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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K 
(MARK ONE)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20212023
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                 to                 
Commission file number 000-30713
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Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
 
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
Delaware 77-0416458
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1020 Kifer Road
Sunnyvale, California 94086
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(408) 523-2100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per shareISRGThe Nasdaq Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2021,2023, based upon the closing price of Common Stock on such date as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, was approximately $108.7$119.6 billion. Shares of voting stock held by each officer and director have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This assumption regarding affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock as of January 26, 2022,25, 2024, was 357,744,031.352,325,863.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates information by reference to the definitive proxy statement for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on or about April 28, 2022,25, 2024, to be filed within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.2023.



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INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.

INDEX

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical facts. WordsStatements using words such as “estimates,” “projects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “targeted,” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to future results of operations, future financial condition, the expected impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, the potential impact on our procedure volume, our acquisitions, our expected business, our expected new product introductions, the impacts of Extended Use Instruments, procedures and procedure adoption, future results of operations, future financial position, our ability to increase our revenues, the anticipated mix of our revenues between product and service revenues, our financing plans and future capital requirements, anticipated costs of revenue, anticipated expenses, our potential tax assets or liabilities, the effect of recent accounting pronouncements, our investments, anticipated cash flows, our ability to finance operations from cash flows and similar matters, and statements based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the economies and markets in which we operate and our beliefs and assumptions regarding these economies and markets. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the judgment of our management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should be considered in light of various important factors, including, but not limited to, the following: the risk thatoverall macroeconomic environment, which may impact customer spending and our costs, including the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to further material delayslevels of inflation and cancellations of, or reduced demand for, procedures; curtailed or delayed capital spending by hospitals;interest rates; the conflict in Ukraine; the conflict between Israel and Hamas; disruption to our supply chain, including increased difficulties in obtaining a sufficient supply of materials in the semiconductor and other markets; curtailed or delayed capital spending by hospitals; the impact of global and regional economic and credit market conditions on healthcare spending; the risk that COVID-19 could lead to material delays and cancellations of, or reduced demand for, procedures; closures of our facilities; delays in surgeon training; delays in gathering clinical evidence; delays in obtaining new product approvals, clearances, or certifications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; the evaluation of the risks of robotic-assisted surgery in the presence of infectious diseases;, comparable regulatory authorities, or notified bodies; diversion of management and other resources to respond to COVID-19 outbreaks; the impact of global and regional economic and credit market conditions on healthcare spending; the risk that the COVID-19 virus disrupts local economies and causes economies in our key markets to enter prolonged recessions; the risk of our inability to comply with complex FDA and other regulations, which may result in significant enforcement actions; regulatory approvals, clearances, certifications, and restrictions or any dispute that may occur with any regulatory body; guidelines and recommendations in the healthcare and patient communities; healthcare reform legislation in the U.S. and its impact on hospital spending, reimbursement, and fees levied on certain medical device revenues; changes in hospital admissions and actions by payers to limit or manage surgical procedures; the timing and success of product development and market acceptance of developed products; the results of any collaborations, in-licensing arrangements, joint ventures, strategic alliances, or partnerships, including the joint venture with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd.; our completion of and ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, including Orpheus Medical;acquisitions; procedure counts; regulatory approvals, clearances, certifications, and restrictions or any dispute that may occur with any regulatory body; guidelines and recommendations in the healthcare and patient communities; intellectual property positions and litigation; competition in the medical device industry and in the specific markets of surgery in which we operate; risks associated with our operations and any expansion outside of the United States; unanticipated manufacturing disruptions or the inability to meet demand for products; our reliance on solesole- and single sourcesingle-sourced suppliers; the results of legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party;party, including, but not limited to, product liability and other litigation claims; adverse publicity regarding us and the safety of our products and adequacy of training; our ability to expand into foreign markets; the impact of changes to tax legislation, guidance, and interpretations; changes in tariffs, trade barriers, and regulatory requirements; and other risk factors.risks and uncertainties, including those listed under the caption “Risk Factors.” Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report and which are based on current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. RisksAdditional risks are described throughout this filing,report, particularly in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and include, but are not limited to, those summarized on the following pages.
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RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
Public health crises or epidemic diseases, or the perception of their effects, have and could continue to materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our reliance on sole and single source suppliers and our ability to purchase at acceptable prices a sufficient supply of materials, parts, and components could harm our ability to meet demand for our products in a timely manner or within budget.
Because our markets are highly competitive, and customers may choose to purchase our competitors’ products or services or may not accept da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery,medical procedures, which wouldcould result in reduced revenue and loss of market share.
The inflationary environmentMacroeconomic conditions could materially adversely impactaffect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We are subject to a variety of risks due to our operations outside of the U.S.
We are subject to litigation, investigations, and other legal proceedings relating to our products, customers, competitors, and government regulators that could materially adversely affect our financial condition, divert management’s attention, and harm our business.
Our reliance on sole- and single-sourced suppliers and ability to purchase at acceptable prices a sufficient supply of materials could harm our ability to meet product demand in a timely manner or within budget.
New product developments and introductions may adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We may encounter manufacturing problems or delays that could result in lost revenue.
We expect gross profit margins to vary over time, and changes in our gross profit margins could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
If our products do not achieve and maintain market acceptance, we will not be able to generate the revenue necessary to support our business.
If institutions or surgeonshospitals are unable to obtain coverage and reimbursement from third-party payors for procedures using our products, or if reimbursement is insufficient to cover the costs of purchasing our products, or if limitations are imposed by governments on the amount hospitals can charge for certain procedures, we may be unable to generate sufficient sales to support our business.
If our products contain defects or encounter performance problems, we may have to recall our products incur additional unforeseen costs, and our reputation may suffer.
We are subject to product liability and negligence claims relating to the use of our products and other legal proceedings that could materially adversely affect our financial condition, divert management’s attention, and harm our business.
We are subject to significant, uninsured liabilities.
Negative publicity, whether accurate or inaccurate, concerning our products or our company could reduce market acceptance of our products and could result in decreased product demand and a decline in revenues.
If we lose key personnel or are unable to attract and retain additional personnel, our ability to compete will be harmed and increases in labor costs could materially adversely impact our business and results of operations.
We experience long and variable capital sales cycles and seasonality in our business, which may cause fluctuations in our financial results.
New product developments and introductions may adversely impact our financial results.
We are subject to a variety of risks due to our operations outside of the U.S.
Disruption of critical information systems or material breaches in the security of our systems could harm our business, customer relations, and financial condition.
Our business is subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, and other matters relating to information collection.
If we fail to successfully acquire or integrate new businesses, products, and technology, we may not realize expected benefits or our business may be harmed.
If we do not successfully manage our collaboration arrangements, licensing arrangements, joint ventures, strategic alliances, or partnerships with third parties, we may not realize the expected benefits from such alliances, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Our customers may use unauthorized, unapproved, or uncertified instruments and accessories, which would result in reduced revenue and loss of market share.
We expect gross profit margins to vary over time, and changes in our gross profit margins could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
We utilize distributors for a portion of our sales and service of our products in certain countries, which subjects us to a number of risks that could harm our business.business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Public health crises or epidemic diseases, or the perception of their effects, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We could be subject to significant, uninsured losses, which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Information technology system failures, cyberattacks, or deficiencies in our cybersecurity could harm our business, customer relations, financial condition, or results of operations.
The failure to attract and retain key personnel could harm our ability to compete, and changes in our existing labor relationships could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Negative publicity, whether accurate or inaccurate, concerning our products or our company could reduce market acceptance of our products and could result in decreased product demand and reduced revenues.
We experience long and variable capital sales cycles and seasonality in our business, which may cause fluctuations in our financial results.
We offer alternative capital acquisition approaches. Asapproaches and, as a result, we are exposed to the credit risk of some of our customers and the risk of losses of revenue, which could result in material losses.
We are exposedThird parties may offer to credit risksell to our customers remanufactured and/or unauthorized instruments and fluctuationsaccessories or to service our systems, which could negatively impact safety, our financial results, and our reputation.
Our business is subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, and other matters relating to information collection.
Ongoing and potential future global conflicts could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Incorporating artificial intelligence into our products, services, and operations may result in the market valuelegal and regulatory risks or reputational harm or have other adverse consequences to our business, financial condition, or results of our investments.operations.
We may incur losses associated with currency fluctuations and may not be able to effectively hedge our exposure.
If we do not successfully manage our collaboration, licensing, joint venture, strategic alliance, or partnership arrangements with third parties, we may not realize the expected benefits from such arrangements, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
If we fail to successfully acquire or integrate new businesses, products, and technology, we may not realize expected benefits, or our business may be harmed.
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We are exposed to credit risk and fluctuations in the market value of our investments.
Changes in our effective tax rate may encounter manufacturing problemsadversely affect our business, financial condition, or delays that could result in lost revenue.results of operations.
Disruptions at the FDA and other government agencies or notified bodies caused by funding shortages or global health concerns could hinder their ability to hire, retain, or deploy key leadership and other personnel, or otherwise prevent products from being developed, cleared, certified, approved, or commercialized in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect our business.
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Tablebusiness, financial condition, or results of Contentsoperations.
We are subject to risks associated with real estate construction and development.
Climate change, natural disasters, or other events beyond our control could disrupt our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Continued consolidation in the healthcare industry could have an adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.
Economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our company.
Natural disastersbusiness, financial condition, or other events beyond our control could disrupt our business and result in loss of revenue or higher expenses.
Changes in our effective tax rate may impact our results of operations.
We use estimates, make judgments, and apply certain methods in determining our financial results and in measuring the progress of our business. As these estimates, judgments, and methods change, our results of operations and our assessment of the progress of our business could vary.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Complying with FDA and foreign regulations is a complex process, and our failure to fully comply could subject us to significant enforcement actions.
Our products are subject to a lengthy and uncertain domestic regulatory review process. If we do not obtain and maintain the necessary domestic regulatory authorizations, we will not be able to sell our products in the U.S.
Our products may cause or contribute to adverse medical events or be subject to failures or malfunctions that we are required to report to the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities and, if we fail to do so, we would be subject to sanctions that could harm our reputation, business, financial condition, andor results of operations.
If our manufacturing facilities do not continue to meet federal, state, or other manufacturing standards, we may be required to temporarily cease all or part of our manufacturing operations, import/export of our products, and/or recall some products, which would result in significant product delivery delays and lost revenue.
Our products are subject to international regulatory processes and approval or certification requirements. If we do not obtain and maintain the necessary international regulatory approvals or certifications, we will not be able to sell our products in other countries.
Changes in healthcare legislation and policy may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, andor results of operations.
We are subject to federal, state, and foreign laws governing our business practices, which, if violated, could result in substantial penalties. Additionally, challenges to, or investigation into, our practices could cause adverse publicity and be costly to respond to and, thus, could harm our business.business, financial condition, or results of operations.
If hospitals and other surgery facilities do not continue to meet federal, state, or other regulatory standards, they may be required to temporarily cease all or part of their da Vincisystem utilization.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
If we are unable to fully protect and successfully defend our intellectual property from use by third parties, our ability to compete in the market may be harmed.
Others may be successful in asserting that our products infringe their intellectual property rights, which may cause us to pay substantial damages and/or enjoin us from commercializing our products.
Our products rely on licenses from third parties, which may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we lose access to these technologies, our revenues could decline.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
Our future operating results may be below securities analysts’ or investors’ expectations, which could cause our stock price to decline.
Our stock price has been, and will likely continue to be, volatile.
Changes to financial accounting standards may affect our reported results of operations.
The summary of material risk factors described above should be read together with the text of the full risk factors below in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements and the related notes, as well as other documents that we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The risks summarized above or described in full below are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not precisely known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.operations.
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PART I
ITEM 1.     BUSINESS
In this report, “Intuitive Surgical,” “Intuitive,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. Intuitive®, Intuitive Surgical®, da Vinci®, da Vinci S®, da Vinci S HD Surgical System®, da Vinci Si®, da Vinci X®, da Vinci Xi®, da Vinci 5, da Vinci SP®, EndoWrist®, Firefly®, InSite®, SureFormIntuitive 3D Models®, Intuitive Hub, Ion®, IrisMy Intuitive, OnSite®, SimNow®, SureForm®, and SynchroSeal® are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Company.
Company Background
As part of Intuitive’s mission, we believe minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints. We envision a future of care that is less invasive and profoundly better, where diseases are identified earlier and treated quickly so patients can get back to what matters most.
Intuitive is committed to advancing minimally invasive care through a comprehensive ecosystem of products and services. This connected ecosystem includes systems, instruments and accessories, learning, and services connected by a digital portfolio that enables precisionactionable digital insights across the care continuum and control, seamless interactionsprovides enhanced capabilities, intraoperative guidance, decision support, and experiences,a personalized learning journey, all with the goal to help improve outcomes and meaningful insights to drive better care.efficiency.
Intuitive brings nearly three decades of experience and technical innovation to our robotic-assisted surgical solutions. While surgery and acute interventions have improved significantly in the past decades, there remains a significant need for better outcomes and decreased variability of these outcomes across care teams. The current healthcare environment continues to stress critical resources, including the professionals who staff care teams: surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other staff.teams. At the same time, governments strain to cover the healthcare needs of their populations and demand lower total costcosts per patient to treat disease. In the face of these challenges, we believe scientific and technological advances in biology, computing, imaging, algorithms, and robotics may offer new methods to solve continued and difficult problems.
We address our customercustomers’ needs by sharing their goals reflected in the quadruple aim.Quadruple Aim. First, we focus on improving patient outcomes through an ecosystem of advanced robotic systems, instruments and accessories, progressive technology learning pathways, and comprehensive support and program assistance services. Second, we seek to improve the patient experience by minimizing disruption to lives and creating greater predictability for the treatment experience. Third, we seek to improve care team satisfaction by creating products and services that are dependable, smart, and optimized for the care environment in which they are used. Finally, we seek to lower the total cost to treat per patient episode when compared with existing treatment alternatives, providing a return on investment for hospitals and healthcare systems and value for payers.
Products
Systems
Advanced robotic systems provide precise, powerful systems with high-performance vision, extending the care team’s capabilities to enhance minimally invasive care. These systems include the da Vinci Surgical System,surgical system, which was designed to enable complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach, and the Ion endoluminal system, which extends our commercial offerings beyond surgery into diagnostic procedures, enabling minimally invasive biopsies in the lung.
Da Vinci Surgical Systems
By striving to find less invasive ways to enter the body, provide clearer views of anatomy and more precise tissue interactions, and helpinghelp hone surgical skills, Intuitive launched its first da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system in 1999. In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”)FDA cleared da Vinci for general laparoscopic surgery.
There are several models of the da Vinci Surgical System:surgical system: our fourth generation da Vinci X, da Vinci Xi, and da Vinci SP Surgical Systems,surgical systems, our third generation da Vinci Si Surgical System,surgical system, our second generation da Vinci S Surgical System,surgical system, and our first generation da Vinci standard Surgical System.surgical system. The da Vinci surgical systems are designed to enable surgeons to perform a wide range of surgical procedures within our targeted general surgery, urologic, gynecologic, cardiothoracic, and head and neck specialties. To date, surgeons have used the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system to perform dozens of different types of surgical procedures. Da Vinci systems offer surgeons three dimensional,three-dimensional, high definition (“3DHD”) vision, a magnified view, and robotic and computer assistance. They use specialized instrumentation, including a miniaturized surgical camera (endoscope) and wristed instruments (e.g., scissors, scalpels, forceps, etc.)and forceps) that are designed to help with precise dissection and reconstruction deep inside the body.
Our da Vinci surgical systems are comprised of the following components:
Surgeon’sSurgeon Console. The da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system allows surgeons to operate while comfortably seated at an ergonomic console viewing a 3DHD image of the surgical field. The surgeon’s fingers grasp instrument controls below the display
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with the surgeon’s hands naturally positioned relative to his or her eyes. Using electronic hardware, software, algorithms,
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and mechanics, our technology translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise and corresponding real-time micro movements of the da Vinci instruments positioned inside the patient. On most of our current systems (da Vinci X, da Vinci Xi,, da Vinci SP, and da Vinci Si), a second surgeon’ssurgeon console may be used in two ways: to provide assistance to the primary surgeon during surgery or to act as an active aid during surgeon-proctor training sessions. With the da Vinci X, da Vinci Xi,, da Vinci SP, and da Vinci Si, a surgeon sitting at a second console can view the same surgery as the primary surgeon and can be passed control of some or all of the da Vinci instruments during the surgery. In addition, surgeons can control 3D virtual pointers to augment the dual-surgeon experience. The da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system is designed to allow surgeons to operate while seated, which may be clinically advantageous because of reduced surgeon fatigue. The da Vinci Surgical System’ssurgical system’s design provides natural hand-eye alignment at the surgeon’ssurgeon console. Because the da Vinci Surgical System’ssurgical system’s robotic arms hold the camera and instruments steady, there is less surgeon and assistant fatigue.
Patient-Side Cart. The patient-side cart holds electromechanical arms that manipulate the instruments inside the patient. UpFor our da Vinci Xi, da VinciX, and da VinciSi surgical systems, up to four arms attached to the cart can be positioned, as appropriate, and then locked into place. At least two arms hold surgical instruments, one representing the surgeon’s left hand and one representing the surgeon’s right hand. A third arm positions the endoscope, allowing the surgeon to easily move, zoom, and rotate the field of vision. A fourth instrument arm extends surgical capabilities by enabling the surgeon to add a third instrument to perform additional tasks. The fourth instrument arm is a standard, integrated feature on the da Vinci X, da Vinci Xi, and da Vinci Si Surgical Systems.surgical systems. Our da Vinci SP Surgical Systemsingle-port (“SP”) surgical system includes a single arm with three multi-jointed, wristed instruments and the first da Vinci fully wristed, 3DHD camera. The instruments and the camera all emerge through a single cannula and are triangulated around the target anatomy to avoid external instrument collisions that can occur in narrow surgical workspaces.
3DHD Vision System. Our vision system includes a 3DHD endoscope with two independent vision channels linked to two separate color monitors through sophisticated image processing electronics and software. The resulting 3DHD image has high resolution, high contrast, low flicker, and low cross fading. A digital zoom feature in the 3DHD vision system allows surgeons to magnify the surgical field of view without adjusting the endoscope position and, thereby, reduces interference between the endoscope and instruments. The 3DHD vision system is a standard, integrated feature on the da Vinci X, da Vinci Xi, da Vinci SP, da Vinci Si, and da Vinci S Surgical Systems.surgical systems.
Firefly Fluorescence Imaging (“Firefly”). Firefly is a standard feature of the da Vinci X, da Vinci Xi, and da Vinci XiSP sSurgical Systemsurgical systems and is available as an upgrade on our da Vinci Si Surgical System.surgical system. This imaging capability combines an injectable fluorescent dye with a specialized da Vinci camera head, endoscope, and laser-based illuminator to allow surgeons to identify vasculature, tissue perfusion, or biliary ducts in three dimensions beneath tissue surfaces in real-time. The most common procedural categories for the use of Firefly is typically used in the procedure categories ofare urology, gynecology, and general surgery.
Da Vinci Xi Integrated Table Motion. Integrated Table Motion coordinates the movements of the da Vinci robotic arms with an advanced operating room (“OR”) table, the TS 7000dV OR Table sold by HillromTM, to enable managing the patient’s position in real-time while the da Vinci robotic arms remain docked. This gives OR teams the capability to optimally positionimprove the positioning of the operating table during da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system procedures. Integrated Table Motion enables the patient to be dynamically positioned during the procedure. It enables surgeons to maximizeextend reach, facilitate access, and choose the angle of approach to target anatomy, as well as reposition the table during the procedure to enhance anesthesiologists’ management of the patient.
Ion Endoluminal System
In 2019, the FDA cleared our Ion endoluminal system, which enables minimally invasive biopsies in the lung. Our Ion system is a flexible, robotic-assisted, catheter-based platform that utilizes instruments and accessories for which the first cleared indication is minimally invasive biopsies in the lung. Our Ion system extends our commercial offering beyond surgery into diagnostic, endoluminal procedures with this first application.procedures. The system features an ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter that can articulate 180 degrees in all directions and allows navigation far into the peripheral lung and provides the stability necessary for precision in a biopsy. Many suspicious lesions found in the lung may be small and difficult to access, which can make diagnosis challenging, and Ion helps physicians obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung, which could help enable earlier diagnosis.
Surgical Instruments and Accessories
We offer a comprehensive suite of stapling, energy, and core instrumentation for our multi-port da Vinci surgical systems. Our technology is designed to transform the surgeon’s natural hand movements outside of the body into corresponding micro-movements inside the patient’s body and suture with precision, just as they can in open surgery. With our technology, a surgeon can also use “motion scaling,” a feature that translates, for example, a three-millimeter hand movement outside the patient’s body into a one-millimeter instrument movement in the surgical field inside the patient’s body. Motion scaling is designed to allow precision and control for delicate tasks. In addition, our technology filters the tremor inherent in a surgeon’s hands.
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Da Vinci Instruments. WeMost of the various instruments that we manufacture a variety of instruments, most of which incorporate EndoWrist technology with wristed joints for natural dexterity and tips customized for various surgical procedures. Da Vinci instruments are offered
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in a variety of diameters, of which 8mm and 12mm diameter sizes are the most commonly sold. Various da Vinci instrument tips include forceps, scissors, electrocautery tools, scalpels, and other surgical tools that are familiar to the surgeon from open surgery and conventional MIS.minimally invasive surgery (“MIS”). A variety of instruments may be selected and used interchangeably during a surgery. Most instruments are sterilizable at the hospital, while others are provided sterile, and most are reusable for a defined number of procedures. A programmed memory chip inside each instrument performs several functions that help determine how the da Vinci system and instruments work together. In addition, the chip generally will generally not allow the instrument to be used for more than the prescribed number of procedures to help ensure that its performance meets specifications during each procedure.
In 2020, we announced our “Extended Use Program,” which consists of select da Vinci Xi and da Vinci X instruments possessing 12 to 18 uses (“Extended Use Instruments”), compared to previouslythe previous 10 uses. These Extended Use Instruments represent some of our higher volume instruments but exclude stapling, monopolar, and advanced energy instruments. Instruments included in the program are used across a number of da Vinci surgeries. Their increased uses are the result of continuous, significant investments in the design and production capabilities of our instruments, resulting in improved quality and durability. Extended Use Instruments were introduced in the U.S. and Europe in the fourth quarter of 2020 and were launched in most other countries around the world during the first half of 2021, except China, duewhere they were launched in the second half of 2023. We believe that, as of the end of 2021, in the U.S. and Europe, full cutover to regulatory timelines. They will continue to be introduced at various times throughout 2022 in other geographies, depending on regulatory processes.Extended Use Instruments had occurred, as customers had substantially utilized all of their remaining 10 use instruments.
Da Vinci Stapling. The EndoWristStapler is a and SureForm Staplers are wristed, stapling instrumentinstruments intended for resection, transection, and/orand creation of anastomoses. This instrument enables operatorsThese instruments enable surgeons to precisely position and fire the stapler. We markethave various clearances for five staplers availablethat can be used with the da Vinci X and da Vinci Xi Surgical Systems:surgical systems: the EndoWrist Stapler 30 and 45 staplers and the SureForm Stapler 30, 45, and 60 staplers, where the numeric designation indicates the length of the staple line. The EndoWrist Stapler 30 stapler is intended to deliver particular utility with fine tissue interaction in lobectomy and other thoracic procedures. The EndoWrist Stapler 45 stapler is used in general surgery, gynecologic, thoracic, and urologic procedures. The SureForm Staplers 30, 45, and 60 staplers are single-use, fully wristed, stapling instruments intended to be used in general surgery, thoracic, gynecologic, urologic, and pediatric surgery procedures. The SureForm Stapler 30 received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance in December 2021 andstapler may deliver particular utility in thoracic procedures. The SureForm 45 stapler may deliverreceive particular utilityuse in thoracic and colorectal procedures where maneuverability and visualization are limited. The SureForm Stapler 60 stapler is a single-use, fully wristed, stapling instrument intended to deliver particular utilityvalue in bariatric procedures. We marketalso have various clearances for five stapler reloads: gray (2.0 mm), white (2.5 mm), blue (3.5 mm), green (4.3 mm), and black (4.6 mm). Not all reloads are available for use on all staplers. Not all staplers or reloads are available in all countries.
Da Vinci Energy. The EndoWrist One Vessel Sealer Extend is a single-use, fully wristed, single-useadvanced bipolar instrument that is compatible with our fourth-generation multi-port surgical systems. Vessel Sealer Extend is also compatible with certain third-party electrosurgical generators. It is intended for grasping and blunt dissection of tissue, bipolar coagulation, and mechanical transection of vessels up to 7mm7 mm in diameter and tissue bundles that fit in the jaws of the instrument. This instrument enables surgeons to fully control vessel sealing, while providing the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery. This instrumentsurgery, and is designed to enhance surgical efficiency and autonomy in a variety of general surgery and gynecologic procedures. The da Vinci Vessel Sealer Extend is our newest instrument in the Vessel Sealing family of products. The da Vinci Vessel Sealer Extend is a single-use, fully wristed bipolar electrosurgical instrument compatible with our fourth generation multiport systems. It is intended for grasping and blunt dissection of tissue and for bipolar coagulation and mechanical transection of vessels up to 7mm in diameter and tissue bundles that fit in the jaws of the instrument.
The E-100 generator is Intuitive’s first generator and is offered as an upgrade to power theour da Vinci Vessel Sealer Extend and our SynchroSeal instrument, which was cleared by the FDA in November 2019.instruments. SynchroSeal enables a surgeon to perform rapid, one-step sealing and transection with a single pedal press. SynchroSeal uses advanced bipolar energy from its raised cut electrode to transect tissue and then cool down quickly.
Accessory Products. We sell various accessory products, which are used in conjunction with the da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems as surgical procedures are performed. Accessory products include sterile drapes used to help ensure a sterile field during surgery, vision products, such as replacement 3D stereo endoscopes, camera heads, and light guides, and other items that facilitate use of the da Vinci Surgical Systems.surgical systems.
Learning
Intuitive provides a progressive learning pathwaysjourney to support the safe and effective use of our technology. These training pathways leverage both learning engagements and learning technologies. Learning engagement touchpoints vary by specific pathway, skill level, and interest, while learning technologies enable and provide training directly to the customer. The portfolio of learning offerings includes role-specific Training Pathways, Learning Engagements,training pathways, learning engagements, and Learning Technology.learning technology.
Training Pathways. Intuitive Training Pathways are progressiveIntuitive’s training pathways provide a systematic learning journeysjourney that help ourhelps customers achieve proficiency using Intuitive technology.build technical proficiency. There are pathways for surgeons and physicians, residents and fellows, OR care teams, patient side assists, and robotic coordinators, as well as recommendations for executives.
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Learning Engagements. Intuitive Learning Engagementslearning engagements are touchpoints that support customers throughout their learning journeys. They vary by pathway, skill level, and focus area. Engagements include case observations, online education, in-service training, simulation/skills training, OR care team training, technology training, reprocessing training, proctoring, advanced training, and curriculum development support. Many of these programs take place at established Intuitive training centers and include instructionare taught by expert surgeonsexperienced Intuitive staff, while our advanced courses are taught by surgeon and physicians.physician instructors.
Learning Technology. Learning Technologies include solutions that provide education and training directlytechnologies are designed to help customers access training. Enabling technology helps bring innovative offerings to the customer as well as the enabling technologies that make provision possible.customer. Intuitive’s enabling technologies include Telepresence and the Procedure Analytics Platform. SpecificLearning technology solutions include Intuitive Learning, SimNow, customized training models, remote case observations, and remote proctoring. Two of the technology solutions most heavily utilizedoften used by customers are Intuitive Learning and SimNow.
Intuitive Learning. Intuitive Learning provides ourenables customers with access to thecomplete technology and procedure education, while also being able to view, assign, and track technology and simulation materials essential to their specific learning journeys. Both assignment of learning materialslearning. Intuitive Learning’s user roles include surgeons/physicians, residents/fellows, care teams, patient side assists, robotic coordinators, and tracking of learning progress occur seamlessly within the platform. While Intuitive Learning plans guide learners through each step in their pathways, customers are also able to search the platform independently for additional materials that may be relevant to their area of focus. This platform also provides customers with immediate access to their various training certificates.sterile reprocessing staff.
SimNow. Our cloud-enabled SimNow simulation platform is a practice tool that gives a user the opportunity to practice their skills and gain familiarity with the surgeon console controls and supports the user'suser’s progressive learning pathway. SimNow incorporates 3D, physics-based computer simulation technology to immerse the user within a virtual environment and provides training capabilities that have been used extensively by surgeons. The user navigates through the environment and completes exercises by controlling virtual instruments from the surgeon console. Upon completion of a skills exercise, the skills simulator provides a quantitative assessment of user performance based on a variety of task-specific metrics. The SimNow online connection drives real-time simulation performance tracking for surgeons and administrators through an online dashboard and supports remote updates of the VR content and 3DHD videos to drive a more interactive and engaging customer experience. SimNow is intended to augment, not replace, existing training programs for the da Vinci X, da Vinci Xi, and da Vinci SP Surgical Systems.surgical systems.
Services
We have a network of field service engineers across the U.S., Europe, and Asia and maintain relationships with various distributors around the globe. This infrastructure of service and support specialists offers a full complement of services for our customers, including 24/7 support, installation, repair, maintenance, 24/7 technical support, and maintenance.proactive system health monitoring.
Our comprehensive support and program assistance helps to ensure customers and care teams maximize program performance and protect their investment. Services include readiness support, maintenance support, ORperioperative consulting, CustomerCustom Hospital Analytics, and market consulting optimization.
Readiness and Maintenance Support. Readiness support is operational support to assureensure smooth onboarding and adoption of new systems and technology. Maintenance support helps to maximize operational efficiency and reduce unplanned equipment downtime. It includes servicesservice care plans, support teams, onsiteOnSite monitoring, software upgrades and updates, as well as a maintenance customer portal. The service care plan portfolio offers flexible service plans to ensure reliability of the systems and instruments and help optimize the robotics program. The support team of expert field service, remote technical support, and customer care techniciansagents resolve and prevent any technology issues and maximizethat could inhibit optimal utilization. OnSite Monitoringmonitoring offers remote service in real-time for pre-operative and intraoperative troubleshooting, as well as proactive monitoring of system performance. Software upgrades and updates enable the latest product innovations, enhancements, and enhancements.reliability improvements. The maintenance customer portal is an online tool that delivers on-demand dataenables customers to set, monitor,access system utilization and program analytics, view orders and maintenance history, and initiate product returns and exchanges to help achieve the operational and financial goals of a robotics program.
ORPerioperative Consulting. ORPerioperative consulting is a suite of customized solutions to improve a hospital’s efficiency and performance with Intuitive technologies. New system integration support is available to streamline the start-up process and expedite increased procedure volumes. Overall program assessments help to support efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and system access optimization.
Program Analytics. Our Custom Hospital Analytics program enables the integration of data sources so that individual health institutions can analyze their data in their own environment. Using this data, executives, administrators, chiefs of surgery,care teams, and surgeons can gain alignment around their programs based on their KPIs, determine best practices, assess gaps, and take actionable steps to address any gaps.
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Digital Solutions
Integrated digital capabilities provide unified and connected offerings, streamlining performance for hospitals with program-enhancing insights. Secure-by-design, cloud-enabled products analyze and simplify essential data to continuously optimize the use of time, tools, and techniques.
Intuitive Hosted & Managed Services. The vast majority of our systems are network connected and directly communicate with Intuitive to enable proactive monitoring as well as provide software updates and data insights to Intuitive customers.
3D Modeling Services. In February 2019, the FDA cleared Iris, Intuitive’sIntuitive 3D Models is our augmented reality imaging product for use in kidney, prostate, lung, and rectal procedures. The service extracts CT and MR scans, runs them through machine-learningsegmentation algorithms and, after technicians’ revision and radiologists’ review, returns a 3D segmented model of the kidneyorgan for use in planning for a procedure, and for intraoperative visualization, of the area.and surgical education. The tool uses augmented reality to give surgeons an image with details of the kidneyorgan anatomy – blood vessels, tumor shape, and size – that they may not be able to see well with other imaging. Intuitive designed this to help with pre-operative planning and intraoperative guidance to let surgeons know where critical anatomy sits as they work through a procedure, as well as to be shared as a teaching tool for other physicians and patients. It can also be partThe product has recently been launched, and we are in the process of bringing the viewing experience inside of the da Vinci surgeon console to enhance information and let surgeons know where critical anatomy sits as they work through a procedure. The service is currently being used in pilot studies. We launched our first pilot site in 2019, continued in 2020 with select sites and have six pilot sites as of December 31, 2021.onboard.
My Intuitive. This recently launched mobile and web application was developed to be the single point for Intuitive customers to access products, services, and personalindividual or program-level data insights.from Intuitive. The application also offers comparisons of those insights with anonymized national benchmarks to help drive operational efficiencies and decreased costs. The most recent versionIt enables mobile access to Intuitive’s Learning platform, case reports generated automatically for the surgeon, and an ability for surgeons to publish their practice information online for patients seeking local physicians.
Intuitive Hub. Intuitive Hub captures, transfers, and stores clinical media asis part of anour OR informatics platform that integrates multiple applications and data sets to help orchestrate medical procedure workflows. The most recent update connectsFor the da Vinci system to the media management application, automatingcare team, Intuitive Hub acts as a point-of-care device that automates tasks, such as video recording and bookmarking, and editing for physicians aimed at improving workflow efficiencies outsidecan be used to facilitate peer-to-peer collaboration by utilizing the OR.telepresence feature. For surgeons, Intuitive Hub connects video and other data that can be accessed after a surgical procedure to help facilitate personalized learning and increased efficiency.
Business Strategy
We align our goals to those of our customers, often called the Quadruple Aim: enabling physicians and hospitals to improve outcomes for their patients, improve their patient’s and the care team’s experience, and lower the total cost to treat per patient episode. Through the use of Intuitive’s smart, connected systems, robotic technologies, advanced imaging, and informatics, our objective is to create value for patients, surgeons,physicians, and hospitals, as summarized below.
Patient Value. We believe that the value of a medical procedure to a patient can be defined: Patient Value = Procedure Efficacy / Invasiveness. We define procedure efficacy as a measure of the success of the procedure in helping resolve the underlying disease, and invasiveness as a measure of patient pain and disruption of regular activities. When the patient value of a procedure using an Intuitive product is greater than that of alternative treatmentintervention options, patients may benefit from seeking out surgeonsphysicians and hospitals that offer those products, which could potentially result in a local market share shift. Adoption of Intuitive technology occurs procedure by procedure and market by market and is driven by the relative patient value and the total treatmentintervention costs of da Vinci and Ion procedures as compared to alternative treatmentintervention options for the same disease state or condition. We believe that most patients will place a higher value on procedures that are not only more efficacious but also less invasive than alternative treatments.interventions. Our goal is to provide products to surgeonsphysicians who, in turn, provide patients with procedure options that are both highly effective and less invasive than others.
SurgeonPhysician Value. We offer physicians and their operating room staff training on the technical use of our products. We provide an ergonomic platform through ourOur da Vinci surgical system provides an ergonomic platform for surgeons to perform their procedures. We seek to provide surgeons with reliable and easy-to-use products. For example, the change to cloud-based analytics and routine use of local analytics may help surgeons track their procedures and processes and, with a network-connected smartphone and the My Intuitive app, surgeons can access and explore their procedure data, such as console time and instrument usage, to gain insights into their program. Ion brings physicians an immersive bronchoscopy experience from visualizing the lung anatomy and planning each patient’s procedure to navigating and biopsying small nodules in the peripheral lung. Results from early studies have demonstrated relatively low occurrence of pneumothorax requiring intervention.
Hospital Value. We assisthelp hospitals in buildingbuild value by offering patient value using da Vinci products, thereby increasing surgical revenue and reducing costs through lower complication rates and reduced lengths of patient stay. For example, we believe robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system is a cost-effective approach to many surgeries as compared to alternative treatment options, as recognized in many published studies. We also offer our Custom Hospital Analytics program, which enables the integration of data sources so that individual health institutions can analyze their data in their own environment. Using this data, administrators, chiefs of surgery, and surgeons can gain
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this data, administrators, chiefs of surgery, and surgeons can gain alignment around their programs based on their KPIs, determine best practices, assess gaps, and take actionable steps to address any gaps.
Clinical Applications
We are the beneficiaries of productive collaborations with leading surgeons in exploring and developing new techniques and applications for robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system and minimally invasive biopsies with the Ion endoluminal system—an important part of our creative process. We primarily focus our development efforts on those procedures in which we believe our products bring the highest patient value, surgeon value, and hospital value. We currently focus on five surgical specialties: general surgery, urologic surgery, gynecologic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and head and neck surgery. Key procedures that we are focused on include hernia repair, colon and rectal procedures, cholecystectomy, bariatric surgery, prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, hysterectomy, sacrocolpopexy, lobectomy, and transoral robotic surgery. We also focus on minimally invasive biopsies in the lung. Representative surgical applications are described below.
