On April 19, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ:ISRG) released first-quarter earnings for the period ended March 31.

  • Revenues surged by 48%, thanks to the massive growth in instruments and accessories.

  • Net income rose by more than 64%, primarily because of strong top-line performance and margin improvements.

  • The company strengthened its balance sheet by substantially increasing its cash and short-term investments.

  • Going forward, management anticipates that da Vinci hysterectomy procedures will be a major growth driver.

  • Intuitive Surgical is a Rule Breakers selection. The stock is up 175% since it was highlighted in our service two years ago.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change

Sales

$114.2

$77.3

47.9%

Net Profit

$23.8

$14.5

64.6%

EPS

$0.62

$0.38

63.2%

Diluted Shares

38.4

37.8

1.5%

Get back to basics with the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change*

Gross Margin

67%

66.9%

0.1

Operating Margin

30.1%

28.1%

1.9

Net Margin

20.8%

18.7%

2.1

*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$384.8

$165.4

132.6%

Accounts Rec.

$90.5

$57.0

58.8%

Inventory

$26.3

$20.4

28.9%

Liabilities

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change

Accounts Payable*

$41.0

$27.3

50.2%

Long-Term Debt

$0.0

$0.0

N/A

*Also includes accrued liabilities.

The balance sheet reflects the company's health.

Cash Flow Highlights

System error! Intuitive failed to provide cash flow statements.

Free cash flow is a Fool's best friend.

Related Foolishness:

Intuitive Surgical is a Motley Fool Rule Breakers pick. Discover more cutting-edge growth stocks with a free 30-day trial to David Gardner's market-beating newsletter service.

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