Can Intuitive Surgical Still Be Heard Above Noisy Competition?

A noisier competitive environment in surgical robotics means elongated price negotiation timelines and delayed deals for Intuitive Surgical, but the market pioneer seems prepared to handle that noise. "We definitely see increasing conversations as [competitors] get closer to market with what they want to do or other companies are starting to get some clearances in other regions," Intuitive Surgical CEO Gary Guthart said during the company's most recent earnings call in response to an analyst's question. "I think that customers are interested in listening to other pitches. I think we’re pretty well-positioned to have a conversation about that. But I do see delay from time-to-time. It kind of comes in waves and then it’ll settle as the world figures out kind of what they’re offering." During the previous earnings call, CFO Marshall Mohr also addressed this issue and said these dynamics could result in near-term profit fluctions. However, he assured investors that Intuitive will continue to manage the business for the long term and he emphasized that the fundamentals of the business are strong. As for Digital Surgery Talk, 'Welcome to the Party' Rick Wise, a medtech analyst at Stifel Nicolaus, also asked Guthart about the incoming competition, specifically as it relates to what has been referred to as digital surgery. "But I just wonder if you have competitors marketing something called digital surgery...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Business Source Type: news