General Surgery
Hernia Repair. A hernia occurs when an organ or other tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue. During a hernia repair surgery, the weakened tissue is secured, and defects are repaired. Common types of herniahernias are ventral and inguinal. Ventral, or abdominal hernia, may occur through a scar after surgery in the abdomen. Inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin and is more common in men. Hernia repair can be performed using traditional open surgery or MIS. There is a wide-rangewide range of complexity in hernia repair surgeries and varying surgeon opinionopinions regarding optimal surgical approach. The benefits of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted hernia repair surgery vary by patient.
Colorectal Surgery. These procedures typically involve benign or cancerous conditions of the lower digestive system, in particular the rectum or colon. Common procedures in this area include hemicolectomy, sigmoidectomy, low anterior resection, and abdominoperineal resection. Surgeons have reported that the use of robotic-assisted surgery with a da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system and our latest technologies, such as the EndoWrist Stapler and da Vinci Energy, havehas enabled them to offer MIS approaches to a broader range of colorectal surgery patients.
Cholecystectomy. Cholecystectomy, or the surgical removal of the gall bladder,gallbladder, is a commonly performed general surgery procedure. Cholecystectomy is the primary method for the treatment of gallstones and other gall bladdergallbladder diseases. Most cholecystectomies are performed using multi-port MIS techniques, although some surgeons choose to perform cholecystectomy using manual single-port instrumentation. Firefly technology can be used to visualize biliary anatomy in three dimensions beneath the tissue surfaces during multi-port da Vinci cholecystectomies.
Bariatric Surgery.  A body of literature points to the benefit of surgery to treat patients forwith morbid obesity and its secondary effects, such as diabetes. Sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (“RYGB”) are commonly performed surgical procedures for morbid obesity in the U.S. The body habitus of morbidly obese patients can make laparoscopic surgery physically challenging for the surgeon, and certain surgeons have found value in using the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system to improve upon the ergonomics when performing MIS in morbidly obese patients. In addition, RYGB can be a technically challenging procedure due to the suturing, stapling, and tissue (bowel) manipulation that is required. Surgeons using the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system have reported a reduction in a critical complication (anastomotic leaks) relative to laparoscopic RYGB. Also, we believe SureForm 60 may have particular utility in bariatric procedures.
Urologic Surgery
Prostatectomy. Radical prostatectomy is the removal of the prostate gland in patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer. The standard approach to the removal of the prostate was via an open surgical procedure. The conventional laparoscopic approach is an option, but it is difficult and poses challenges to even the most skilled urologist. The da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system has enabled a large number of surgeons to convert from using an open surgical technique to a minimally invasive technique.
Partial Nephrectomy. Partial nephrectomy is the removal of a small portion of a kidney (typically, an area of the kidney containing a tumor). Partial nephrectomies are most commonly performed in patients diagnosed with clinically localized renal cancer. Excluding robotic-assisted surgery with a da Vinci Surgical System,surgical system, there are three common surgical approaches to performing partial nephrectomies: open surgical technique, laparoscopy, and hand-assisted laparoscopy, which is a hybrid of the open and laparoscopic techniques. Surgeons have reported that the da Vinci Surgical System’ssurgical system’s capabilities may enable a large number of these procedures to be performed through a minimally invasive technique, conferring the benefits of MIS to a broader range of partial nephrectomy patients. Treatment guidelines for patients with localized renal cancer recommend partial nephrectomy due to the benefits that nephron-sparing surgery has in long-term patient outcomes. Published clinical literature has shown that the presence of a da Vinci sSurgical Systemurgical system is associated with a higher-proportion of patients receiving a guideline-recommended partial nephrectomy.
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Gynecologic Surgery
Hysterectomy. Removal of the uterus is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in gynecology and is performed for a variety of underlying benign and cancerous conditions. Hysterectomies can be performed using open surgery (laparotomy) or MIS techniques, which include vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted approaches. Prior to the clearance of the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system for use in gynecological procedures in 2005, the majority of hysterectomies performed were open surgeries. We believe that robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system provides patients the opportunity to receive a minimally invasive treatment as an alternative to an open hysterectomy.
Sacrocolpopexy. The abdominal (open) sacrocolpopexy is one of the operations performed to treat vaginal vault prolapse. Sacrocolpopexy involves suturing a synthetic mesh that connects and supports the vagina to the sacrum (tailbone). A sacrocolpopexy can be performed using a conventional laparoscopic technique; however, it is generally described as difficult and cumbersome to perform. Surgeons have reported that the da Vinci Surgical System’ssurgical system’s capabilities may enable a larger number of these procedures to be performed through a minimally invasive technique, conferring the benefits of MIS to a broader range of sacrocolpopexy patients.
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Thoracic Surgery. Conventional approaches to surgical procedures in the thorax include both open and video-assisted thoracoscopic approaches. Procedures performed via these methods include pulmonary wedge resection, pulmonary lobectomy, thymectomy, mediastinal mass excision, and esophagectomy. Many thoracic procedures remain open procedures. Surgeons have reported that the use of robotic-assisted surgery with a da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system in thoracic surgery has enabled them to offer MIS approaches to a broader range of thoracic surgery patients and improved clinical outcomes compared to open and video-assisted thoracic surgery in published single-center, multi-center, and national database clinical studies. Also, we believe the EndoWrist Stapler 30 and the SureForm Stapler 30 which received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance in December 2021, may have particular utility in thoracic procedures.
Head and Neck Surgery
Transoral Surgery. Head and neck cancers are typically treated by either surgical resection or chemo-radiation, or a combination of both. Surgical resection performed by an open approach may require a “jaw-splitting” mandibulotomy. This procedure, while effective in treating cancer, is potentially traumatic and disfiguring to the patient. MIS approaches via the mouth (transoral surgery) are challenged by line-of-sight limitations dictated by conventional endoscopic tools. Chemo-radiation as a primary therapy does allow patients to avoid traumatic surgical incisions; however, the literature suggests that this modality diminishes patients’ ability to speak and swallow normally. Surgeons have reported that da Vinci transoral surgery allows them to operate on tumors occurring in the oropharynx (i.e., tonsil and base of tongue) and larynx via the mouth and to overcome some of the line-of-sight limitations of conventional transoral surgery.
Da Vinci Procedure Mix
Our da Vinci procedure business is broadly split into two categories: (1) cancer procedures and (2) procedures for benign conditions. Cancer and other highly complex procedures tend to be reimbursed at higher rates than less complex procedures for benign conditions. Thus, hospitals are more sensitive to the costs associated with treating less complex, benign conditions. Our strategy is to provide hospitals with attractive clinical and economiceconomical solutions across the spectrum of procedure complexity. Our fully featured da Vinci Xi sSurgical Systemurgical system with advanced instruments, including the da Vinci Energy and EndoWrist and SureForm Stapler products, and our Integrated Table Motion product, targets the more complex procedure segment. Our da Vinci X Surgical Systemsurgical system is targeted towards price sensitivetoward price-sensitive markets and procedures. Our da Vinci SP Surgical Systemsurgical system complements the da Vinci Xi and X Surgical Systemssurgical systems by enabling surgeons to access narrow workspaces.
Clinical Summary
There are approximatelyover 70 representative clinical uses for da Vinci Surgical Systems.surgical systems. We believe that there are numerous additional applications that can be addressed with the da Vinci Surgical System,surgical system, and we work closely with our surgeon customers to refine and explore new techniques in which a da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system may bring value. As of December 31, 2021,2023, we had an installed base of 6,7308,606 da Vinci Surgical Systems,surgical systems, including 4,1395,111 in the U.S., 1,1991,617 in Europe, 1,0501,484 in Asia, and 342394 in the rest of the world. We estimate that surgeons using our technology completed approximately 1,594,0002,286,000 surgical procedures of various types in hospitals throughout the world during the year ended December 31, 2021.2023.
Additionally, over time, we believe that there are numerous additional applications that can be addressed with the Ion endoluminal system. As of December 31, 2021,2023, we had an installed base of 129534 Ion endoluminal systems, 128531 of which are located in the U.S. We plan to seek additional clearances, certifications, or approvals for Ion in markets outside of the U.S. (“OUS”) over time.
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Sales and Customer Support
Sales Model
We provide our products through direct sales organizations in the U.S., Europe (excluding Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and most Eastern European countries), China, Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan and, Taiwan. In January 2019,since June 2022, Canada. We provide products and services in China through our Intuitive-Fosunmajority-owned joint venture (referred to herein as the “Joint(“Joint Venture”) with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Fosun Pharma”) acquired certain assets related to the distribution business of Chindex Medical Limited and its affiliates (“Chindex”), a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, which has been our distribution partner for da Vinci Surgical Systems in China since 2011, and began direct operations for da Vinci products and services in China.affiliates. See “Item 7. ManagementManagement’s Discussion and Analysis”Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further details on the Joint Venture. In the remainder of our markets outside of the U.S., we provide our products through distributors. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, domestic revenue accounted for 67%66%, 68%67%, and 70%67%, respectively, of total revenue, while revenue from our OUS markets accounted for 33%34%, 32%33%, and 30%33%, respectively, of total revenue. As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, 84% and 83% of all long-lived assets were in the U.S., respectively.
Our direct sales organization is composed of a capital sales team, responsible for selling systems, and a clinical sales team, responsible for supporting system usethe systems used in procedures performed at our hospital accounts. Our hospital accounts include both individual hospitals and healthcare facilities as well as hospitals and healthcare facilities that are part of an integrated delivery network (“IDN groups”). The initial system sale into an account is a major capital equipment purchase by our customers and typically has a lengthy sales cycle that can be affected by macroeconomic factors, capital spending prioritization, the timing of budgeting cycles, and competitive bidding processes.the evaluation of alternative products. Capital sales activities include educating surgeons or physicians and hospital staff across multiple specialties on the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery with a da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system or robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with an Ion endoluminal system, total treatment costs, and the clinical applications that our technology enables. We also train our sales organization to educate hospital management on the potential benefits of adopting our technology, including the clinical benefits of robotic-assisted surgery with a da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system or robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with an Ion endoluminal system, potential reductions in complications and lengthsupport of stay, and the resulting potential for increased patient satisfaction, surgeon or physician recruitment, and procedure volume.their Quadruple Aim objectives.
Our clinical sales team works on site at hospitals, interacting with surgeons or physicians, operating room staff, and hospital administrators to develop and sustain successful robotic-assisted surgery or bronchoscopy programs. They assist the hospital in identifying surgeons or physicians who have an interest in robotic-assisted surgery or bronchoscopy and the potential benefits provided by the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system and the Ion endoluminal system. Our clinical sales team provides current clinical information on robotic-assisted surgery or bronchoscopy practices and new product applications to the hospital teams. Our clinical sales team has grown with the expanded installed bases of da VinciSurgicalSystems surgical systems and Ion endoluminal systems as well as the total number of procedures performed. We expect this organization to continue to grow as our business expands.
Our customers place orders to replenish their supplies of instruments and accessories on a regular basis. Orders received are typically shipped within one business day. New direct customers who purchase a new system typically place an initial stocking order of instruments and accessories soon after they receive their system.
Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, our sales of da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems have tended to be heavier in the fourth quarter and lighter in the first quarter, as hospital budgets are reset. In addition, we have historically experienced lower procedure volume in the first and third quarters and higher procedure volume in the second and fourth quarters. More than half of da Vinci procedures performed are for benign conditions. These benign procedures and other short-term elective procedures tend to be more seasonal than cancer procedures and surgeries for other life-threatening conditions. In the U.S., volumes for procedures associated with benign conditions are typically seasonally higher in the fourth quarter when more patients have met annual deductibles and lower in the first quarter when deductibles are reset. Seasonality outside of the U.S. varies and is more pronounced around local holidays and vacation periods. The timing of procedures and changes in procedure volume impact the timing of instrumentinstruments and accessoryaccessories and capital purchases. As a result of factors outlined in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—COVID-19 Pandemic” below, including the past and potential future recommendations of authorities to defer elective procedures, historical procedure patterns have been and may continue to be disrupted.
Customer Support
We have a network of field service and technical support engineers across the U.S., Europe, and Asia and maintain relationships with various distributors around the globe. This infrastructure of service and support specialists, along with advanced service tools and solutions, offers a full complement of services for our customers, including 24/7 support, installation, repair, maintenance, 24/7 technical support, and maintenance.proactive system health monitoring. We generate service revenue by providing these services to our customers through comprehensive service contracts and time and material programs.
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Research and Development
Wefocus our research and development efforts on innovation and improvement for products and services that align with our mission: We believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we believe that we can expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints. We employ engineering and research and development staff to focus on delivering future innovations and sustaining improvements that advance our mission. In certain instances, we complement our research and development effort through collaborations with other companies, such as Trumpf Medical (a divisionour Integrated Table Motion product offering developed with Hillrom (now a part of Hill-Rom Holdings,Baxter International Inc.).
Manufacturing
We manufacture our systems at our facilities in Sunnyvale, California, and Durham, North Carolina.Peachtree Corners, Georgia, as well as our Joint Venture’s facility in Shanghai, China. We manufacture our instruments at our facilities in Sunnyvale, California and Mexicali, Mexico. We also have manufacturing at multiple sites in Germany.
We purchase both custom and off-the-shelf components from a large number of suppliers and subject them to stringent quality specifications and processes. Some of the components necessary for the assembly of our products are currently provided to us by sole-sourced suppliers (the only recognized supply source available to us) or single-sourced suppliers (the only approved supply source for us among other sources). We purchase the majority of our components and major assemblies through purchase orders rather than long-term supply agreements and generally do not maintain large volumes of finished goods relative to our anticipated demand.
Competition
We face competition in the forms of existing open surgery, conventional MIS, drug therapies, radiation treatment, and other emerging diagnostic and interventional surgical approaches. Some of these procedures are widely accepted in the medical community and, in many cases, have a long history of use. Our success depends on continued clinical and technical innovation, quality, and reliability, as well as educating hospitals, surgeons, and patients on the demonstrated results associated with robotic-assisted surgerymedical procedures using da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems or Ion endoluminal systems and itstheir value relative to other techniques. We also face competition from several companies that have introduced or are developing new approaches and products for the MIS market. We believe that the entrance or emergence of competition validates MIS and robotic-assisted surgery.surgery or robotic-assisted bronchoscopy.
Moreover, as we add new robotically controlled products (e.g., da Vinci Stapling and da Vinci Energy) that compete with product offerings traditionally within the domains of open surgery and/or conventional MIS, we face greater competition from larger and well-established companies, such as Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic plc.
Additionally, we face or expect to face competition from companies that have developed or may develop wristed, robotic- or computer-assisted medical systems and products. The companies that have introduced products in the field of robotic-assisted surgerymedical procedures or have made explicit statements about their efforts to enter the field include, but are not limited to, the following companies: Asensus Surgical, Inc.; avateramedical GmbH;Beijing Surgerii Robotics Company Limited; CMR Surgical Ltd.; Johnson & Johnson; Medicaroid Inc.; Medrobotics Corporation; Medtronic plc; meerecompany Inc.; MicroPort Scientific Corporation; Olympus Corporation; Samsung Group;Noah Medical; Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Ltd.; Shanghai Microport Medbot (Group) Co., Ltd.; and TitanShenzhen Edge Medical Inc.Co., Ltd. Other companies with substantial experience in industrial robotics could potentially expand into the field of surgicalmedical robotics and become a competitor. In addition, research efforts utilizing computers and robotics in surgeryfor medical procedures are underway at various companies and research institutions. Our revenues may be adversely impacted as our competitors announce their intent to enter our markets and as our customers anticipate the availability of competing products. We may not be able to maintain or improve our competitive position against current or potential competitors, especially those with greater resources.
Intellectual Property
We place considerable importance on obtaining and maintaining patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret protection for significant new technologies, products, and processes.
We generally rely upon a combination of intellectual property laws, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary technology. For example, we have trademarks, both registered and unregistered, that provide distinctive identification of our products in the marketplace. We also have exclusive and non-exclusive patent licenses with various third parties to supplement our own robust patent portfolio.
As of December 31, 2021,2023, we held ownership or exclusive field-of-use licenses forowned more than 4,200 U.S.4,800 patents granted and foreign patentsstill in force and have filed more than 2,100 U.S. and foreign patent applications.2,200 patents pending worldwide. We intend to continue filing new patent applications in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions to seek protection for our technology.
Patents are granted for finite terms. Upon expiration, the inventions claimed in a patent enter the public domain.
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Government Regulation
Our products and operations are subject to regulation in the U.S. by the FDA and the State of California andas well as by other countries orand regions in which we market and promote our products. In addition, our products must meet the requirements of a large and growing body of international standards, which govern the design, manufacture, materials content and sourcing, testing, certification, packaging, installation,
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use, and disposal of our products. We must continually keep abreast of these regulations, standards, and requirements and integrate our compliance into the development and regulatory documentation for our products. Failure to meet these standards could limit our ability to market our products in those regions that require compliance towith such standards. Examples of standards to which we are subject include electrical safety standards, such as those of the International Electrotechnical Commission (e.g., IEC 60601-ss series of standards), and composition standards, such as the Reduction of Hazardous Substances (“RoHS”) and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“WEEE”) Directives.Directives applicable in the European Union (“EU”).
U.S. Regulation
FDA
Our products are subject to regulation as medical devices in the United States under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FFDCA”), as implemented and enforced by the FDA. The FDA regulates the development, design, non-clinical and clinical research, manufacturing, safety, efficacy, labeling, packaging, storage, installation, recordkeeping, complaint and adverse event reporting, clearance, approval, certification, promotion, marketing, export, import distribution, and service of medical devices in the U.S. to ensure that medical devices distributed domestically are safe and effective for their intended uses.
Under the FFDCA, medical devices are classified into one of three classes—Class I, Class II, or Class III—depending on the degree of risk associated with each medical device and the extent of control needed to ensure safety and effectiveness. Our current products are Class II medical devices.
Class II medical devices are those whichthat are subject to general controls, and most require premarket demonstration of adherence to certain performance standards or other special controls, as specified by the FDA, and special controls as deemed necessary by the FDA to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device. These special controls can include performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidance documents.
Manufacturers of most Class II devices are required to submit to the FDA a premarket notification under Section 510(k) of the FFDCA requesting authorization to commercially distribute the device. The FDA’s authorization to commercially distribute a device subject to a 510(k) premarket notification is generally known as 510(k) clearance. Our current products are subject to premarket notification and clearance under section 510(k) of the FFDCA. To obtain 510(k) clearance, we must submit to the FDA a premarket notification submission demonstrating that the proposed device is “substantially equivalent” to a legally marketed predicate device.
The FDA may require additional information, including clinical data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence. In addition, the FDA collects user fees for certain medical device submissions and annual fees for medical device establishments.
If the FDA agrees that the device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device, it will grant clearance to commercially market the device in the U.S. The FDA has a statutory 90-day period to respond to a 510(k) submission; however, as a practical matter, clearance often takes longer. The FDA may require further information, including clinical data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence. If the FDA determines that the device, or its intended use, is not “substantially equivalent,” the device may be designated as a Class III device. The device sponsor must then fulfill more rigorous PMA requirements or can request a risk-based classification determination for the device in accordance with the de novo classification pathway, which is a route to market for novel medical devices that are low to moderate risk and are not substantially equivalent to a predicate device.
The PMA process is more demanding than the 510(k) premarket notification process. In a PMA application, the manufacturer must demonstrate that the device is safe and effective, and the PMA application must be supported by extensive data, including data from preclinical studies and human clinical trials. The FDA, by statute and regulation, has 180 days to review a PMA application, although the review more often occurs over a significantly longer period of time and can take up to several years. In approving a PMA application or clearing a 510(k) submission, the FDA may also require some additional manufacturing controls, design control activities and approvals, as well as specific post-market surveillance requirements when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness data for the device. In such cases, the manufacturer might be required to follow certain patient groups for a number of years and make periodic reports to the FDA on the clinical status of those patients.
Clinical trials are almost always required to support a PMA and are sometimes required to support a 510(k) submission. All clinical investigations designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of a medical device must be conducted in accordance
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with the FDA’s investigational device exemption (“IDE”) regulations, which govern investigational device labeling, prohibit the promotion of the investigational device, and specify an array of recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring responsibilities of study sponsors and study investigators. Regardless of the degree of risk presented by the medical device, clinical studies must be approved by, and conducted under the oversight of, an Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) for each clinical site. During a study, the sponsor is required to comply with the applicable FDA requirements, including, for example, trial monitoring, selecting clinical investigators and providing them with the investigational plan, ensuring IRB review, adverse event reporting, record keeping, and prohibitions on the promotion of investigational devices or on making safety or effectiveness claims for
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them. The clinical investigators in the clinical study are also subject to the FDA’s regulations and must obtain patient informed consent, rigorously follow the investigational plan and study protocol, control the disposition of the investigational device, and comply with all reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Additionally, after a trial begins, we, the FDA, or the IRB could suspend or terminate a clinical trial at any time for various reasons, including a belief that the risks to study subjects outweigh the anticipated benefits.
Over the last several years, the FDA has proposed reforms to its 510(k) clearance process, and such proposals could include increased requirements for clinical data and a longer review period and make it more difficult for manufacturers to utilize the 510(k) clearance process for their products. For example, in November 2018, FDA officials announced forthcoming steps that the FDA intended to take to modernize the premarket notification pathway under Section 510(k) of the FFDCA. Among other things, the FDA announced that it planned to develop proposals to drive manufacturers utilizing the 510(k) pathway toward the use of newer predicates. These proposals included plans to potentially sunset certain older devices that were used as predicates under the 510(k) clearance pathway and to potentially publish a list of devices that have been cleared on the basis of demonstrated substantial equivalence to predicate devices that are more than 10 years old. These proposals have not yet been finalized or adopted, and the FDA may work with Congress to implement such proposals through legislation.
More recently, in September 2019, the FDA issued revised final guidance describing an optional “safety and performance based” premarket review pathway for manufacturers of “certain, well-understood device types” to demonstrate substantial equivalence under the 510(k) clearance pathway by showing that such device meets objective safety and performance criteria established by the FDA, thereby obviating the need for manufacturers to compare the safety and performance of their medical devices to specific predicate devices in the clearance process. The FDA maintains a list of device types appropriate for the “safety and performance based” pathway and continues to develop product-specific guidance documents that identify the performance criteria for each such device type, as well as the recommended testing methods, where feasible.
After a device receives 510(k) clearance, any modification that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major change or modification in its intended use, will require a new 510(k) clearance or, depending on the modification, PMA approval or de novo classification. The FDA requires each manufacturer to determine whether the proposed change requires submission of a 510(k), de novo classification, or a PMA in the first instance, but the FDA can review any such decision and disagree with a manufacturer’s determination. If the FDA disagrees with a manufacturer’s determination, the FDA can require the manufacturer to cease marketing and/or request the recall of the modified device until 510(k) marketing clearance, approval of a PMA, or issuance of a de novo classification. Also, in these circumstances, the manufacturer may be subject to significant regulatory fines or penalties.
In addition, the FDA may place significant limitations upon the intended use of our products as a condition of granting marketing authorization. Moreover, after a device is placed on the market, numerous FDA and other regulatory requirements continue to apply. These requirements include establishment registration and device listing with the FDA; compliance with medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device caused or contributed, or may have caused or contributed, to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur; compliance with corrections and removal reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA field corrections and product recalls or removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health posed by the device or to remedy a violation of the FFDCA that may present a risk to health; the FDA’s recall authority, whereby the agency can order device manufacturers to recall from the market a product that is in violation of governing laws and regulations; and post-market surveillance activities and regulations, which apply when deemed by the FDA to be necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness data for the device. In addition, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission also regulate the advertising and promotion of our products to ensure that the claims we make are consistent with our regulatory clearances, that there is scientific data to substantiate the claims, and that our advertising is neither false nor misleading. In general, we may not promote or advertise our products for uses not within the scope of our intended use statement in our clearances or make unsupported safety and effectiveness claims.
Our manufacturing processes are required to comply with the Quality System Regulation (“QSR”). The QSR covers, among other things, the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the design, testing, controlling, documenting, manufacture, packaging, labeling, storage, installation, and servicing of all medical devices intended for human use. The QSR also requires maintenance of extensive records, which demonstrate compliance with the FDA regulation, the manufacturer’s own procedures, specifications, and testing, as well as distribution and post-market experience. Compliance with the QSR is necessary for a manufacturer to be able to continue to market cleared or approved product offerings in the U.S. A company’s facilities, records, and manufacturing processes are subject to periodic scheduled or unscheduled inspections by the FDA. Failure to maintain compliance with applicable QSR requirements could result in the shut-down of, or restrictions on, manufacturing operations and the recall or seizure of marketed products. If the FDA determines that a manufacturer has failed
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to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, it can take a variety of compliance or enforcement actions, which may result in any of the following sanctions:
warning letters, untitled letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees, administrative penalties, and civil or criminal penalties;
recalls, withdrawals, or administrative detention or seizure of our products;
operating restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of production;
refusing or delaying requests for 510(k) marketing clearance or PMA approvals of new products or modified products;
withdrawing 510(k) clearances or PMA approvals that have already been granted;
refusal to grant export approvals for our products; or
criminal prosecution.
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In addition, the discovery of previously unknown problems with any marketed products, including unanticipated adverse events or adverse events of increasing severity or frequency, whether resulting from the use of the device within the scope of its clearance or off-label by a physician in the practice of medicine, could result in restrictions on the device, including the removal of the product from the market or voluntary or mandatory device recalls.
Products manufactured outside of the U.S. by or for us are subject to U.S. Customs and FDA inspection upon entry into the U.S. We must demonstrate compliance of such products with U.S. regulations and carefully document the eventual distribution or re-exportation of such products. Failure to comply with all applicable regulations could prevent us from having access to products or components critical to the manufacture of finished products and lead to shortages and delays.
Other Healthcare Regulatory Laws
We are subject to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations that may constrain the business or financial arrangements and relationships through which we research, market, sell and distribute our products. Restrictions under applicable federal and state healthcare laws and regulations, include the following:
the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, individuals and entities from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward, or in return for, either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service, for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under a federal and state healthcare program such as Medicare and Medicaid. A person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation;
the federal criminal and civil false claims laws, including the federal False Claims Act, which can be enforced through civil whistleblower or qui tam actions against individuals or entities, and the Federal Civil Monetary Penalties Laws, which prohibit, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, to the federal government, claims for payment that are false or fraudulent, knowingly making, using or causing to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim, or from knowingly making a false statement to avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money to the federal government. In addition, certain marketing practices, including off-label promotion, may also violate false claims laws. Moreover, the government may assert that a claim including items and services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the federal False Claims Act;
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), which imposes criminal and civil liability, prohibits, among other things, knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, or knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services; similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation;
the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires certain manufacturers of covered drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies that are reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, with certain exceptions, to report annually to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) information on certain payments and other transfers of value to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors), teaching hospitals, and certain other health care providers (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners), as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members;
analogous state and foreign laws and regulations, such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws, that may apply to sales or marketing arrangements and claims involving healthcare items or services reimbursed by non-governmental third-party payors, including private insurers; and
certain state laws that require medical device manufacturers to comply with the industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government in addition to requiring such manufacturers to report information related to payments to clinicians and other healthcare providers or marketing expenditures.
Violations of any of these laws may result in significant penalties, including civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, imprisonment, the curtailment or restructuring of operations, loss of eligibility to obtain approvals from the FDA, exclusion from participation in government contracting, healthcare reimbursement or other government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, integrity oversight and reporting obligations, or reputational harm.
Data Privacy and Security Laws
Numerous state, federal, and foreign laws, regulations, and standards govern the collection, use, access to, confidentiality, and security of health-related and other personal information and could apply now or in the future to our operations or the
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operations of our partners. In the U.S., numerous federal and state laws and regulations, including data breach notification laws, health information privacy and security laws, and consumer protection laws and regulations govern the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of health-related and other personal information. In addition, certain foreign laws govern the privacy and security of personal data, including health-related data. Privacy and security laws, regulations, and other obligations are constantly evolving, may conflict with each other to complicate compliance efforts, and can result in investigations, proceedings, or actions that lead to significant civil and/or criminal penalties and restrictions on data processing.
We collect, process, share, disclose, transfer, and otherwise use data, some of which contains personal information about identifiable individuals including, but not limited to, our employees, clinical trial participants, partners, and vendors. Therefore, we are subject to U.S. (federal, state, local) and international laws and regulations, including those in the European Economic Area (“EEA”) and the UK regarding data privacy and security and our use of such data.
We are subject to the European Union General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 and applicable national supplementing laws (collectively, the “EU GDPR”) and to the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018 (collectively, the “UK GDPR”) (the EU GDPR and UK GDPR together referred to as the “GDPR”). The GDPR imposes comprehensive data privacy compliance obligations in relation to our collection, processing, sharing, disclosure, transfer, and other use of data relating to an identifiable living individual or “personal data,” including a principle of accountability and the obligation to demonstrate compliance through policies, procedures, training, and audit.
The EU GDPR and UK GDPR also regulate cross-border transfers of personal data out of the EEA and the UK. Recent legal developments in Europe have created complexity and uncertainty regarding such transfers, in particular in relation to transfers to the United States.
Foreign Regulation
In order for us to market our products in countries outside the United States, we must obtain regulatory approvals or certifications and comply with extensive product and quality system regulations in other countries. These regulations, including the requirements for approvals, clearance, or certifications and the time required for regulatory review, vary from country to country. Some countries have regulatory review processes that are substantially longer than U.S. processes. Failure to obtain regulatory approval or certification in a timely manner and meet all of the local requirements, including language and specific safety standards, in any foreign country in which we plan to market our products could prevent us from marketing products in such countries or subject us to sanctions and fines.
China
China has its own regulatory agency. They require regulatory approvals and compliance with extensive safety and quality system regulations. Failure to obtain regulatory approval or failure to comply with any regulation may negatively impact our ability to generate revenue and harm our business. In addition to product registration approvals, our system sales into China are also dependent on obtaining importation authorizations and provincial approvals, as well as hospitals completing a tender and hospital listing process under the authorization. In June 2023, the China National Health Commission published the 14th five-year plan quota for major medical equipment to be sold in China on its official website (the “2023 Quota”). Under the 2023 Quota, the government will allow for the sale of 559 new surgical robots into China, which could include da Vinci surgical systems as well as surgical systems introduced by others. Sales of da Vinci surgical systems under the quota are uncertain, as they are dependent on hospitals completing a tender process and receiving associated approvals.
Japan
Most medical devices must undergo thorough safety examinations and demonstrate medical efficacy before they receive regulatory approval to be sold in Japan. We obtained approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (“MHLW”) for our da Vinci Si Surgical Systemsurgical system in October 2012, for our da Vinci Xi Surgical Systemsurgical system in March 2015, and for our da Vinci X Surgical Systemsurgical system in April 2018. National reimbursement status in Japan was received for prostatectomy procedures in April 2012 and for da Vinci partial nephrectomy procedures in April 2016. An additional 12 da Vinci procedures were granted reimbursement effective April 1, 2018, including gastrectomy, low anterior resection, lobectomy, and hysterectomy, for both malignant and benign conditions. An additional 7seven da Vinci procedures were granted reimbursement effective April 1, 2020. TheseAn additional 19eight da Vinci procedures were granted reimbursement effective April 1, 2022, including colon resection. In addition, we received higher reimbursement for da Vinci gastrectomy procedures, as compared to open and conventional laparoscopic procedure reimbursements. The additional reimbursed procedures have varying levels of conventional laparoscopic penetration and will generally be reimbursed at rates equal to the conventional laparoscopic procedures. Given the reimbursement level and laparoscopic penetration for these 19additional procedures, there can be no assurance that adoption will occur or that the adoption pace for these procedures will be similar to prostatectomy or partial nephrectomy, given their higher reimbursement, or any other da Vinci procedures.procedure. If these procedures are not adopted and we are not successful in obtaining adequate procedure reimbursements for additional procedures, then the demand for our products in Japan could be limited. The process of reimbursement for new da Vinci surgical procedures in Japan is led by the surgical societies. The societies submit for
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reimbursement or incremental reimbursement to the MHLW for their evaluation. The decision to reimburse requires in-country clinical data and is fixed in April of even-numbered years. In September 2022, we received regulatory clearance for the da Vinci SP surgical system in Japan for the same set of procedures as can be performed on the da Vinci Xi surgical system in Japan.
European Union
The EU has adopted specific directives and regulations regulating the design, manufacture, clinical investigation, conformity assessment, labeling, and adverse event reporting for medical devices. In the European Union (“EU”),EU, all medical devices placed on the EU market must meet the essential requirements, including the requirement that a medical device must be designed and manufactured in such a way that it will not compromise the clinical condition or safety of patients, or the safety and health of users and others. In addition, the device must achieve the performance intended by the manufacturer and be designed, manufactured, and packaged in a suitable manner.
ComplianceUntil and including May 25, 2021, medical devices were regulated by Council Directive 93/42/EEC (the “EU Medical Devices Directive” or “MDD”), which has been repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) No 2017/745 (the “EU Medical Devices Regulation” or “MDR”). Some of our current certificates have been granted under the MDD. However, as of May 26, 2021, some of the MDR requirements apply in place of the corresponding requirements of the MDD with regard to the registration of economic operators and of devices, post-market surveillance, and vigilance. Pursuing marketing of medical devices in the EU requires that our devices be certified under the new regime set forth in the MDR, and we are diligently pursuing our plan to be fully compliant by May 26, 2024.
Medical Devices Directive
Under the EU Medical Devices Directive, all medical devices placed on the market in the EU must meet the essential requirements islaid down in Annex I to the EU Medical Devices Directive, including the requirement that a prerequisitemedical device must be designed and manufactured in such a way that it will not compromise the clinical condition or safety of patients or the safety and health of users and others. In addition, the device must achieve the performance intended by the manufacturer and be designed, manufactured, and packaged in a suitable manner. The European Commission has adopted various standards applicable to medical devices. These include standards governing common requirements, such as the sterilization and safety of medical electrical equipment and product standards for European Conformity Marking (“CE mark”) without whichcertain types of medical devices cannot be marketed or sold in the EU. To demonstratedevices. There are also harmonized standards relating to design and manufacture. While not mandatory, compliance with these standards is viewed as the easiest way to satisfy the essential requirements medicalas a practical matter, as it creates a rebuttable presumption that the device manufacturers must undergo a conformity assessment procedure, which varies according tosatisfies the type of medical device and its (risk) classification. essential requirements.
Except for low-risk medical devices (Class I non-sterile, non-measuring devices), where the manufacturer can self-assess the conformity of its products with the essential requirements (except for any parts whichthat relate to sterility or metrology), a conformity assessment procedure requires the intervention of a notified body. Notified bodies are
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independent organizations designated by EU member states to assess the conformity of devices before being placed on the market. A notified body would typically audit and examine a product’s technical dossiers and the manufacturers’manufacturer’s quality system.system (the notified body must presume that quality systems that implement the relevant harmonized standards, which is ISO 13485:2016 for Medical Devices Quality Management Systems, conform to these requirements). If satisfied that the relevant product conforms to the relevant essential requirements, the notified body issues a certificate of conformity, which the manufacturer uses as a basis for its own declaration of conformity. The manufacturer may then apply the Conformité Européenne mark (“CE markmark”) to the device, which allows the device to be placed on the market throughout the EU.
Until May 25, 2021,Throughout the term of the certificate of conformity, the manufacturer will be subject to periodic surveillance audits to verify continued compliance with the applicable requirements. In particular, there will be a new audit by the notified body before it will renew the relevant certificate(s).
Medical Devices Regulation
On April 5, 2017, the MDR was adopted with the aim of ensuring better protection of public health and patient safety. The MDR establishes a uniform, transparent, predictable, and sustainable regulatory framework across the EU for medical devices were regulated by Council Directive 93/42/EEC (the “EU Medical Devices Directive” or “MDD”), which has been repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) No 2017/745 (the “EU Medical Devices Regulation” or “MDR”). Our current certificates have been granted underensures a high level of safety and health while supporting innovation. Unlike directives, regulations are directly applicable in EU member states without the MDD. However, as ofneed for member states to implement into national law. This aims at increasing harmonization across the EU.
The MDR became effective on May 26, 2021. In accordance with its recently extended transitional provisions, both (i) devices lawfully placed on the market pursuant to the MDD prior to May 26, 2021, some ofand (ii) legacy devices lawfully placed on the EU market from May 26, 2021, in accordance with the MDR requirements apply in place oftransitional provisions may generally continue to be made available on the correspondingmarket or put into service, provided that the requirements of the MDDtransitional provisions are fulfilled. However, even in this case, manufacturers must comply with regard to registrationa number of economic operators and of devices, post-market surveillance, and vigilance requirements. Pursuing marketing of medical devices in the EU will notably require that our devices be certified under the new regimeor reinforced requirements set forth in the MDR, in particular the obligations described below.
