Intuitive jumps 30%

Article Excerpt

INTUITIVE SURGICAL $222.51 (Nasdaq symbol ISRG; SI Rating: Average) (515-507-5000; www.intuitivesurgical.com; Shares outstanding: 37.9 million; Market cap: $8.4 billion) is up over 30% since it reported improved results in the latest quarter. In the three months ended June 30, 2009, revenue rose 18.9%, to $260.6 million from $219.2 million a year earlier. Earnings climbed 21.9%, to $62.4 million, or $1.65 a share, from $51.2 million, or $1.32. These results beat analysts’ expectations of $1.25 a share in profits on revenue of $230 million. The company’s results continue to improve, despite the recession, which has prompted hospitals to cut spending. Intuitive Surgical is still a buy. buy…