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ISRG vs SYK
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) vs. Stryker (SYK) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Growth profile: ISRG grew fourth-quarter revenue roughly 19% year over year and crossed $10 billion in full-year sales, outpacing SYK's low-double-digit growth but with a higher valuation attached.
- Guidance divergence: ISRG guided 2026 procedure growth to 13%–15%, a step down from 2025's roughly 18%, while SYK guided organic sales growth of 8%–9.5% with continued margin expansion.
- Robotics positioning: ISRG's da Vinci system dominates soft-tissue surgical robotics, whereas SYK's Mako platform (3,000-plus systems) anchors its orthopedics franchise.
- Recent momentum: SYK has shown steadier price behavior in recent weeks, while ISRG pulled back as investors digested decelerating guidance and emerging competition.
- Risk profile: ISRG faces rising competitive entrants in surgical robotics; SYK contends with tariff headwinds and a softer European capital environment.
- For deeper coverage, explore ISRG Major News and ISRG Today's Price Move, as well as SYK Major News and SYK Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across the market, visit Tickeron's Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) and Stryker (SYK) are two of the most prominent names in medical technology, but they compete in different parts of the robotic-surgery landscape. This stock comparison is relevant for growth-oriented investors drawn to ISRG's leadership in soft-tissue robotics and for those who prefer SYK's more diversified portfolio spanning orthopedics, surgical instruments, and neurotechnology. Both companies reported strong results in their most recent quarters, yet their market positioning, valuation, and recent relative performance have diverged. Understanding those contrasts can help traders and long-term investors assess which profile better matches their objectives in the current environment.
ISRG Overview and Recent Performance
Intuitive Surgical is the pioneer and dominant player in robotic-assisted surgery, best known for its da Vinci surgical system and the Ion endoluminal platform. In its most recent quarter, ISRG reported revenue of approximately $2.87 billion, up about 19% year over year, with full-year sales surpassing $10 billion for the first time. Worldwide procedure growth remained robust, and the installed base of da Vinci systems grew roughly 12% year over year, supported by strong placements of the newer da Vinci 5 platform.
Despite the strong results, sentiment has cooled in recent weeks. Management's 2026 guidance for da Vinci procedure growth of 13%–15% marked a deceleration from 2025's pace, and the company cited a modest tariff impact on gross margin. Meanwhile, competitive pressure has intensified, with rivals advancing their own robotic platforms. These factors contributed to a re-rating in ISRG shares, which pulled back from recent highs after a long period of premium, growth-style valuation.
SYK Overview and Recent Performance
Stryker is a diversified medical-technology company operating across MedSurg, Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics, serving more than 150 million patients annually. In its most recent quarter, SYK reported net sales of about $7.17 billion, an 11.4% year-over-year increase, while full-year revenue surpassed $25 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose roughly 12% for the full year, and the company delivered a second consecutive year of at least 100 basis points of adjusted operating-margin expansion.
Sentiment around SYK has been comparatively stable in recent weeks. The Mako robotic platform recorded record installations, reinforcing Stryker's leadership in U.S. knee and hip procedures, while endoscopy and instruments also posted strong growth. Headwinds include tariff costs and a slower European capital environment, but management guided 2026 organic sales growth of 8%–9.5% and continued profitability gains, supporting a steadier market positioning than its robotics-focused peer.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
At the business-model level, ISRG is a focused, higher-growth pure-play on robotic surgery with a recurring instrument-and-accessory revenue stream, while SYK is a diversified medtech conglomerate whose growth is spread across multiple segments and geographies. This concentration gives ISRG stronger long-term growth optionality but also greater sensitivity to procedure-volume trends and competitive threats, whereas SYK's breadth provides ballast through economic and procedural cycles.
On valuation, ISRG historically trades at a materially higher earnings multiple, reflecting faster growth expectations; that premium has made its shares more vulnerable when guidance decelerates. SYK trades at a more moderate multiple with steadier organic growth and improving margins. Recent relative performance has favored SYK as ISRG absorbed a valuation reset, though ISRG retains a larger installed base and deeper penetration in soft-tissue robotics. Risk factors differ accordingly: ISRG faces emerging competitors in its core market, while SYK navigates tariffs, a soft European capital cycle, and integration of acquisitions.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward SYK on the basis of trend consistency and relative stability. SYK's diversified revenue base, record Mako momentum, and repeated margin expansion present a steadier signal profile, whereas ISRG's decelerating guidance and competitive re-rating introduce greater short-term volatility. That said, ISRG's faster underlying growth and dominant installed base keep its longer-term positioning strong, so the AI's preference is probabilistic and could shift as new catalysts emerge in either name.
