Technological advances can spur on some powerful growth stocks. However, when a company bases its future growth on the widespread adoption of a single technological breakthrough, it can also add risk. Intuitive Surgical (Nasdaq symbol ISRG; www.intuitivesurgical.com) makes the da Vinci, a computerized surgical system. Guided by a miniature camera connected to a 3-D monitor, surgeons use the da Vinci to operate by remotely manipulating tiny robotic arms. This process is safer and less invasive than regular surgery, and helps cut a patient’s recovery time and post-operative discomfort. It also reduces scarring and the risk of infection. In the three months ended September 30, 2011, Intuitive earned $122.4 million, or $3.13 a share. That’s up 41.3% from $86.6 million, or $2.20 a share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 29.7%, to $446.7 million from $344.4 million. [ofie_ad]
Growth stocks: Intuitive Surgical continues high research spending
Revenue from replenishable supplies rose 37.9%. Intuitive gets almost 40% of its revenue from stable and steady sales of replacement parts, training and other services. The company spends a high 8% of its revenue on research. Intuitive is debt-free, and holds cash of $1.9 billion, or $47.15 a share. The company’s long-term outlook depends on more hospitals using robots to perform a wider range of surgeries. Intuitive continues to make vigorous marketing efforts to encourage this trend. In the meantime, the stock has moved up substantially since the start of this year. Our analysis of Intuitive Surgical in the latest edition of Stock Pickers Digest looks at whether or not the share price can continue to climb. It concludes with our clear buy-sell-hold advice on the stock. If you’re looking for growth stocks with the potential for gains of 50% or more in 6 months or less, you should subscribe to Stock Pickers Digest. The latest issue of Stock Pickers Digest gives you our full analysis, including clear buy/sell/hold advice, on 20 stocks that may be suitable for the part of your portfolio you devote to aggressive investing. What’s more, you can get this issue ABSOLUTELY FREE. Click here to learn how.
