Even the best performers need to be reevaluated from time to time. Robotic surgical systems maker Intuitive Surgical
However, shares fell more than 8% recently after the company reported slower sales, and they have since declined an additional 5%. Does Intuitive Surgical still make the cut for investors' portfolios? Let's use the tried-and-true SWOT analysis approach to find out.
Strengths
We won't encounter any problems finding strengths for Intuitive Surgical.
Revenues were up 26% in the most recent quarter compared to last year. Earnings grew by over 32% during the same period. The company has no debt and generates solid cash flow.
Recurring revenue makes up 56% of total revenue and is growing as the company expands its install base. Customers pay for replacement instruments and accessories plus ongoing system service. It's the classic razor/razor blade business model.
These financial strengths stem from growing interest in Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci robotic surgical systems and accessories. The company cites recent studies that attribute successful patient outcomes to use of da Vinci, including open hysterectomies with less blood loss, lower rates of post-operative complications, and much lower readmission rates for patients having prostatectomies. These kinds of results should translate to continued sales growth for the company.
Weaknesses
Probably the most visible weakness for Intuitive Surgical right now is Europe. The economic situation there has created challenges for the company. Intuitive Surgical also seems to have had some management issues with its European operations, resulting in a recent top-level shakeup.
From an investor's viewpoint, the stock's valuation could be considered a weakness. Its trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple is around 34. The P/E to growth (PEG) ratio is 1.6, while lower than before, is still at a level where some growth investors perceive a stock as too pricey. The high share price -- currently around $475 -- also prevents some smaller investors from buying the stock.
Opportunities
A major opportunity for Intuitive Surgical lies in expanding internationally. The company is growing its international sales, with 2011 international revenue up nearly 32% from the prior year. However, the U.S. still accounts for 78% of total sales, reflecting plenty of global growth potential.
Intuitive Surgical estimates that da Vinci systems have been used to perform nearly 100 types of surgical procedures. However, not all of these uses for da Vinci are widely adopted at this point. The possibility of expanding the number of procedures for which surgeons can use the system presents a great opportunity for the company.
Telesurgery also looks to be a big potential new market for Intuitive Surgical. A shortage of surgeons exists across the world. Some surgical specialties in the U.S. are projected to be especially affected by an increasing shortage, with OB/GYN at the top of the list. Intuitive Surgical states that "the da Vinci system could theoretically be used to operate over long distances." The company is exploring telesurgical applications for the system.
Threats
Intuitive Surgical sees its biggest current competitive threat to be conventional surgeries and non-surgical treatments. MAKO Surgical
There is an emerging threat, though. SOFAR, an Italian medical device company, has developed a telesurgical robot system with support from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre.
The industry also seems ripe for one of the large health-care players with deep pockets to step in. General Electric
So what?
Overall, I think there is a compelling case for buying Intuitive Surgical. Its strengths and opportunities outweigh the weaknesses and threats, in my view. I suspect that the company can grow faster than many expect over the next few years.
The recent sell-off could present an attractive buying opportunity for growth investors. The company strongly hinted that the third quarter would be weaker primarily because of timing of expenses. However, it increased full-year revenue guidance while maintaining guidance on 2012 expenses. The heavy selling in reaction to the near-term news seems to have overlooked the long-term positives for the stock.
After performing incredibly for 10 years, does Intuitive Surgical still make the cut for investors? My intuition says yes.
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