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The MDR requires that, before placing a device on the market, other than a custom-made device, manufacturers (as well as other economic operators, such as authorized representatives and importers) must register by submitting identification information to the electronic system (EUDAMED), unless they have already registered. The information to be submitted by manufacturers (and authorized representatives) also includes the name, address, and contact details of the person or persons responsible for regulatory compliance. The new Regulation also requires that, before placing a device on the market, other than a custom-made device, manufacturers must assign a unique identifier to the device and provide it along with other core data to the unique device identifier (“UDI”) database. These new requirements aim at ensuring better identification and traceability of the devices. Each device – and as applicable, each package – will have a UDI composed of two parts: a device identifier (“UDI-DI”), specific to a device, and a production identifier (“UDI-PI”) to identify the unit producing the device. Manufacturers are also notably responsible for entering the necessary data on EUDAMED, which includes the UDI database, and for keeping it up to date. The obligations for registration in EUDAMED will become applicable at a later date (as EUDAMED is not yet fully functional). Until EUDAMED is fully functional, the corresponding provisions of the MDD continue to apply for the purpose of meeting the obligations laid down in the provisions regarding exchange of information, including, and in particular, information regarding registration of devices and economic operators.
All manufacturers placing medical devices on the market in the EU must comply with the EU medical device vigilance system, which has been reinforced by the MDR. Under this system, serious incidents and Field Safety Corrective Actions (“FSCAs”) must be reported to the relevant authorities of the EU member states. These reports will have to be submitted through EUDAMED (once functional) and aim to ensure that, in addition to reporting to the relevant authorities of the EU member states, other actors, such as the economic operators in the supply chain, will also be informed. Until EUDAMED is fully functional, the corresponding provisions of the MDD continue to apply. Manufacturers are required to take FSCAs, which are defined as any corrective action for technical or medical reasons to prevent or reduce a risk of a serious incident associated with the use of a medical device that is made available on the market. A serious incident is any malfunction or deterioration in the characteristics or performance of a device on the market (e.g., inadequacy in the information supplied by the manufacturer, undesirable side-effect, etc.), which, directly or indirectly, might lead to either the death or serious deterioration of the health of a patient, user, or other persons, or to a serious public health threat.
The advertising and promotion of medical devices are subject to some general principles set forth in EU legislation. According to the MDR, only devices that are CE marked may be marketed and advertised in the EU in accordance with their intended purpose. Directive 2006/114/EC concerning misleading and comparative advertising and Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices, while not specific to the advertising of medical devices, also apply to the advertising thereof and contain general rules, for example, requiring that advertisements are evidenced, balanced, and not misleading. Specific requirements are defined at a national level. EU member states’ laws related to the advertising and promotion of medical devices, which vary between jurisdictions, may limit or restrict the advertising and promotion of products to the general public and may impose limitations on promotional activities with healthcare professionals.
Many EU member states have adopted specific anti-gift statutes that further limit commercial practices for medical devices, in particular vis-à-vis healthcare professionals and organizations. Additionally, there has been a recent trend of increased regulation of payments and transfers of value provided to healthcare professionals or entities and many EU member states have adopted national “Sunshine Acts,” which impose reporting and transparency requirements (often on an annual basis), similar to the requirements in the United States, on medical device manufacturers. Certain countries also mandate implementation of commercial compliance programs.
In the EU, regulatory authorities have the power to carry out announced and, if necessary, unannounced inspections of companies, as well as suppliers and/or sub-contractors and, where necessary, the facilities of professional users. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements (as applicable) could require time and resources to respond to the regulatory authorities’ observations and to implement corrective and preventive actions, as appropriate. Regulatory authorities have broad compliance and enforcement powers and, if such issues cannot be resolved to their satisfaction, can take a variety of actions, including untitled or warning letters, fines, consent decrees, injunctions, or civil or criminal penalties.
The aforementioned EU rules are generally applicable in the EEA, which consists of the 27 EU Member States as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Brexit
Since January 1, 2021, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (“MHRA”) has becomebeen the sovereign regulatory authority responsible for the Great Britain (i.e., England, Wales, and Scotland) medical device market. Following the end of the Brexit transitional period on January 1, 2021, new regulations require all medical devices to be registered with the MHRA (but manufacturers were given a grace period of four to 12 months, depending on the classification of the device, to comply with the new registration process) before being placed on the Great Britain market. ByFrom January 1, 2022, non-UK manufacturers were required to appoint a UK Responsible Person for the purposes of registering devices placed on the Great Britain market. Under the terms of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, the MDR applies to medical devices placed on the Northern Ireland market in the same way as it applies to medical devices marketed in the EU.
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On June 26, 2022, the MHRA published its response to a 10-week consultation on the future regulation of medical devices in the UK. Regulations implementing the new regime were originally scheduled to come into force in July 2023 but the MHRA has recently confirmed that it is now aiming for the core aspects of the new regime to apply from July 1, 2023, in Great Britain, all medical devices will require a UKCA (“UK Conformity Assessed”) mark, but2025. Devices bearing CE marks issued by EU notified bodies under the MDR or MDD are now subject to transitional arrangements. The UK Government has introduced legislation that provides that CE-marked medical devices may be placed on the Great Britain market on the following timelines:
general medical devices compliant with the EU MDD or EU active implantable medical devices directive with a valid declaration and CE marking can be placed on the Great Britain market up until the sooner of expiry of the certificate or June 30, 2028; and
general medical devices, including custom-made devices, compliant with the EU MDR can be placed on the Great Britain market up until June 30, 2030.
Following these transitional periods, it is anticipated that all medical devices will remain valid until this time.require a UK Conformity Assessed (“UKCA”) mark in order to be placed on the market in Great Britain. Manufacturers may choose to use the UKCA mark on a voluntary basis until June 30, 2023.prior to entry of the new regulations on July 1, 2025. However, from July 2025, products that do not have existing and valid certification under the EU Medical Devices Directive or EU MDR and, therefore, are not subject to the transitional arrangements will be required to carry the UKCA mark if they are to be sold into the market in Great Britain. For products to be sold into the market in Northern Ireland, CE marking will continue to be recognized as a result of the Northern Ireland Protocol implemented following the UK’s exit from the EU. UKCA marking will not be recognized in the EU. ComplianceFollowing the transitional period, compliance with this legislation isthe UK regulations will be a prerequisite to be able to affix the UKCA mark to our products, without which they cannot be sold or marketed in Great Britain.
In addition, the Trade Deal between the UK and the EU generally provides for cooperation and exchange of information between the parties in the areas of product safety and compliance, including market surveillance, enforcement activities and measures, standardization-related activities, exchanges of officials, and coordinated product recalls. As such, processes for compliance and reporting should reflect requirements from regulatory authorities.
Other countries
Regulations in other countries, including the requirements for approvals, certification, or clearance and the time required for regulatory review, vary from country to country. Certain countries, such as ChinaSouth Korea, Brazil, Australia, India, and South Korea,Canada, have their own regulatory agencies. These countries typically require regulatory approvals and compliance with extensive safety and quality system regulations.regulations included in the MDSAP (Medical Device Single Audit Program) that we comply with every year as part of our annual audit program. Failure to obtain regulatory approval in any foreign country in which we plan to market our products, or failure to comply with any regulation in any foreign country in which we market our products may negatively impact our ability to generate revenue and harm our business. In addition to product registration approvals, our system sales into China are also dependent on obtaining importation authorizations and provincial approvals, as well as hospitals completing a tender and hospital listing process under the authorization. In October 2018, the China National Health Commission published on its official website the quota for major medical equipment to be imported and sold in China through 2020. After an adjustment notice was published in the third quarter of 2020 (ref. NHC Financial Notice [2020] 315), the government will allow for the total sale of 225 new Endoscopic Surgical Instrument Control Systems (surgical robots) into China, which could include da Vinci Surgical Systems as well as surgical systems introduced by others. Sales of da Vinci Surgical Systems under the quota are uncertain, as they are dependent on hospitals completing a tender process and receiving associated approvals.
In addition, local regulations may apply, which govern the use of our products and which could have an adverse effect on our product utilization if they are unfavorable. All such regulations are revised from time to time and, in general, are increasing in complexity and in the scope and degree of documentation and testing required. There can be no assurance that the outcomes from such documentation and testing will be acceptable to any particular regulatory agency or will continue to be acceptable over time. There are further regulations governing the importation, marketing, sale, distribution, use, and service as well as the removal and disposal of medical devices in the regions in which we operate and market our products. Failure to comply with any of these regulations could result in sanctions or fines and could prevent us from marketing our products in these regions.
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Third-Party Coverage and ReimbursementPayment
Our customers, including physicians, hospitals, and outpatient facilities, typically bill third-party payors for the costs and fees associated with the procedures in which our products are used. In the U.S., in order to receive payment for the procedures performed using our products, our customers must report codes that describe the services or products furnished and determine the medical necessity of the service or whether the service is included in the payors’ policy).policy. In the U.S. and most markets globally where we sell our products, reimbursementpayment for medical services and surgical procedures to hospitals, outpatient facilities, and surgeons (collectively “providers”) is determined by the government, commercial payors (insurers), or a combination of both.
In the U.S., the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”)CMS and its fiscal intermediaries (Medicare Administrative Contractors) and state Medicaid programs establish reimbursement policies for medical and surgical services at the state and federal level for the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Third-party payors often rely upon Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting their own coverage and reimbursementpayment policies but also have their own methods and approval processes. Commercial payors in non-capitated contracts commonly establish payment to providers based on a percentage of the Medicare payment rate.
Physicians and outpatient facilities bill for medical and surgical services by reporting a combination of billing codes. Current Procedural Terminology (“CPT”) codes are created by the American Medical Association (“AMA”) with input from
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CMS and commercial payors to describe medical and surgical procedures. CPT codes currently exist for minimally invasive surgical procedures, which may involve the da Vinci surgical system, as well as for robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, which may involve the Ion endoluminal system. In general, the majority of payors, including Medicare, consider robotic assistance as a tool used to perform the procedure and do not pay providers more for a surgical procedure that involves robotic assistance using the da Vinci, Ion, or any other robotic surgical system. Because there is often no separate reimbursementpayment for the use of our products, the additional cost associated with the use of our products can affect the profit margin of the hospital or surgery center where the procedure is performed. If hospitals do not obtain sufficient reimbursementpayment from third-party payors for procedures performed with our products or if governmental and private payors’ policies do not cover surgical procedures performed using our products, hospital adoption or utilization of our products could be negatively impacted, and we may not be able to generate the revenue necessary to support our business.
Hospitals bill for inpatient services by reporting ICD-10-PCS codes. CMS is primarily responsible for overseeing changes and modifications to ICD-10-PCS codes. Medicare paymentpayments to hospitals for services provided during an inpatient stay are based on the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (“IPPS”). Under the IPPS, each patient discharge is categorized into a Medicare Severity Adjusted Diagnosis-Related Group (“MS-DRG” or “DRG”). Each DRG has an assigned payment weight based on the average resources used for Medicare patients in that DRG, taking into account the patient’s principal diagnosis, surgical procedures, age, discharge status, and up to 24 additional or secondary diagnoses, among other things. The DRG is a single, bundled payment intended to cover all costs associated with the inpatient admission.
The use of robotic technology does not influence the MS-DRG assignment or payment for an inpatient admission related to a surgical procedure. CMS annually updates hospital inpatient and outpatient payments based on hospitals’ charge data. Hospital inpatient and outpatient payments are also adjusted based on whether the hospital is a teaching hospital, its geographic location, and any failures to meet certain quality metrics, among other factors.
Commercial payors commonly establish inpatient facility payment for providers using published Medicare DRG rates as a benchmark. In some uncommon cases, commercial payors pay for inpatient hospital admissions on a per diem basis. Commercial payment to providers varies depending on the procedure performed, geographic location, contractual allowances, and other factors.
Medicare and commercial payor payments to facilities for medical and surgical services may not always fully reimburse providers for all costs associated with furnishing these procedures. If payment is insufficient for procedures involving our technology, hospitals and physicians may decide not to use our products.
In countries outside of the U.S., reimbursementpayment for surgical services to physicians and facilities differs considerably and varies by country. In some markets, there is a single public payor who provides a global annual budget to hospitals to provide all care to the population served in a designated geographic area. In other markets, private insurance can be purchased or is provided by employers to supplement public health insurance. In some countries, patients may be permitted to pay directly for surgical services; however, such “co-pay” practices are not common (or allowed) in many countries. Further, in many global markets, access to procedures and technology is governed or heavily influenced by Health Technology Assessment (“HTA”) organizations, which conduct periodic and extensive evidence-based reviews of the clinical value and cost effectiveness of a new technology. To effectively conduct our business, we may need to seek OUS reimbursement approvals, and we do not know if these required approvals will be obtained in a timely manner or at all. In addition, in some markets, HTA organizations may publish reports with mixed conclusions about the clinical and economic value of our products to the population. Such reviews could negatively impact hospital adoption of our technology.
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Healthcare Reform
In the U.S., there have been, and continue to be, a number of legislative initiatives designed to contain healthcare costs. In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “ACA”), was enacted. The ACA made changes that have significantly impacted healthcare providers, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers. The ACA contained a number of provisions designed to generate the revenues necessary to fund health insurance coverage expansion and appropriated funding to research the comparative effectiveness of healthcare treatments and strategies. It remains unclear howTo date, this research will influence futurehas had a negligible effect on Medicare coverage and reimbursement decisions as well as influence on other third-party payor coverage and reimbursement policies.
Since its enactment, there have been judicial, executive, and Congressional challenges to certain aspects of the ACA. On June 17, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the most recent judicial challenge to the ACA brought by several states without specifically ruling on the constitutionality of the ACA. Thus, the ACA will remainremained in effect in its current form. Further, prior to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, President Biden issued an executive order to initiate a special enrollment period from February 15, 2021, through August 15, 2021, for purposes of obtaining health insurance coverage through the ACA marketplace. The executive order also instructed certain governmental agencies to review and reconsider their existing policies and rules that limit access to healthcare, including among others, reexamining Medicaid demonstration projects and waiver programs that include work requirements, and policies that create unnecessary barriers to obtaining access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the ACA.
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the ACA was enacted.became law. These changes included an aggregate reduction in Medicare payments, to providers of 2% per fiscal year, which went into effect on April 1, 2013, and will remain in effect through 2030,2032, unless additional Congressional action is taken, with the exception of a temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic from May 1, 2020, through March 31, 2022. On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed intobecame law,
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which, among other things, further reduced Medicare payments to several types of providers, including hospitals, imaging centers, and cancer treatment centers. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, enacted on April 16, 2015 (“MACRA”), repealed the formula by which Medicare made annual payment adjustments to physicians and replaced the former formula with fixed annual updates and a new system of incentive payments that began in 2019 and are based on various performance measures and physicians’ participation in alternative payment models, such as accountable care organizations. Individual states in the U.S. have also become increasingly aggressive in passing legislation and implementing regulations designed to control product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints and discounts, and require marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures.
In the U.S. and abroad, reimbursement is dynamic and subject to change annually by public and private payors. NationalCongress and government agencies may also intervene and pass legislation that is intended to reduce healthcare spending, which could impact market access. Such legislative interventions can vacillate significantly based on government leadership. Other federal or state healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business. Any regulatory or legislative developments in domestic or foreign markets that eliminate or reduce reimbursement rates for procedures performed with our products could harm our ability to sell our products or cause downward pressure on the prices of our products, either of which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of business operations.
Similar reform measures may be adopted in foreign jurisdictions. For instance, on December 13, 2021, the EU Regulation No 2021/2282 on HTA, amending Directive 2011/24/EU, was adopted. While the Regulation entered into force in January 2022, it will only begin to apply from January 2025 onwards, with preparatory and implementation-related steps to take place in the interim. Once applicable, it will have a phased implementation depending on the concerned products. This Regulation intends to boost cooperation among EU member states in assessing health technologies, including certain high-risk medical devices, and provide the basis for cooperation at the EU level for joint clinical assessments in these areas. It will permit EU member states to use common HTA tools, methodologies, and procedures across the EU, working together in four main areas, including joint clinical assessment of the innovative health technologies with the highest potential impact for patients, joint scientific consultations whereby developers can seek advice from HTA authorities, identification of emerging health technologies to identify promising technologies early, and continuing voluntary cooperation in other areas. Individual EU member states will continue to be responsible for assessing non-clinical (e.g., economic, social, ethical, etc.) aspects of health technology and making decisions on pricing and reimbursement.
Human Capital
The future success of our company depends on our ability to attract, retain, and further develop top talent. To facilitate talent attraction, retention, and development, we striveWe enable this by continuously striving to make Intuitive an inclusive, diverse, and safe workplace with opportunities for our employees to grow and develop in their careers,careers. These objectives are supported bythrough strong compensation, benefits, andprograms that encourage employee health and wellness, programs as well as by programs that buildand connections between our employees and the communities in which they live and work.
As of December 31, 2021,2023, we had approximately 9,79313,676 full-time employees, 1,2941,795 of whom were engaged directly in research and development, 3,6825,846 in manufacturing operations, 3,3544,098 in commercial and service operations, and 1,4631,937 in administrative activities. During 2021,2023, the number of employees increased by approximately 1,712. Our1,556. Our employees are based in 2730 different countries around the world. Our global workforce consists of diverse, highly skilled talent at all levels. During 2021,2023, our turnover rate was approximately 10.3%9.1%.
Inclusion and Diversity
Intuitive’s inclusion and diversity (I&D)(“I&D”) vision is to empower our employees and customers from every background to fully contribute toward our mission to expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints. We wantwork to build an environment where every individual can belong and flourish – in our company and the communities we serve.
We believe that everyone should feel included and fairly treated, and we embrace the unique qualities that make people who they are. This includes all genders and gender identities, races, ethnicities, ages, national origins, native languages,
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disabilities, sexual orientations, body sizes, military backgrounds, cognitive styles, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and family structures. We believe in seeking the differentdifference to propel innovation and creativity forward.
We have a four-part strategy to guide our I&D progress: ensuring an inclusive experience, where employees from all backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and valued; building a diverse workforce to fuel innovation and better mirror the patients we serve; ensuring an inclusive experience, where employees from all backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and valued;continuously investing in fair practices by continuously improvingand enhancing the fairness of our people practices and sharing progress; and strengthening our industry leadership by engagingengagement through collaboration with the healthcare community, diversity-focused organizations, and shareholders to drive positive change. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)(“ERGs”) have been one key area of I&D focus and growth, providing support and community for traditionally marginalized groups, including women, people of color, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning (“LGBTQ+”) community, military veterans, and employees with disabilities. Details of our employee workforce composition, including a link to our Employer Information Report (“EEO-1”) submission to
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the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), are available on our website. Although we reference the availability of our EEO-1 on our website in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our EEO-1 and any other materials on our website are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any of our other filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act. While matters discussed in such EEO-1 and other website materials may be significant, any significance should not be read as necessarily rising to the level of materiality used for the purposes of our compliance with the U.S. federal securities laws, even if we use the word “material” or “materiality” in such materials.
From a governance perspective, maintaining a mix of backgrounds and experience in our boardBoard composition is essential to understanding and reflecting the needs of our diverse stakeholders. Currently, fourfive of our 11 board12 Board members self-identify as women, and threefour of our 1112 board members self-identify as individuals from underrepresented communities (defined as an individual who self-identifies as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native Hawaiian, or Alaska Native, or who self-identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender)LGBTQ+).
Health, Safety, and Wellness
The health, safety, and wellness of our employees is a priority in which we continuedcontinue to invest and expand throughout 2021.expand. We provide our employees and their families with access to a variety of innovative, flexible, and convenient health and wellness programs. Program benefits are intended to provide protection, peace of mind, and security, including workplace health and safety best practices integrated into our everyday activities. Additionally, we provideactivities and programs that help employees have peace of mind concerning events that may requiresupport employee time away from work, or that may impact their family care, mental health, or financial well-being.
We continue to implement changes that we determine are inevolve our programs to respond to the best interest of our employees,changing workforce, as well as the communities in which we operate, in compliance with government regulations. This includes having employees continue to work from home, where possible, while providing support for strategic, on-site, in-person activities and gatherings with meeting and event protocols in place to help minimize the exposure to COVID-19 and other risks. Each Intuitive location manages overall safety with guidance based on regional, country, and local regulations and best practices.
In 2021, investments in building upgrades2023, as we moved beyond the workplace disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented new work model expectations with employees based on their business function and facility safety improvements included improved-efficiency HVAC filtersrole. We designed a set of four work models that will enable us as a company to remain focused on our mission and restrooms equipped with touchless faucets, toilets, towel dispensers, and door kickplates, where possible. We increased cleaning frequency in common areas,our most vital priorities, while implementing additional safety measuresalso allowing for employees continuing criticaldifferences across our varied work teams. These models include fully on-site, work. Employees critical to maintaining our essential engineering, manufacturing, repair, and logistics functions have continued to work from Intuitive locations globally. To protect and support our essential team members, health and safety measures that included maximizing personal workspaces, changing shift schedules, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and screening and testing resources continue to be provided.
Our future ways of working team helped us explore changes that could strengthen our culture and could appeal to a diverse group of new employees. These included redefining job classifications to include fully remote, and two hybrid work arrangements, setting new expectations around how we work. An employee survey to inform new ways of working resulted in more outdoor working spaces, self-service information technology equipment procurement, on-demand mental health care and resilience resources, ergonomics review and new furniture choices for those working from home, new scheduling systems for reserving on-site workspaces, and more thoughtful approaches to building cleaning and access to common areas.
Keeping in mind employee health and safety, Intuitive has prepared for a post-pandemic future where employees can return to an Intuitive workspaceoptions that provide intentional in-office collaboration with peace of mind.tailored flexibility.
Compensation and Benefits
We provide compensation and benefits programs to help meet the needs of our employees. In addition to base compensation, these programs, which vary by country and region, include short-term incentives in the form of annual bonuses and commissions, long-term incentives in the form of stock or cash-based awards, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, retirement savings plans, healthcare, income protection benefits, paid time off, family leave, family care resources, and flexible work schedules, among many others.
Ensuring fair and equitable pay is integral to our commitment to our employees. Our executive team and Board of Directors strongly support this commitment. We conductregularly review pay for internal equity reviews annually to help us understand whetherand ensure our compensation structure is appropriate, including with regard to race/ethnicity and gender. We also engage outside counsel to ensure compliance with pay equity laws. When we identify what improvements can be made. any potential differences in pay for whatever reason, we research those differences and act if appropriate.
In addition,2023, we utilizeconducted a robust inspection process with an independent consulting firmfull pay equity audit for our full-time U.S. workforce, adjusting for job role and location among other factors. Our audit found that our adjusted pay gap relative to self-identified gender and ethnicity hiring, promotion, and wage equity to determine whether any statistically significant pay differences exist betweenwas women andearn 99.3% of men and between minoritiesour adjusted pay gap relative to U.S. self-identified race/ethnicity was employees of color earn 100.0% of white employees. We are proud to have strong pay practices and non-minorities. Ifpolicies in place that have helped us to achieve this level of pay disparitiesequity.
Employees are identified, we conduct further evaluationencouraged to determine whether remedial adjustments are
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appropriate. In addition, employees can raise issues regardingshare any pay equity concerns with their manager, their human resources partner,management, Human Resources, or confidentially through our anonymous reporting helpline.hotline, including anonymously. Intuitive has a non-retaliation policy for raising any workplace concerns, including around pay.
Talent Development
We value our employees and the passion, commitment, and professional depthexpertise they provide.contribute to Intuitive. To enhance employee retention and job satisfaction,engagement, we offer ongoing learning and leadership training opportunities that support growth.
With a commitment to achieving diverse representation withinIn 2023, we rolled out Inclusive Leadership training for our leadership ranks that reflects the diversity that we see in our overall employee base, we increasedentire vice president and above population. We expanded our leadership development efforts by reinforcingofferings, including a new Manager Acceleration Program that equipped more than 700 people leaders globally with fundamental management skills to accelerate leadership success. For our individual contributor employee population, we offer a variety of general and targeted development around our People Leader Success Model. Leadership development focusesopportunities, including technical skills training, career learning journeys, and networking opportunities. We also provide extra support for Employee Resource Group leaders via a 1:1 coaching program and a series of live training sessions on people-leader effectiveness, cultural continuity, and organizational effectiveness, so that leaders at all levels have the capabilities and knowledge that they and their teams need to succeed.career development.
Our Global Talent Management team transitioned much
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We haveprovide a robust annual global performance review processesand compensation planning process. In 2023, we focused on increasing the consistency and rigor of individual annual goal-setting, which sets the stage for reviewing all employees’our annual performance and pay. Topay cycle. We support our managers, we trainemployees throughout the year with regular performance and career check-ins, including our Talent Action Planning program. We also provide ongoing support to our people leaders in managing the performance of their teams, which includes training them on conducting effective career conversations and performance reviews and making fair and equitable compensation recommendations,recommendations. Compensation guidelines are provided to leaders, which take into consideration market pay data and performance, as well as experience in an employee’s respective role.job experience.
Community Programs
We believe that building connections between our employees, their families, and our communities creates a more meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable workplace. Through our engagement programs, our employees can pursue their interests and hobbies, connect to volunteering and giving opportunities, and enjoy unique recreational experiences with family members.
The Intuitive Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 and funded by Intuitive. Since its founding, the Intuitive Foundation has been dedicated to promoting health, advancing education, and reducing human suffering. The Foundation supports outreach programs financially while we provide the volunteers and mentors from within our company. Since its inception, we have contributed $85$125 million to the Intuitive Foundation to fulfill its mission.
One of the Foundation’s major programs, the Global Surgical Training Challenge (“GSTC”) is inspiring innovation to help expand healthcare access around the world. Launched in 2020, GSTC came together when the Intuitive Foundation worked with MIT Solve and Nesta Challenges to recruit teams and offer a prize pool of up to $5 million for winning concepts that help enable better access to care. In addition, the Intuitive Foundation engages with professional societies and nonprofits to create internships and support leadership development for underrepresented student populations and also continues to support programs that empower young people of all backgrounds to participate in robotics-centered events to inspire their education in science, technology, engineering, and math. Moreover, Intuitive and the Intuitive Foundation, along with many employees, contributed financially to support community programs and other charitable campaigns.
We encourage you to review the “Talent“Our People” and workplace experience” and “Creating stronger communities” section“Our Community Impact” sections of our Sustainability2023 ESG Annual Report 2021 (located(to be made available on our website) for more detailed information regarding our Human Capital programs and initiatives. NothingAlthough we reference our ESG Annual Report available on our website includingin this report, this report and any other materials on our Sustainability Report 2021 or sections thereof, shall be deemedcorporate website are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.Report or any other filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act. While matters discussed in such ESG Annual Report and website materials may be significant, any significance should not be read as necessarily rising to the level of materiality used for the purposes of our compliance with the U.S. federal securities laws, even if we use the word “material” or “materiality” in such materials.
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General
We make our periodic and current reports, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, available free of charge on our website as soon as practicable after such material is electronically filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Our website address is www.intuitive.com, and the reports are filed under “SEC Filings” on the Company — Investor Relations portion of our website. Periodically, we webcast Company announcements, product launch events, and executive presentations, which can be viewed via our Investor Relations page on our website. In addition, we provide notifications of our material news, including SEC filings, investor events, and press releases as part of our Investor Relations page on our website. The contents of our website are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this report or in any other report or document we file, and any references to our website are intended to be inactive textual references only. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The contents of these websites are not incorporated into this filing. Further, references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.
We operate our business as one segment, as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our financial results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 20192021 are discussed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. was founded in 1995. We are a Delaware corporation with our principal executive offices located at 1020 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale, California 94086. Our telephone number is (408) 523-2100, and our website address is www.intuitive.com.
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ITEM 1A.     RISK FACTORS
You should consider each of the following risk factors, which could materially affect our business, financial position,condition, or future results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial position,condition, or future results of operations. In addition, the global economic climateenvironment and additional or unforeseen effects from the COVID-19 pandemic amplify many of these risks.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEALTH CRISESOUR MARKETS ARE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE, AND CUSTOMERS MAY CHOOSE TO PURCHASE OUR COMPETITORS’ PRODUCTS OR EPIDEMIC DISEASES,SERVICES OR THE PERCEPTIONMAY NOT ACCEPT ROBOTIC-ASSISTED MEDICAL PROCEDURES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN REDUCED REVENUE AND LOSS OF THEIR EFFECTS, HAVE AND COULD CONTINUE TO MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.MARKET SHARE.
Our global operations expose us to risks associatedRobotic-assisted surgery with public health crisesa da Vinci surgical system or robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with an Ion endoluminal system are technologies that compete with established and outbreaksemerging treatment options in reconstructive medical procedures or disease management. These competitive treatment options include open surgery, conventional MIS, drug therapies, radiation treatment, and other emerging diagnostic and interventional surgical approaches. Some of epidemic, pandemic, or contagious diseases, such as the current outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19). To date, COVID-19 has had, and may continue to have, an adverse impact on our operations, our supply chains and distribution systems, and our expenses, including as a result of preventive and precautionary measures that we, other businesses, and governmentsthese procedures are taking. In addition, hospitals are also experiencing staffing shortages and supply chain issues that could impact their ability to provide patient care. Due to these impacts and measures, we have experienced and may continue to experience significant and unpredictable reductionswidely accepted in the demand formedical community and, in many cases, have a long history of use. Technological advances could make such treatments more effective or less expensive than using our products, as healthcare customers divertwhich could render our products obsolete or unmarketable. Studies could be published that show that other treatment options are more beneficial and/or cost-effective than robotic-assisted medical resources and priorities towards the treatment of that disease. In addition, our customers have delayed, cancelled, or redirected and, in the future, may delay, cancel, or redirect planned capital expenditures in order to focus resources on COVID-19 or in response to economic disruption related to COVID-19.procedures. For example, as a resultin 2023, certain drugs initially approved for use in diabetes patients gained market acceptance for use in weight loss following FDA approvals for weight loss indications. The availability and effectiveness of weight loss drugs have adversely impacted our da Vinci surgical system bariatric procedures by causing some patients to reconsider the global COVID-19 pandemic, insurgical option. At this time, it is difficult to predict the first halflong-term market impact of 2020, we experienced a significant decline in procedure volume in the U.S.these drugs, including their long-term efficacy and Western Europe, as healthcare systems diverted resourcespotential drawbacks. We cannot be certain that physicians will use our products to meet the increasing demands of managing COVID-19. In addition, U.S. and global public health bodies have, at times, recommended delaying elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and surgeons and medical societies are evaluating the risks of minimally invasive surgeries in the presence of infectious diseases, which we expectreplace or supplement established treatments or that our products will continue to negatively impactbe competitive with current or future technologies.
Additionally, we face or expect to face competition from companies that develop or have developed wristed, robotic-assisted, or computer-assisted medical systems and products. Companies have introduced products in the usagefield of robotic medical procedures or have made explicit statements about their efforts to enter the field including, but not limited to, the following companies: Asensus Surgical, Inc.; Beijing Surgerii Robotics Company Limited; CMR Surgical Ltd.; Johnson & Johnson; Medicaroid Corporation; Medtronic plc; meerecompany Inc.; Noah Medical; Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Ltd.; Shanghai Microport Medbot (Group) Co., Ltd.; and Shenzhen Edge Medical Co., Ltd. Other companies with substantial experience in industrial robotics could potentially expand into the field of medical robotics and become competitors. Our revenues may be reduced due to pricing pressure or eliminated if our competitors develop and market products and the number of da Vinci procedures performed. Also, asthat are more effective or less expensive than our products. If we are conducting IDE studiesunable to support 510(k) submission for da Vinci platforms and for seeking new indications, we may experience delays in obtaining new product approvals, certifications, or clearances from the FDA or foreign approvals or certifications from foreign authorities or notified bodies or delays in recruiting patients incompete successfully, our ongoing and planned clinical studies.
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have experienced significant business disruptions, including restrictions on our ability to travel as well as distribute and service our products, temporary closures of our facilities and the facilities of our suppliers and their contract manufacturers, and a reduction in access to our customers due to diverted resources and priorities and the business hours of hospitals, as governments institute prolonged shelter-in-place and/or self-quarantine mandates. For example, our corporate headquarters and many of our operations, including certain of our manufacturing facilities, are located in California,revenues will suffer, which previously instituted risk reduction orders applicable to our employees in that region, significantly impacting the ability of our employees to get to their places of work to produce products and hampering our products from moving through the supply chain. These unprecedented measures to slow the spread of the virus taken by local governments and healthcare authorities globally, including the deferral of elective medical procedures and social distancing measures, have had, and we expect will continue to have, a negative impact on our operations and financial results. Furthermore, our future ways of working changes, including fully remote and hybrid work environments, may present additional risks, uncertainties, and costs that could affect our performance, including increased operational risk, uncertainty regarding office space needs, heightened vulnerability to cyber attacks due to remote work, potential reduced productivity, changes to our company culture, and increased costs to ensure our offices are safe and functional as hybrid offices that enable effective collaboration of both remote and in-person colleagues.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the economies and financial markets of many countries, which may result in a period of regional, national, and global economic slowdown or regional, national, or global recessions that could curtail or delay spending by hospitals and affect demand for our products as well as increased risk of customer defaults or delays in payments. Our customers may terminate or amend their agreements for the purchase, lease, or service of our products due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, lack of funding, operational failures, or other reasons. COVID-19 and the current financial, economic, and capital markets environment, and future developments in these and other areas present material uncertainty and risk with respect to our performance, financial condition, volume of business, results of operations, and cash flows.
Outbreaks of other epidemic, pandemic, or contagious diseases, such as, historically, the Ebola virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or the H1N1 virus, could also divert medical resources and priorities towards the treatment of that disease. An outbreak of other contagious diseases could negatively affect hospital admission rates or disrupt our business similar to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted above. Any of these
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outbreaks could negatively impact the number of procedures performed and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or result of operations. We may not be able to maintain or improve our competitive position against current or potential competitors, especially those with greater resources.
In addition, third-party service providers that serviceda Vinci surgical system and Ion endoluminal system operators may emerge and compete with us on price or offerings. To date, substantially all of our customers have sourced services on their systems from us through service contract commitments or time and materials contracts. Furthermore, there are third-party service providers offering consulting services targeted at analyzing the cost-effectiveness of hospitals’ robotic-assisted medical programs, including procedures performed, placement of systems, and consumption of instruments and accessories. We currently provide similar services and analysis to our customers, but it is difficult to assess the impact that this may have on our business. If we are unable to compete successfully with any third-party service providers, our revenues may suffer.
MACROECONOMIC CONDITIONS COULD MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Macroeconomic conditions, such as high inflationary pressure, changes to monetary policy, high interest rates, volatile currency exchange rates, credit and sovereign debt concerns, concerns about slowed growth in China and other OUS markets, decreasing consumer confidence and spending, including capital spending, concerns about the stability and liquidity of certain financial institutions, the introduction of or changes in tariffs or trade barriers, and global or local recessions can adversely impact demand for our products, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Recent macroeconomic conditions have been adversely impacted by geopolitical instability and military hostilities in multiple geographies (including the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict between Israel and Hamas), monetary and financial uncertainties, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The results of these macroeconomic conditions, and the actions taken by governments, central banks, companies, and consumers in response, have resulted in, and may continue to result in, higher inflation in the U.S. and globally, which is likely, in turn, to lead to an increase in costs and may cause changes in fiscal and monetary policy, including additional increases in
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interest rates. Other adverse impacts of recent macroeconomic conditions have been, and may continue to be, supply chain constraints, logistics challenges, liquidity concerns in the broader financial services industry, and fluctuations in labor availability.
Adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties, or other third parties, or concerns or rumors about these events, have in the past led to, and may in the future lead to, market-wide liquidity problems. For example, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as receiver. Similarly, other institutions have been, and may continue to be, swept into receivership. Uncertainty may remain over liquidity concerns in the broader financial services industry, and there may be unpredictable impacts to our business and our industry.
In a higher inflationary environment, we may be unable to raise the prices of our products and services sufficiently to keep up with the rate of inflation. Impacts from inflationary pressures could be more pronounced and materially adversely impact aspects of our business where revenue streams and cost commitments are linked to contractual agreements that extend further into the future, as we may not be able to quickly or easily adjust pricing, reduce costs, or implement countermeasures. A higher inflationary environment can also negatively impact raw material, component, and logistics costs that, in turn, may increase the costs of producing and distributing our products.
Furthermore, hospitals and distributors may choose to postpone or reduce spending due to financial difficulties or difficulties in obtaining credit to finance purchases of our products due to increased interest rates and restraints on credit. Hospitals and distributors may also be adversely affected by the liquidity concerns in the broader financial services industry, as described above, that could result in delayed access or loss of access to uninsured deposits or loss of their ability to draw on existing credit facilities involving a troubled or failed financial institution. Hospitals, in particular, are experiencing and may continue to experience financial and operational pressures as a result of staffing shortages, the supply chain environment, and high inflation, which could impact their ability to access capital markets and other funding sources, increase the cost of funding, or impede their ability to comply with debt covenants, all of which could impede their ability to provide patient care, defer elective surgeries, and impact their profitability. To the extent that hospitals face financial pressures, delayed access or loss of access to uninsured deposits, delayed access or loss of ability to draw on existing credit facilities, reductions in government spending, or higher interest rates, hospitals’ ability or willingness to spend on capital equipment may be adversely impacted, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Additionally, with economic uncertainty, an increase in unemployment rates, and increasing health insurance premiums, co-payments and deductibles may result in cost-conscious consumers pursuing fewer elective surgical procedures, which, in turn, could adversely affect procedure volumes and system demand.
