Nvidia vs. Intuitive Surgical: AI Competition Insights
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 21 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- AI Revolution Leader: Nvidia stands at the forefront of the global AI revolution with a current P/E ratio of 31x, which, while lower than Intuitive Surgical's 50x, still reflects strong investor interest in its AI chip market leadership.
- Surgical Robotics Demand: Intuitive Surgical has seen a robust demand for its surgical robots, with a 17% year-over-year increase in surgeries using da Vinci robots in Q1 2026, compared to a mere 12% increase in the number of da Vinci robots globally, indicating strong market demand.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: Only 25% of Intuitive Surgical's revenue comes from robot sales, with the remainder derived from services, instruments, and accessories that support da Vinci robots, creating annuity-like income streams that ensure stable cash flow for the company.
- Growth Opportunities: With the FDA's approval of the da Vinci Single Port surgical system for various procedures, Intuitive Surgical's market applications will expand, and the potential integration of AI technology could position it for long-term growth that may surpass Nvidia's market performance.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy ISRG?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on ISRG
Wall Street analysts forecast ISRG stock price to rise
20 Analyst Rating
16 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 432.830
Low
575.00
Averages
637.32
High
740.00
Current: 432.830
Low
575.00
Averages
637.32
High
740.00
About ISRG
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets da Vinci surgical systems and the Ion endoluminal system. The Company specializes in invasive care and robotic-assisted surgery. Its technologies include the da Vinci surgical systems and the Ion endoluminal system. The da Vinci surgical system is designed to enable surgeons to perform a range of surgical procedures within its targeted general surgery, urologic, gynecologic, cardiothoracic, and head and neck specialties and consists of a surgeon's console or consoles, a patient-side cart, and a high-performance vision system. The Ion endoluminal system is a flexible, robotic-assisted, catheter-based platform for which the cleared indication is minimally invasive biopsies in the lung and consists of a system cart, a controller, a catheter, and a vision probe. Its Ion system extends its commercial offering beyond surgery into diagnostic and endoluminal procedures.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Intuitive Surgical: Significant Future Growth Potential
- Market Leadership: Intuitive Surgical's Da Vinci surgical robot, launched in 2000, has become the global market leader, widely used for various minimally invasive surgeries, ensuring the company's strong competitive advantage in the medical device industry.
- System Installation Growth: In the recent quarter, the number of installed Da Vinci systems reached 11,395, a 12% increase year-over-year, while global procedures grew by 16%, indicating the company's ongoing market expansion and profitability enhancement.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: In the recent quarter, Intuitive Surgical generated $650 million from system sales and $1.6 billion from instrument and accessory sales, demonstrating the sustainability of its business model and future growth potential.
- Future Market Forecast: It is predicted that by 2031, Intuitive Surgical's market capitalization could reach $500 billion, requiring a 200% increase in stock price to about $1,500 per share, reflecting the company's long-term investment value in the surgical robotics sector.
See More
U.S. Healthcare Spending Reaches $5.7 Trillion Amid Growth Trends
- Healthcare Spending Surge: The U.S. healthcare sector reached $5.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 7.3% increase from the previous year, driven by higher consumption of medical products and services, indicating robust demand and long-term growth potential in the industry.
- Eli Lilly's Market Leadership: Eli Lilly leads the GLP-1 drug market, with strong sales from diabetes and weight-loss medications like Mounjaro, resulting in revenue and earnings growth that outpaces peers, and it is expected to solidify its market position further.
- Intuitive Surgical's Growth Prospects: Intuitive Surgical excels in robotic-assisted surgery with its da Vinci system, which enhances minimally invasive procedures; despite facing competition and tariff pressures, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth due to high switching costs and pricing power.
- AI Integration in Drug Development: Eli Lilly is increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence in drug development, which may lower R&D costs and boost profits, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving healthcare market.
See More
Eli Lilly and Intuitive Surgical's Growth Potential
- Healthcare Spending Surge: The U.S. healthcare sector reached $5.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 7.3% year-over-year increase, indicating a sustained rise in consumer demand for medical products and services, which provides long-term growth opportunities for related companies.
- Eli Lilly's Market Leadership: Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs, including Mounjaro and Foundayo, are achieving strong sales, driving the company's revenue and earnings growth rates above those of peers, showcasing its formidable competitive position in the diabetes and weight-loss drug markets.
- Intuitive Surgical's Technological Edge: Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system leads the robotic-assisted surgery market, improving patient outcomes through minimally invasive procedures; despite facing competition and tariff pressures, the company possesses significant market expansion potential.
