Intuitive Surgical Maintains Procedure Growth Outlook Amid U.S. Slowdown and China Challenges
Despite a recent slowdown in the United States and ongoing challenges in China due to local competition, Intuitive Surgical has maintained its global procedure-growth outlook of 13.5%–15.5%, with results expected near the midpoint. The company highlighted expansion opportunities through ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and international markets, where second-quarter system placements increased both domestically and abroad. Intuitive reported strong financial performance in Q2, including a 21% revenue increase and operating and free-cash-flow margins above historical averages. CFO Jamie Samath noted that the company is evaluating U.S. growth on a procedure-by-procedure basis rather than using broad market-level metrics. The da Vinci surgical system's upgrades, new procedures, AI services like Case Insights, and expansion into cardiac surgery are expected to drive future revenue. The firm also emphasized its long-term potential in ASCs, with 27 systems placed during the quarter—more than previously seen—and noted stable capital demand in the U.S. However, China remains a concern due to slower tenders and local competition, with visibility not anticipated until 2027.
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Topics: global_growth medical_devices revenue_growth robotic_surgery