Q: Pat: Could I have your opinion on a stock: Intuitive Surgical. Thank you and I enjoy the Inner Circle.

A: Intuitive Surgical Inc., $517.36, symbol ISRG on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 116.0 million; Market cap: $59.2 billion; www.intuitive.com), develops, manufactures and markets the da Vinci Surgical System along with related accessories, training, and services. Intuitive Surgical is based in Sunnyvale, California.

Da Vinci is a computerized… Read More

Q: We are holding a position in Blue Ribbon Income Fund (RBN.UN). We are considering building on that position. May I have your thoughts, please?

A: Blue Ribbon Income Fund, $8.37, symbol RBN.UT on Toronto (Units outstanding: 12.8 million; Market cap: $107.1 million; www.bromptongroup.com), was formerly called the Citadel Diversified Investment Trust.

This fund holds a lot of former oil and gas trusts, pipeline or other utility trusts (most if not… Read More

Q: Pat, can I get your opinion of Lowe’s? Thank you.

A: Lowe’s Cos., $111.04, symbol LOW on New York (Shares outstanding: 766.5 million; Market cap: $85.1 billion; www.lowes.com), operates a chain of 1,977 hardware and home improvement superstores in the U.S. and Canada. Product categories include appliances, lumber/plywood, paint, flooring, millwork, building materials, seasonal living,… Read More