We are unable to predict the impact of efforts by central banks and federal, state, and local governments to combat elevated levels of inflation. If their efforts to create downward pressure on inflation are too aggressive, they may lead to a recession. Alternatively, if they are insufficient or are not sustained long enough to bring inflation to lower, more acceptable levels, hospitals’ ability or willingness to spend on capital equipment may be impacted for a prolonged period of time. If a recession occurs, economies weaken, or inflationary trends continue, our business and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
Also, we have, and may continue to, experience supply chain constraints due to the current supply chain environment, including difficulties obtaining a sufficient supply of component materials used in our products. If interest rates continue to rise, access to credit may become more difficult, which may result in the insolvency of key suppliers, including single-source suppliers, which would exacerbate supply chain challenges. Such supply chain constraints could cause us to fail to meet product demand, which could result in deferred or canceled procedures.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO A VARIETY OF RISKS DUE TO OUR OPERATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.
We manufacture, perform research and development activities, and distribute our products in OUS markets. Revenue from OUS markets accounted for approximately 34%, 33%, and 33% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Our OUS operations are, and will continue to be, subject to a number of risks including:
the failure to obtain or cash flows.maintain the same degree of protection against infringement of our intellectual property rights due to differing intellectual property protection laws in OUS countries from those in the U.S.;
multiple OUS regulatory requirements that are subject to change and that could impact our ability to manufacture and sell our products;
changes in tariffs, trade barriers, and regulatory requirements;
protectionist laws, policies, and business practices that favor local competitors or lead to non-U.S. customers favoring domestic technology solutions, which could slow our growth in OUS markets;
local or national regulations that make it difficult or impractical to market or use our products;
U.S. relations with the governments of the other countries in which we operate;
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the inability or regulatory limitations on our ability to move goods across borders;
the risks associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
the difficulty in establishing, staffing, and managing OUS operations, including differing labor relations;
the expense of establishing facilities and operations in new foreign markets;
the building and maintenance of an organization capable of supporting geographically dispersed operations, including appropriate business procedures and controls;
anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials;
antitrust and anti-competition laws;
economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in particular foreign economies and markets, including exposure to a higher degree of financial risk if we extend credit to customers in these economies; and
business interruptions due to natural disasters, outbreak of disease, climate change, and other events beyond our control.
For example, in Israel, we have certain research and development operations primarily related to digital products. Depending on the length and extent of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, there may be adverse impacts to certain research and development timelines.
Also, we have increased, and will continue to increase, our operations in China. There is inherent risk, based on the complex relationships between China and the U.S., that political, diplomatic, military, or other events could result in business disruptions, including increased regulatory enforcement against companies, tariffs, trade embargoes, or export restrictions. Tariffs increase the cost of our products and the components and raw materials that go into making them. These increased costs adversely impact the gross margin that we earn on our products. Tariffs can also make our products more expensive for customers, which could make our products less competitive and reduce consumer demand. Countries may also adopt other measures, such as controls on imports or exports of goods, technology, or data, which could adversely impact our operations and supply chain and limit our ability to offer our products and services as designed. These measures can require us to take various actions, including changing suppliers and restructuring business relationships. Changing our operations in accordance with new or changed trade restrictions can be expensive, time-consuming, disruptive to our operations and distracting to management. Such restrictions can be announced with little or no advance notice, and we may not be able to effectively mitigate all adverse impacts from such measures. Political uncertainty surrounding trade and other international disputes could also have a negative effect on consumer confidence and spending. Any of these events could reduce customer demand, increase the cost of our products and services, or otherwise have a materially adverse impact on our customers’ and suppliers’ businesses or results of operations.
For example, in 2020, the U.S. government amended the Entity List rules to expand the requirement to obtain a license prior to the export of certain technologies. In addition, in 2020, a new U.S. regulation seeks to prohibit the U.S. government from contracting with companies who use the products or services of certain Chinese companies. We believe that these regulations do not materially adversely impact our business at this time but cannot predict the impact that additional regulatory changes may have on our business in the future. These actions or similar actions may result in policies and regulations in response that could adversely affect our business operations in China or may otherwise limit our ability to offer our products and services in China and other parts of the world.
Additionally, in July 2023, the Chinese government launched a one-year anti-corruption campaign targeting the healthcare sector. The efforts of this campaign largely aim to curb kickbacks and corruption among individuals who have exploited their positions within medical institutions. As a result of this anti-corruption campaign, the medical institutions have heightened their scrutiny with respect to initiating tenders. Therefore, some tenders were cancelled or delayed without an updated timeline. In the third and fourth quarters of 2023, the effect of this anti-corruption campaign contributed to fewer systems being placed in China. Currently, the extent of the impact of this anti-corruption campaign on our business remains uncertain.
Following a national referendum and enactment of legislation by the government of the UK, the UK formally withdrew from the EU and ratified a trade and cooperation agreement governing its relationship with the EU. The EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (the “TCA”) was applied provisionally as of January 1, 2021, and entered into force on May 1, 2021. The TCA does not specifically refer to medical devices. However, as a result of Brexit, the EU Medical Devices Regulation will not be implemented in the UK, and previous legislation that sought to mirror the EU Medical Devices Regulation in the UK law has been revoked. The regulatory regime for medical devices in Great Britain continues to be based on the requirements derived from previous EU legislation, and the UK may choose to retain regulatory flexibility or align with the EU Medical Devices Regulation going forward. On June 26, 2022, the MHRA published its response to a 10-week consultation on the future regulation of medical devices in the UK. Regulations implementing the new regime were originally scheduled to come into force in July 2023 but the MHRA has confirmed that it is aiming for the core aspects of the new regime to apply from July
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2025. Devices which have valid CE certification issued by EU notified bodies under the EU Medical Devices Regulation or Medical Devices Directive are subject to transitional arrangements.
The Government has confirmed that general medical devices compliant with the EU Medical Devices Directive with a valid declaration and CE marking can be placed on the Great Britain market up until the sooner of expiry of certificate or June 30, 2028. Medical devices, including custom-made devices, compliant with the EU Medical Devices Regulation can be placed on the Great Britain market up until June 30, 2030. Following these transitional periods, it is expected that all medical devices will require a UK Conformity Assessment mark. Manufacturers may choose to use the UKCA mark on a voluntary basis prior to the regulations coming into force. However, from July 2025, products that do not have existing and valid CE certification under the EU Medical Devices Directive or EU Medical Devices Regulation and are therefore not subject to the transitional arrangements will be required to carry the UKCA mark if they are to be sold into the market in Great Britain. UKCA marking will not be recognized in the EU. The rules for placing medical devices on the market in Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, differ from those in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and continue to be based on EU law. The TCA does provide for cooperation and exchange of information in the area of product safety and compliance, including market surveillance, enforcement activities and measures, standardization-related activities, exchanges of officials, and coordinated product recalls (or other similar actions). For medical devices that are locally manufactured but use components from other countries, the “rules of origin” criteria will need to be reviewed. Depending on which countries products will ultimately be sold in, manufacturers may start seeking alternative sources for components if this would allow them to benefit from no tariffs. The rules for placing medical devices on the Northern Ireland market will differ from those in Great Britain. These developments, or the perception that any related developments could occur, have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and financial markets, and our business would likely be impacted and the demand for our products could be depressed.
In addition, the U.S. federal government has made changes to the U.S. trade policy, including entering into a successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”), known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”), effective as of July 1, 2020. In addition, the U.S. federal government has implemented, or is considering the imposition of, tariffs on certain foreign goods. Such tariffs and, if enacted, any further legislation or actions taken by the U.S. federal government that restrict trade, such as additional tariffs, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures taken by governments in Europe, Asia, and other countries, could adversely impact our ability to sell products and services in our OUS markets. Tariffs could increase the cost of our products and the components and raw materials that go into making them. These increased costs could adversely impact the gross margin that we earn on our products, which could make our products less competitive and reduce consumer demand. Countries may also adopt other protectionist measures that could limit our ability to offer our products and services.
Furthermore, in certain markets, our OUS sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive and/or less affordable in those OUS markets.
If we are unable to meet and manage these risks, our OUS operations may not be successful, which would limit the growth of our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or result of operations.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO LITIGATION, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO OUR PRODUCTS, CUSTOMERS, COMPETITORS, AND GOVERNMENT REGULATORS THAT COULD MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION, DIVERT MANAGEMENT’S ATTENTION, AND HARM OUR BUSINESS.
We are, and may become, subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in or outside the ordinary course of business. Certain current lawsuits and pending proceedings to which we are party, including purported class actions, product liability litigation, and patent litigation, are described in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8.
In particular, our business exposes us to significant risks of patent claims, product liability claims, and competition claims (including antitrust claims), many of which are common in the medical device industry. For example, product liability claims have been brought against us by, or on behalf of, individuals alleging that they have sustained personal injuries and/or death as a result of purported product defects, the alleged failure to warn, and/or the alleged inadequate training by us of physicians regarding the use of the da Vinci surgical system. The individuals who have brought the product liability claims seek recovery for their alleged personal injuries and, in many cases, punitive damages. Current product liability claims have resulted in negative publicity regarding our Company, and these and any other product liability or negligence claims or product recalls also could harm our reputation. Refer to our risk factor titled “Negative publicity, whether accurate or inaccurate, concerning our products or our company could reduce market acceptance of our products and could result in decreased product demand and reduced revenues” for additional risks related to the potential effects of negative publicity on our business. Also, antitrust claims have been brought against us by third parties looking to compete in the instruments or servicing space and by certain customers.
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The outcome of these product liability claims and other legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. We purchase and maintain business insurance for certain liabilities and self-insure our product liability claims through a fronting policy. We cannot determine whether our existing business insurance program would be sufficient to cover the costs or potential losses related to these lawsuits and proceedings or otherwise be excluded under the terms of any insurance policy. Regardless of merit, litigation may be time-consuming and disruptive to our operations and cause significant legal costs (including settlements, judgments, legal fees, and other related defense costs) and diversion of management attention. If we do not prevail in these legal proceedings, we may be faced with significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. We could also be subject to governmental investigations in connection with many of these claims.
OUR RELIANCE ON SOLESOLE- AND SINGLE SOURCESINGLE-SOURCED SUPPLIERS AND OUR ABILITY TO PURCHASE AT ACCEPTABLE PRICES A SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF MATERIALS PARTS, AND COMPONENTS COULD HARM OUR ABILITY TO MEET PRODUCT DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS IN A TIMELY MANNER OR WITHIN BUDGET.
Some of the components necessary for the assembly of our products are currently provided to us by sole-sourced suppliers or single-sourced suppliers. We generally purchase components through purchase orders rather than long-term supply agreements and generally do not maintain large volumes of inventory. While alternative suppliers exist and could be identified for single-sourced components, the disruption or termination of the supply of components, or inflationary pressure in our supply chain, could cause a significant increase in the costs of these components, which could affect our operating results. Certain of our sole-sourced suppliers or single-sourced suppliers could be adversely affected by the macroeconomic conditions, such as liquidity concerns in the broader financial services industry, that could result in delayed access or loss of access to their uninsured deposits or loss of their ability to draw on existing credit facilities involving a troubled or failed financial institution. A disruption or termination in the supply of components could also result in our inability to meet demand for our products, which could harm our ability to generate revenues, lead to customer dissatisfaction, and damage our reputation and our brand. Furthermore, if we are required to change the manufacturer of a key component of our products, we may be required to verify that the new manufacturer maintains facilities and procedures that comply with quality standards and with all applicable regulations and guidelines. The time and processes associated with the verification of a new manufacturer could delay our ability to manufacture our products on schedule or within budget, which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.operations.
In addition, our ability to meet customers’ demands depends, in part, on our ability to timely obtain an adequate delivery of quality materials, parts, and components from our suppliers. An information technology systems interruption, including cybersecurity attacks,cyberattacks, could adversely affect the ordering, distribution, and manufacturing processes of our suppliers. Difficulties remain in obtaining a sufficient supply of semiconductor and other component materials, continue to increase, and we expect such difficulties to persist in the foreseeable future. Prices of such materials have also increased, and global supply has become significantly constrained due to the increased demand for materials, including semiconductors, to support expansion of server and cloud networks as a greater proportion of the global population worked remotely, the introduction of 5G, and the continued electrification of vehicles. We engage in activities to seek to mitigate such supply disruptions by, for example, increasing our communications with our suppliers and modifying our purchase order coverage and inventory levels. However, notwithstanding these activities, the global semiconductor and materials supply shortage is likely to remain a challenge for the foreseeable future. Such global shortages in important components have resulted in, and will continue to cause, inflationary pressure in our supply chain, which would impact our profits and profit margin. If shortages and price increases in important supply-chain materials in the semiconductor or other markets continue, we could also fail to meet product demand, which would adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.operations.
BECAUSENEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS AND INTRODUCTIONS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR MARKETS ARE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE, CUSTOMERS MAY CHOOSE TO PURCHASE OUR COMPETITORS’ PRODUCTSBUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR SERVICES OR MAY NOT ACCEPT DA VINCI ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGERY, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN REDUCED REVENUE AND LOSSRESULTS OF MARKET SHARE.OPERATIONS.
Robotic-assisted surgeryWe develop and introduce new products with enhanced features and extended capabilities from time to time. We may introduce new products that target different markets than what our existing products target. The success of new product introductions depends on a da Vinci Surgical System is a technology that competes with established and emerging treatment options in both disease management and reconstructive medical procedures. These competitive treatment options include conventional MIS, open surgery, interventional approaches, and pharmacological regimens. Somenumber of these procedures are widely accepted in the medical community and, in many cases, have a long history of use. Technological advances could make such treatments more effective or less expensive than using our products, which could render our products obsolete or unmarketable. Studies could be published that show that other treatment options are more beneficial and/or cost-effective than robotic-assisted surgery. We cannot be certain that physicians will use our products to replace or supplement established treatments or that our products will continue to be competitive with current or future technologies.
Additionally, we face or expect to face competition from companies that develop or have developed wristed, robotic-assisted, or computer-assisted surgical systems and products. Companies have introduced products in the field of robotic surgery or have made explicit statements about their efforts to enter the fieldfactors including, but not limited to, timely and successful research and development, regulatory clearances, approvals, or certifications, establishment or maintenance of intellectual property rights, pricing, competition, market and consumer acceptance, the following companies: Asensus Surgical, Inc.; avateramedical GmbH; CMR Surgical Ltd.; Johnson & Johnson; Medicaroid, Inc.; Medrobotics Corporation; Medtronic plc; meerecompany Inc.; MicroPort Scientific Corporation; Olympus Corporation; Samsung Group; Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Ltd.;effective forecasting and Titan Medical Inc. Other companies with substantial experiencemanagement of product demand, inventory levels, the management of manufacturing costs and capacity, the management of supply costs, including mitigation of unforeseen supply chain disruptions for materials and components, and the risk that new products may have quality or other defects in industrial robotics could potentiallythe early stages of introduction.
We invest substantially in various research and development projects to expand into the field of surgical roboticsour product offerings. Our research and become competitors. Our revenuesdevelopment efforts are critical to our success, and our research and development projects may not be successful. We may be reduced dueunable to pricing pressure or eliminated if our competitors develop and market new products that are more effective or less expensive than our products. Ifsuccessfully, and the products we are unable to compete successfully, our revenues will suffer, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, result of operations, or cash flows. Weinvest in and develop may not be ablewell-received by customers or meet our expectations. Our research and development investments may not generate significant operating income or contribute to maintainour future operating results for several years, and such contributions may not meet our expectations or improve our competitive position against currenteven cover the costs of such investments. In addition, the introduction or potential competitors, especially those with greater resources.announcement of new products or product
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In addition, third-party service providers that provide services toda Vinci Surgical System operatorsenhancements may emerge and compete with us on price or offerings. To date, substantially allshorten the life cycle of our customersexisting products or reduce demand for our current products, thereby offsetting any benefits of successful product introductions and potentially leading to challenges in managing inventory of existing products.
Our products are subject to various regulatory processes, and we must obtain and maintain regulatory approvals and certifications in order to sell our new products. If a potential purchaser believes that we plan to introduce a new product in the near future or is located in a country where a new product that we have sourced servicesintroduced has not yet received regulatory clearance or certification, planned purchases may be deferred or delayed. In the past, we have experienced a slowdown in demand for existing products in advance of new product introductions, and we may experience a slowdown in demand in the future as well. It is also possible that a new product introduction could cause downward pressure on their da Vinci Surgical Systems fromthe prices of our existing products or require us through service contract commitments or time and materials contracts. Furthermore, there are third-party service providers offering consulting services targeted at analyzing the cost-effectivenessto change how we sell our products, either of hospitals’ robotic-assisted surgery programs, including procedures performed, placement of systems, and consumption of instruments and accessories. We currently provide similar services and analysis to our customers, but it is difficult to assess the impact that this maywhich could have material adverse effects on our business.revenues.
If we fail to effectively develop new products and manage new product introductions in the future, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely impacted.
WE MAY ENCOUNTER MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS OR DELAYS THAT COULD RESULT IN LOST REVENUE.
Manufacturing our products is a complex process. We (or our critical suppliers) may encounter difficulties in scaling up or maintaining production of our products, including:
problems involving production yields;
quality control and assurance;
component supply shortages;
import or export restrictions on components, materials, or technology;
shortages of qualified personnel; and
compliance with state, federal, and foreign regulations.
If demand for our products exceeds our manufacturing capacity, we could develop a substantial backlog of customer orders. If we are unable to compete successfullydevelop or maintain larger-scale manufacturing capabilities or build new manufacturing capabilities or facilities on schedule or within budget, our ability to generate revenue and maintain profit margins as expected will be limited and our reputation in the marketplace could be damaged, all of which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
In addition, as we build new facilities for manufacturing capacity, the development of these facilities is subject to risks relating to our ability to complete our projects on schedule or within budget. Refer to our risk factor titled “We are subject to risks associated with any third-party service providers,real estate construction and development” for additional risks related to building our revenuesnew manufacturing facilities.
Also, after new manufacturing facilities are completed, we may suffer.encounter difficulties transferring our production lines from our existing facilities to the new facilities, which require qualification, validation, and regulatory approval and is subject to all of the risks highlighted above. Moreover, certain new manufacturing facilities are in foreign countries and in locations where we have not previously had manufacturing sites, both of which could increase the risks related to transferring our production lines. The facility transfers may require an increase in safety stock inventory to support the production line transfers, create a substantial backlog of customer orders, or increase costs while the production lines mature, all of which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
THE INFLATIONARY ENVIRONMENTWE EXPECT GROSS PROFIT MARGINS TO VARY OVER TIME, AND CHANGES IN OUR GROSS PROFIT MARGINS COULD MATERIALLY ADVERSELY IMPACTAFFECT OUR BUSINESS, ANDFINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
ChangesOur gross profit margins have fluctuated from period to period, and we expect that they will continue to fluctuate in economic conditions and supply chain constraints and steps taken by governments and central banks, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other stimulus and spending programs, could lead to higher inflation than previously experienced or expected, which could, in turn, lead to an increase in costs. In an inflationary environment, wefuture. Our gross profit margins may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including:
changes in customer, geographic, or product mix, including the mix of system models sold or leased;
changes in the portion of sales involving a trade-in of another system and the amount of trade-in credits given;
our introduction of new products, which may have lower margins than our existing products;
our inability to maintain or reduce production costs;
changes in our pricing strategy;
competition;
changes in production volume driven by demand for our products;
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changes in material, labor, or other manufacturing-related costs, including the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations for foreign currency-denominated costs;
changes to U.S. and foreign trade policies, such as the enactment of tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. including, but not limited to, goods imported from Mexico where we manufacture a majority of our instruments that we sell;
inventory obsolescence, which may result from maintaining significant inventories of raw materials, components, and finished goods;
product recall charges; and
market conditions.
If we are unable to raiseoffset the pricesunfavorable impact of ourthe factors noted above by increasing the volume of products sufficiently to keep up with the rate of inflation. Impacts from inflationary pressures could be more pronounced and materially adversely impact aspects ofshipped, reducing product manufacturing costs, or otherwise, our business, with revenue streams and cost commitments linked to contractual agreements that extend further into the future, as wefinancial condition, or results of operations may not be able to quickly or easily adjust pricing, reduce costs, or implement counter measures.adversely affected.
IF OUR PRODUCTS DO NOT ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN MARKET ACCEPTANCE, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GENERATE THE REVENUE NECESSARY TO SUPPORT OUR BUSINESS.
The da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system and our other products represent a fundamentally new way of performing medical procedures. Achieving and maintaining physician, patient, and third-party payor acceptance of robotic-assisted medical procedures as a preferred method of performing these procedures is crucial to our success. If our products fail to achieve or maintain market acceptance, customers will not purchase our products, and we will not be able to generate the revenue necessary to support our business. We believe that physicians’ and third-party payors’ acceptance of the benefits of procedures performed using our products will be essential for acceptance of our products by patients. Physicians will not recommend the use of our products unless we can demonstrate that they produce results comparable or superior to existing techniques. Even if we can prove the effectiveness of our products through clinical studies, physicians may elect not to use our products for any number of other reasons. For example, cardiologists may continue to recommend conventional heart surgery simply because such surgery is already widely accepted. In addition, physicians may be slow to adopt our products because of the perceived liability risks arising from the use of new products and the uncertainty of reimbursement from third-party payors, particularly in light of ongoing healthcare reform initiatives and the evolving U.S. healthcare environment.
We expect that there will continue to be a learning process involved for patient care teams to become proficient in the use of our products. Broad use of our products requires training of patient care teams. Market acceptance could be delayed by the time required to complete this training. We may not be able to rapidly train patient care teams in numbers sufficient to generate adequate demand for our products.
IF INSTITUTIONS OR SURGEONSHOSPITALS ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN COVERAGE AND REIMBURSEMENT FROM THIRD-PARTY PAYORS FOR PROCEDURES USING OUR PRODUCTS, OR IF REIMBURSEMENT IS INSUFFICIENT TO COVER THE COSTS OF PURCHASING OUR PRODUCTS, OR IF LIMITATIONS ARE IMPOSED BY GOVERNMENTS ON THE AMOUNT HOSPITALS CAN CHARGE FOR CERTAIN PROCEDURES, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO GENERATE SUFFICIENT SALES TO SUPPORT OUR BUSINESS.
In the U.S., hospitals generally bill for the services performed with our products to various third-party payors, such as Medicare, Medicaid, other government programs, and private insurance plans. If hospitals do not obtain sufficient reimbursement from third-party payors for procedures performed with our products, or if government and private payors’ policies do not cover surgical procedures performed using our products, we may not be able to generate the revenues necessary to support our business. In addition, to the extent that there is a shift from an inpatient setting to outpatient settings, we may experience pricing pressure and a reduction in the number of procedures performed. Our success in OUS markets also depends uponon the eligibility of our products for coverage and reimbursement through government-sponsored healthcare payment systems and third-party payors. Reimbursement practices vary significantly by country. Many OUS markets have government-managed healthcare systems that control reimbursement for new products and procedures. Other foreign markets have both private insurance systems and government-managed systems that control reimbursement for new products and procedures. Market acceptance of our products may depend on the availability and level of coverage and reimbursement in anya country within a particular time. In addition, healthcare cost containment efforts similar to those in the U.S. are prevalent in many of the other countries in which we sell, and intend to sell, our products, and these efforts are expected to continue. Please seeRefer to our risk factor below titled “Changes in Healthcare Legislation and Policy May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition, andor Results of Operations” for additional risks related to the ability of institutions or surgeonshospitals to obtain reimbursements.
In China, since 2022, several provinces, including the Hunan Provincial Healthcare Security Administration, have implemented significant limits on what hospitals can charge patients for surgeries using robotic surgical technology, including soft tissue surgery and orthopedics. These limits have significantly impacted the number of procedures performed and have impacted our instruments and accessories revenue in those provinces. Companies providing robotic surgical technology,
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including our joint venture in China, have been meeting with Chinese government healthcare agencies to discuss these developments and to provide feedback. We cannot assure you that additional provincial or national healthcare agencies and administrations will not impose similar limits, and we expect to continue to face increased pricing pressure, both of which could further impact the number of procedures performed and our instruments and accessories revenue in China.
IF OUR PRODUCTS CONTAIN DEFECTS OR ENCOUNTER PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS, WE MAY HAVE TO RECALL OUR PRODUCTS INCUR ADDITIONAL UNFORESEEN COSTS, AND OUR REPUTATION MAY SUFFER.
Our success depends on the quality and reliability of our products. While we subject components sourced and products manufactured to stringent quality specifications and processes, our products incorporate mechanical parts, electrical components, optical components, and computer software, any of which may contain errors or exhibit failures, especially when products are first introduced. Component failures, manufacturing flaws, design defects, or inadequate disclosure of product relatedproduct-related risks with respect to our products could result in an unsafe condition or injury to, or death of, the patient. In addition, new products or enhancements may contain undetected errors or performance problems that, despite testing, are discovered only after commercial shipment. Because our products are designed to be used to perform complex surgical procedures, due to the serious and costly consequences of product failure, we and our customers have an increased sensitivity to such defects. In the past, we have voluntarily recalled certain products. Although our products are subject to stringent quality processes and controls, we cannot provide assurance that our products will not experience component aging, errors, or performance problems. If we experience product flaws or performance problems, any or all of the following could occur:
delays in product shipments;
loss of revenue;
delay in market acceptance;
diversion of our resources;
damage to our reputation;
product recalls, which can include,including, but not be limited to, product withdrawals from the market, labeling changes, design changes, customer notifications, and notifications to global regulatory bodies;
regulatory actions;
increased service or warranty costs; or
product liability claims.
Costs associated with defects or performance problems of our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.operations.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO PRODUCT LIABILITYUTILIZE DISTRIBUTORS FOR A PORTION OF OUR SALES AND NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS RELATING TO THE USESERVICE OF OUR PRODUCTS AND OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGSIN CERTAIN COUNTRIES, WHICH SUBJECTS US TO A NUMBER OF RISKS THAT COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We have strategic relationships with a number of key distributors for the sale and service of our products in certain countries. If these strategic relationships are terminated and not replaced, our revenues and/or ability to sell or service our products in the markets serviced by these distributors could be adversely affected. In addition, we may be named as a defendant in lawsuits against our distributors related to sales or service of our products performed by them. Refer to our risk factor titled “We are subject to litigation, investigations, and other legal proceedings relating to our products, customers, competitors, and government regulators that could materially adversely affect our financial condition, divert management’s attention, and harm our business.” Our distributors may affect our ability to effectively market our products in certain countries or regulatory jurisdictions if a distributor holds the regulatory authorization or certification in such countries or within such regions and causes, by action or inaction, the suspension of such marketing authorization or certification or sanctions for non-compliance. It may be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming for us to re-establish market access or regulatory compliance in such cases.
PUBLIC HEALTH CRISES OR EPIDEMIC DISEASES, OR THE PERCEPTION OF THEIR EFFECTS, COULD MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, DIVERT MANAGEMENT’S ATTENTION, AND HARM OUR BUSINESS.OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We are,Our global operations expose us to risks associated with public health crises and outbreaks of epidemic, pandemic, or contagious diseases, such as the current outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19). To date, COVID-19 has had, and may become, subjectcontinue to various legal proceedingshave, an adverse impact on our operations, our supply chains and claims that arise in or outside the ordinary course of business. Certain current lawsuitsdistribution systems, and pending proceedings to which we are party,our expenses, including purported class actions, product liability litigation, and patent litigation, are described in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8.
In particular, our business exposes us to significant risks of product liability claims, which are inherent to the medical device industry. Product liability claims have been brought against us by, or on behalf of, individuals alleging that they have sustained personal injuries and/or death as a result of purported product defects,preventive and precautionary measures that we, other businesses, and governments have taken and may continue to take. In addition, hospitals are experiencing staffing shortages and supply chain issues that could impact their ability to provide patient care. Due to these impacts and measures, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant and unpredictable reductions in the alleged failuredemand for our products as healthcare customers divert medical resources and priorities towards the treatment of that disease. Also, our customers have delayed, cancelled, or redirected and, in the future, may delay,
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cancel, or redirect, planned capital expenditures in order to warn, and/focus resources on COVID-19 or the alleged inadequate training by us of physicians regarding the usein response to economic disruption related to COVID-19. For example, as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, in the first half of 2020, we experienced a significant decline in procedure volume in the U.S. and Western Europe, as healthcare systems diverted resources to meet the increasing demands of managing COVID-19. In addition, U.S. and global public health bodies have, at times, recommended delaying elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may continue to negatively impact the usage of our products and the number of da Vinci Surgical System.procedures performed. These delays in elective surgeries may create a patient backlog. The individuals who have broughtpatients in this backlog may or may not use our products when their surgeries are ultimately performed. Also, as we are conducting IDE studies to support 510(k) submission for da Vinci platforms and for seeking new indications, we may experience delays in obtaining new product approvals, clearances from the product liability claims seek recovery forFDA, or approvals or certifications from foreign authorities or notified bodies, or we may experience delays in recruiting patients in our ongoing and planned clinical studies.
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, we experienced significant business disruptions, including restrictions on our ability to travel as well as distribute and service our products, temporary closures of our facilities and the facilities of our suppliers and their alleged personal injuries and, in many cases, punitive damages. Current product liability claims have resulted in negative publicity regarding our Company, and these and any other product liability or negligence claims or product recalls also could harm our reputation. Please see our risk factor below titled “Negative Publicity, Whether Accurate or Inaccurate, Concerning Our Products or Our Company Could Reduce Market Acceptance of Our Products and Could Result in Decreased Product Demandcontract manufacturers, and a Declinereduction in Revenues” for additional risks relatedaccess to our customers due to diverted resources and priorities and the potential effectsbusiness hours of hospitals, as governments institute prolonged shelter-in-place and/or self-quarantine mandates. For example, our corporate headquarters and many of our operations, including certain of our manufacturing facilities, are located in California, which previously instituted risk reduction orders applicable to our employees in that region, significantly impacting the ability of our employees to get to their places of work to produce products and hampering our products from moving through the supply chain. These unprecedented measures to slow the spread of the virus taken by local governments and healthcare authorities globally, including the deferral of elective medical procedures and social distancing measures, had, and may continue to have, a negative publicityimpact on our business.
The outcome of these product liability claims and other legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. We currently self-insure our product liability risk and maintain third-party insurance coverage for certain other liabilities. However, we cannot determine whether our insurance coverage from third-party carriers, or our self-insurance of product liability risk, would be sufficient to cover the costs or potential losses related to these lawsuits and proceedings or otherwise be excluded under the terms of any third-party policy. Regardless of merit, litigation may be both time-consuming and disruptive to our operations and cause significant legalfinancial results. Furthermore, our future ways of working changes, including working from home, fully on-site, or in a hybrid fashion, may present additional risks, uncertainties, and costs (including settlements, judgments, legal fees,that could affect our performance, including increased operational risk, uncertainty regarding office space needs, heightened vulnerability to cyberattacks due to remote work, potential reduced productivity, changes to our company culture, and increased costs to ensure our offices are safe and functional as hybrid offices that enable effective collaboration of both remote and in-person colleagues.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, which may result in a period of regional, national, and global economic slowdown or regional, national, or global recessions that could curtail or delay spending by hospitals and affect demand for our products as well as increased risk of customer defaults or delays in payments. Our customers may terminate or amend their agreements for the purchase, lease, or service of our products due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, lack of funding, operational failures, or other reasons. COVID-19 and the current financial, economic, and capital markets environment, and future developments in these and other related defense costs)areas, present material uncertainty and diversionrisk with respect to our performance, financial condition, volume of management attention. If we do not prevail inbusiness, or results of operations.
Outbreaks of other epidemic, pandemic, or contagious diseases, such as, historically, the purported class actions, product liability litigation,Ebola virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or the H1N1 virus, could also divert medical resources and priorities towards the treatment of that disease. An outbreak of other legal proceedings, we may be faced with significant monetary damagescontagious diseases could negatively affect hospital admission rates or injunctive relief against us thatdisrupt our business similar to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted above. Any of these outbreaks could negatively impact the number of procedures performed and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.
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operations.
WE ARECOULD BE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT, UNINSURED LIABILITIES.LOSSES, WHICH MAY HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
For certain risks, we do not maintain insurance coverage because ofdue to cost and/or availability. For example, we self-insure our product liability risks, and we indemnify our directors and officers for third-party claims and do not carry insurance to cover that indemnity or the related underlying potential losses. We alsoAlso, we do not carry, among other types of coverage, earthquake insurance. In addition, in the future, we may not continue to maintain certain existing insurance coverage or adequate levels of coverage. Premiums for many types of insurance have increased significantly in recent years and, depending on market conditions and our circumstances, in the future, certain types of insurance, such as directors’ and officers’ insurance, may not be available in the future on acceptable terms or at all. Because we retain some portion of our insurable risks and, in some cases, we are entirely self-insured, unforeseen or catastrophic losses in excess of insurance coverage could require us to pay substantial amounts, which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM FAILURES, CYBERATTACKS, OR DEFICIENCIES IN OUR CYBERSECURITY COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS, CUSTOMER RELATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Our information technology systems are critical to the success of our products, help us operate effectively and efficiently, interface with customers, maintain our supply chain and manufacturing operations, maintain financial accuracy and efficiency,
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and help us produce our Consolidated Financial Statements. If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build and sustain the proper information technology infrastructure, we could be subject to transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, the loss of existing customers, difficulty attracting new customers, business operation disruptions, diversion of the attention of management and key information technology resources, security breaches, or the unauthorized access to, loss of, or damage to intellectual property, confidential information, or personal information. Our information technology systems and those of our third-party service providers, strategic partners, and other contractors or consultants are vulnerable to attack, damage, or interruption from a variety of sources. These sources include computer viruses and malware (e.g., ransomware), malicious code, natural disasters, terrorism, war, telecommunication and electrical failures, hacking, cyberattacks, phishing attacks and other social engineering schemes, employee theft or misuse, human error, fraud, denial or degradation of service attacks, sophisticated nation-state and nation-state-supported actors, or unauthorized access or use by persons inside our organization, or persons with access to systems inside our organization. The risk of a security breach or a disruption has generally increased in number, intensity, and sophistication. Techniques used to compromise or sabotage systems, including the use of advanced technologies, such as machine learning or artificial intelligence, change frequently, may originate from less regulated and remote areas of the world, may be difficult to detect, and generally are not recognized until after they are launched against a target. As a result, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. If our information technology systems, or those of our critical third-party vendors, do not effectively and securely collect, store, process, and report relevant data for the operation of our business, our ability to effectively plan, forecast, and execute our business plan and comply with applicable laws and regulations could be impaired. Any such impairment could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and the timeliness with which we report our internal and external operating results.
Our business requires us to use and store customer, employee, and business partner personal information. This may include names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, contact preferences, tax identification numbers, and payment account information. We have implemented, and our critical third-party vendors may implement, various controls, systems, and processes intended to secure our information technology systems and the information on it. For example, we require usernames and passwords in order to access our information technology systems and use encryption and authentication technologies to secure the transmission and storage of data. We also have programs in place to detect, contain, and respond to data security incidents, and we make ongoing improvements to our information-sharing products in order to minimize vulnerabilities, in accordance with industry and regulatory standards. However, we cannot guarantee that these measures will be effective or cash flows.that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging. These security measures may be compromised as a result of security breaches by unauthorized persons, employee error, malfeasance, faulty password management, or other irregularity and result in persons obtaining unauthorized access to our data or accounts. Third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or customers into disclosing usernames, passwords, or other sensitive information or otherwise attempt to hack into our information technology systems to obtain personal data relating to patients or employees, our confidential or proprietary information, or confidential information we hold on behalf of third parties. In addition, with the prolific use of artificial intelligence technologies, there is an increased risk of unauthorized or accidental disclosure. For example, our employees, third-party service providers, strategic partners, or other contractors or consultants may input inappropriate or confidential information into an artificial intelligence system (in particular, a system that is managed, owned, or controlled by a third party), thereby compromising our business operations. Even if the vulnerabilities that may lead to the foregoing are identified, we may be unable to adequately investigate or remediate due to attackers increasingly using tools and techniques that are designed to circumvent controls, avoid detection, and remove or obfuscate forensic evidence. The occurrence of any of these events may cause business operation disruptions, diversion of the attention of management and key information technology resources, and possibly lead to security breaches of, or the unauthorized access to, our confidential information or other business data. If the unauthorized persons successfully hack into or interfere with our connected products or services, they may create issues with product functionality that could pose a risk of the loss of data, a risk to patient safety, and a risk of product recall or field action, which could adversely impact our business and reputation. We may also face increased cybersecurity risks due to our reliance on internet technology and the number of our employees who are working remotely, a situation that has persisted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may create additional opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
As described above, we also rely on external vendors to supply and/or support certain aspects of our information technology systems. The systems of these external vendors may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise the security of our own information technology systems, and we are dependent on these third parties to deploy appropriate security programs to protect their systems. In addition to potential exposure to data breaches, security and cybersecurity incidents, or other actions that may compromise the security of or interfere with the function of our systems, defects or vulnerabilities in the software or systems of our external vendors may expose failures in our internal controls and risk management processes, which may adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations and may also harm our reputation, brand, and customer relationships.