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 StrongBuy and SYK is a StrongBuy.
Aroon Indicator for ISRG shows an upward move is likely
ISRG's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on October 23, 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 264 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 187 of the 264 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
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 52 of 79 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The 10-day moving average for ISRG crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 5 of 11 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 45%.
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%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 13 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 42 (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 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 71 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 77 (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 Valuation Rating of 80 (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 (8.670) is normal, around the industry mean (4.950). P/E Ratio (50.439) is within average values for comparable stocks, (37.710). 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 Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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.
Momentum Indicator for SYK turns positive, indicating new upward trend
SYK saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 02, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 90 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 54 of the 90 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 60%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SYK just turned positive on September 28, 2026. Looking at past instances where SYK's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
SYK moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for SYK crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Following a +3.21% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SYK advanced for three days, in 171 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 128 of 258 cases where SYK Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 50%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SYK moved out of overbought territory on October 26, 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 38 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 38 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 53%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 8 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SYK 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 52%.
SYK broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SYK’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 52 (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 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SYK’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 76 (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 (4.895) is normal, around the industry mean (3.847). P/E Ratio (31.462) is within average values for comparable stocks, (1.909). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.289) is also within normal values, averaging (11.052). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.010) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.259) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 83 (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.
ISRG | SYK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 26 | 41 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 80 Overvalued | 76 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 71 | 73 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 51 | 52 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 52 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 77 | 83 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 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.
SYK's Valuation (76) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as ISRG (80). This means that SYK’s stock grew similarly to ISRG’s over the last 12 months.
ISRG's Profit vs Risk Rating (71) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as SYK (73). This means that ISRG’s stock grew similarly to SYK’s over the last 12 months.
ISRG's SMR Rating (51) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as SYK (52). This means that ISRG’s stock grew similarly to SYK’s over the last 12 months.
ISRG's Price Growth Rating (42) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as SYK (52). This means that ISRG’s stock grew similarly to SYK’s over the last 12 months.
ISRG's P/E Growth Rating (77) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as SYK (83). This means that ISRG’s stock grew similarly to SYK’s over the last 12 months.
| ISRG | SYK | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 32% | 2 days ago 53% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 53% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 60% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 52% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 56% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 66% | 5 days ago 56% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 61% | 14 days ago 52% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 55% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 50% |
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 SYK’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- ISRG’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- SYK’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SYK’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ISRG’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- SYK’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ISRG (@Pharmaceuticals: Other) experienced а +4.26% price change this week, while SYK (@Medical/Nursing Services) price change was +2.75% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Pharmaceuticals: Other industry was +0.41%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.97%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.26%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical/Nursing Services industry was +13.12%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +2.23%, and the average quarterly price growth was -1.17%.
Reported Earning Dates
ISRG is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
SYK is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Pharmaceuticals: Other (+0.41% 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/Nursing Services (+13.12% weekly)The medical/nursing services includes companies that provide medical-related services such as ambulance services, dialysis centers, respiratory therapy, blood testing and rehabilitation services. DaVita Inc., Chemed Corporation and Guardant Health, Inc. are examples of companies in this industry.
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ISRG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ISRG has been closely correlated with BSX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ISRG jumps, then BSX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ISRG | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISRG | 100% | -0.15% | ||
| BSX - ISRG | 73% Closely correlated | -0.24% | ||
| SYK - ISRG | 64% Loosely correlated | -0.33% | ||
| NTRA - ISRG | 54% Loosely correlated | +0.24% | ||
| GKOS - ISRG | 51% Loosely correlated | -0.34% | ||
| PODD - ISRG | 49% Loosely correlated | +0.17% | ||
More | ||||
SYK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SYK has been loosely correlated with ISRG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if SYK jumps, then ISRG could also see price increases.