-assisted surgery [6].

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) reported strong third-quarter results with 23% revenue growth and 30% earnings growth, but faced margin pressure due to tariffs and cost mix issues [1][9] - Management has revised its gross-margin outlook for 2025 to 67–67.5%, citing better cost reductions and a smaller tariff impact [2][9] - The company is implementing cost-reduction initiatives and expanding direct distribution in Europe to help stabilize margins [3][4][9] Financial Performance - ISRG's gross margin decreased by 90 basis points year-over-year to 68%, primarily due to tariffs, unfavorable cost mix, and higher facility expenses [1][9] - The fourth-quarter gross margin is expected to dip slightly below 67%, raising concerns about ongoing profitability pressures [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ISRG's 2025 earnings suggests a 17.3% increase compared to the previous year [11] Competitive Landscape - Medtronic (MDT) and Stryker (SYK) are also experiencing tariff-related profitability pressures, with MDT expecting nearly $185 million in tariff costs for fiscal 2026 [6][7] - MDT's gross margin faced a 20-bp drag from tariffs, while SYK noted a nearly $200 million full-year impact from tariffs despite operational improvements [6][7] Valuation Metrics - ISRG shares have increased by 9.2% year-to-date, outperforming the industry average of 4.2% [8] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 60.09, which is above the industry average but lower than its five-year median of 71.54 [10]

Brown Advisory, an investment management company, released its “Brown Advisory Large-Cap Growth Strategy” third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The strategy returned -0.88% (net) during the third quarter, underperforming the benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Even though the portfolio has significant exposure to AI, its underweight to the most speculative momentum-driven parts of the trade was a headwind to performance. In addition, please check the fund’s t ...

Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) experienced a significant 14% increase in stock price following its Q3 earnings report in October, contributing to a broader rally in the U.S. medical device sector [1] Company Summary - Intuitive Surgical was initially excluded from the healthcare sector's impressive recovery leading up to its earnings report [1] - The positive earnings update acted as a catalyst for a wider resurgence among medical device companies in the U.S. [1] Industry Summary - The healthcare sector, particularly medical devices, is witnessing a rebound, with Intuitive Surgical's performance reflecting this trend [1] - The rally in medical device stocks indicates a growing investor confidence in the sector following recent earnings reports [1]

Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) experienced a significant 14% increase in stock price following its Q3 earnings report in October, contributing to a broader rally in the U.S. medical device sector [1] Company Summary - Intuitive Surgical was initially overlooked during a notable recovery in the healthcare sector leading up to its earnings report [1] - The positive market reaction post-earnings indicates renewed investor interest and confidence in the company's performance and prospects [1] Industry Summary - The rally among U.S. medical device companies was sparked by Intuitive Surgical's earnings update, suggesting a potential shift in market sentiment towards the sector [1] - The healthcare sector is showing signs of recovery, with Intuitive Surgical's performance serving as a catalyst for broader market movements within medical devices [1]

Core Insights - The podcast discusses the emotional pitfalls of selling stocks too soon, emphasizing that selling good companies prematurely can lead to significant missed opportunities for gains [2][4][12] - Historical examples, such as Netflix and Sea Limited, illustrate how selling decisions based on short-term performance can result in substantial long-term losses [3][5][10] - A framework for evaluating when to sell stocks is proposed, focusing on business fundamentals rather than emotional reactions to market fluctuations [12][14] Emotional Temptations of Selling - Investors often succumb to emotional impulses driven by fear and greed, leading to premature selling of stocks that may recover or grow significantly [2][3] - The pain of perceived losses is more intense than the pleasure of gains, influencing investors to sell stocks that are declining or have appreciated significantly [2][3] Historical Examples of Selling Mistakes - David Gardner's sale of Netflix in 2003 for valuation reasons resulted in a missed opportunity for 26,000% gains had he held onto the stock [3] - Sea Limited was sold in November 2023, missing out on 223% gains, despite logical reasons for selling at the time [5][10] Framework for Selling Decisions - A structured approach to selling stocks is recommended, including evaluating whether the decision is based on business fundamentals, macroeconomic factors, or valuation concerns [12][13] - Key questions to consider include whether the stock has reached a financial milestone or if the business is still aligned with the investor's thesis [12][13][14] Importance of Patience and Long-Term Perspective - Holding onto stocks that have the potential for significant growth can outweigh the risks of short-term volatility [10][11] - The concept of asymmetric returns highlights that the potential upside of successful investments can far exceed the downside risk [9][10] Lessons from Past Sales - The podcast emphasizes the importance of reflecting on past selling decisions to avoid repeating mistakes and to recognize the potential for recovery in previously sold stocks [6][16] - Building a habit of reviewing earnings reports and company fundamentals can help investors resist the urge to sell based on market noise [15][16]