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While we devote significant resources to network security, data encryption, and other security measures to protect our systems and data, these security measures cannot provide absolute security. We and certain of our service providers are, from time to time, subject to cyberattacks and security breaches and incidents. We consider such cyberattacks or security breaches and incidents to be in the ordinary course of business for a company of our size in our industry. While we do not believe that we have experienced any significant system failure, accident, or security breach to date, if such an event were to occur, it could impair our ability to attract and retain customers for our products, impact the price of our stock, materially damage commercial relationships, and expose us to litigation or government investigations, which could result in penalties, fines, or judgments against us. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate network security problems, bugs, viruses, worms, ransomware and other malicious software programs, and security vulnerabilities could be significant. Our efforts to address these problems may not be successful and could result in unexpected interruptions, delays, cessation of service, and harm to our business operations. Moreover, if a security breach affects our systems or results in the unauthorized release of personal information, our reputation and brand could be materially damaged, and use of our products and services could decrease. We would also be exposed to a risk of loss, litigation and potential liability, and regulatory scrutiny, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Furthermore, we may implement changes to information technology systems that could have significant impacts on our manufacturing, sales, and finance functions, among other teams. These impacts may include (i) operational disruptions resulting from the slow adaptation of the new information technology systems by employees, whether due to inadequate training or resistance to change, or data loss during the transition to the updated information technology system, including critical customer data, or improper planning leading to the loss of essential software features needed for specific business requirements; (ii) inaccurate financial reporting due to inaccurate data transfer or technical issues; (iii) financial losses due to system failures or cost overruns; (iv) security risks involving potential data breaches, unauthorized access, or loss of sensitive information; (v) compliance risks arising should the updated technology fail to meet regulatory requirements or industry standards; and (vi) strategic risks if the technology implementation fails to deliver the expected benefits.
While we maintain cyber insurance coverage that is intended to address data security risks, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses or claims that may arise.
THE FAILURE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN KEY PERSONNEL COULD HARM OUR ABILITY TO COMPETE, AND CHANGES IN OUR EXISTING LABOR RELATIONSHIPS COULD MATERIALLY ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We are highly dependent on the principal members of our management and scientific staff. For example, our product development plans depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain software, mechanical, electrical, and robotics engineers. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to our success, and competition for qualified personnel is intense. We may not be able to attract and retain personnel on acceptable terms given the constrained labor market and competition for such personnel. Additionally, as a result of the volatility in our stock price, certain long-term incentive benefits, such as equity grants, may be viewed as having less value and, accordingly, could lead to higher attrition. Moreover, we may also encounter higher costs of labor through recruiting expenses, wage rates, retention benefits, or the potential existence of different employee/employer relationships, such as work councils and/or labor unions.
Fluctuations in labor availability globally, including labor shortages and staff burnout and attrition, may also impact our ability to hire and retain personnel critical to our manufacturing, logistics, and commercial operations. The extent and duration of the impact of labor market challenges are subject to numerous factors, including the remaining impact of COVID-19, availability of qualified and highly skilled persons in the markets where we operate and unemployment levels within these markets, behavioral changes, such as fully engaging employees, including those working from home or in a hybrid fashion, prevailing wage rates, health and other insurance and benefit costs, inflation, adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations or government programs, safety levels of our operations, and our reputation within the labor market. The loss of any of our qualified personnel or our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could harm our business and our ability to compete, and related expenses could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Moreover, if we fail to attract, motivate, or retain personnel, or relax our standards in order to meet the demands of our growth, our corporate culture, our ability to achieve our strategic objectives, and our compliance with obligations under our internal controls and other requirements may be harmed. We believe that a critical contributor to our success has been our corporate culture, which we believe fosters innovation, teamwork, and a focus on execution, as well as facilitates critical knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing. We could also be subject to union or council efforts to organize our employees. These organizational efforts, if successful, decrease operational flexibility and could adversely affect our operating efficiency. In addition, our response to any organizational efforts could be perceived negatively and harm our business and reputation.
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NEGATIVE PUBLICITY, WHETHER ACCURATE OR INACCURATE, CONCERNING OUR PRODUCTS OR OUR COMPANY COULD REDUCE MARKET ACCEPTANCE OF OUR PRODUCTS AND COULD RESULT IN DECREASED PRODUCT DEMAND AND A DECLINE INREDUCED REVENUES.
There have been reports and articles published and reports questioning patient safety and efficacy associated with robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System andsurgical system, its cost relative to other disease management methods, and the adequacy of surgeon training. Negative publicity, including statements made by public officials, whether accurate or inaccurate, concerning our products or our Company could reduce market acceptance of our products and could result in decreased product demand and a decline in revenues. In addition, significant negative publicity could result in an increased number of product liability claims, regardless of whether these claims are meritorious. The number of claims could be further increased by plaintiffs’ law firms that use a wide variety of media to advertise their services and solicit clients for product liability cases against us.
IF WE LOSE KEY PERSONNEL OR ARE UNABLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL, OUR ABILITY TO COMPETE WILL BE HARMED AND INCREASES IN LABOR COSTS COULD MATERIALLY ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We are highly dependent on the principal members of our management and scientific staff. For example, our product development plans depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain engineers with experience in mechanics, electronics, software, and optics. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel will be critical to our success, and competition for qualified personnel is intense. We may not be able to attract and retain personnel on acceptable terms given the constrained labor market and competition for such personnel among technology and healthcare companies. Moreover, we may encounter higher recruiting expenses, wage rates, and retention benefits. The extent and duration of the impact of labor market challenges are subject to numerous factors, including the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, availability of qualified and highly skilled persons in the markets where we operate and unemployment levels within these markets, behavioral changes, such as fully engaging employees and earning loyalty, prevailing wage rates, health and other insurance and benefit costs, inflation, adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations or government programs, safety levels of our operations, and our reputation within the labor market. The loss of any of our qualified personnel or our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could harm our business and our ability to compete and related expenses could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
WE EXPERIENCE LONG AND VARIABLE CAPITAL SALES CYCLES AND SEASONALITY IN OUR BUSINESS, WHICH MAY CAUSE FLUCTUATIONS IN OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS.
The sales and purchase order cycle of our systems is lengthy, because the systems are major capital items and their purchase generally requires the approval of senior management of hospitals, their parent organizations, purchasing groups, and government bodies, as applicable. In addition, sales to some of our customers are subject to competitive bidding or public tender processes. These approval and bidding processes can be lengthy. As a result, hospitals may delay or accelerate system purchases in conjunction with the timing of their capital budget timelines. Further, IDN groups are creating larger networks of system users with increasing purchasing power and are increasingly evaluating their robotic-assisted surgery programs to optimize the efficiency of surgeries using da Vinci sSurgical Systems.urgical systems. Further, the introduction of new products could adversely impact our sales cycle as customers take additional time to assess the benefits and costs of such products. As a result, it is difficult for us to predict the length of capital sales cycles and, therefore, the exact timing of capital sales. Historically, our sales of da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems have tended to be heavier in the fourth quarter and lighter in the first quarter, as hospital budgets are reset.
We have experienced procedure growth for a number of benign conditions, including hysterectomies, sacrocolpopexies, hernia repairs, hysterectomies, cholecystectomies, bariatrics, and certain other surgeries. Many of these types of surgeries may be postponed in the short term by patients to avoid vacation periods and for other personal scheduling reasons. Patients may also accelerate procedures to take advantage of insurance funding cut-off dates. Historically, we have experienced lower procedure volume in the first and third quarters of the year and higher procedure volume in the second and fourth quarters of the year. The timing of procedures
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and changes in procedure growth directly affect the timing of instrumentinstruments and accessory purchasesaccessories and capital purchases by customers.
The above factors may contribute to substantial fluctuations in our quarterly operating results. Because of these fluctuations, it is possible that, in future periods, our operating results will fall below the expectations of securities analysts or investors. If that happens, the market price of our stock would likely decrease. These fluctuations, among other factors, also mean that our operating results in any particular period may not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTSWE OFFER ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL ACQUISITION APPROACHES AND, INTRODUCTIONS MAY ADVERSELY IMPACTAS A RESULT, WE ARE EXPOSED TO THE CREDIT RISK OF SOME OF OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS.CUSTOMERS AND THE RISK OF LOSSES OF REVENUE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN MATERIAL LOSSES.
We develop and introduce new products with enhanced features and extended capabilities from time to time. We may introduce new products that target different markets than what our existing products target. The success of new product introductions depends on a number of factors including, but not limited to, timely and successful research and development, regulatory clearances, approvals, or certifications, pricing, competition, market and consumer acceptance, the effective forecasting and management of product demand, inventory levels, the management of manufacturing and supply costs, and the risk that new products may have quality or other defects in the early stages of introduction.
We invest substantially in various research and development projects to expand our product offerings. Our research and development efforts are critical to our success, and our research and development projects may not be successful. We may be unable to develop and market new products successfully, and the products we invest in and develop may not be well-received by customers or meet our expectations. Our research and development investments may not generate significant operating income or contribute to our future operating resultsbelieve customer financing through leasing is an important consideration for several years, and such contributions may not meet our expectations or even cover the costs of such investments. In addition, the introduction or announcement of new products or product enhancements may shorten the life cyclesome of our existing products or reduce demand for our current products, thereby offsetting any benefits of successful product introductionscustomers and potentially leading to challenges in managing inventory of existing products.
Our products are subject to various regulatory processes, and we must obtain and maintain regulatory approvals and certifications in order to sell our new products. If a potential purchaser believes that we plan to introduce a new product in the near future or if a potential purchaser is located in a country where a new product that we have introduced has not yet received regulatory clearance or certification, planned purchases may be deferred or delayed. In the past, we have experienced a slowdownan increase in demand for existing products in advancecustomer financing. Lease financing arrangements have the effect of newreducing cash flows at lease commencement and, instead, spread them over the life of the lease term, which increases the time taken to recover our product introductionscosts and can impact our liquidity. We may experience losses from a slowdowncustomer’s failure to make payments according to the contractual lease terms. Our exposure to the credit risks relating to our lease financing arrangements may increase if our customers are adversely affected by changes in demandhealthcare laws, coverage, and reimbursement, economic pressures or uncertainty, or other customer-specific factors.
Although we have programs in place that are designed to monitor and mitigate the associated risks, there can be no assurance that such programs will be effective in reducing credit risks relating to these lease financing arrangements. If the level of credit losses we experience in the future as well. It is also possible that a new product introduction could cause downward pressure on the prices ofexceeds our existing products or require us to change how we sell our products, either of whichexpectations, such losses could have a material adverse effect on our revenues.financial condition or results of operations.
If we failCertain of our leasing arrangements allow customers to effectively developcancel, return, or upgrade the systems leased prior to the end of the lease term without incurring a financial penalty. We also lease our systems to certain qualified customers where the lease payments are based on their usage of the systems. While leases, including usage-based arrangements, enable our customers to upgrade and get access to new productstechnologies faster, it may also enable competitors to more easily induce customers to switch to a competitor’s system. Furthermore, depending on the timing and manage new product introductionsterms of the upgrade transaction, the amount of revenue generated on the initial and upgraded lease arrangements may not, in the future, our business, financial condition, resultsaggregate, generate the same amount of operations, or cash flows could be materially adversely impacted.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO A VARIETY OF RISKS DUE TO OUR OPERATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.
We manufacture,revenue that a traditional sale and trade-in transaction would. Also, if customers do not perform research and development activities, and distribute our products in OUS markets. Revenue from OUS markets accounted for approximately 33%, 32%, and 30% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Our OUS operations are, and will continue to be, subject to a sufficient number of risks including:
failure to obtain or maintain the same degree of protection against infringement of our intellectual property rights as we have in the U.S.;
multiple OUS regulatory requirements that are subject to change and that could impact our ability to manufacture and sell our products;
changes in tariffs, trade barriers, and regulatory requirements;
protectionist laws, policies, and business practices that favor local competitors or lead to non-U.S. customers favoring domestic technology solutions, which could slow our growth in OUS markets;
local or national regulations that make it difficult or impractical to market or use our products;
U.S. relations with the governments of the other countries in which we operate;
inability or regulatory limitationsprocedures on our ability to move goods across borders;
the risks associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
difficulty in establishing, staffing, and managing OUS operations, including differing labor relations;
the expense of establishing facilities and operations in new foreign markets;
building and maintaining an organization capable of supporting geographically dispersed operations, including appropriate business procedures and controls;
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anti-corruption laws, such assystems leased under usage-based arrangements, it could impact our profitability on those transactions. Moreover, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other local laws prohibiting corrupt paymentsusage of those systems could vary from quarter to governmental officials;
antitrust and anti-competition laws;
economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in particular foreign economies and markets; and
business interruptions due to natural disasters, outbreak of disease, climate change, and other events beyond our control.
We have increased, and will continue to increase, our operations in China. There is inherent risk, based on the complex relationships between China and the U.S., that political, diplomatic, military, or other eventsquarter, which could result in business disruptions, including increased regulatory enforcement against companies, tariffs, trade embargoes, and export restrictions. Tariffs increase the cost of the Company’s products and the components and raw materials that go into making them. These increased costs adversely impact the gross margin that the Company earns on its products. Tariffs can also make the Company’s products more expensive for customers, which could make the Company’s products less competitive and reduce consumer demand. Countries may also adopt other measures, such as controls on imports or exports of goods, technology, or data, that could adversely impact the Company’s operations and supply chain and limit the Company’s ability to offer its products and services as designed. These measures can require the Company to take various actions, including changing suppliers and restructuring business relationships. Changing the Company’s operations in accordance with new or changed trade restrictions can be expensive, time-consuming, disruptive to the Company’s operations and distracting to management. Such restrictions can be announced with little or no advance notice and the Company may not be able to effectively mitigate all adverse impacts from such measures. Political uncertainty surrounding trade and other international disputes could also have a negative effect on consumer confidence and spending. Any of these events could reduce customer demand, increase the cost of our products and services, or otherwise have a materially adverse impact on our customers’ and suppliers’ businesses and results of operations.
For example, in 2020, the U.S. government amended the Entity List rules to expand the requirement to obtain a license prior to the export of certain technologies. In addition, in 2020, a new U.S. regulation seeks to prohibit the U.S. government from contracting with companies who use the products or services of certain Chinese companies. We believe that these regulations do not materially impact our business at this time but cannot predict the impact that additional regulatory changes may have on our business in the future. These actions or similar actions may result in policies and regulations in response that could adversely affect our business operations in China, or may otherwise limit our ability to offer our products and services in China and other parts of the world.
Following a national referendum and enactment of legislation by the government of the United Kingdom (the “UK”), the UK formally withdrew from the European Union (the “EU”) and ratified a trade and cooperation agreement governing its relationship with the EU. The EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (the “TCA”) was applied provisionally as of January 1, 2021, and entered into force on May 1, 2021. The TCA does not specifically refer to medical devices. However, as a result of Brexit, the Medical Devices Regulation (EU) No 2017/745 (the “EU Medical Devices Regulation”) will not be implemented in the UK, and previous legislation that sought to mirror the EU Medical Devices Regulation in the UK law has been revoked. The regulatory regime for medical devices in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) continues to be based on the requirements derived from previous EU legislation, and the UK may choose to retain regulatory flexibility or align with the EU Medical Devices Regulation going forward. CE markings will continue to be recognized in the UK, and certificates issued by EU-recognized notified bodies will be valid in the UK until June 30, 2023. For medical devices placed on the market in Great Britain after this period, the UK Conformity Assessed (“UKCA”) marking will be mandatory. In contrast, UKCA marking and certificates issued by UK notified bodies will not be recognized on the EU market. The TCA does provide for cooperation and exchange of information in the area of product safety and compliance, including market surveillance, enforcement activities and measures, standardization-related activities, exchanges of officials, and coordinated product recalls (or other similar actions). For medical devices that are locally manufactured but use components from other countries, the “rules of origin” criteria will need to be reviewed. Depending on which countries products will ultimately be sold in, manufacturers may start seeking alternative sources for components if this would allow them to benefit from no tariffs. The rules for placing medical devices on the Northern Ireland market will differ from those in Great Britain. These developments, or the perception that any related developments could occur, have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and financial markets, and our business would likely be impacted and the demand for our products could be depressed.
In addition, the U.S. federal government has made changes to U.S. trade policy, including entering into a successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”), known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”), effective as of July 1, 2020. In addition, the U.S. federal government has implemented, or is considering the imposition of, tariffs on certain foreign goods. Such tariffs and, if enacted, any further legislation or actions taken by the U.S. federal government that restrict trade, such as additional tariffs, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures taken by governments in Europe, Asia, and other countries, could adversely impact our ability to sell products and serviceshigher variability in our OUS markets. Tariffs could increaserevenue under those arrangements, including a significant reduction in revenue if the cost of our products and the components and raw materials that go into making them. These increased costs could adversely impact the gross margin that we earn on our products, which could make our products less
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competitive and reduce consumer demand. Countries may also adopt other protectionist measures that could limit our ability to offer our products and services.
Furthermore, a large portion of our OUS sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive and/usage ends. Additionally, if customers return or less affordable in OUS markets.
If we are unable to meet and manageterminate these risks, our OUS operations may not be successful, which would limit the growth of our business andarrangements prematurely, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or result of operations, or cash flows.operations.
DISRUPTION OF CRITICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS THIRD PARTIES MAY OFFER TO SELL TO OUR CUSTOMERS REMANUFACTURED AND/OR MATERIAL BREACHES IN THE SECURITY OFUNAUTHORIZED INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES OR TO SERVICE OUR SYSTEMS, WHICH COULD HARMNEGATIVELY IMPACT SAFETY, OUR BUSINESS, CUSTOMER RELATIONS,FINANCIAL RESULTS, AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.OUR REPUTATION.
Information technology is critical to the successA significant portion of our digital products, helps us operate efficiently, interfacerevenue is generated through our sales of instruments and accessories. Third parties have offered and may continue to offer customers counterfeit instruments and accessories and/or instruments and accessories that have been remanufactured and/or are unauthorized, including instruments that have been remanufactured to support the use of some of our limited-use instruments beyond their labeled useful life. As of the filing date, we are unaware that the FDA or any other regulatory agency has granted 510(k) or equivalent market authorization for the remanufacturing of any instruments for use with customers, maintaina da Vinci X or da Vinci Xi surgical system, but we understand that the FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to one company for a remanufactured EndoWrist instrument used with our supply chain and manufacturing operations, operate effectively and efficiently, maintain financial accuracy and efficiency, and accurately produce our financial statements. Ifda Vinci Si surgical system. While we generally do not allocateapprove the use by our customers of unauthorized and effectively manage the resources necessary to buildunapproved instruments and sustain the proper technology infrastructure, weaccessories that lack FDA clearance or other applicable regulatory approval or certification with our systems, such activities could be subject to transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, the loss of customers, business disruptions, security breaches of our digitalpotentially result in reduced revenue, increased patient safety risks, and negative publicity for us if these products cause injuries and/or the unauthorized access to, loss of, or damage to intellectual property, confidential information, or personally identifiable information (“PII”). If our data management systems do not effectively collect, store, process, and report relevant data for the operation of our business, whether due to equipment malfunction or constraints, software deficiencies, security incidents, or human error, our ability to effectively plan, forecast, and execute our business plan and comply with applicable laws and regulations would be impaired, and could be materially impaired. Any such impairment could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and the timeliness with which we report our internal and external operating results.
Our business requires us to use and store customer, employee, and business partner personal information. This may include names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, contact preferences, tax identification numbers, and payment account information. We require user names and passwords in order to access our information technology systems. We also use encryption and authentication technologies to secure the transmission and storage of data. These security measures may be compromisedfunction as a result of security breaches by unauthorized persons, employee error, malfeasance, faulty password management, or other irregularity and result in persons obtaining unauthorized access to our data or accounts. Third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or customers into disclosing user names, passwords, or other sensitive information, which may in turn beintended when used to access our information technology systems.
In addition, unauthorized persons may attempt to hack into our products or systems to obtain personal data relating to patients or employees, our confidential or proprietary information, or confidential information we hold on behalf of third parties. If the unauthorized persons successfully hack into or interfere with our connected products or services, they may create issues with product functionality that could pose a risksystems, any of loss of data, a risk to patient safety, and a risk of product recall or field activity, which could adversely impact our business and reputation. We have programs in place to detect, contain, and respond to data security incidents, and we make ongoing improvements to our information-sharing products in order to minimize vulnerabilities, in accordance with industry and regulatory standards. However, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or steal personal information or intellectual property, or sabotage systems containing personal information or intellectual property, change frequently and may be difficult to detect, we may not be able to anticipate and prevent these intrusions or mitigate them when and if they occur.
We also rely on external vendors to supply and/or support certain aspects of our information technology systems. The systems of these external vendors may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security of our own systems, and we are dependent on these third parties to deploy appropriate security programs to protect their systems. In addition to potential exposure to data breaches, security incidents, or other actions that may compromise the security of or interfere with the function of our systems, defects or vulnerabilities in the software or systems of our external vendors may expose failures in our internal controls and risk management processes, which may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows and may also harm our reputation, brand, and customer relationships.
While we devote significant resources to network security, data encryption, and other security measures to protect our systems and data, these security measures cannot provide absolute security. We may experience attacks on or a breach of our systems and may be unable to protect personal information, confidential data, or sensitive data. It is possible for such vulnerabilities to remain undetected for an extended period, including several years or longer. These attacks seek to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of confidential information or disrupt normal business operations and could, among other things, impair the Company’s ability to attract and retain customers for its products, impact the price of the Company’s stock, materially damage commercial relationships, and expose the Company to litigation or government investigations, which could result in penalties, fines, or judgments against the Company. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate network security problems, bugs, viruses, worms, ransomware and other malicious software programs, and security
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vulnerabilities could be significant. Our efforts to address these problems may not be successful and could result in unexpected interruptions, delays, cessation of service, and harm to our business operations. Moreover, if a computer security breach affects our systems or results in the unauthorized release of personal information, our reputation and brand could be materially damaged, and use of our products and services could decrease. We would also be exposed to a risk of loss, litigation and potential liability, and regulatory scrutiny, which could have a material adverse impacteffect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.
Globally, attacks are expected to continue accelerating in both frequency and sophistication with increasing use of tools and techniques that are designed to circumvent controls, avoid detection, and remove or obfuscate forensic evidence, all of which hinders the Company’s ability to identify, investigate, and recover from incidents.
While the Company maintains insurance coverage that is intended to address certain aspects of data security risks, such insurance coverageoperations. In addition, we may be insufficientsubject to cover all losseslaws that regulate or all typesattempt to regulate the manner in which third-party instruments and accessories or third-party service providers interact with our systems, and such laws could also negatively impact our business, financial condition, or results of claims that may ariseoperations.
OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEX AND EVOLVING LAWS AND REGULATIONS REGARDING PRIVACY, DATA PROTECTION, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO INFORMATION COLLECTION.
There are numerous state, federal, and foreign laws, regulations, decisions, and directives regarding data privacy and security and the collection, storage, transmission, use, processing, disclosure, and protectionother processing of different types of personal data and personal information about individuals and other data (including customer or other data,data), the scope of which is continually evolving and subject to differing interpretations. We may be subject to significant consequences, including penalties and fines, for any failure to comply with such laws, regulations, and directives.
For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”),GDPR, which is in effect across the European Economic Area (the “EEA”),EEA, imposes several stringent requirements for controllers and processors of personal data relating to an identifiable living individual or “personal data” including, for example, imposing strict standards when obtaining consent from individuals to process their personal data, requiring robust disclosures to individuals, providing individual data rights, imposing short timelines for data breach notifications, limiting retention periods and secondary use of information, imposing certain requirements pertaining to health data as well as pseudonymisedpseudonymized (i.e., key-coded) data, regulating cross-border transfers of personal data out of the EEA, as well as additional obligations when we contract third-party processors in connection with the processing of personal data. The GDPR also includes a principle of accountability and the obligation to demonstrate compliance with the foregoing obligations through policies, procedures, training, and audits. The GDPR provides that EEA member states may make their own further laws and regulations limiting the processing of genetic, biometric, or health data, which could limit our ability to use and share personal data or could cause our costs to increase and harm our business and financial condition. Failure to comply with the requirements of the GDPR and the applicable national data protection laws of the EEA member states may result in significant fines, of upregulatory investigations, reputational damage, orders to 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the preceding financial year and other administrative penalties.cease/change our data processing activities, enforcement notices, assessment notices (for a compulsory audit), and/or civil claims (including class actions). Compliance with the new data protection rulesobligations imposed by GDPR and EEA member state laws may be onerous and adversely affect our business, financial condition, andor results of operations.
Further, beginning in January 1,since 2021, companieswe have been subject to the GDPR and also the UK GDPR, which, together with the amended UK Data Protection Act 2018, retains the GDPR in UK national law. The UK GDPR mirrors the obligations, monetary fines, and enforcement regime under the GDPR, e.g., fines up to 4% of worldwide annual turnover ofGDPR; however, the preceding financial year. The European Commission has adopted an adequacy decision in favor of the UK, enabling data transfers from EU member states to the UK without additional safeguards. However, the UK adequacy decision will automatically expire in June 2025 unless the European Commission re-assesses and renews/extends that decision and remains under review by the Commission during this period. The relationship between the UK and the EU in relation to certain aspects of data protection law remains unclear, and it is unclear how UK data protection laws and regulations will develop in the medium to longer term and how data transfers to and from the UK will be regulated in the long term. These changes may lead to additional costs and increase our overall risk exposure. We are also subject to evolving EEA and UK privacy laws on cookies, tracking technologies, and e-marketing, which continue to evolve and which regulators actively enforce.
In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, (“HIPAA”), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, and regulations implemented thereunder, imposes privacy, security, and breach notification obligations on certain healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, known as covered entities, as well as their business associates that perform certain services that involve creating, receiving, maintaining, or transmitting individually identifiable health information for or on behalf of such covered
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entities and their covered subcontractors. Entities that are found to be in violation of HIPAA, as the result of a breach of unsecured personal information, a complaint about privacy practices, or an audit by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), may be subject to significant civil, criminal, and administrative fines and penalties and/or additional reporting and oversight obligations if they are required to enter into a resolution agreement and corrective action plan with HHS to settle allegations of HIPAA non-compliance.
Even when HIPAA does not apply, according to the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), violating consumers’ privacy rights or failing to take appropriate steps to keep consumers’ personal information secure may constitute unfair and/or deceptive acts or practices in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade CommissionFTC Act. The FTC has authority to initiate enforcement actions against entities that make deceptive statements about privacy and data sharing in privacy policies, fail to limit third-party use of personal health information, fail to implement policies to protect personal health information, or engage in other unfair practices that harm customers or that may violate Section 5(a) of the FTC Act. The FTC expects a company’s data security measures to be reasonable and appropriate in light of the sensitivity and volume of consumer information it holds, the size and complexity of its business, and the cost of available tools to improve security and reduce vulnerabilities.
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personal or personally identifiable information, through websites or otherwise, and to regulate the presentation of website content.
Further, the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CCPA”) went into effect on January 1, 2020, and gives California residents expanded rights to access, correct, and delete their personal information, opt out of certain personal information sharing, and receive detailed information andabout how their personal information is used. The CCPA imposes compliance burdens on many organizations doing business in California whothat collect personal information about California residents. The CCPA’s definition of personal information is very broad and specifically includes biometric information.information (though information subject to HIPAA is expressly exempted). The CCPA allows for significant fines by the state attorney general, as well as a private right of action from individuals in relation to certain security breaches. The enactment of the CCPA is promptinghas prompted a wave of similar legislative developments in other USU.S. states, such as Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and creatingUtah, and at the potential forfederal level, reflecting a patchwork of overlapping but different state laws.trend toward more stringent privacy legislation in the U.S. These developments are increasing our compliance burden and our risk, including risks of regulatory fines, litigation, and associated reputational harm. Additionally, a new California ballot initiative, the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”) recently passed in California. The CPRA will substantially expand the requirements of the CCPA and will impose additional data protection obligations on companies doing business in California. The majority of the provisions will go into effect on January 1, 2023, and additional compliance investment and potential business process changes may be required.
In addition, recent legal developments in Europe have created complexity and compliance uncertainty regarding certain transfers of personal data from the EEA or UK to third countries, including the United States. For example, on July 16, 2020,Case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union (the “CJEU”) invalidatedstates that the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework (“Privacy Shield”) under which personal data could be transferred from the EU to US entities who had self-certified under the Privacy Shield scheme. While the CJEU upheld the adequacy of EU-specified standard contractual clauses (a standard form of contract approved by the EU commissionEuropean Commission as an adequate personal informationdata transfer mechanism), it made clear that reliance on themmechanism and potential alternative to the Privacy Shield) alone may not necessarily be sufficient in all circumstances and that their usetransfers must be assessed on a case-by-case basis taking into accountbasis. On October 7, 2022, President Biden signed an Executive Order on ‘Enhancing Safeguards for United States Intelligence Activities,’ which introduced new redress mechanisms and binding safeguards to address the surveillance laws and right of individualsconcerns raised by the CJEU in the destination country. The CJEU went onrelation to state that, if the competent supervisory authority believes that the standard contractual clauses cannot be complied with in the recipient country and the required level of protection cannot be secured by other means, such supervisory authority is under an obligation to suspend or prohibit that transfer unless the data exporter has already done so itself. The European Commission has published revised standard contractual clauses for data transfers from the EEA. The revised clauses must be used for relevant new data transfers from September 27, 2021. Existing standard contractual clauses arrangements must be migratedEEA to the revised clauses byUnited States and which formed the basis of the new EU-US Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”), as released on December 27,13, 2022. We will be required to implement the revised standard contractual clausesThe European Commission adopted its Adequacy Decision in relation to relevantthe DPF on July 10, 2023, rendering the DPF effective as an EU GDPR transfer mechanism to U.S. entities self-certified under the DPF. On October 12, 2023, the UK Extension to the DPF came into effect (as approved by the UK Government), as a UK GDPR data transfer mechanism to U.S. entities self-certified under the UK Extension to the DPF. However, we expect the existing contractslegal complexity and certain additional contracts and vendor arrangements within the relevant time frames. There is some uncertainty around whether the revised clauses can be used for all types of data transfers, particularly whether they can be relied on forregarding international persona data transfers to non-EEA entities subjectcontinue. In particular, we expect the DPF Adequacy Decision to the GDPR.be challenged.
We rely on a mixture of mechanisms to transfer personal data from our EU business to the U.S. (including having previously relied on Privacy Shield) and are evaluating whether additional mechanisms will be required to establish adequate safeguards for personal data. We expect the existing legal complexity and uncertainty regarding international personal data transfers to continue. In particular, we expect the DPF Adequacy Decision to be challenged and international transfers to the United States and to other jurisdictions more generally to continue to be subject to enhanced scrutiny by regulators. As supervisory authorities issue further guidance on personal data export mechanisms, including circumstances where the standard contractual clauses cannot be used and/or start taking enforcement action, we could suffer additional costs, complaints, and/or regulatory investigations or fines. As the regulatory guidance and enforcement landscape in relation to data transfers continues to develop, we could suffer additional costs, complaints, and/or regulatory investigations or fines, and we may have to stop using certain tools and vendors. Moreover, if we are unable to transfer Personal Informationpersonal data between and among countries and regions in which we operate, it could affect the manner in which we provide our services andservices. These operational changes could adversely affect our business, financial results.condition, or results of operations.
In China, we are also subject to various aspects of the country’s data compliance regime, which can include the Cybersecurity Law, the Data Security Law, and the Personal Information Protection Law (“PIPL”). In addition, the relevant government authorities of China promulgated several regulations or released a number of draft regulations for public comment that are designed to provide further implemental guidance in accordance with these laws. We cannot predict what impact the
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new laws and regulations or the increased costs of compliance, if any, will have on our operations in China, in particular the Data Security Law or PIPL, due to their recent enactment and the limited guidance available. It is also generally unclear how the laws will be interpreted and enforced in practice by the relevant government authorities, as these laws are drafted broadly and, thus, leave great discretion to the relevant government authorities to exercise.
In Israel, The Protection of Privacy Law, 5741-1981 (the “Israeli Privacy Law”) regulates the protection of privacy and personal data, along with several other specific regulations enacted thereunder and, in particular, the Privacy Protection Regulations (Data Security), 5777-2017 (together with Israeli Protection of Privacy Law, the “Israeli Privacy Law and Regulations”). Under the Israeli Privacy Law and Regulations, organizations are subject to various privacy and data protection requirements, including mandatory registration of databases with the Israeli Registrar of Databases (if certain conditions are met), executing data processing agreements with data recipients, safeguarding the collection and processing of personal data, safeguarding the transfer of personal data (which is specifically subject to the requirements of the Privacy Protection Regulations), personal data breach notification obligations, and other requirements. The Privacy Protection Authority (the “PPA”) is responsible for enforcement of the Israeli Privacy Law and Regulations and periodically publishes opinions and guidelines on privacy matters. In terms of enforcement, failure to comply with the Israeli Privacy Law and Regulations can result in PPA investigations, administrative fines or sanctions, and civil or criminal actions (civil proceedings may include statutory damages without the need to prove actual damages).
Furthermore, any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with or make effective modifications to our policies or to comply with any federal, state, or international privacy, data-retention, or data-protection-related laws, regulations, orders, or industry self-regulatory principles could result in proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others, a loss of customer confidence, damage to our brand and reputation, and a loss of customers, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, various federal, state, and foreign legislative or regulatory bodies may enact new or additional laws and regulations concerning privacy, data-retention, and data-protection issues, including laws or regulations mandating disclosure to domestic or international law enforcement bodies, which could adversely impact our business or our reputation with customers. For example, some countries have adopted laws mandating that some personal information regarding
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customers in their country be maintained solely in their country. Having to maintain local data centers and redesign product, service, and business operations to limit personal information processing to within individual countries could increase our operating costs significantly.
ONGOING AND POTENTIAL FUTURE GLOBAL CONFLICTS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
In February 2022, Russian military forces launched a military action in Ukraine, and sustained conflict and disruption in the region has continued. Russia’s military actions against Ukraine have led to substantial expansion of sanction programs imposed by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, and other countries against Russia, Belarus, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, and the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, including, among others:
blocking sanctions against some of the largest state-owned and private Russian financial institutions (and their subsequent removal from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication payment system) and certain Russian businesses, some of which have significant financial and trade ties to the European Union;
blocking sanctions against Russian and Belarusian individuals, including the Russian President, other politicians, and those with government connections or involved in Russian military activities; and
blocking of Russia’s foreign currency reserves as well as expansion of sectoral sanctions and export and trade restrictions, limitations on investments and access to capital markets, and bans on various Russian imports.
In retaliation against new international sanctions and as part of measures to stabilize and support the volatile Russian financial and currency markets, the Russian authorities also imposed significant currency control measures aimed at restricting the outflow of foreign currency and capital from Russia, imposed various restrictions on transacting with non-Russian parties, banned exports of various products, and imposed other economic and financial restrictions. The situation is rapidly evolving, and additional sanctions by Russia on the one hand, and by the other countries on the other hand, could adversely affect the global economy, financial markets, energy supply and prices, certain critical materials and metals, supply chains, and global logistics and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Separately, on October 7, 2023, Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, launched a series of coordinated attacks from the Gaza Strip onto Israel. On October 8, 2023, Israel formally declared war on Hamas, and the armed conflict is ongoing as of the date of this filing. Hostilities between Israel and Hamas could escalate and involve surrounding countries in the Middle East. Furthermore, following Hamas’ attack on Israel, the Houthi movement, which controls parts of Yemen, launched a number of attacks on marine vessels in the Red Sea. The Red Sea is an important maritime route for international trade. As a result of such disruptions, we may experience in the future extended lead times, delays in supplier deliveries, and increased freight costs. The risk of ongoing supply disruptions may further result in delayed deliveries of our products.
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We are actively monitoring the situation in Ukraine and Russia and the conflict between Israel and Hamas and assessing the impacts on our business, including our business partners and customers. To date, we have not experienced any material interruptions in our infrastructure, supplies, technology systems, or networks needed to support our operations. We have no way to predict the progress, outcome, or consequences of the military conflict in Ukraine or its impacts in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Europe, or the U.S., or of the conflict in the Israel-Gaza regions and any potential increases in hostilities in the Middle East.
The length, impact, and outcome of ongoing military conflicts is highly unpredictable and could lead to significant market and other disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices and supply of energy resources, instability in financial markets, supply chain interruptions, political and social instability, trade disputes or trade barriers, changes in consumer or purchaser preferences, as well as an increase in cyberattacks and espionage. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions, other consequences, such as restrictions on transactions or banning the export of energy products, including natural gas, and the resulting market disruptions could be significant and could potentially have substantial impact on the global economy and our business for an unknown period of time. Impacts to our business may include, but are not limited to, procedures performed, demand for our products, and ability to spend on capital equipment and healthcare in general. Any such disruption may also magnify the impact of other risks described.
INCORPORATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO OUR PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND OPERATIONS MAY RESULT IN LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISKS OR REPUTATIONAL HARM OR HAVE OTHER ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES TO OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Our current operations, products, and services use artificial intelligence (“AI”), including machine learning. Examples of our current uses of machine learning include (i) using algorithms to process video and system data to identify surgical activities and surgical performance indicators to support learning, teaching, and practice management, and (ii) using algorithms to support surgical planning and navigation. Future innovations in our products and services will likely continue to incorporate AI, and these applications may become important in our operations over time, for example, our development of machine learning-enabled medical devices (“MLMDs”).
