Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) stock price soared 19.5% in October, primarily due to an outstanding Q3 earnings report—revenue increased 23% year-over-year to $2.51 billion, and EPS of $2.40 far exceeded the expected $1.99. System sales surged by 33%, with installations, single-surgery procedures, and revenue per procedure all soaring.

Honestly, this stock is really expensive—PE ratio of 72 and free cash flow multiple of 85. It would have been mocked if it were any other stock. But for ISRG, this is normal; the five-year average PE is 73.6. Gross margin also expanded from 32.8% to 34.5%, which is what growth stocks should look like.

There are some pitfalls: high tariff pressures, and the new Da Vinci Xi was recalled in spring due to technical issues, though demand remains strong. Plus, after falling 12% from the January high, if you haven't bought in yet, buying one or two shares to try it out is still okay. The story of robotic surgery is far from over.