Intuitive(ISRG) ZACKS·2025-06-06 14:36Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) shares have gained 12.7% in the current quarter after a decline of over 30% from its January peak of 2.25 billion, a 19.2% year-over-year increase, with 85% of total earnings coming from recurring revenues [3][8] - Earnings per share (EPS) grew by 20% to $1.81, with an operating margin of 34.1%, although a decline in operating margin is anticipated for 2025 due to increased depreciation and a higher mix of lower-margin products [3][8] Market Position and Competitive Landscape - Despite a recent share price decline, ISRG's stock has outperformed the Zacks Medical-Instruments industry, which has seen an 8.6% decline year-to-date [4] - The company faces increasing competition from larger players like Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson, with Medtronic seeking FDA clearance for its own robotic-assisted surgery system [15] Growth Drivers - Revenue growth in Q1 was driven by strong da Vinci procedure volumes and growth in Ion and SP procedures, supported by strategic price increases to offset inflation [7][8] - The adoption of the da Vinci 5 system is expected to boost sales, with international expansion efforts gaining momentum, including recent clearances in Australia and China [9][10] Tariff and Economic Challenges - ISRG anticipates a 170 basis point gross margin headwind in 2025 due to global tariffs, primarily from U.S.-China trade tensions and European retaliatory tariffs [13][14] - Recent policy shifts have reduced U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, which may help mitigate some cost pressures [14] Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to market its da Vinci products directly in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, with an investment of EUR 290 million to strengthen customer relationships [12] - Manufacturing expansion is underway with new facilities in California, Germany, and Bulgaria to support scalable production [12]