As with many technological innovations, there are significant risks and challenges involved in maintaining and deploying these technologies, and there can be no assurance that the usage of such technologies will enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency or profitability.
Our ability to continue to maintain or use such technologies may be dependent on access to specific third-party software and infrastructure, such as processing hardware, and we cannot control the availability or pricing of such third-party software and infrastructure, especially in a highly competitive environment. Our products and services may not compete effectively with alternative products and services if we are not able to source and integrate the latest technologies into our products and services. In addition, a number of aspects of intellectual property protection in the field of AI are currently under development, and there is uncertainty and ongoing litigation in different jurisdictions as to the degree and extent of protection warranted for AI technologies and relevant system input and outputs. If we fail to obtain protection for the intellectual property rights concerning our AI technologies, or later have our intellectual property rights invalidated or otherwise diminished, our competitors may be able to take advantage of our research and development efforts to develop competing products, which could adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition, or results of operations. Refer to our risk factor titled “If we are unable to fully protect and successfully defend our intellectual property from use by third parties, our ability to compete in the market may be harmed” for additional risks related to intellectual property.
The regulatory landscape surrounding AI is also evolving, and the use of machine learning technologies may expose us to an increased risk of regulatory enforcement and litigation. For example, in October 2023, the FDA, Health Canada, and the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency jointly published the “Predetermined Change Control Plans for Machine Learning-Enabled Medical Devices: Guiding Principles.” These principles may require significant regulatory oversight, such as additional premarket review, and ongoing regulation through monitoring, maintenance, and improving device performance to ensure safety and effectiveness.
In the U.S., an executive order was issued in October 2023 on the Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Development and Use of AI, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the development and use of AI, including in the healthcare industry. The order seeks to balance fostering innovation with addressing risks associated with AI by providing eight guiding principles and priorities, such as ensuring that consumers are protected from fraud, discrimination, and privacy risks related to AI. The order also calls for future regulations from various agencies, such as the Department of Commerce (to draft guidance for detecting and authenticating AI content) and the Federal Trade Commission (to ensure fair competition and reduce consumer harm). In alignment with the order, other agencies have published guidance.
Apart from the U.S., policymakers in key jurisdictions, such as the EU, are actively working on legislation and regulations to encourage the development and use of ethical and safe AI technologies. For example, on April 21, 2021, the European Commission proposed a regulation seeking to establish a comprehensive, risk-based governance framework for AI in the EU market (“EU AI Act”). The proposal is intended to apply to companies that develop, use, and/or provide AI in the EU and
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includes requirements around transparency, conformity assessments and monitoring, risk assessments, human oversight, security, and accuracy. In addition, on September 28, 2022, the European Commission proposed two Directives seeking to establish a harmonized civil liability regime for AI in the EU. These regulatory proposals are at varying stages of the legislative process and are not yet finalized; the EU AI Act is at an advanced stage and the text is currently expected to be finalized by the end of 2023. Once finalized and in force, this regulatory framework is expected to have a material impact on the way that AI is regulated in the EU and, together with developing guidance and/or decisions in this area, may affect our use of AI and our ability to provide, improve, or commercialize our services, require additional compliance measures and changes to our operations and processes, result in increased compliance costs and potential increases in civil claims against us, and could adversely affect our business, operations, and financial condition.
Other jurisdictions where we operate have already or are also expected to introduce guidelines and regulations around the use of AI within the next few years. The regulations may impose onerous obligations and may require us to rework or reevaluate improvements to be compliant, potentially increasing costs.
Moreover, some of the AI features of our products involve, or may involve, the processing of personal data and may be subject to laws, policies, legal obligations, and codes of conduct related to privacy and data protection, each of which may be interpreted in ways that may affect the way in which we engage with machine learning and require us to make changes to our business practices and products to comply with such obligations. Our use of AI technologies may involve the storage and transmission of confidential or sensitive information, including personal information of employees, customers, and others, as well as protected health information of clients’ patients. In addition, due to the sensitive nature of the information, the security features of our computers and systems, network, and communications systems infrastructure are critical to the success of our business. A breach or failure in our security measures could occur from a variety of circumstances and events, including third-party action, employee negligence or error, malfeasance, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, or ransom-related attacks by computer hackers, failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software and databases, power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, user errors, or catastrophic events, and any of the foregoing events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. For more information on risks associated with the processing of confidential and sensitive information, including personal information, refer to our risk factor titled “Information technology system failures, cyberattacks, or deficiencies in our cybersecurity could harm our business, customer relations, financial condition, or results of operations.”
Though we have taken steps to be thoughtful in our development, training, and implementation of machine learning, including taking steps to comply with the laws and frameworks discussed above that are currently in effect, our machine learning-related processing could pose certain risks to our customers, including patients, clinicians, and healthcare institutions, and it is not guaranteed that regulators will agree with our approach to limiting these risks or to our compliance more generally. Risks can include, but are not limited to, the potential for errors or inaccuracies in the algorithms or models used by the MLMDs, the potential for bias or inaccuracies in the data used to train the MLMDs, the potential for improper processing of personal information that could lead to deprecation of our algorithms, and the potential for cybersecurity breaches that could compromise patient data or device functionality. Such risks could negatively affect the performance of our products, services, and business, as well as our reputation and the reputations of our customers, and we could incur liability through the violation of laws or contracts to which we are a party or civil claims.
WE MAY INCUR LOSSES ASSOCIATED WITH CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY HEDGE OUR EXPOSURE.
Our operating results are subject to volatility due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our primary exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relates to revenue and operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The weakening of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar adversely affects our foreign currency-denominated revenue. Margins on OUS revenue could also be materially adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as we may not be able to raise local prices to fully offset the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. Conversely, the strengthening of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, while generally beneficial to our foreign currency-denominated revenue and earnings, may cause us to reduce pricing on our products in our OUS markets and may cause us to incur losses on our foreign currency hedging instruments, thereby limiting the benefit that strengthened foreign currencies could have on our results of operations.
We attempt to mitigate a portion of these risks through foreign currency hedging, based on our judgment of the appropriate trade-offs among risk, opportunity, and expense. Although we have established a hedging program to partially hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily related to transactions denominated in the Euro, the British Pound, the Japanese Yen, the Korean Won, the New Taiwan Dollar, and the Swiss Franc, and we regularly review our hedging program and make adjustments as necessary, our hedging activities may not offset more than a portion of the adverse financial impact caused by unfavorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for additional discussion on the impact of foreign exchange risk.
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IF WE DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE OUR COLLABORATION, LICENSING, JOINT VENTURE, STRATEGIC ALLIANCE, OR PARTNERSHIP ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES, WE MAY NOT REALIZE THE EXPECTED BENEFITS FROM SUCH ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH MAY HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
From time to time, we enter into collaborations, in-licensing arrangements, joint ventures, strategic alliances, or partnerships to complement or augment our research and development, product development, training, procedure development, and marketing efforts. For example, in 2016, we entered into an agreement to form the Joint Venture. In January 2019, the Joint Venture acquired certain assets related to the da Vinci distribution business of Chindex, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, following which the Joint Venture began direct distribution operations for da Vinci products and services in China. There can be no assurance that we and the Joint Venture can successfully complete development of robotic-assisted, catheter-based medical devices, or that we and the Joint Venture will successfully commercialize such products. There can also be no assurance that the Joint Venture will not require additional contributions to fund its business, that the Joint Venture will become profitable, or that the expected benefits of the acquisition of certain assets of Chindex will be realized. Proposing, negotiating, and implementing collaborations, in-licensing agreements, joint ventures, strategic alliances, or partnerships may be a lengthy and complex process. In addition, other companies, including those with substantially greater financial, marketing, sales, technology, or other business resources, may compete with us for these opportunities or arrangements. As a result, we may not identify, secure, or complete any such arrangements in a timely manner, on a cost-effective basis, or on otherwise favorable terms, if it all.
There can be no assurance that we will realize the expected benefits from these alliances. In addition, we may not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding any collaboration or other arrangement, which could create the potential risk of creating impasses on decisions, and our alliances may have economic or business interests that are, or that may become, inconsistent with our interests. It is possible that conflicts may arise in these relationships, such as conflicts concerning the achievement of performance milestones or the interpretation of significant terms under any agreement, such as those related to financial obligations, termination rights, or the ownership or control of intellectual property developed during the collaboration. These alliances can be difficult to manage, given the potentially different interests of the parties involved, and we could suffer delays in product development or other operational difficulties.
There can be no assurance that we will realize a return on our strategic investments. Further, if we acquire privately held companies, valuations of such companies are inherently complex due to the lack of readily available market data. If we determine that our investments in privately held companies have experienced a decline in value, we may be required to record impairments, which could be material and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
These alliances may also involve significant costs and divert the focus and attention of our management and other key personnel. Any of these relationships may require us to incur non-recurring and other charges, increase our near- and long-term expenditures, or disrupt our ordinary business activities. Such arrangements may also expose us to numerous known and unknown risks, including unique risks with respect to the economic, political, and regulatory environment of any foreign entities with whom we partner, including Fosun Pharma. Any of the foregoing may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
IF WE FAIL TO SUCCESSFULLY ACQUIRE OR INTEGRATE NEW BUSINESSES, PRODUCTS, AND TECHNOLOGY, WE MAY NOT REALIZE EXPECTED BENEFITS, OR OUR BUSINESS MAY BE HARMED.
We need to grow our businesses in response to changing technologies, customer demands, and competitive pressures. In some circumstances, we may decide to grow our business through the acquisition of complementary businesses, products, or technologies rather than through internal development.
Identifying suitable acquisition candidates can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly, and we may not be able to identify suitable candidates or successfully complete identified acquisitions. In addition, completing an acquisition can divert our management and key personnel from our business operations, which could harm our business and affect our financial results. Even if we complete an acquisition, we may not be able to successfully integrate newly acquired organizations, products, technologies, or employees into our operations or may not fully realize some of the expected synergies. An acquired company may have deficiencies in product quality, regulatory marketing authorizations or certifications, or intellectual property protections, which are not detected during due diligence activities or which are unasserted at the time of acquisition. It may be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming for us to re-establish market access, regulatory compliance, or cure such deficiencies in product quality or intellectual property protection in such cases, which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.operations.
Integrating an acquisition can also be expensive and time-consuming and may strain our resources. In many instances, integrating a new business will also involve implementing or improving internal controls appropriate for a public company at a business that lacks them. In addition, we may be unable to retain the employees of acquired companies or the acquired company’s customers, suppliers, distributors, or other partners for a variety of reasons, including that these entities may be our
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competitors or may have close relationships with our competitors. In 2019, weFurthermore, acquired certain assetscompanies may have less mature or less sophisticated information systems, securities practices, or training, which may result in an increased risk of security and operations from Schölly Fiberoptic GmbH, a supplier of endoscopes and other visualization equipment and,cybersecurity incidents when such companies are integrated. For example, in 2020, we acquired Orpheus Medical Ltd. and its wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiaries (“Orpheus Medical”) to deepen and expand our integrated informatics platform. The integration of these acquisitions involvesthis acquisition involved complex operations across different geographic locations and new products, distribution networks, and legal jurisdictions. Therefore, we cannot assure you that we can successfully integrate either or both of these acquisitions or realize the expected benefits from these acquisitions. Failure to successfully integrate our acquisitions may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
IF WE DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE OUR COLLABORATION ARRANGEMENTS, LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS, JOINT VENTURES, STRATEGIC ALLIANCES, OR PARTNERSHIPS WITH THIRD PARTIES, WE MAY NOT REALIZE THE EXPECTED BENEFITS FROM SUCH ALLIANCES, WHICH MAY HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, OR CASH FLOWS.
From time to time, we enter into collaborations, in-licensing arrangements, joint ventures, strategic alliances, or partnerships to complement or augment our research and development, product development, training, procedure development, and marketing efforts. For example, in 2016, we entered into an agreement to form the Joint Venture. In January 2019, the Joint Venture acquired certain assets related to the da Vinci distribution business of Chindex, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, which has been our distribution partner for da Vinci Surgical Systems in China since 2011, following which the Joint Venture began direct distribution operations for da Vinci products and services in China. There can be no assurance that we and the Joint Venture can successfully complete the development of robotic-assisted, catheter-based medical devices, or that we and the Joint Venture will successfully commercialize such products. There can also be no assurance that the Joint Venture will not require additional contributions to fund its business, that the Joint Venture will become profitable, or that the acquired Chindex assets will be successfully integrated and that the expected benefits will be realized. Proposing, negotiating, and implementing collaborations, in-licensing agreements, joint ventures, strategic alliances, or partnerships may be a lengthy and complex process. In addition, other companies, including those with substantially greater financial, marketing, sales, technology, or other business resources, may compete with us for these opportunities or arrangements. As a result, we may not identify, secure, or complete any such arrangements in a timely manner, on a cost-effective basis, or on otherwise favorable terms, if it all.
There can be no assurance that we will realize the expected benefits from these alliances. In addition, we may not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding any collaboration or other arrangement, which could create the potential risk of creating impasses on decisions, and our alliances may have economic or business interests that are, or that may become, inconsistent with our interests. It is possible that conflicts may arise in these relationships, such as conflicts concerning the achievement of performance milestones or the interpretation of significant terms under any agreement, such as those related to financial obligations, termination rights, or the ownership or control of intellectual property developed during the
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collaboration. These alliances can be difficult to manage, given the potentially different interests of the parties involved, and we could suffer delays in product development or other operational difficulties.
There can be no assurance that we will realize a return on our strategic investments. Further, if we acquire privately held companies, valuations of such companies are inherently complex due to the lack of readily available market data. If we determine that our investments in privately held companies have experienced a decline in value, we may be required to record impairments, which could be material and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
These alliances may also involve significant expense and divert the focus and attention of our management and other key personnel. Any of these relationships may require us to incur non-recurring and other charges, increase our near- and long-term expenditures, or disrupt our ordinary business activities. Such arrangements may also expose us to numerous known and unknown risks, including unique risks with respect to the economic, political, and regulatory environment of any foreign entities with whom we partner, including Fosun Pharma. Any of the foregoing may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
OUR CUSTOMERS MAY USE UNAUTHORIZED, UNAPPROVED, OR UNCERTIFIED INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN REDUCED REVENUE AND LOSS OF MARKET SHARE.
A large portion of our revenue is generated through our sales of instruments and accessories. Third parties have attempted to and may discover ways to manufacture and sell counterfeit reprocessed instruments and/or alter instruments that are compatible and function with the da Vinci Surgical System, and such activities may reduce our market share. While our sales arrangements with customers generally prohibit the use of unauthorized, unapproved, or uncertified instruments and accessories with da Vinci Surgical Systems, warranties will be void if such instruments and accessories are used, and a programmed memory chip inside each instrument is designed to prevent the instrument from being used for more than the prescribed number of procedures to help ensure that its performance meets specifications during each procedure, these measures may not prevent the use of unauthorized, unapproved, or uncertified instruments and accessories by our customers. In addition to potential reductions to our revenues and market share, sales of unauthorized instruments and accessories by third parties may create safety and health risks to da Vinci patients and could cause negative publicity for us if these products cause injuries and/or do not function as intended when used with da Vinci Surgical Systems, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
WE EXPECT GROSS PROFIT MARGINS TO VARY OVER TIME, AND CHANGES IN OUR GROSS PROFIT MARGINS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Our gross profit margins have fluctuated from period to period, and we expect that they will continue to fluctuate in the future. Our gross profit margins may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including:
changes in customer, geographic, or product mix, including the mix of system models sold or leased;
changes in the portion of sales involving a trade-in of another system and the amount of trade-in credits given;
introduction of new products, which may have lower margins than our existing products;
our ability to maintain or reduce production costs;
changes to our pricing strategy;
changes in competition;
changes in production volume driven by demand for our products;
changes in material, labor, or other manufacturing-related costs, including the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations for foreign currency-denominated costs;
changes to U.S. and foreign trade policies, such as the enactment of tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. including, but not limited to, goods imported from Mexico where we manufacture a majority of our instruments that we sell;
inventory obsolescence and product recall charges; and
market conditions.
If we are unable to offset the unfavorable impact of the factors noted above by increasing the volume of products shipped, reducing product manufacturing costs, or otherwise, our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows may be materially adversely affected.
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WE UTILIZE DISTRIBUTORS FOR A PORTION OF OUR SALES AND SERVICE OF OUR PRODUCTS IN CERTAIN COUNTRIES, WHICH SUBJECTS US TO A NUMBER OF RISKS THAT COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS.
We have strategic relationships with a number of key distributors for sales and service of our products in certain countries. If these strategic relationships are terminated and not replaced, our revenues and/or ability to sell or service our products in the markets serviced by these distributors could be adversely affected. In addition, we may be named as a defendant in lawsuits against our distributors related to sales or service of our products performed by them. Please see our risk factor below titled “We Are Subject to Product Liability and Negligence Claims Relating to the Use of Our Products and Other Legal Proceedings That Could Materially Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition, Divert Management’s Attention, and Harm Our Business.” Our distributors may affect our ability to effectively market our products in certain countries or regulatory jurisdictions if a distributor holds the regulatory authorization or certification in such countries or within such regions and causes, by action or inaction, the suspension of such marketing authorization or certification or sanctions for non-compliance. It may be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming for us to re-establish market access or regulatory compliance in such cases.
WE OFFER ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL ACQUISITION APPROACHES. AS A RESULT, WE ARE EXPOSED TO THE CREDIT RISK OF SOME OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND THE RISK OF LOSSES OF REVENUE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN MATERIAL LOSSES.
We believe customer financing through leasing is an important consideration for some of our customers and have experienced an increase in demand for customer financing. We may experience loss from a customer’s failure to make payments according to the contractual lease terms. Our exposure to the credit risks relating to our lease financing arrangements may increase if our customers are adversely affected by changes in healthcare laws, coverage and reimbursement, economic pressures or uncertainty, or other customer-specific factors.
Although we have programs in place that are designed to monitor and mitigate the associated risks, there can be no assurance that such programs will be effective in reducing credit risks relating to these lease financing arrangements. If the level of credit losses we experience in the future exceed our expectations, such losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Certain of our leasing arrangements allow customers to cancel, return, or upgrade the systems leased prior to the end of the lease term without incurring a financial penalty. We also lease our systems to certain qualified customers where the lease payments are based on their usage of the systems. While leases and usage-based arrangements enable our customers to upgrade and get access to new technologies faster, it may also enable competitors to more easily induce customers to switch to a competitor system. If customers do not perform a sufficient number of procedures on systems leased under usage-based arrangements, or return or terminate leases prematurely, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, result of operations, or cash flows.
WE ARE EXPOSED TO CREDIT RISK AND FLUCTUATIONS IN THE MARKET VALUE OF OUR INVESTMENTS.
Our investment portfolio includes both domestic and international investments. The credit ratings and pricing of our investments can be negatively affected by liquidity concerns, credit deterioration, financial results, economic risk, political risk, or other factors. As a result, the value and liquidity of our cash equivalents and marketable securities could fluctuate substantially. Our other income and expense could also vary materially from expectations depending on gains or losses realized on the sale or exchange of investments, impairment charges resulting from revaluations of debt and equity securities and other investments, changes in interest rates, increases or decreases in cash balances, volatility in foreign exchange rates, and changes in the fair value of derivative instruments. Increased volatility in the financial markets and overall economic uncertainty could increase the risk that actual amounts realized on our investments may differ significantly from the fair values currently assigned to them.
The value of our investments may also decline due to instability in the global financial markets, which may reduce the liquidity of securities included in our portfolio. The closure of SVB and other institutions swept into receivership and the appointment of the FDIC as receiver in 2023 created bank-specific and broader financial institution liquidity risk and concerns. Although the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and the FDIC jointly released a statement that depositors at SVB and other banks that have been similarly swept into receivership would have access to their funds, even those in excess of the standard FDIC insurance limits, under a systemic risk exception, future adverse developments with respect to specific financial institutions or the broader financial services industry may impair our ability to access capital needed to support near-term working capital needs, whether from our existing investment and deposit accounts and credit facilities or otherwise, and may lead to market-wide liquidity shortages and create additional market and economic uncertainty. Any decline in available funding or access to our cash and liquidity resources could also result in breaches of our financial and/or contractual obligations.
Our Intuitive Ventures fund plans to investinvests in early-stage companies, which involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties inherent in research and development; uncertainties regarding the ability of Intuitive Ventures to identify investment candidates; uncertainties regarding the success of Intuitive Ventures’ investments; uncertainties and variables inherent in the operating and financial performance in investments made, including, among other things, competitive developments and general economic, political, business, industry, regulatory and market conditions; future exchange and interest rates; and changes in tax and other laws, regulations, rates and policies.
While we have not realized any significant losses on our cash equivalents, marketable securities, or other investments, future fluctuations in their value could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, operations.
CHANGES IN OUR EFFECTIVE TAX RATE MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We are subject to taxes in the U.S. and other jurisdictions around the world. Tax rates in these jurisdictions may be subject to significant change due to economic and/or cash flows.political conditions. A number of other factors may also impact our future effective tax rate, including:
the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed;
the resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities;
changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
increases in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including write-offs of acquired intangibles and impairment of goodwill in connection with acquisitions;
changes in the availability of tax credits, tax holidays, and tax deductions;
changes in share-based compensation;
changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws; and
changes in generally accepted accounting principles.
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WE MAY INCUR LOSSES ASSOCIATED WITH CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY HEDGE OUR EXPOSURE.
Our operating resultsWe are subjectunable to volatility due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our primary exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relates to revenue and operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The weakening of foreign currencies relativepredict what changes to the U.S. dollar adversely affects our foreign currency-denominated revenue. Margins on OUS revenue could also be materially adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as we may not be able to raise local prices to fully offset the strengtheningtax laws of the U.S. dollar. Conversely,and other jurisdictions may be proposed or enacted in the strengthening of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, while generally beneficial to our foreign currency-denominated revenue and earnings, may cause us to reduce pricing on our products in our OUS markets and may cause us to incur losses on our foreign currency hedging instruments, thereby limiting the benefit that strengthened foreign currencies couldfuture or what effect such changes would have on our results of operations.
We attempt to mitigate a portion of these risks through foreign currency hedging, based on our judgmentbusiness, including changes resulting from the base erosion and profit shifting (“BEPS”) project undertaken by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”). As part of the appropriate trade-offs among risk, opportunity, and expense. Although we have established a hedging program to partially hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily related to transactions denominated in the Euro, Japanese Yen, Korean Won, British Pound, and Swiss Franc, and we regularly review our hedging program and make adjustments as necessary, our hedging activities may not offset more than a portionOECD’s BEPS project, over 140 member jurisdictions of the adverse financialOECD Inclusive Framework have joined the Two-Pillar Solution to Address the Tax Challenges of the Digitalization of the Economy, which includes a reallocation of taxing rights among jurisdictions and a global minimum tax rate of 15%. On December 15, 2022, the Council of the European Union approved its directive to implement rules regarding such a 15% global minimum tax rate. Other countries have adopted, or have announced plans to adopt, new tax laws to align with the global minimum tax. These changes could increase tax uncertainty and may adversely impact caused by unfavorable movementour provision for income taxes. Any significant increase in foreign currency exchange rates, whichour future effective tax rate could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for additional discussion on the impact of foreign exchange risk.
WE MAY ENCOUNTER MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS OR DELAYS THAT COULD RESULT IN LOST REVENUE.
Manufacturing our products is a complex process. We (or our critical suppliers) may encounter difficulties in scaling up or maintaining production of our products, including:
problems involving production yields;
quality control and assurance;
component supply shortages;
import or export restrictions on components, materials, or technology;
shortages of qualified personnel; and
compliance with state, federal, and foreign regulations.
If demand for our products exceeds our manufacturing capacity, we could develop a substantial backlog of customer orders. If we are unable to develop or maintain larger-scale manufacturing capabilities or build new manufacturing capabilities or facilities on schedule or within budget, our ability to generate revenue and maintain profit margins as expected will be limited and our reputation in the marketplace could be damaged, all of which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.operations.
DISRUPTIONS AT THE FDA AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES OR NOTIFIED BODIES CAUSED BY FUNDING SHORTAGES OR GLOBAL HEALTH CONCERNS COULD HINDER THEIR ABILITY TO HIRE, RETAIN, OR DEPLOY KEY LEADERSHIP AND OTHER PERSONNEL, OR OTHERWISE PREVENT PRODUCTS FROM BEING DEVELOPED, CLEARED, CERTIFIED, APPROVED, OR COMMERCIALIZED IN A TIMELY MANNER OR AT ALL, WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Hospital,Hospitals, health systems, and physicians depend on a number of government agencies and services to effectively deliver healthcare to their patients. A prolonged government shutdown could impact inspections, regulatory review and certifications, grants, or approvals or could cause other situations that could impede their ability to effectively deliver healthcare, including attempts to reduce payments and other reimbursements to hospitals by federal healthcare programs. These situations could adversely affect our customers’ ability to perform procedures with our devices and/or their decisions to purchase additional products from us.
In addition, the ability of the FDA, foreign authorities, and notified bodies to review and clear, approve, or certify new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. In addition, government funding of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies or notified bodies, including a prolonged government shutdown, may cause significant regulatory delays and, therefore, delay our efforts to seek clearances, approvals, or certifications from the FDA, foreign authorities, and notified bodies and adversely affect business travel and import and export of products, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations,
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or cash flows.operations. For example, over the last several years, the U.S. government has shut down several times, and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities.
Separately, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, on March 10, 2020, the FDA announced its intention to postponepostponed most foreign inspections of manufacturing facilities and products through April 2020 and, subsequently, on March 18, 2020, the FDA temporarily postponed routine surveillance inspections of domestic and foreign manufacturing facilities. Subsequently, on July 10, 2020,facilities at various points. Even though the FDA resumed certain on-site inspections of domestic manufacturing facilities subject to a risk-based prioritization system. The FDA utilized this risk-based assessment system to assist in determining when and where it was safest to conduct prioritized domestic inspections. In May 2021, the FDA outlined a detailed plan to move toward a more consistent state of inspectional operations and, in July 2021, the FDAhas since resumed standard inspectionalinspection operations of domestic facilities and was continuingwhere feasible, any resurgence of the virus or emergence of new variants may lead to maintain this level of operation as of September 2021. Subsequently, in November 2021, the FDA announced its intention to resume certain prioritized inspections of foreign manufacturing facilities, including surveillance and application-related inspections, starting in February 2022. Regulatory authorities outside the United States may adopt similar restrictionsfurther inspectional or other policy measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.administrative delays. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if global health concerns continue to prevent the FDA, other regulatory authorities, or notified bodies from conducting their regular inspections, reviews, or other regulatory activities, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA, other regulatory authorities, or notified bodies to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
For instance, in the EU, notified bodies must be officially designated to certify products and services in accordance with the EU Medical Devices Regulation. While severalTheir designation process, which is significantly stricter under the new regulation, has experienced considerable delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a recent increase in designations, the current number of notified bodies have been designated under the COVID-19 pandemic hasnew Regulation remains significantly slowed down their designation process, andlower than the number of notified bodies designated under the previous regime. The current designated notified bodies are, therefore, facing a large numberbacklog of requests, with the new regulation, as a consequence of whichand review times have lengthened. This situation could impact our ability to grow our business in the EU and EEA.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT.
The development of our facilities is subject to risks relating to our ability to complete our projects on schedule or within budget. Factors that may result in a development project being prevented or delayed from completion or exceeding budget include, but are not limited to (i) construction delays due to labor challenges, poor weather, defects, or cost overruns, which may increase project development costs; (ii) cost escalations associated with materials, including changes in availability, proximity, and cost of materials, such as steel, cement, concrete, aggregates, oil, fuel, and other construction materials, including potential risks arising from geopolitical conflicts, changes in U.S. trade policies and retaliatory responses from other countries, changes in foreign exchange rates, as well as cost escalations associated with subcontractors and labor; (iii) the discovery of hazardous or toxic substances, or other environmental, culturally-sensitive, or related issues; (iv) an inability to obtain, or a significant delay in obtaining, zoning, construction, occupancy, and other required governmental permits and authorizations; (v) difficulty in complying with local, city, county, and state rules and regulations regarding permitting, zoning,
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subdivision, utilities, and water quality, as well as federal rules and regulations regarding air and water quality and protection of endangered species and their habitats; (vi) insufficient infrastructure capacity or availability (e.g., water, sewer, and roads) to serve the needs of our projects; (vii) failure to achieve or sustain anticipated occupancy levels; and (viii) condemnation of all or parts of development or operating properties, which could adversely affect the value or viability of such projects.projects; and (ix) natural disasters and other extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, or flooding.
CLIMATE CHANGE, NATURAL DISASTERS, OR OTHER EVENTS BEYOND OUR CONTROL COULD DISRUPT OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Natural disasters, terrorist activities, and other events beyond our control including, but not limited to, internet security threats and violence motivated by political or social causes, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Moreover, global climate change could result in certain types of natural disasters occurring more frequently or with more intense effects. The impacts of climate change may include physical risks (such as frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions), social and human effects (such as population dislocations or harm to health and well-being), compliance costs, transition risks, shifts in market trends, and other adverse effects. Such impacts may disrupt parties in our supply chain, our customers, and our operations. For example, the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and their aftermath, created economic uncertainty and disrupted economic activities in Japan, including a reduction in hospital spending.
Physical risks associated with climate change are subject to increasing societal, regulatory, and political focus in the U.S. and globally. Shifts in weather patterns caused by climate change are expected to increase the frequency, severity, or duration of certain adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, droughts, extreme temperatures, or flooding, which could cause more significant business and supply chain interruptions, damage to our products and facilities as well as the infrastructure of hospitals, medical care facilities, and other customers, reduced workforce availability, increased costs or reduced supply of raw materials and components, increased liabilities, and decreased revenues than what we have experienced in the past from such events. The geographic location of our California headquarters and many of our manufacturing facilities, as well as the facilities of certain of our key suppliers and service providers, subject them to earthquake, drought, and wildfire risks. If a major earthquake, wildfire, or other natural disaster were to damage our facilities or the facilities of our suppliers and service providers, or impact the ability of our employees or the employees of our suppliers and service providers to travel to their workplace, we may experience potential impacts ranging from production and shipping delays to lost revenues and increased costs, which could harm our business. Moreover, periods with increased drought and annual periods of wildfire danger may increase the probability of planned power outages in the communities where we work and live. For example, in October 2019, Pacific Gas and Electric, the public electric utility in the Northern California region, used planned power outages to avoid and contain wildfires sparked during strong wind events by downed power lines or equipment failure. If prolonged or frequent, such planned blackouts could impact our operations and the operations of our suppliers and service providers located in the Northern California region. While this danger has a low assessed risk of disrupting normal business operations, it has a potential impact on our employees’ abilities to commute to work or to work from home and stay connected effectively. We do not have multiple-site capacity for all of our operations in the event of a business disruption, and we are predominantly self-insured and may not be able to sufficiently cover losses or additional expenses that we may sustain. Furthermore, the impacts of global climate change on water resources may result in water scarcity, which could impact our ability to access sufficient quantities of water in certain locations and result in increased costs.
In addition, the increasing concern over climate change has resulted and may continue to result in more legal and regulatory requirements designed to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment, including regulating greenhouse gas emissions, alternative energy policies, and sustainability initiatives. If such laws or regulations are more stringent than current legal or regulatory requirements, we may experience increased compliance burdens and costs to meet our regulatory obligations. Changes in requirements may adversely affect raw material sourcing from suppliers, our manufacturing operations and those of our suppliers, and the distribution of our products. Further, there may be increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from the market and other stakeholders with respect to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Any such regulatory changes or increased market expectations could also have a significant effect on our operating and financial decisions, including those involving capital expenditures to reduce emissions and comply with other regulatory requirements or stakeholder expectations.
CONTINUED CONSOLIDATION IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY COULD HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR SALES ANDBUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The healthcare industry has been consolidating, and organizations continue to consolidate purchasing decisions for many of our healthcare provider customers. Numerous initiatives and reforms by legislators, regulators, and third-party payers to curb the rising cost of healthcare have catalyzed a consolidation of aggregate purchasing power within the markets in which we sell our products. As the healthcare industry consolidates, competition to provide products and services is expected to continue to intensify, resulting in pricing pressures and decreased average selling prices. In addition, for smaller hospitals or groups that do not consolidate with larger networks, these entities may face increasing cost and/or competitive pressures, which could impact
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their ability to purchase additional products and services from us or make contractual payments over time. We expect that market demand, government regulation, third-party payor coverage and reimbursement policies, government contracting requirements, new entrants, technology, and societal pressures will continue to change the worldwide healthcare industry, resulting in further consolidation, which may exert further downward pressure on prices of our products and services and may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR COMPANY.
Uncertainty about global economic conditions, including credit and sovereign debt concerns in certain European countries and concerns about slowed economic growth in China and other OUS markets, has caused and may continue to cause disruptions in the financial credit markets, volatile currency exchange rates, concerns about inflation, slower economic activity, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, and liquidity concerns. Customers and distributors may choose to postpone or reduce spending due to financial difficulties or may be unable to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products due to restraints on credit. There could be additional effects from adverse conditions in the credit
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markets on our business, including the insolvency of key suppliers or their inability to obtain credit to finance the development and/or manufacturing of our products resulting in product delays.
In addition, our business is closely tied to the overall U.S. healthcare system, relating to which there are concerns and uncertainties as a result of efforts made by the U.S. federal government to modify, repeal, or otherwise invalidate all, or certain provisions of, the ACA. In addition, the U.S. federal government has called for, or enacted, substantial changes to trade, fiscal, and tax policies, which may include changes to existing trade agreements including, but not limited to, the replacement of NAFTA by the USMCA (effective July 1, 2020), that may have a significant impact on our operations. We cannot predict the impact, if any, that these changes could have on our business.
If economic conditions worsen or new legislation is passed related to the healthcare system or trade, fiscal, or tax policies, customer demand may not materialize to the levels we require to achieve our anticipated financial results, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
NATURAL DISASTERS OR OTHER EVENTS BEYOND OUR CONTROL COULD DISRUPT OUR BUSINESS AND RESULT IN LOSS OF REVENUE OR HIGHER EXPENSES.
Natural disasters, terrorist activities, and other business disruptions including, but not limited to, internet security threats and violence motivated by political or social causes, could adversely affect our revenue and financial condition and increase our costs and expenses. For example, the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and their aftermath created economic uncertainty and disrupted economic activities in Japan, including a reduction in hospital spending. Moreover, global climate change could result in certain types of natural disasters occurring more frequently or with more intense effects. Our corporate headquarters and many of our operations, including certain of our manufacturing facilities, are located in California, which has experienced both severe earthquakes and other natural disasters in the past and is vulnerable to climate change effects. For example, increasing intensity of drought throughout the state and annual periods of wildfire danger increase the probability of planned power outages in the communities where we work and live. This danger has the potential to impact our employees’ abilities to commute to work or to work from home and stay connected effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. We do not have multiple-site capacity for all of our operations in the event of a business disruption. In addition, global climate change resulting from increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could present risks to our future operations resulting in the aforementioned natural disasters as well as other extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires or flooding. Such extreme weather conditions could pose physical risks to our facilities and disrupt operations of our supply chain and may impact operational costs. The impacts of global climate change on water resources may result in water scarcity, which could impact our ability to access sufficient quantities of water in certain locations and result in increased costs.
Concern over global climate change could result in new legal or regulatory requirements designed to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment. If such laws or regulations are more stringent than current legal or regulatory requirements, we may experience increased compliance burdens and costs to meet the regulatory obligations and may adversely affect raw material sourcing, manufacturing operations, and the distribution of our products. Such events can make it difficult or impossible for us to manufacture and deliver products to our customers, create delays and inefficiencies in our supply and manufacturing chain, and result in slowdowns and outages to our service offerings. Furthermore, parties in our supply chain and our customers are similarly vulnerable to natural disasters or other sudden, unforeseen, and severe adverse events. A natural disaster or a triggered global climate change event in any of our major markets, or an unanticipated business disruption caused, for example, by internet security threats, damage to global communication networks, or similar events, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
CHANGES IN OUR EFFECTIVE TAX RATE MAY IMPACT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We are subject to taxes in the U.S. and other jurisdictions around the world. Tax rates in these jurisdictions may be subject to significant change due to economic and/or political conditions. A number of other factors may also impact our future effective tax rate, including:
the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed;
the resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities;
changes in valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
increases in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including write-offs of acquired intangibles and impairment of goodwill in connection with acquisitions;
changes in availability of tax credits, tax holidays, and tax deductions;
changes in share-based compensation; and
changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws and changes in generally accepted accounting principles.
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We are unable to predict what changes to the tax laws of the U.S. and other jurisdictions may be proposed or enacted in the future or what effect such changes would have on our business. Any significant increase in our future effective tax rate could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
WE USE ESTIMATES, MAKE JUDGMENTS, AND APPLY CERTAIN METHODS IN DETERMINING OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS AND IN MEASURING THE PROGRESS OF OUR BUSINESS. AS THESE ESTIMATES, JUDGMENTS, AND METHODS CHANGE, OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND OUR ASSESSMENT OF THE PROGRESS OF OUR BUSINESS COULD VARY.
