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ISRG vs NTRA
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) vs. Natera (NTRA) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ISRG is a large-cap, highly profitable leader in robotic-assisted surgery, while NTRA is a faster-growing but still unprofitable genetic-testing company, making this a contrast between stability and growth potential.
- Both companies delivered strong recent fundamentals, but their risk profiles differ sharply: ISRG generates substantial cash flow, while NTRA continues to report net losses as it scales.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: On balance, the AI would favor ISRG for its consistent trend, profitability, and established market positioning over the more volatile, still-unprofitable NTRA.
- Explore more coverage of ISRG Major News and ISRG Today's Price Move, as well as NTRA Major News and NTRA Today's Price Move, for deeper context on each ticker.
- To see how automated systems are positioned across these and other names, explore the curated Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors comparing ISRG and NTRA are effectively weighing two very different healthcare growth stories. Intuitive Surgical is the dominant force in robotic-assisted surgery, anchored by its da Vinci platform, while Natera is a leader in cell-free DNA testing across oncology, women's health, and organ health. This stock comparison is relevant for growth-oriented investors, healthcare specialists, and traders evaluating relative performance and market positioning. One name offers a mature, profitable business with a durable installed base; the other offers faster revenue growth but a higher-beta, pre-profit profile. Understanding how each behaves in the current environment can help clarify which better fits a given portfolio strategy.
ISRG Overview and Recent Performance
ISRG is the global leader in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, generating revenue through system placements, instruments and accessories, and services. Its da Vinci line remains the industry standard, while newer platforms such as Ion (robotic bronchoscopy) and single-port systems extend its reach. In recent market activity, the company reported strong procedure growth — roughly 20% in the third quarter and about 18% in the fourth — alongside double-digit revenue gains that pushed annual sales past the $10 billion milestone. Accelerating adoption of the newer da Vinci 5 (dV5) system has been a key catalyst, supporting higher utilization and an upgrade cycle. Sentiment has been broadly positive, though recent guidance pointing to moderating procedure growth in the year ahead has tempered some enthusiasm. Profitability, a large cash position, and an expanding installed base continue to underpin the stock's premium valuation.
NTRA Overview and Recent Performance
NTRA is a leader in cell-free DNA and genetic testing, spanning oncology diagnostics, women's health, and organ health. Its flagship Signatera test monitors molecular residual disease (MRD) — the presence of cancer cells after treatment — while products such as Panorama and Prospera serve prenatal screening and transplant monitoring. Recent performance has been marked by rapid growth: fourth-quarter revenue rose roughly 40% year over year, and full-year revenue climbed about 36%, driven by record MRD test volumes. Gross margin has also expanded meaningfully. Still, the company remains unprofitable on a net basis as it invests heavily in research, commercial expansion, and clinical trials. This mix of exceptional top-line momentum, improving margins, and ongoing losses — combined with a notably high beta, or sensitivity to market swings — defines Natera's current risk-reward profile and contributes to greater share-price volatility relative to ISRG.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each built around distinct strategies, timeframes, and risk parameters. Because conditions shift constantly, only a select group earns a place in the curated Trending AI Robots section. These featured bots are chosen for their current suitability to prevailing market conditions, with performance metrics, win rates, and drawdown statistics that vary by strategy and timeframe. The range of approaches — from short-term momentum to longer-horizon trend following — means different bots align with different objectives, whether tracking names like ISRG and NTRA or scanning the broader market. Investors seeking a data-driven perspective may find it useful to review the Trending AI Robots page to explore which automated strategies are currently performing best.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between these two names is maturity versus momentum. ISRG operates a hardware-plus-razor-blade model, monetizing an installed base of more than 11,000 da Vinci systems through recurring instruments and services. Its growth driver is utilization and the dV5 upgrade cycle, and its risk factors include premium valuation, emerging competition in surgical robotics, and softer pockets of demand. NTRA, by contrast, is a test-volume story: revenue scales with reimbursement coverage, average selling price, and adoption of Signatera across oncology indications. Its growth runway appears larger in percentage terms, but it carries reimbursement risk, competitive diagnostics pressure, and persistent operating losses. Sector exposure also differs — both sit in healthcare, yet ISRG behaves more like a large-cap medical device bellwether, while NTRA trades with the higher volatility typical of high-growth, pre-profit diagnostics companies. Market sentiment toward ISRG is steady and constructive; toward NTRA it is more enthusiastic but also more sensitive to growth deceleration.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor ISRG in this comparison. The company offers greater trend consistency, a profitable and cash-generative model, a wide economic moat, and clear near-term catalysts through the da Vinci 5 upgrade cycle. While NTRA delivers stronger revenue growth and expanding margins, its ongoing net losses, higher volatility, and dependence on reimbursement dynamics introduce additional uncertainty. In probabilistic terms, ISRG currently presents the more stable and predictable relative positioning of the two, though NTRA may appeal to investors prioritizing long-term growth over near-term profitability.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ISRG is a Hold and NTRA is a StrongBuy.
