Intuitive Surgical's Growth Has Cooled From Its Post-Pandemic Highs. Is That a Buying Opportunity or a Warning?

Intuitive Surgical's stock has declined 40% from recent highs amid slowing da Vinci robot sales growth due to increased competition from Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson. However, the company's core business model relies on recurring revenue from parts and services (75% of revenue), which provides stable annuity-like income streams. With valuation metrics below five-year averages and continued AI opportunities, the stock may represent a buying opportunity for aggressive growth investors despite its historical volatility.