- AI Integration: Eli Lilly is leveraging artificial intelligence in drug development, a strategy that may lower R&D costs and enhance long-term profitability, further solidifying its leadership in the healthcare sector.
See More
Intuitive Surgical's Growth Potential Remains Strong
- Market Leadership: Intuitive Surgical's Da Vinci surgical robot has become the global market leader since its launch in 2000, with an installed base now reaching 11,395 systems, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase, indicating the company's strong foundation and ongoing growth potential in minimally invasive surgery.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: In the recent quarter, Intuitive Surgical generated $650 million from system sales while bringing in $1.6 billion from instruments and accessories, showcasing the sustainability of its business model and the strength of its recurring revenue stream.
- Future Growth Forecast: For Intuitive Surgical to reach a market cap of $500 billion by 2031, its stock would need to rise 200% to about $1,500; considering its revenue nearly doubled over the past five years, maintaining similar growth could lead to annual revenue of $20 billion, enhancing the company's valuation.
- Technological Innovation Driving Growth: The newly launched Da Vinci 5 system features 150 design innovations and significant computing power, expected to improve operating room workflows and enhance surgeon autonomy, thereby driving revenue growth in the upcoming quarters.
See More
Intuitive Surgical Extends Instrument Lifetimes Amid Revenue Growth
- Significant Revenue Growth: Intuitive Surgical reported a 23% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1, reaching $2.77 billion, demonstrating strong performance in the medical device market despite stock price pressures.
- Extended Instrument Lifetimes: The company increased the usage count of five force-feedback tools from six to fifteen, aimed at alleviating supply chain bottlenecks, which, while not impacting revenue per procedure, may enhance hospital adoption of these high-demand tools.
- Enhanced Customer Loyalty: By raising the maximum usage of older standard instruments, which may slightly impact instrument and accessory revenue, the company aims to lower hospital costs and strengthen customer loyalty, with this segment generating $1.69 billion in Q1.
- Market Reaction Analysis: While analysts remain cautious about Intuitive's outlook, Goldman Sachs raised its price target to $558, arguing that the market's reaction to the extended instrument lifetimes reflects a misunderstanding, with expectations for stable revenue growth ahead.
See More
Goldman Analyst Optimistic About Intuitive Surgical's Future
- Instrument Lifetime Adjustments: Intuitive Surgical has increased the lifespan of five force-feedback tools from six to fifteen uses, addressing supply chain bottlenecks and facilitating hospital adoption, despite market fears of revenue impact.
- Revenue Growth Performance: In Q1, Intuitive Surgical's overall revenue grew by 23% year-over-year to $2.77 billion, with earnings per share at $2.28, reflecting strong market performance and resilience.
- Market Reaction Analysis: While some investors viewed the extended lifetimes as a defensive move against competitors, Goldman Sachs argues this is a long-term strategy, supported by historical data showing minimal revenue impact and potential for increased customer loyalty.
- Future Watch Points: Intuitive Surgical's systems performed 847,000 procedures in Q1, a 16% year-over-year increase, but the company faces a premium valuation of over 49 times earnings, necessitating clearer communication on 2027 instrument changes in the upcoming earnings report to alleviate market concerns.
See More
Intuitive Surgical: Significant Future Growth Potential
- Market Leadership: Intuitive Surgical's Da Vinci surgical robot, launched in 2000, has become the global market leader, widely used for various minimally invasive surgeries, ensuring the company's strong competitive advantage in the medical device industry.
- System Installation Growth: In the recent quarter, the number of installed Da Vinci systems reached 11,395, a 12% increase year-over-year, while global procedures grew by 16%, indicating the company's ongoing market expansion and profitability enhancement.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: In the recent quarter, Intuitive Surgical generated $650 million from system sales and $1.6 billion from instrument and accessory sales, demonstrating the sustainability of its business model and future growth potential.
- Future Market Forecast: It is predicted that by 2031, Intuitive Surgical's market capitalization could reach $500 billion, requiring a 200% increase in stock price to about $1,500 per share, reflecting the company's long-term investment value in the surgical robotics sector.
See More
U.S. Healthcare Spending Reaches $5.7 Trillion Amid Growth Trends
- Healthcare Spending Surge: The U.S. healthcare sector reached $5.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 7.3% increase from the previous year, driven by higher consumption of medical products and services, indicating robust demand and long-term growth potential in the industry.