ISRG sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
ISRG saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 30, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 43 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 33 of the 43 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ISRG moved out of overbought territory on October 27, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 37 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 17 of the 37 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 46%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 37 of 61 cases where ISRG's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ISRG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
ISRG broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 23, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 05, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ISRG as a result. In 57 of 78 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Following a +5.65% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ISRG advanced for three days, in 210 of 317 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 183 of 264 cases where ISRG Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 69%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ISRG’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 74 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ISRG’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 95, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 78 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (8.495) is normal, around the industry mean (4.877). P/E Ratio (49.420) is within average values for comparable stocks, (37.682). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.931) is also within normal values, averaging (4.143). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.005) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (12.469) is also within normal values, averaging (56.876).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 80 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
Aroon Indicator for NTRA shows an upward move is likely
NTRA's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on October 15, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 286 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 244 of the 286 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +6.13% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NTRA advanced for three days, in 246 of 309 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
NTRA may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for NTRA moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 39 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 22 of the 39 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 56%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 46 of 65 cases where NTRA's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NTRA as a result. In 73 of 97 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NTRA turned negative on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 36 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 72%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NTRA declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 6 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (29.986) is normal, around the industry mean (65.876). NTRA's P/E Ratio (-280.681) is considerably lower than the industry average of (3.542). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (17.857) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 8 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 86, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NTRA’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 86 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
ISRG | NTRA | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 84 | 20 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 78 Overvalued | 6 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 74 | 8 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 51 | 94 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 47 | 35 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 80 | 86 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
NTRA's Valuation (6) in the Biotechnology industry is significantly better than the same rating for ISRG (78) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that NTRA’s stock grew significantly faster than ISRG’s over the last 12 months.
NTRA's Profit vs Risk Rating (8) in the Biotechnology industry is significantly better than the same rating for ISRG (74) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that NTRA’s stock grew significantly faster than ISRG’s over the last 12 months.
ISRG's SMR Rating (51) in the Medical Specialties industry is somewhat better than the same rating for NTRA (94) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that ISRG’s stock grew somewhat faster than NTRA’s over the last 12 months.
NTRA's Price Growth Rating (35) in the Biotechnology industry is in the same range as ISRG (47) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that NTRA’s stock grew similarly to ISRG’s over the last 12 months.
ISRG's P/E Growth Rating (80) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as NTRA (86) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that ISRG’s stock grew similarly to NTRA’s over the last 12 months.
| ISRG | NTRA | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 71% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 75% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 72% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 76% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 79% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 66% | 6 days ago 80% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 75% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 85% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 85% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ISRG’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while NTRA’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- ISRG’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- NTRA’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ISRG’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NTRA’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ISRG’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
- NTRA’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ISRG (@Pharmaceuticals: Other) experienced а -3.27% price change this week, while NTRA (@Medical Specialties) price change was -6.42% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Pharmaceuticals: Other industry was -0.57%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.68%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.45%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical Specialties industry was -1.47%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.50%, and the average quarterly price growth was +42.79%.
Reported Earning Dates
ISRG is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
NTRA is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Pharmaceuticals: Other (-0.57% weekly)Pharmaceuticals (Other) comprise companies that are involved in the discovery, development or manufacturing of therapeutic and preventative medicines. They often collaborate with or acquire other pharmaceutical/healthcare firms. Examples of companies in this segment include Bausch Health Companies Inc., Icon Plc and Perrigo Company Plc.
@Medical Specialties (-1.47% weekly)Medical specialties are companies that make equipment used by the health care industry. Equipment manufactured and distributed by these companies include dialysis machines, blood analysis equipment, surgical equipment, dental instruments, and diagnostic tools, among other items. Large companies typically aim to produce and distribute high-quality products across a broad market spectrum. Smaller firms are more likely to specialize in a particular market segment. Due to the industry’s close association with medical treatments, they typically have low sensitivity to macroeconomic fluctuations. Within this industry, Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic Plc and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are some of the companies with multi-billion market capitalizations in the U.S. stock markets.
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NTRA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NTRA has been loosely correlated with ADPT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 55% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if NTRA jumps, then ADPT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NTRA | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTRA | 100% | -8.54% | ||
| ADPT - NTRA | 55% Loosely correlated | -5.93% | ||
| NEO - NTRA | 55% Loosely correlated | -5.12% | ||
| GH - NTRA | 54% Loosely correlated | -4.51% | ||
| ISRG - NTRA | 53% Loosely correlated | +1.12% | ||
| TMO - NTRA | 48% Loosely correlated | -2.06% | ||
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