The methods, estimates, and judgments we use in applying our accounting policies have a significant impact on our results of operations. Such methods, estimates, and judgments are, by their nature, subject to substantial risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and factors may arise over time that may lead us to change our methods, estimates, and judgments. Changes in any of our assumptions may adversely affect our reported financial results.
We utilize methods for determining surgical market sizes, as well as the number and type (cancerous or benign) of certain da Vinci procedures performed, and the installed base of our systems that involve estimates and judgments, which are, by their nature, subject to substantial risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our estimates of surgical market sizes, or the number and type of da Vinci procedures performed, or the installed base of our systems do not have an impact on our results of operations but are used to estimate the progress of our business. Estimates and judgments for determining surgical market sizes, and the number and type of da Vinci procedures, and the installed base of our systems and the accuracy of these estimates may be impacted over time with changes in treatment modalities, hospital reporting behavior, system internet connectivity, distributor reporting behavior, increases in procedures per field employee, and other factors. In addition, from time to time, we may change the method for determining market sizes, and the number and type of da Vinci procedures, and the installed base of our systems, causing variation in our reporting.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
COMPLYING WITH FDA AND FOREIGN REGULATIONS IS A COMPLEX PROCESS, AND OUR FAILURE TO FULLY COMPLY COULD SUBJECT US TO SIGNIFICANT ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.
Because our products including the da Vinci Surgical System, are commercially distributed, numerous quality and post-market regulatory requirements apply, including the following:
continued compliance towith the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (“QSR”),QSR, which requires manufacturers to follow design, testing, control, documentation, and other quality assurance procedures during the development and manufacturing process;
labeling regulations;
the FDA’s general prohibition against false or misleading statements in the labeling or promotion of products for unapproved or “off-label” uses;
stringent complaint reporting and Medical Device Reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers keep detailed records of investigations or complaints against their devices and report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur;
adequate use of the corrective and preventive actions process to identify and correct or prevent significant, systemic failures of products or processes or in trends whichthat suggest the same; and
the reporting of corrections and removals, which requires that manufacturers report to the FDA recalls and field corrective actions taken to reduce a risk to health or to remedy a violation of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FFDCA”)FFDCA that may pose a risk to health.
We are subject to inspection and marketing surveillance by the FDA to determine our compliance with regulatory requirements. If the FDA finds that we have failed to comply, it can institute a wide variety of enforcement actions, ranging from inspectional observations (as set forth on FDA Form 483) to a public Warning Letter to more severe civil and criminal sanctions, including the seizure of our products and equipment or ban on the import or export of our products. The FDA has, in the past, issued and could, in the future, issue Warning Letters or other adverse communications to us. If we fail to satisfy or remediate the matters discussed in any such Warning Letters or communications, the FDA could take further enforcement action,actions, including prohibiting the sale or marketing of the affected product. Our failure to comply with applicable requirements could lead to an enforcement action that may have an adverse effect on our financial condition andor results of operations. The receipt of a Warning Letter could place certain limits on the ability to obtain FDA-issued Certificates to Foreign Government (“CFGs”) used for new and re-registration of products in certain other countries.
The FDA also strictly regulates labeling, advertising, promotion, and other activities relating to the marketing of our products. Medical devices may be promoted only for their cleared or approved indications and in accordance with the
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provisions of the cleared or approved label. It is possible that federal or state enforcement authorities might take action if they
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consider our promotional or training materials to constitute promotion of an unapproved use, which could result in significant fines or penalties under a variety of statutory authorities, including under the FFDCA, as well as laws prohibiting false claims for reimbursement.
In addition, any modification or change of medical devices cleared for the market requires the manufacturer to make a determination whether the change is significant enough to require new 510(k) clearance. We have created labeling, advertising, and user training for the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system to describe specific surgical procedures that we believe are fully within the scope of our existing 510(k) indications for use stated in our 510(k) clearances. Although we have relied on expert in-house and external staff, consultants, and advisors, some of whom were formerly employed by the FDA and are familiar with the FDA perspective, we cannot provide assurance that the FDA would agree that all such specific procedures are within the scope of the existing general clearance or that we have compiled adequate information to support the safety and efficacy of using the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system for all such specific procedures. From time to time, we modify our products, including the hardware and software in the da Vinci Surgical System,surgical system, after we obtain 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the devices in ways that we do not believe require new 510(k) clearance. We cannot provide assurance that the FDA would agree in all cases with our determinations not to seek new 510(k) clearance for any of these changes. If the FDA disagrees with our assessments that a new 510(k) clearance was not required prior to commercializing the devices with these changes or modifications, then the FDA could impose enforcement sanctions and/or require us to obtain 510(k) clearance or other FDA marketing authorization for any modification to our products. We may be prohibited from marketing the modified device until such marketing authorization is granted.
We have a wholly owned manufacturing facility located in Mexicali, Mexico, which manufactures reusable and disposable surgical instruments. This facility is registered with the FDA as well as with Mexican authorities. The facility is operated under U.S. and international quality system regulations, including those applicable to Canada, the EU, and Japan, among others. Our wholly owned manufacturing facility in Mexicali, Mexico has an FDA Establishment Registration but has not been inspected by the FDA to date. If the FDA were to identify non-conformances in our product documentation or quality system compliance, it could hold indefinitely the importation of instruments at the border, which would deprive us of the ability to sell and supply the majority of our customers until the FDA requirements have been satisfied. Similar supply disruptions could occur if key suppliers outside of the U.S. were to encounter non-conformances with their documentation or quality system compliance.
OUR PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO A LENGTHY AND UNCERTAIN DOMESTIC REGULATORY REVIEW PROCESS. IF WE DO NOT OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN THE NECESSARY DOMESTIC REGULATORY AUTHORIZATIONS, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SELL OUR PRODUCTS IN THE U.S.
Our products and operations are subject to extensive regulation in the U.S. by the FDA. The FDA regulates the development and clinical testing, manufacturing, labeling, storage, record keeping, promotion, sales, distribution, and post-market support and medical device reporting in the U.S. to ensure that medical products distributed domestically are safe and effective for their intended uses. In order for us to market products for use in the U.S., we generally must first obtain clearance from the FDA pursuant to Section 510(k) of the FFDCA or approval of the product through the premarket approval (“PMA”) pathway. Clearance under Section 510(k) requires demonstration that a new device is substantially equivalent to another device with 510(k) clearance or grandfathered (“pre-amendment”) status and for which a PMA is not required. If we develop products in the future that are not considered to be substantially equivalent to a device with 510(k) clearance or grandfathered status, we may be required to obtain marketing authorization through the more burdensome PMA process or alternatively through the de novo classification process, which is a path to market for novel devices that are low to moderate risk and for which a predicate device is not available. A PMA is typically a much more complex, lengthy, and burdensome application than a 510(k) or a de novo classification request. To support a PMA, the FDA would likely require that we conduct one or more clinical studies to demonstrate that the device is safe and effective for its intended uses. In some cases, such studies may also be required to support a 510(k) application or a de novo classification request. The FDA may not act favorably or quickly in its review of any marketing application submissions, or we may encounter significant difficulties and costs in our efforts to obtain marketing authorization from the FDA, either of which could delay or preclude the sale of new products in the U.S. In addition, the FDA may place significant limitations upon the intended use of our products as a condition of granting marketing authorization. Product applications can also be denied or withdrawn due to failure to comply with regulatory requirements or the occurrence of unforeseen problems following marketing authorization. Any delays or failure to obtain FDA marketing authorization for new or modified products that we develop, any limitations imposed by the FDA on new product use, or the costs of obtaining FDA clearance or approvals could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.operations.
In addition, the FDA or other regulatory agencies may change their policies, adopt additional regulations, revise existing regulations, or take other actions that may prevent or delay approval or clearance of our products under development or impact our ability to modify our currently approved or cleared products on a timely basis. We may be found non-compliant as a result of future changes in, or interpretations of, regulations by the FDA or other regulatory agencies. Over the last several years,For example, on February 23, 2022, the FDA hasissued a proposed reformsrule to its 510(k) clearance process, and such proposals could include increasedamend the QSR, which establishes current good manufacturing practice requirements for clinical
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data and a longer review period, or could make it more difficult for medical device manufacturers, to utilizealign more closely with the 510(k) clearance processInternational Organization for their products. For example, in November 2018, FDA officials announced forthcoming steps that the FDA intends to take to modernize the premarket notification pathway under Section 510(k) of the FFDCA. Among other things, the FDA announced that it plans to develop proposals to drive manufacturers utilizing the 510(k) pathway toward the use of newer predicates. These proposals include plans to potentially sunset certain older devices that were used as predicates under the 510(k) clearance pathway, and to potentially publish a list of devices that have been cleared on the basis of demonstrated substantial equivalence to predicate devices that are more than 10 years old. In May 2019, the FDA solicited public feedback on these proposals. These proposals haveStandardization (“ISO”) standards. This proposal has not yet been finalized or adopted, and the FDA may work with Congress to implement such proposals through legislation.adopted. Accordingly, it is unclear the extent to which this or any other proposals, if adopted, could impose additional or different regulatory requirements on us that could delay our ability to obtain new 510(k) clearances, increase the costs of compliance or restrict our ability to maintain our current clearances, or otherwise create competition that may negatively affect our business.
More recently,Additionally, in September 2019, the FDA issued revised guidance describing an optional “safety and performance based” premarket review pathway for manufacturers of “certain, well-understood device types” to demonstrate substantial equivalence under the 510(k) clearance pathway by showing that such device meets objective safety and performance criteria established by the FDA, thereby obviating the need for manufacturers to compare the safety and performance of their medical devices to specific predicate devices in the clearance process. The FDA maintains a list of device types appropriate for the “safety and performance based” pathway and continues to develop product-specific guidance documents that identify the performance criteria for each such device type, as well as the recommended testing methods, where feasible. The FDA may establish performance criteria for classes of devices for which we or our competitors seek or currently have received clearance, and it is unclear the extent to which such performance standards, if established, could impact our ability to obtain new 510(k) clearances or otherwise create competition that may negatively affect our business.
In order to conduct a clinical investigation involving human subjects for the purpose of demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of a medical device, a company must, among other things, apply for and obtain Institutional Review Board (“IRB”)IRB approval of the proposed investigation. In addition, if the clinical study involves a “significant risk” (as defined by the FDA) to human health, the sponsor of the investigation must also submit and obtain FDA approval of an IDE application. Many of our products to date have been or would be considered significant risk devices requiring IDE approval prior to investigational use. We may not be able to obtain FDA and/or IRB approval to undertake clinical trials in the U.S. for any new devices that we intend to market in the U.S. in the future.
IfEven if we do obtain such approvals, we may not be able to conduct studies whichthat comply with the IDE and other regulations governing clinical investigations or the data from any such trials may not support clearance or approval of the investigational device. Clinical testing is difficult to design and implement, can take many years, can be expensive, and carries uncertain outcomes and, if we fail to complete our planned or ongoing clinical trials or if such clinical trials produce negative or inconclusive results, we may be delayed or prevented from obtaining regulatory clearances or approvals to commercialize our products for new or expanded indications. Additionally, we may experience delays in our ongoing clinical trials for any number of reasons, which could adversely affect the costs, timing, or successful completion of our clinical trials. Moreover, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may increase the likelihood that we encounter such difficulties or delays in initiating, enrolling, conducting, or completing our planned and ongoing clinical trials. If we fail to complete our planned and ongoing clinical trials or if such clinical trials produce negative or inconclusive results, we may be delayed or prevented from obtaining regulatory clearances or approvals to commercialize our products for new or expanded indications, which may limit the market for our products.
Failure to obtain such approvals or to comply with such regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, andor results of operations. Certainty that clinical trials will meet desired endpoints, produce meaningful or useful data, and be free of unexpected adverse effects or that the FDA will accept the validity of foreign clinical study data cannot be assured, and such uncertainty could preclude or delay market clearance or authorizations resulting in significant financial costs and reduced revenue.
OUR PRODUCTS MAY CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO ADVERSE MEDICAL EVENTS OR BE SUBJECT TO FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS THAT WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT TO THE FDA AND FOREIGN REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AND, IF WE FAIL TO DO SO, WE WOULD BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS THAT COULD HARM OUR REPUTATION, BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, ANDOR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We are subject to the FDA’s medical device reporting regulations and similar foreign regulations, which require us to report to the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities when we receive or become aware of information that reasonably suggests that one or more of our products may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that, if the malfunction were to recur, it could cause or contribute to a death or serious injury. The timing of our obligation to report is triggered by the date we become aware of the adverse event as well as the nature of the event. We may fail to report adverse events of which we become aware within the prescribed timeframe.time frame. We may also fail to recognize that we have become aware
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of a reportable adverse event, especially if it is not reported to us as an adverse event or if it is an adverse event that is unexpected or removed in time from the use of the product. If we fail to comply with our reporting obligations, the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities could take action, including warning letters, untitled letters, administrative actions, criminal prosecution, imposition of civil monetary penalties, revocation of our device clearance, approval, or certification, seizure of our products or delay in clearance, approval, or certification of future products.
The FDA and foreign regulatory bodies have the authority to require the recall of commercialized products in the event of material deficiencies or defects in the design or manufacture of a product or in the event that a product poses an unacceptable risk to health. The FDA’s authority to require a recall must be based on a finding that there is reasonable probability that the
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device could cause serious injury or death. We may also choose to voluntarily recall a product if any material deficiency is found. A government‑mandated or voluntary recall by us could occur as a result of an unacceptable risk to health, component failures, malfunctions, manufacturing defects, labeling or design deficiencies, packaging defects, or other deficiencies or failures to comply with applicable regulations. Product defects or other errors may occur in the future.
Depending on the corrective action we take to redress a product’s deficiencies or defects, the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities may require, or we may decide, that we will need to obtain new clearances, approvals, or certifications for the device before we may market or distribute the corrected device. Seeking such clearances, approvals, or certifications may delay our ability to replace the recalled devices in a timely manner. Moreover, if we do not adequately address problems associated with our devices, we may face additional regulatory enforcement action,actions, including FDA or foreign regulatory authorities warning letters, product seizure, injunctions, administrative penalties, or civil or criminal fines.
Companies are required to maintain certain records of recalls and corrections, even if they are not reportable to the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities. We may initiate voluntary withdrawals or corrections for our products in the future that we determine do not require notification of the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities. If the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities disagree with our determinations, it could require us to report those actions as recalls, and we may be subject to enforcement action.actions. A future recall announcement could harm our reputation with customers, potentially lead to product liability claims against us, and negatively affect our sales. Any corrective action, whether voluntary or involuntary, as well as defending ourselves in a lawsuit, would require the dedication of our time and capital, distract management from operating our business, and may harm our reputation and financial results.
IF OUR MANUFACTURING FACILITIES DO NOT CONTINUE TO MEET FEDERAL, STATE, OR OTHER MANUFACTURING STANDARDS, WE MAY BE REQUIRED TO TEMPORARILY CEASE ALL OR PART OF OUR MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS, IMPORT/EXPORT OF OUR PRODUCTS, AND/OR RECALL SOME PRODUCTS, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT PRODUCT DELIVERY DELAYS AND LOST REVENUE.
Our manufacturing facilities are subject to periodic inspection by regulatory authorities and notified bodies, and our operations will continue to be regulated and inspected by the FDA and other regulatory agencies and notified bodies for compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice requirements contained in the QSR and other regulatory requirements. We are also required to comply with International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”)ISO quality system standards as well as EU legislation and norms in order to produce products for sale in the EU. In addition, many countries, such as Canada and Japan, have very specific additional regulatory requirements for quality assurance and manufacturing. If we fail to continue to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as well as ISO or other regulatory standards, we may be required to cease all or part of our operations until we comply with these regulations.
We continue to be subject to FDA and certain other inspections by other regulatory authorities and notified bodies at any time. Maintaining such compliance is difficult and costly. We cannot be certain that our facilities will be found to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice requirements or ISO standards and other regulatory requirements in future inspections and audits by regulatory authorities and notified bodies.
We are currently participating in the Medical Device Single Audit Program (“MDSAP”), which allows an MDSAP-recognized auditing organization to conduct a single regulatory audit of a medical device manufacturer that evaluates the Company’sour quality system to assess compliance with the requirements of multiple regulatory jurisdictions, including the U.S., Japan, Brazil, Australia, and Canada. The information collected in an MDSAP audit is shared and reviewed amongst all the regulatory authorities participating in the MDSAP, who may or may not determine that additional information or auditing is required.
Our Sunnyvale, California facility is licensed by the State of California to manufacture medical devices. We have been subject to periodic inspections by the California Department of Health Services Food and Drug Branch and, if we are unable to maintain this license following any future inspections, we will be unable to manufacture or ship some products, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, both our Sunnyvale, California and Mexicali, Mexico facilities are subject to periodic inspections by other regulatory bodies, including third-party auditors on behalf of national regulatory authorities. Compliance with multiple regulatory standards is complex, difficult, and costly to maintain, and material
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deficiencies could result in significant limitations on our ability to manufacture, transport, and sell our products in one or more countries.
OUR PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY PROCESSES AND APPROVAL OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. IF WE DO NOT OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN THE NECESSARY INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY APPROVALS OR CERTIFICATIONS, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SELL OUR PRODUCTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
To be able to sell our products in other countries, we must obtain regulatory approvals or certifications and comply with the regulations of those countries, which may differ substantially from those of the U.S. These regulations, including the
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requirements for approvals or certifications and the time required for regulatory review, and vary from country to country. Obtaining and maintaining foreign regulatory approvals or certifications is complex, and timingthe time to obtain clearances or certifications in thoseother countries varies; therefore, we cannot be certain that we will receive regulatory approvals or certifications in any other country in which we plan to market our products or obtain such approvals or certifications on a favorable schedule. If we fail to obtain or maintain regulatory approval or certification in any other country in which we plan to market our products, our ability to generate revenue will be harmed. In particular, if the FDA refuses to provide CFGs, our ability to register products or renew such registrations may be delayed or denied.
For instance, one of the most significant moving targets related to the regulatory landscape is in the EU; more specifically, the regulation of medical devices regulation has recently evolved. On May 25, 2017, theThe EU Medical Devices Regulation, entered into force, which repeals and replaces the Council Directive 93/42/EEC (the “EUEU Medical Devices Directive”). Unlike directives, which must be implemented into the national laws of the EU member states, regulations are directlyDirective, became applicable (i.e., without the need for adoption of EU member state laws implementing them) in all EU member states and are intended to eliminate current differences in the regulation of medicalon May 26, 2021. In accordance with its recently extended transitional provisions, both (i) devices among EU member states. Devices lawfully placed on the market pursuant to the EU Medical Devices Directive prior to May 26, 2021, and (ii) legacy devices lawfully placed on the EU market from May 26, 2021, in accordance with the EU Medical Devices Regulation transitional provisions may generally continue to be made available on the market or put into service until May 26, 2025,December 31, 2028 (at the very latest and depending on the product risk classification) per the EU Medical Devices Regulation extended transitional provisions, provided that the requirements of the transitional provisions are fulfilled. In particular, the certificate in questionHowever, since May 26, 2021, manufacturers must still be valid. In January 1999, further to their certification by our notified body, we affixed the CE mark to our da Vinci Surgical System and EndoWrist instruments and have maintained these certifications continuously since that time. Subsequent products and accessories have received certifications by our notified body, Presafe. However, even in this case, manufacturers mustalready comply with a number of new, or reinforced, requirements set forth in the EU Medical Devices Regulation, including registration of economic operators and of devices control plan, Periodic Safety Update Report (“PSUR”), notify body periodic vigilance report, post-market surveillance, market surveillance,clinical periodic review report, and vigilance requirements.
Subject to the transitional provisions, in order to sell our products in EU member states, our products must comply with the general safety and performance requirements of the EU Medical Devices Regulation, which repeals and replaces the former EU Medical Devices Directive.Regulation. Compliance with these requirements is a prerequisite to be able to affix the European Conformity (“CE”)CE mark to our products, without which they cannot be sold or marketed in the EU. All medical devices placed on the market in the EU must meet the general safety and performance requirements laid down in Annex I to the EU Medical Devices Regulation, including the requirement that a medical device must be designed and manufactured in such a way that, during normal conditions of use, it is suitable for its intended purpose. It is the responsibility of the (manufacturer) Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (“PRRC”) to ensure such requirements are fulfilled and in place in the company. Medical devices must be safe and effective and must not compromise the clinical condition or safety of patients or the safety and health of users and, where applicable, other persons, provided that any risks that may be associated with their use constitute acceptable risks when weighed against the benefits to the patient and are compatible with a high level of protection of health and safety, taking into account the generally acknowledged state of the art. To demonstrate compliance with the general safety and performance requirements, we must undergo a conformity assessment procedure, which varies according to the type of medical device and its (risk) classification and may include a technical documentation assessment and an onsite audit. Except for low risklow-risk medical devices (Class I), where the manufacturer can self-assess the conformity of its products with the general safety and performance requirements (except for any parts whichthat relate to sterility, metrology, or reuse aspects), a conformity assessment procedure requires the intervention of a notified body. The notified body would typically audit and examine the technical file and the quality system for the manufacture, design, and final inspection of our devices. If satisfied that the relevant product conforms to the relevant general safety and performance requirements and we have the organizational structure to support it (i.e., PRRC), the notified body issues a certificate of conformity, which the manufacturer uses as a basis for its own declaration of conformity. The manufacturer may then apply the CE mark to the device, which allows the device to be placed on the market throughout the EU. If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we would be unable to affix the CE mark to our products, which would prevent us from selling them within the EU or any countries recognizing the CE mark.
In the EU, we must inform the notified body that carried out the conformity assessment of the medical devices that we market or sell in the EU and the EEA of any planned substantial changes to our quality system or substantial changes to our medical devices that could affect compliance with the general safety and performance requirements laid down in Annex I to the EU Medical Devices Regulation or cause a substantial change to the intended use for which the device has been CE marked.
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The notified body will then assess the planned changes and verify whether they affect the products’ ongoing conformity with the EU Medical Devices Regulation. If the assessment is favorable, the notified body will issue a new certificate of conformity or an addendum to the existing certificate attesting compliance with the general safety and performance requirements and quality system requirements laid down in the Annexes to the EU Medical Devices Regulation.
In addition, we are subject to annual regulatory audits in order to maintain the certifications we have already obtained, including inspection of our compliance to EU legislation and required standards. We cannot be certain that we will be able to affix the CE mark for new or modified products or that we will continue to meet the quality and performance standards required to maintain the certifications that we have already received. If we are unable to maintain our certifications, we will no longer be able to sell our products in EU member states and many affiliated countries that accept the CE mark, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, the regulations applied to end users of our products may increase over time, forcing us to provide additional solutions to regulations that do not apply directly to us but which apply indirectly, as they may limit our customers’ ability to use our products.
The aforementioned EU rules are generally applicable in the EEA. Non-compliance
In January 1999, further to their certification by our notified body, Presafe, we affixed the CE mark to our da Vinci surgical system and EndoWrist instruments, attesting compliance with the above requirementsformer EU Medical Devices Directive, and we have maintained these certifications continuously since that time. Subsequent products and accessories have also received certifications by our notified body in accordance with the former EU Medical Devices Directive. Where required, we are maintaining our certificates granted under the former EU Medical Devices Directive and have either gained, or are working towards, certification under the EU Medical Devices Regulation for all medical devices that we intend to continue to market in the EU and EEA. Should we not gain such certification, this would also prevent us from selling our products in these countries.the EU and EEA. Should we not gain such certification by the end of the transitional period currently set forth in the EU Medical Devices Regulation of December 31, 2027, for higher classification devices (Class III and certain Class IIb implantable devices), and December 31, 2028 for medium- and lower-risk devices (for the other Class IIb devices, Class IIa devices, and some Class I devices), it would prevent us from selling our products in the EU and EEA. We are committed to complying with the EU Medical Devices Regulation for our legacy devices as well as any new device introduction in the market for the first time, transitioning progressively toward the EU Medical Devices Regulation and, in parallel, benefiting from the EU Medical Devices Regulation transitional provisions to continue marketing our devices in the EU and the EEA under their EU Medical Devices Directive certification until we obtain our new certifications.
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Further, Switzerland, which is the country from which we import our products into the EU and where our EU regulatory team is based, has not yet entered into a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the EU that covers the EU Medical Device Regulation and allows medical devices to move freely between Switzerland and the EU. Therefore, for future needs, we will adjust the manner in which we bring our products into the EU market. Any such adjustments could cause temporary disruptions in and have adverse financial implications to our business in Europe.
To date, we received approvals from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for our da Vinci S, Si, Xi, X, and X Surgical SystemsSP surgical systems and various associated instruments and accessories for use in certain da Vinci procedures. We may seek additional approvals for other products and/or indications; however, there can be no assurance that such approvals will be granted. In addition, because not all of our instruments have received product approvals and reimbursement is an additional process to generate market acceptance, it is possible that procedures will be adopted slowly or not at all. Sales of our products depend, in part, on the extent to which the costs of our products are reimbursed by governmental health administration authorities. In April 2012 and April 2016, we have received reimbursement approval for prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy, respectively. An additional 12 procedures were granted reimbursement for Japan in April 2018, including gastrectomy, anterior resection, lobectomy, and hysterectomy, for both malignant and benign conditions. An additional 7 procedures were granted reimbursement effective April 1, 2020. These additional 19 reimbursed procedures have varying levels of conventional laparoscopic penetration and will be reimbursed at rates equal to the conventional laparoscopic procedures. Given the reimbursement level and laparoscopic penetration for these 19 procedures, there can be no assurance that adoption will occur or that the adoption pace for these procedures will be similar to any other da Vinci procedures. There are multiple pathways to obtain reimbursement for procedures including those that require in-country clinical data and which are considered for reimbursed status in April of even-numbered years. If we are not successful in obtaining the necessary reimbursement approvals or obtaining approvals for future products and procedures, then the demand for our products could be limited. These limitations could eliminate a significant market opportunity for our products in Japan.
Our capital sales in China are subject to importation authorizations and purchasing tender processes. In October 2018,June 2023, the China National Health Commission published on its official website the 14th five-year plan quota for major medical equipment to be imported and sold in China through 2020. After an adjustment notice was published inon its official website. Under the third quarter of 2020 (ref. NHC Financial Notice [2020] 315),2023 Quota, the government will allow for the total sale of 225559 new Endoscopic Surgical Instrument Control Systems (surgical robots)surgical robots into China, which could include da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems as well as surgical systems introduced by others. Future system sales and our ability to grow future procedure volumes are dependent on the completion of these purchasing tender authorizations. The timing and magnitude of these future authorizations, which may determine our system placements in future years, is not certain, and we expect to continue to experience variability in the timing of capital sales in China.
CHANGES IN HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION AND POLICY MAY HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, ANDOR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
In the U.S., there have been, and continue to be, a number of legislative initiatives to contain healthcare costs. In March 2010, the ACA was enacted, which made changes that have impacted and are expected to significantly impact the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
The ACA contained a number of provisions designed to generate the revenues necessary to fund health insurance coverage expansions among other things. This included a number of Medicare payment system reforms, including a national pilot program on payment bundling to encourage hospitals, physicians, and other providers to improve the coordination, quality, and efficiency of certain healthcare services through bundled payment models and appropriated funding for comparative effectiveness research.
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Since its enactment, there have been judicial, executive branch, and Congressional challenges to certain aspects of the ACA. On June 17, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the most recent judicial challenge to the ACA brought by several states without specifically ruling on the constitutionality of the ACA. Thus, the ACA will remain in effect in its current form. Further, prior to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, President Biden issued an executive order to initiate a special enrollment period from February 15, 2021 through August 15, 2021, for purposes of obtaining health insurance coverage through the ACA marketplace. The executive order also instructed certain governmental agencies to review and reconsider their existing policies and rules that limit access to healthcare, including among others, reexamining Medicaid demonstration projects and waiver programs that include work requirements and policies that create unnecessary barriers to obtaining access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the ACA.
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the ACA was enacted.became law. These changes included an aggregate reduction in Medicare payments, to providers of 2% per fiscal year, which went into effect on April 1, 2013, and will remain in effect through 2030,2032, unless additional Congressional action is taken, with the exception of a temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic from May 1, 2020, through March 31, 2022. On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed intobecame law, which, among other things, further reduced Medicare payments to several types of providers, including hospitals, imaging centers, and cancer treatment centers, and increased the statute of limitations period for the government to recover overpayments to providers from three to five years.centers. MACRA repealed the formula by which Medicare made annual payment adjustments to physicians and replaced the former formula with fixed annual updates and a new system of incentive payments that began in 2019 whichand are based on various performance measures and physicians’ participation in alternative payment models, such as accountable care organizations. It is unclear what impact new quality and payment programs, such as MACRA, may have on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Individual states in the U.S. have also become increasingly aggressive in passing legislation and implementing regulations designed to control product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints and discounts, and require marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures.
We expect additional state and federal healthcare reform measures to be adopted in the future that could have a material adverse effect on our industry generally and on our customers. Any changes to, or uncertainty with respect to, future reimbursement rates or changes in hospital admission rates could impact our customers’ demand for our products and services, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.operations.
Further, the federal, state, and local governments, Medicare, Medicaid, managed-care organizations, and foreign governments have, in the past, considered, are currently considering, and may, in the future, consider healthcare policies and proposals intended to curb rising healthcare costs, including those that could significantly affect both private and public reimbursement for healthcare services. Future significant changes in the healthcare systems in the U.S. or other countries,
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including retroactive and prospective rate and coverage criteria changes, competitive bidding or tender processes for certain products and services, and other changes intended to reduce expenditures along with uncertainty about whether and how changes may be implemented, could have a negative impact on the demand for our products. We are unable to predict whether other healthcare policies, including policies stemming from legislation or regulations affecting our business may be proposed or enacted in the future, what effect such policies would have on our business, or what effect ongoing uncertainty about these matters will have on the purchasing decisions of our customers.
For instance, in December 2021, the EU Regulation No. 2021/2282 on Health Technology Assessment, amending Directive 2011/24/EU, was adopted. While the Regulation entered into force in January 2022, it will only begin to apply from January 2025 onwards, with preparatory and implementation-related steps to take place in the interim. Once applicable, it will have a phased implementation depending on the concerned products. This Regulation intends to boost cooperation among EU member states in assessing health technologies, including certain high-risk medical devices, and provide the basis for cooperation at the EU level for joint clinical assessments in these areas. It will permit EU member states to use common HTA tools, methodologies, and procedures across the EU, working together in four main areas, including joint clinical assessment of the innovative health technologies with the highest potential impact for patients, joint scientific consultations whereby developers can seek advice from HTA authorities, identification of emerging health technologies to identify promising technologies early, and continuing voluntary cooperation in other areas. Individual EU member states will continue to be responsible for assessing non-clinical (e.g., economic, social, ethical, etc.) aspects of health technology and making decisions on pricing and reimbursement.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL, STATE, AND FOREIGN LAWS GOVERNING OUR BUSINESS PRACTICES, WHICH, IF VIOLATED, COULD RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL PENALTIES. ADDITIONALLY, CHALLENGES TO, OR INVESTIGATION INTO, OUR PRACTICES COULD CAUSE ADVERSE PUBLICITY AND BE COSTLY TO RESPOND TO AND, THUS, COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS.BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires us to track and disclose the source of any tantalum, tin, gold, and tungsten used in manufacturing that may originate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or adjoining regions (so called “conflict minerals”). These metals are central to the technology industry and are present in some of our products as component parts. In most cases, no acceptable alternative material exists that has the necessary properties.properties that our products require. Because it is not possible to determine the source of the metals by analysis, we must obtain a good faith description of the source of the intermediate components and raw materials from parties in our supply chain. The components that incorporate those metals may originate from many sources, and we purchase fabricated products from manufacturers who may have a long and difficult-to-trace supply chain. As the spot price of these materials varies, producers of the metal intermediates can be expected to change the mix of sources used. Accordingly, components and assemblies we buy may have a mix of sources as their origin. We are required to carry out a diligent effort to determine and disclose the source of these materials. There can be no assurance that we can obtain this information accurately or reliably, or at all, from intermediate producers who may be unwilling or unable to provide this information or further identify their sources of supply or to notify us if these sources change. In addition, these metals are subject to price fluctuations and shortages that can affect our ability to obtain the manufactured materials that we rely on at favorable terms or from consistent sources. These changes could have an adverse impact on our ability to manufacture and market our devices and products.
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We are also subject to healthcare regulation and enforcement by the federal government and the states and foreign governments where we conduct our business. The healthcare laws and regulations that may affect our ability to operate include the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits among other things, payments or otherthe payment of remuneration that could be considered to induce or reward hospitals, physicians, or other potential purchasers of our productshealthcare professionals either to refer patients or to purchase, lease, order, or arrange for or recommend the purchase, lease, or order of healthcare products or services for which payment may be made under the federal and state healthcare programs, such as Medicare, and Medicaid, and any other third-party payor programs. Further, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of this statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation. Similar laws must be complied with at the state level and in foreign jurisdiction.jurisdictions.
TheWe must comply with the federal civil and criminal false claims laws, including the federal civil False Claims Act, and civil monetary penalties laws, which prohibit, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal healthcare programs that are false or fraudulent. Although we do not submit claims directly to government payors, manufacturers can be held liable under the federal false claim actFalse Claims Act if they are deemed to “cause” the submission of false or fraudulent claims by, for example, providing inaccurate billing or coding information to customers or promoting a product off-label. In addition, the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the False Claims Act.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which created additional federal criminal statutes prohibit, among other things, executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program and making false statements
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relating to healthcare matters. Similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it to have committed a violation.
These laws may affect our sales, marketing, and other promotional activities by limiting the kinds of financial arrangements that we may have with hospitals, physicians, or other potential purchasers of our products. They particularly impact how we structure our sales offerings, including discount practices, customer support, speaker, education, and training programs, physician consulting, and other service arrangements. These laws are broadly written, and it is often difficult to determine precisely how these laws will be applied to specific circumstances. Violating anti-kickback laws and false claims laws can result in civil and criminal fines and penalties, which can be substantial and include monetary damages and penalties, imprisonment, and exclusion from government healthcare programs for non-compliance.programs. Even an unsuccessful challenge or investigation into our practices could cause adverse publicity and be costly to defend and, thus, could harm our business, andfinancial condition, or results of operations.
The federal Physicians Payments Sunshine Act imposes reporting and disclosure requirements on certain device manufacturers for any “transfer of value” made or distributed to physicians (including family members), as defined by statute, certain non-physician practitioners, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners, and teaching hospitals. Such information must be made publicly available in a searchable format. In addition, device manufacturers are required to report and disclose any ownership or investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members, as well as any transfers of value made to such physician owners and investors, during the preceding calendar year. Similar requirements apply in foreign jurisdictions. Failure to submit required information may result in civil monetary penalties for all payments, transfers of value, or ownership or investment interests not reported in an annual submission. Device manufacturers are required to submit reports to CMS by the 90th90th day of each calendar year.
Many states have similar laws and regulations, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws, thatwhich may be broader in scope and may apply regardless of payor, in addition to items and services reimbursed under Medicaid and other state programs. Certain states mandate implementation of commercial compliance programs to ensure compliance with these laws, impose restrictions on device manufacturer marketing practices, and/or require the tracking and reporting of gifts, compensation, and other remuneration to physicians or marketing expenditures and pricing information. The shifting commercial compliance environment and the need to build and maintain robust and expandable systems to comply with multiple jurisdictions with different compliance and/or reporting requirements increases the possibility that a healthcare company may be found out of compliance with one or more of the requirements, subjecting us to significant civil monetary penalties.
Additionally, to the extent that our product is sold in a foreign country, we may be subject to similar foreign laws.
Compliance with complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to our OUS operations increases our cost of doing business in foreign jurisdictions and could expose us or our employees to fines and penalties in the U.S. and/or abroad. These numerous, and sometimes conflicting, laws and regulations include U.S. laws, such as the FCPA, and similar laws in other countries, such as the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in fines, criminal sanctions against us, our officers, or our employees, prohibitions on the conduct of our business, and damage to our reputation. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, or agents will not violate our policies.
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Our operations are subject to certain antitrust and competition laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business, in particular the U.S. and the EU. These laws prohibit, among other things, anticompetitive agreements and practices. If any of our commercial agreements or practices are found to violate or infringe such laws, we may be subject to civil and other penalties. We may also be subject to third-party claims for damages. Further, agreements that infringe upon these antitrust and competition laws may be void and unenforceable, in whole or in part, or require modification in order to be lawful and enforceable. If we are unable to enforce our commercial agreements, whether at all or in material part, our business, financial condition, or results of operations financial position, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
We are also subject to claims, lawsuits, and government investigations involving labor and employment. Such claims, lawsuits, and government investigations are inherently uncertain. Regardless of the outcome, any of these types of legal proceedings can have an adverse impact on us because of legal costs, diversion of management resources, and other factors.
