Factors That Could Impact Intuitive Surgical's Valuation

There are certain potential developments that could lead to a spike in the company's earnings potential, as well as its stock price. Specifically, these include Intuitive Surgical's ability to prove its cost-effectiveness and efficacy relative to laparoscopic procedures, its ability to diversify the da Vinci system's use for different surgery types and/or prove itself against potential competition from other emerging medical device companies.