- Eli Lilly's Market Leadership: Eli Lilly leads the GLP-1 drug market, with strong sales from diabetes and weight-loss medications like Mounjaro, resulting in revenue and earnings growth that outpaces peers, and it is expected to solidify its market position further.
- Intuitive Surgical's Growth Prospects: Intuitive Surgical excels in robotic-assisted surgery with its da Vinci system, which enhances minimally invasive procedures; despite facing competition and tariff pressures, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth due to high switching costs and pricing power.
- AI Integration in Drug Development: Eli Lilly is increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence in drug development, which may lower R&D costs and boost profits, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving healthcare market.
See More
Eli Lilly and Intuitive Surgical's Growth Potential
- Healthcare Spending Surge: The U.S. healthcare sector reached $5.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 7.3% year-over-year increase, indicating a sustained rise in consumer demand for medical products and services, which provides long-term growth opportunities for related companies.
- Eli Lilly's Market Leadership: Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs, including Mounjaro and Foundayo, are achieving strong sales, driving the company's revenue and earnings growth rates above those of peers, showcasing its formidable competitive position in the diabetes and weight-loss drug markets.
- Intuitive Surgical's Technological Edge: Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system leads the robotic-assisted surgery market, improving patient outcomes through minimally invasive procedures; despite facing competition and tariff pressures, the company possesses significant market expansion potential.
- AI Integration: Eli Lilly is leveraging artificial intelligence in drug development, a strategy that may lower R&D costs and enhance long-term profitability, further solidifying its leadership in the healthcare sector.
See More
Intuitive Surgical's Growth Potential Remains Strong
- Market Leadership: Intuitive Surgical's Da Vinci surgical robot has become the global market leader since its launch in 2000, with an installed base now reaching 11,395 systems, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase, indicating the company's strong foundation and ongoing growth potential in minimally invasive surgery.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: In the recent quarter, Intuitive Surgical generated $650 million from system sales while bringing in $1.6 billion from instruments and accessories, showcasing the sustainability of its business model and the strength of its recurring revenue stream.
- Future Growth Forecast: For Intuitive Surgical to reach a market cap of $500 billion by 2031, its stock would need to rise 200% to about $1,500; considering its revenue nearly doubled over the past five years, maintaining similar growth could lead to annual revenue of $20 billion, enhancing the company's valuation.
- Technological Innovation Driving Growth: The newly launched Da Vinci 5 system features 150 design innovations and significant computing power, expected to improve operating room workflows and enhance surgeon autonomy, thereby driving revenue growth in the upcoming quarters.
See More
Intuitive Surgical Extends Instrument Lifetimes Amid Revenue Growth
- Significant Revenue Growth: Intuitive Surgical reported a 23% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1, reaching $2.77 billion, demonstrating strong performance in the medical device market despite stock price pressures.
- Extended Instrument Lifetimes: The company increased the usage count of five force-feedback tools from six to fifteen, aimed at alleviating supply chain bottlenecks, which, while not impacting revenue per procedure, may enhance hospital adoption of these high-demand tools.
- Enhanced Customer Loyalty: By raising the maximum usage of older standard instruments, which may slightly impact instrument and accessory revenue, the company aims to lower hospital costs and strengthen customer loyalty, with this segment generating $1.69 billion in Q1.
- Market Reaction Analysis: While analysts remain cautious about Intuitive's outlook, Goldman Sachs raised its price target to $558, arguing that the market's reaction to the extended instrument lifetimes reflects a misunderstanding, with expectations for stable revenue growth ahead.
See More
Goldman Analyst Optimistic About Intuitive Surgical's Future
- Instrument Lifetime Adjustments: Intuitive Surgical has increased the lifespan of five force-feedback tools from six to fifteen uses, addressing supply chain bottlenecks and facilitating hospital adoption, despite market fears of revenue impact.
- Revenue Growth Performance: In Q1, Intuitive Surgical's overall revenue grew by 23% year-over-year to $2.77 billion, with earnings per share at $2.28, reflecting strong market performance and resilience.
- Market Reaction Analysis: While some investors viewed the extended lifetimes as a defensive move against competitors, Goldman Sachs argues this is a long-term strategy, supported by historical data showing minimal revenue impact and potential for increased customer loyalty.
- Future Watch Points: Intuitive Surgical's systems performed 847,000 procedures in Q1, a 16% year-over-year increase, but the company faces a premium valuation of over 49 times earnings, necessitating clearer communication on 2027 instrument changes in the upcoming earnings report to alleviate market concerns.
See More