We are also exposed to the risk that our employees, independent contractors, consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, and any other third parties that we may engage in connection with the development and commercialization of our products may engage in fraudulent or illegal activity. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless, and/or negligent conduct or disclosure of unauthorized activities to us that violates: (i) the laws of the FDA and other similar regulatory authorities, including those laws requiring the reporting of true, complete, and accurate information to such authorities; (ii) manufacturing standards; (iii) data privacy, security, fraud, and abuse laws and regulations; or (iv) laws that require the true, complete, and accurate reporting of financial information or data. Activities subject to these laws could also involve the improper use or misrepresentation of information obtained in the course of clinical trials or the creation of fraudulent data in clinical trials, which could result in regulatory sanctions and cause serious harm to our reputation. It is not always possible to identify and
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deter misconduct by employees and other third parties, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with such laws or regulations.
Additionally, we are subject to the risk that a person or government could allege fraud or other misconduct, even if none occurred. If any such actions are instituted against us and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business andor results of operations, including the imposition of significant civil, criminal, and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, disgorgements, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, other U.S. federal healthcare programs, or healthcare programs in other jurisdictions, integrity oversight and reporting obligations to resolve allegations of non-compliance, imprisonment, other sanctions, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and curtailment of our operations.
IF HOSPITALS AND OTHER SURGERY FACILITIES DO NOT CONTINUE TO MEET FEDERAL, STATE, OR OTHER REGULATORY STANDARDS, THEY MAY BE REQUIRED TO TEMPORARILY CEASE ALL OR PART OF THEIR DA VINCISYSTEM UTILIZATION.
Our global customers are subject to periodic inspection by regulatory authorities. Our customers are required to comply with applicable local and international regulations, including with respect to the reprocessing of da Vinciour instruments and accessories. Hospitals may not follow cleaning and sterilization instructions properly, or equipment used for cleaning and sterilization may malfunction or be used improperly. If our customers deviate from cleaning and sterilization instructions, regulatory authorities may require them to suspend the use of da Vinci Surgical Systems.our systems.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO FULLY PROTECT AND SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FROM USE BY THIRD PARTIES, OUR ABILITY TO COMPETE IN THE MARKET MAY BE HARMED.
Our commercial success depends in part on obtaining patent protection for the proprietary technologies contained in our products and on successfully defending our patents against infringing products and/or services in litigation or administrative proceedings, including patent oppositions, reviews, or reexaminations. We incur substantial costs in obtaining patents and, if necessary, defending our patent rights. We do not know whether we will be successful in obtaining the desired patent protection for our new proprietary technologies or that the protection we do obtain will be found valid and enforceable when challenged. The success of defending our proprietary rights can be highly uncertain, because it involves complex and often evolving legal issues and procedures that are dependent on the particular facts of each case.
In addition to patents, we also rely on other intellectual property rights, such as trade secret, copyright, and trademark laws to protect proprietary technologies. We further utilize nondisclosure agreements and other contractual provisions as well as technical measures to protect our proprietary technologies. Nevertheless, these measures may be inadequate in protecting our technologies. If these measures are provedprove to be inadequate in protecting our technologies, our competitive advantages may be reduced. Moreover, we may not have adequate remedies for potential breaches by employees, consultants, and others who participate in developing our proprietary technologies against their agreements with us regarding intellectual property. As a
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result, our trade secrets may be lost. Notwithstanding our efforts to protect our intellectual property, our competitors may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or products that are equal to or superior to our technologies without infringing any of our intellectual property, which would harm our ability to compete in the market.
As foreign markets become more significant in revenue for us, our foreign operations and strategic alliances with foreign entities will likely increase. Our exposure to risks associated with these operations requires us to increase our reliance on protecting our intellectual property against infringing products and/or services in markets outside of the U.S. The laws and judicial systems in these countries may introduce yet another level of uncertainty toin our effort to obtain the desired protection as well as defending our rights.
OTHERS MAY BE SUCCESSFUL IN ASSERTING THAT OUR PRODUCTS INFRINGE THEIR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, WHICH MAY CAUSE US TO PAY SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGES AND/OR ENJOIN US FROM COMMERCIALIZING OUR PRODUCTS.
As we continue to introduce and commercialize new products and technologies, there may be U.S. and foreign patents issued to third parties that relate to our products. Some of these patents may be broad enough to cover one or more aspects of our products. We do not know whether any of these patents, if challenged, would be held valid, enforceable, and infringed. From time to time, we receive, and likely will continue to receive, letters from third parties accusing us of infringing and/or inviting us to license their patents. We may be sued by, or become involved in an administrative proceeding with, one or more of these third parties.
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We cannot be certain that a court or administrative body would agree with any arguments or defenses that we may have concerning invalidity, unenforceability, or non-infringement of any third-party patent. In addition, other parties may have filed or will file patent applications covering products that are similar to or identical to ours. We cannot be certain that patents issuing from our own patent applications covering our products will have a priority date over any patents issuing from applications filed by a third party.
The medical device industry has experienced extensive intellectual property litigation and administrative proceedings. If third parties assert infringement claims or institute administrative proceedings against us, our technical and management personnel will need to spend significant time and effort, and we will incur large expenses in defending against these attacks. We cannot be certain that we will prevail in defending against infringement, validity, or enforceability claims against us. If plaintiffs in patent administrative proceedings are successful, our patent portfolio may be adversely affected. If plaintiffs in any patent action are successful, we may be enjoined from selling or importing our products, we may have to pay substantial damages, including treble damages, or we may be required to obtain a license that requires us to pay substantial royalties or relocate our manufacturing facilities. In addition, any public announcements related to litigation or administrative proceedings initiated or threatened against us could cause our stock price to decline.
OUR PRODUCTS RELY ON LICENSES FROM THIRD PARTIES, WHICH MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TO US ON COMMERCIALLY REASONABLE TERMS OR AT ALL. IF WE LOSE ACCESS TO THESE TECHNOLOGIES, OUR REVENUES COULD DECLINE.
We rely on technology that we license from others, including technology that is integral to our products. There is no assurance that we can obtain or retain licenses on acceptable terms or at all. The license agreements we have entered into with several industry partners may be terminated for breach. If any of these agreements are terminated, we may be unable to reacquire the necessary license on satisfactory terms or at all. The failure to obtain, retain, or maintain the licenses could prevent or delay further development or commercialization of our products, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, or cash flows.operations.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
OUR FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS MAY BE BELOW SECURITIES ANALYSTS’ OR INVESTORS’ EXPECTATIONS, WHICH COULD CAUSE OUR STOCK PRICE TO DECLINE.
Due to the nascent nature of our industry, we have limited insight into trends that may emerge in our market and affect our business. The revenue and income potential of our market are unproven, and we may be unable to maintain or grow our revenue. Our products typically have lengthy sales cycles. In addition, our costs may be higher than we anticipated. If we fail to generate sufficient revenues or our costs are higher than we expect, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected. Further, future revenue from sales of our products is difficult to forecast, because the market for new surgical technologies is still evolving. Our results of operations will depend uponcould be impacted by numerous factors, including:
the extent to which our products achieve and maintain market acceptance;
actions relating to regulatory matters;
product quality and supply problems;
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our timing and ability to develop our manufacturing and sales and marketing capabilities;
demand for our products;
the size and timing of particular sales and any collection delays related to those sales;
the progress of surgical training in the use of our products;
our ability to develop, introduce, and market new or enhanced versions of our products on a timely basis;
third-party payor reimbursement policies;
our ability to protect our proprietary rights and defend against third-party challenges;
our ability to license additional intellectual property rights; and
the progress and results of any clinical trials.
Our operating results in any particular period will not be a reliable indication of our future performance. It is possible that, in future periods, our operating results will be below the expectations of securities analysts or investors. If this occurs, the price of our common stock and the value of your investment will likely decline.
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OUR STOCK PRICE HAS BEEN, AND WILL LIKELY CONTINUE TO BE, VOLATILE.
The market price of our common stock has experienced fluctuations and may fluctuate significantly in the future. For example, during 2019, it reached a high2021, the adjusted closing price of $199.60 and a low of $150.08; during 2020, it reached a high of $272.70 and a low of $122.58; and during 2021, itour common stock reached a high of $365.42 and a low of $228.30.$228.30; during 2022, it reached a high of $360.00 and a low of $183.06; and, during 2023, it reached a high of $354.93 and a low of $224.75. Our stock price can fluctuate for a number of reasons, including:
announcements about us or our competitors;
variations in our operating results and financial guidance;
our introduction or abandonment of new technologies or products;
regulatory approvals and enforcement actions;
changes in our product pricing policies;
changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by analysts;
changes in accounting policies;
economic changes and overall market volatility;
announcements relating to product quality and the supply chain for our products;
litigation;
media coverage, whether accurate or inaccurate, fair or misleading;
political uncertainties;
short sales on shares of our common stock or other activities by short sellers; and
our stock repurchase program.
Future stock repurchase programs will be contingent on a variety of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, and business requirements. There can be no assurance that we will continue repurchasing our common stock in the future, consistent with historical levels or at all, or that our stock repurchase programs will have a beneficial impact on our stock price.
In addition, stock markets generally have experienced, and in the future may experience, significant price and volume volatility. This volatility has a substantial effect on the market prices of securities of many public companies for reasons frequently unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the specific companies. Further, the securities of many medical device companies, including us, have historically been subject to extensive price and volume fluctuations that may affect the market price of their common stock. If these broad market fluctuations continue, it may have a material adverse impact on the market price of our common stock.
CHANGES TO FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS MAY AFFECT OUR REPORTED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
A change in accounting standards can have a significant effect on our reported results and may retroactively affect previously reported results. New accounting pronouncements and varying interpretations of accounting pronouncements have occurred and may occur in the future. Changes to existing standards or the reevaluation of current practices may adversely affect our reported financial results or the way we conduct our business.
ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C.    CYBERSECURITY
CYBERSECURITY RISK MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY
We have developed and implemented a cybersecurity risk management program intended to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our critical systems and information. Our cybersecurity risk management program includes a cybersecurity incident response plan.
We design and assess our program based on various cybersecurity frameworks, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) and the Center for Internet Security (“CIS”), as well as information security standards issued by the International Organization for Standardization, including ISO 27001 and ISO 27002. In 2022, our cybersecurity systems and processes achieved ISO 27001 certification. We use these cybersecurity frameworks and information security standards as a guide to help us identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks relevant to our business.
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Our cybersecurity risk management program is integrated into our overall enterprise risk management program and shares common methodologies, reporting channels, and governance processes that apply across the enterprise risk management program to other legal, compliance, strategic, operational, and financial risk areas.
Our cybersecurity risk management program includes:
risk assessments designed to help identify material cybersecurity risks to our critical systems, information, products, services, and our broader enterprise information technology (“IT”) environment;
a security team principally responsible for managing (1) our cybersecurity risk assessment processes, (2) our security controls, and (3) our response to cybersecurity incidents;
the use of external service providers, where appropriate, to assess, test, or otherwise assist with aspects of our security controls;
cybersecurity awareness training for our employees, incident response personnel, and senior management;
a cybersecurity incident response plan that includes procedures for responding to cybersecurity incidents; and
a third-party risk management process for service providers, suppliers, and vendors.
We have not identified any risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any prior cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our operations, business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE
Our Board considers cybersecurity risk as part of its risk oversight function and has delegated oversight of cybersecurity and other information technology risks to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee oversees management’s implementation of the cybersecurity risk management program.
The Audit Committee receives quarterly reports from management on our cybersecurity risks. In addition, management updates the Audit Committee, as necessary, regarding any material cybersecurity incidents, as well as any incidents with lesser potential impact.
The Audit Committee reports to the full Board regarding its activities, including those related to cybersecurity. The full Board also receives briefings from management on our cybersecurity risk management program. Board members receive presentations on cybersecurity topics from our IT management team, internal security staff, or external experts as part of the Board’s continuing education. Six members of our Board of Directors have information security expertise, including Joseph C. Beery, Gary S. Guthart, Ph.D., Amal M. Johnson, Sreelakshmi Kolli, Keith R. Leonard, Jr., and Mark J. Rubash.
Our management team, including our IT management team, is responsible for assessing and managing our material risks from cybersecurity threats. The team has primary responsibility for our overall cybersecurity risk management program and supervises both our internal cybersecurity personnel and our retained external cybersecurity consultants. Our management team has certifications from various organizations, such as ISC2 (Certified Information Security Systems Professional or “CISSP”), Global Information Assurance (“GIAC”), and the EC-Council.
Our management team oversees efforts to prevent, detect, mitigate, and remediate cybersecurity risks and incidents through various means, which may include briefings from internal security personnel, threat intelligence and other information obtained from governmental, public, or private sources, including external consultants engaged by us, and alerts and reports produced by security tools deployed in the information technology environment.
ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES
As of December 31, 2021,2023, we own approximately 1.82.0 million square feet of space on 111142 acres of land in Sunnyvale, California, where we house our principal headquarters, research and development, service, and support functions, andas well as certain of our manufacturing operations.
Outside of Sunnyvale, California, we own facilities in other U.S. locations that are used for sales, training, manufacturing, engineering, and administrative functions, including approximately 530,000520,000 square feet of space on 6069 acres of land in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. We also lease approximately 660,000830,000 square feet of space for certain engineering, warehousing, and support functions at various locations in the U.S.
Outside of the U.S., we own and/or lease properties in Mexicali, Mexico, and Germany, primarily for manufacturing operations, and Aubonne, Switzerland, primarily for our international headquarters. In China, our Joint Venture leases facilities for research and development, manufacturing, and sales operations. In Germany, we own and lease facilities for manufacturing operations, as we build out operations of our acquisition of certain assets and operations from Schölly Fiberoptic GmbH. In Israel, we lease facilities including space for the operations of our subsidiary, Orpheus Medical.research and development. In addition, we lease various international facilities for sales and other operations.
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ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information included in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5.     MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
All share and per-share information presented have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the three-for-one stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock in October 2021.
COMMON STOCK
Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ISRG.”
As of January 26, 2022,25, 2024, there were 136132 stockholders of record of our common stock, although we believe that there are a significantly larger number of beneficial owners of our common stock.
DIVIDENDS
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. In addition, we may use a portion of our retained earnings to repurchase shares of our common stock, if appropriate.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table containsPlease see Item 12. “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” under Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information ason where to find information required by Item 201(d) of December 31, 2021, for two categories of equity compensation plans.
Plan Category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights (a) (2)
Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding options (3)
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in
column (a)) (4)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders15,620,115 $129.64 28,243,671 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (1)
821,483 $64.68 — 
Total16,441,598 $125.07 28,243,671 
(1)Represents options under the Amended and Restated 2009 Employment Commencement Incentive Plan, adopted by the Board in October 2009 and first used in 2010. Options are granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and have a term not to exceed ten years. This plan expired in October 2019 and, therefore, there are no shares reserved for future grant. However, awards granted prior to the plan’s expiration continue to remain outstanding until their original expiration date.
(2)Number of securities includes options to purchase 11,684,236 shares of common stock and 4,757,362 shares of common stock subject to vesting under RSUs.
(3)The weighted-average exercise price is calculated based solely on the exercise prices of the outstanding options and does not reflect the shares that will be issued upon the vesting of outstanding awards of RSUs, which have no exercise price.
(4)Number of securities includes 2,775,339 shares remaining available for future issuance under the 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Material Features of the Amended and Restated 2009 Employment Commencement Incentive Plan
In October 2009, the Board adopted our Amended and Restated 2009 Employment Commencement Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”), pursuant to Rule 5653(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Global Market, which was subsequently amended by the Board in February 2011, July 2011, February 2012, July 2012, January 2013, May 2013, December 2013, and April 2015.
Awards granted under the 2009 Plan were intended to constitute “employment inducement awards” under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and, therefore, the 2009 Plan was intended to be exempt from the Nasdaq Listing Rules regarding stockholder approval of stock option and stock purchase plans. A total of 13,095,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2009 Plan. The 2009 Plan provided for the grant of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, dividend equivalents, or stock appreciation rights. These awards may have been granted to individuals who were then new employees, or were commencing employment with us or one of our subsidiaries following a bona fide period of non-employment with us, and for whom such awards were granted as a material inducement to commencing employment with us or one of our subsidiaries. This plan expired in October 2019 and, therefore, there are no shares reserved for future grant. However, awards granted prior to the plan’s expiration continue to remain outstanding until their original expiration date.
The 2009 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee or another committee of the Board. The plan administrator has broad discretion to take action under the 2009 Plan, as well as make adjustments to the terms and conditions of existing awards, in the event of certain transactions and events affecting our common stock, including a change in control, stock
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dividends, stock splits, mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, and other corporate transactions. In addition, in the event of certain non-reciprocal transactions with our stockholders known as “equity restructurings,” the plan administrator will make equitable adjustments to the 2009 Plan and outstanding awards.
The Board may amend, suspend, or terminate the 2009 Plan at any time, provided that no such action may impair any rights under any outstanding awards without the consent of the participant.Regulation S-K.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
None.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The table below summarizes our stock repurchase activity for the quarter ended December 31, 2021.2023.
Fiscal PeriodTotal Number of
Shares
Repurchased
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased As
Part of a Publicly
Announced Program
Approximate Dollar
Amount of Shares That
May Yet be Purchased
Under the Program (1)
October 1 to October 31, 2023232,332 $259.56 232,332 $1.1  billion
November 1 to November 30, 202322,585 $265.01 22,585 $1.1  billion
December 1 to December 31, 2023— $— — $1.1  billion
Total during quarter ended December 31, 2023254,917 $260.04 254,917 
Fiscal PeriodTotal Number of
Shares
Repurchased
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased As
Part of a Publicly
Announced Program
Approximate Dollar
Amount of Shares That
May Yet be Purchased
Under the Program (1)
October 1 to October 31, 2021— $— — $1.6  billion
November 1 to November 30, 2021— $— — $1.6  billion
December 1 to December 31, 2021— $�� — $1.6  billion
Total during quarter ended December 31, 2021— $— — 
(1)Since March 2009, we have had an active stock repurchase program.program (the “Repurchase Program”). As of December 31, 2021,2023, our Board of Directors (our “Board”) had authorized an aggregate amount of up to $7.5$10.0 billion for stock repurchases, of which the most recent authorization occurred in January 2019,July 2022, when our Board increased the authorized amount available under our share repurchase programRepurchase Program to $2.0$3.5 billion. The remaining $1.6 billion represents the amount available to repurchase shares under the authorized repurchase programRepurchase Program as of December 31, 2021.2023, is $1.1 billion. The authorized stock repurchase programRepurchase Program does not have an expiration date.
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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
This graph is not “soliciting material” or deemed “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C (17 CFR 240.14a-1–240.14a-104 or 240.14c-1–240.14c-101) for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filings of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.
The graph set forth below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock between December 31, 2016,2018, and December 31, 2021,2023, with the cumulative total return of (i) the Nasdaq Composite Index, (ii) the S&P 500 Healthcare Index, and (iii) the S&P 500 Index over the same period. This graph assumes an investment of $100.00 on December 31, 20162018, in our common stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index, the S&P Healthcare Index, and the S&P 500 Index and assumes the re-investment of dividends, if any.
The comparisons shown in the graph below are based uponon historical data. We caution that the stock price performance shown in the graph below is not necessarily indicative of, nor is it intended to forecast, the potential future performance of our common stock.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG INTUITIVE, NASDAQ COMPOSITE, S&P HEALTHCARE INDEX, AND S&P 500 INDEX
isrg-20211231_g2.jpg
December 31,
201620172018201920202021
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.$100.00 $172.64 $226.56 $281.54 $387.01 $509.91 
Nasdaq Composite$100.00 $129.64 $125.96 $172.18 $249.51 $304.85 
S&P 500 Healthcare Index$100.00 $120.00 $125.63 $149.10 $166.14 $206.29 
S&P 500 Index$100.00 $121.83 $116.49 $153.17 $181.35 $233.41 
3108
December 31,
201820192020202120222023
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.$100.00 $123.43 $170.82 $225.07 $166.22 $211.33 
Nasdaq Composite$100.00 $136.69 $198.10 $242.03 $163.28 $236.17 
S&P 500 Healthcare Index$100.00 $118.68 $132.24 $164.20 $158.37 $158.85 
S&P 500 Index$100.00 $131.49 $155.68 $200.37 $164.08 $207.21 

ITEM 6.
[RESERVED]
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ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Open surgery remains the predominant form of surgery and is used in almost every area of the body. However, the large incisions required for open surgery create trauma to patients, typically resulting in longer hospitalization and recovery times, increased hospitalization costs, and additional pain and suffering relative to minimally invasive surgery, (“MIS”), where MIS is available. For over three decades, MIS has reduced trauma to patients by allowing selected surgeries to be performed through small ports rather than large incisions. MIS has been widely adopted for certain surgical procedures.
Da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems enable surgeons to extend the benefits of MIS to many patients who would otherwise undergo a more invasive surgery by using computational, robotic, and imaging technologies to overcome many of the limitations of traditional open surgery or conventional MIS. Surgeons using a da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system operate while seated comfortably at a console viewing a 3D, high-definition image of the surgical field. This immersive console connects surgeons to the surgical field and their instruments. While seated at the console, the surgeon manipulates instrument controls in a natural manner, similar to open surgical technique. Our technology is designed to provide surgeons with a range of articulation of the surgical instruments used in the surgical field analogous to the motions of a human wrist, while filtering out the tremor inherent in a surgeon’s hand. In designing our products, we focus on making our technology easy and safe to use.
Our da Vinci products fall into five broad categories: da Vinci Surgical Systems,surgical systems, da Vinci instruments and accessories, da Vinci Stapling, da Vinci Energy, and da Vinci Vision, including Firefly Fluorescence imaging systems and da Vinci Endoscopes. We also provide a comprehensive suite of systems, learning, and services offerings. Digitally-enabled for more than twonearly three decades, these three categoriesofferings aim to decrease variability by offeringproviding dependable, consistent functionality and an integrated user experience. Our systems category includes robotic platforms, software, vision, energy, and instruments and accessories. Our learning category includes educational technology, such as simulation and telepresence, as well as technical training programs and personalized peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Our services category assists and optimizes minimally invasive programs through readiness, on-demand support, consultation for minimally invasive program optimization, and hospitals customized analytics. Within our integrated ecosystem, our focus is to decrease variability in surgery by offering actionable insights, with digital solutions, to take action with the potential to improve outcomes, personalize learning, and optimize efficiency. We take a holistic approach, offering intelligent technology and systems designed to work together to make MIS intervention more available and applicable.
We have commercialized the following da Vinci Surgical Systems:surgical systems: the da Vinci standard Surgical Systemsurgical system in 1999, the da Vinci S Surgical Systemsurgical system in 2006, the da Vinci Si Surgical Systemsurgical system in 2009, and the fourth generation da Vinci Xi Surgical Systemsurgical system in 2014. We have extended our fourth generationfourth-generation platform by adding the da Vinci X Surgical System,surgical system, commercialized in 2017, and the da Vinci SP Surgical System,surgical system, commercialized in 2018. The da Vinci SP Surgical Systemsurgical system accesses the body through a single incision, while the other da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems access the body through multiple incisions. All da Vinci systems include a surgeon’s console (or consoles), imaging electronics, a patient-side cart, and computational hardware and software. We are still in a measured launchthe early stages of launching our da Vinci SP Surgical System,surgical system, and we have an installed base of 99177 da Vinci SP Surgical Systemssurgical systems as of December 31, 2021. Our plans for the rollout of the da Vinci SP Surgical System include putting systems in the hands of experienced da Vinci users first while we optimize training pathways and our supply chain.2023. We have received FDA clearancesclearance for the da Vinci SP Surgical Systemsurgical system for urologicalurologic and certain transoral procedures. We alsoprocedures, and we have received regulatory clearance in South Korea, where the da Vinci SP Surgical Systemsurgical system may be used for a broad set of procedures. In September 2022, we received regulatory clearance for the da Vinci SP surgical system in Japan for the same set of procedures as can be performed on the da Vinci Xi surgical system in Japan. In January 2024, we obtained the European certification in accordance with 2017/745 EU MDR (Medical Devices Regulation) for our da Vinci SP surgical system for use in endoscopic abdominopelvic, thoracoscopic, transoral otolaryngology, transanal colorectal, and breast surgical procedures. We plan to commercialize the da Vinci SP surgical system in select major European countries throughout 2024 as part of a measured rollout strategy. We plan to seek FDA clearances for additional indications for the da Vinci SP surgical system over time. We also plan to seek clearances (including for additional indications) in other OUS markets over time. The success of the da Vinci SP Surgical Systemsurgical system is dependent on positive experiences and improved clinical outcomes for the procedures for which it has been cleared as well as securing additional clinical clearances.
In addition, we have submitted regulatory filings in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea for our fifth-generation multi-port platform, da Vinci 5. If we obtain the required regulatory clearances, we plan a phased launch over several quarters after clearance, giving us time to mature our supply and manufacturing processes for the new system.
We offer approximately 70 different multi-port da Vinci instruments to provide surgeons with flexibility in choosing the types of tools needed to perform a particular surgery. These multi-port instruments are generally robotically controlled and provide end effectors (tips) that are similar to those used in either open or laparoscopic surgery. We offer advanced instrumentation for the da VinciXi X andda VinciX Xi platforms, including da Vinci Energy and da Vinci Stapler products, to provide surgeons with sophisticated, computer-aided tools to precisely and efficiently interact with tissue. DaThe da VinciX and da VinciXiSurgical Systems surgical systems share the same instruments, whereas the da VinciSiSurgical System surgical system uses instruments that are not
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compatible with the da Vinci X or da Vinci Xi systems. We currently offer nine core instruments on our da Vinci SP Surgical System.surgical system. We plan to expand the da Vinci SP instrument offering over time.
Training technologies include our Intuitive Simulation products, our Iris augmented reality imaging product, our Intuitive Telepresence remote case observation and telementoring tools, and our dual console for use in surgeon proctoring and collaborative surgery.
During the first quarter ofIn 2019, the FDA cleared our Ion endoluminal system, to enablewhich is a flexible, robotic-assisted, catheter-based platform that utilizes instruments and accessories for which the first cleared indication is minimally invasive biopsies in the lung. Our Ion system extends our commercial offering beyond surgery into diagnostic proceduresendoluminal procedures. The system features an ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter that can articulate 180 degrees in all directions and allows navigation far into the peripheral lung and provides the stability necessary for precision in a biopsy. Many suspicious lesions found in the lung may be small and difficult to access, which can make diagnosis challenging, and Ion helps physicians obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung, which could help enable earlier diagnosis. In March 2023, we obtained the European certification in accordance with this first application.
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Our rollout of the2017/745 EU MDR (Medical Devices Regulation) for our Ion endoluminal system is progressing well, and, in September 2023, we are continuing to gather additional clinical evidence. We have placed 129received regulatory clearance for our Ion systems as of December 31, 2021. Ion systems are not includedendoluminal system in our da Vinci Surgical System installed base.South Korea. We plan to seek additional clearances, approvals, and certifications for the Ion endoluminal system in OUS markets over time.
The success of new product introductions depends on a number of factors including, but not limited to, pricing, competition, market and consumer acceptance, the effective forecasting and management of product demand, inventory levels, the management of manufacturing and supply costs, and the risk that new products may have quality or other defects in the early stages of introduction.
COVID-19 PandemicMacroeconomic Environment
Procedures
BeginningUncertainty surrounding macroeconomic and geopolitical factors in January 2020,the U.S. and globally characterized by the supply chain environment, inflationary pressure, higher interest rates, instability in the global financial markets, significant disruptions in the commodities’ markets as a result of the spread of COVID-19, we saw a substantial reduction in da Vinci procedures in Chinaconflict between Russia and by early February 2020, procedures per week in China had declined by approximately 90% compared to the weekly procedure rates experienced in early January 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsided in China in March 2020, da Vinci procedure volume began to recover and, by the end of the first quarter of 2020, China procedures per week were approximately 70% of the early January 2020 weekly procedure rate. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Western EuropeUkraine and the U.S., we experienced a significant declineconflict between Israel and Hamas, labor shortages, and the introduction of or changes in da Vinci procedures in the last half of March 2020 to approximately 65% of the weekly procedure rate experienced earlier in the first quarter of 2020.
In the second quarter of 2020, procedures per week in the U.S. continued to decline in April, reaching approximately 30% of pre-COVID-19 levels followed by steady recovery in May and June, as COVID-19 cases dropped and elective procedures were permitted. However, with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the last two weeks of June, we experienced a corresponding decline in da Vinci procedures. The impact of COVID-19 in Europe during the second quarter of 2020 varied by country. In China, procedures per week continued to increase to a level consistent with the early January 2020 weekly procedure rate. We experienced little impact on the procedure volume in Korea and Japan in the second quarter of 2020.
In the third quarter of 2020, in the U.S., procedures recovered slowly, leveling off to near pre-COVID-19 levels towards the end of the quarter. Outside of the U.S., da Vinci procedures varied depending on the spread and/tariffs or resurgence of COVID-19. Procedures in China grew significantly year over year, while COVID-19 outbreaks resulted in year-over-year procedure growth rates in Japan slowing somewhat relative to the second quarter. The COVID-19 pandemic also affected the volumes of certain procedure types differently.
In the fourth quarter of 2020, procedure volumes continued to be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as healthcare systems around the world diverted resources to respond to the pandemic. The impact continued to differ significantly by geography and region, depending on the spread and resurgence of COVID-19. In the U.S., while procedures continued to recover in the early part of the quarter, the resurgence of COVID-19 infections experienced by some states had an increasingly adverse impact on our procedure volumes as the quarter progressed, a trend that continued into January. Outside of the U.S., similar to the trends noted in the third quarter of 2020, procedures also continued to vary significantly by geography and region.
In the first quarter of 2021, in the U.S., the COVID-19 resurgence that affected procedures later in the fourth quarter of 2020 continued well into January 2021. Then, as COVID-19 cases subsided, procedures experienced a steady improvement throughout February and March. In Europe, the spread of COVID-19 varied regionally, and procedure growth rates were mixed. While there were COVID-19 hot spots within some of our Asia Pacific markets, they tended to be isolated and, in general, procedures performed well.
In the second quarter of 2021, as the U.S. continued its broad rollout of vaccinations, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decreased, and procedure volumes recovered, partially attributed to the performance of a number of procedures that were deferred during the pandemic. In Europe, the rollout of vaccinations and spread of COVID-19 varied regionally, and procedure growth rates were mixed. We continued to see the impacts of regional resurgences of COVID-19 cases within the Asia Pacific markets. China growth continued to be strong year over year, primarily reflecting the growth in the system installed base.
In the third quarter of 2021, COVID-19 infections resurged as the quarter progressed, and we saw a corresponding impact to our procedures. In the U.S., we saw decreasing procedure volumes in August and September compared to June as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increased. Late in the quarter, as COVID-19 cases began to slow, procedures began to recover. Outside of the U.S., in Europe, the impact of COVID-19 in the third quarter of 2021 varied regionally. We continued to see the impacts of regional resurgences of COVID-19 cases within the Asia Pacific markets. China growth in the third quarter continued to be stronger than other Asia Pacific markets.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, procedure volumes continued to recover in October and November from the COVID-19 resurgence related to the Delta variant in the third quarter. However, in December, procedure volumes were adversely impacted by the increase in hospitalizations in the U.S. and parts of Europe (most notably France and Italy) as the Omicron variant began to spread rapidly. This trend has continued into January 2022. In the U.S., high COVID-related hospitalization rates have been
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exacerbated by staffing shortages. Despite the fact that hospitals were better equipped to handle COVID patients in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the outset of the pandemic, COVID-19 resurgences like those being experienced in the U.S. and parts of Europe have challenged hospital resources and have negatively impacted da Vinci procedure volumes. In addition, delays in diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions have, and will continue to, negatively impact da Vinci procedure volumes. Benign procedures experienced a more significant impact in December, reflecting the deferability of certain elective surgeries. Our Asia Pacific markets were not significantly impacted by the resurgence in COVID-19 and saw strong procedure growth across multiple specialties in China, South Korea, and Japan.
The depth and extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact individual markets will vary based on the availability of vaccinations, personal protective equipment, intensive care units and operating rooms, and medical staff, as well as government interventions. The impact of COVID-19 on our procedure volumes varies widely by country, region, and type. When COVID-19 infection rates spiketrade barriers may result in a particular region, procedure volumes have been negatively impacted and the diagnoses of new conditions and their related treatments have been deferred. While there is a backlog of patients, it is unpredictable when those patients will ultimately seek diagnosis and treatment and whether they will be treated through surgery. Based on our experience during 2020 and 2021, we do not expect all markets, regions, and procedure types to recover at the same time or at the same pace.
System Demand
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic progressed throughout 2020, customers in affected regions deferred decisions to purchase or lease systems into future quarters and, in some cases, indefinitely. In addition, the year-over-year stagnation in procedures during 2020 and, in turn, reduced utilization of our systems had resulted in unused capacity in the existing installed base. However, throughout 2021, we experienced strong system demand, as utilization levels recovered. In general, we believe that the COVID-19 pandemic had less of an impact on hospital spending capacity and that customers recognize that surgery meets their quadruple aim objectives better than other surgical approaches. More specifically, during 2021, system demand reflected procedure growth, hospitals purchasing systems in preparation for a post-COVID-19 pandemic environment, and hospitals upgrading their system portfolio to access and/or standardize on fourth generation capabilities. However, hospitals are currently experiencing staffing shortages and supply chain issues that could impact their ability to provide patient care, defer elective surgeries, and impact their profitability, all ofrecession, which could impact hospitals’ spend on capital equipment.
Customer Relief Program
In April 2020, we announced a program to provide financial relief to our customers. The program was comprised of three main elements. The first element provided credits against service fees otherwise due in the six-month period from April 1 through September 30, 2020, that generally reflected the underutilization of the system during that period. Those credits were offered to most customers worldwide. The second element of the program deferred certain lease payments, and the third element extended certain payment terms. Service fee credits resulted in an $80 million decrease in service revenue in 2020. While the short-term payment relief offered did not have a material impact to the results of operations, we deferred $15 million of lease billings and extended payment terms associated with $181 million of trade receivables during the program, of which $19 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2020. All of the trade receivables with extended payment terms have been collected as of December 31, 2021. We may be subject to increased credit risks resulting in collection delinquencies and defaults, which could materially impact our bad debt write-offs and provisions for credit losses. Although we have programs in place that are designed to monitor and mitigate the associated risks, there can be no assurance that such programs will be effective in reducing credit risks relating to these lease financing arrangements and extended payment terms. There was no similar customer relief program offered in 2021.
General Increase in Risks
Worldwide economies have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is possible that factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic could cause a prolonged recession in local and/or global economies. Such an economic recession could have a material adverse effect on our long-term businessbusiness.
Supply chain constraints continued to show improvement as hospitals curtail and reduce capital and overall spending. The COVID-19 pandemic and local actions, such as “shelter-in-place” orders and restrictions2023 progressed, relative to 2022, based on our ability to travel and access our customers or temporary closures of our facilities, including our training and manufacturing operations, or the facilities of our suppliers and their contract manufacturers, could further significantly impact our sales and our ability to produce and ship our products and supply our customers.
In particular, we have experienced increased difficulties in obtaining a sufficientfewer market constraints. Notably, supply of componentsemiconductor materials used in our products, including those in the semiconductor market, as global supply has become significantly constrained due to increased demand in semiconductors and other materials.rebounded, while certain residual stresses remain. Additionally, prices of such materials have increasedremain elevated due to either market demand or production-related cost inflation. With higher interest rates, access to credit may become more difficult and any insolvency of certain suppliers, including sole- and single-sourced suppliers, may have heightened continuity risks. We are actively engaged in activities to seek to mitigate the increased demand andimpact of any supply shortage. The global semiconductor and other materials supply shortage is likely to remain a challenge for the foreseeable future. We have also experienced challenges in logistics, as certain shipping routes have been impacted by port closures. Such globalchain disruptions on our operations.
Global shortages in important components and logistics challenges have resulted in, and will continue to cause, inflationary cost pressure in our supply chain. To date, these supply chain challenges have not materially impacted our results of operations or ability to deliver
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product products and services to our customers. However, supply constraints with certain materials, which may be unavoidable, could delay the timing of finished product deliveries, which could result in deferred or canceled procedures. Additionally, if shortagesinflationary pressures in important supply chain materialscomponent costs persist, we may not be able to quickly or easily adjust pricing, reduce costs, or implement countermeasures. Also, there is continued uncertainty surrounding the impact of any monetary policy changes taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks to address the structural risks associated with inflation.
Fluctuations in the semiconductor or other markets continue, we could fail to meet product demand, which would adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Increasedlabor availability globally, including labor shortages globally, includingand staff burnout and attrition, could also impact our ability to hire and retain personnel critical to our manufacturing, logistics, and commercial operations. We are also highly dependent on the principal members of our management and scientific staff. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to our success, and competition for them has become more intense. The loss of critical members of our team, or our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, could significantly harm our operations, business, and ability to compete. In addition,
A number of hospitals are also experiencingcontinue to experience challenges with staffing shortages and supply chain issuescost pressures that could impactaffect their ability to provide patient care.care; however, the staffing challenges have shown signs of improvement during the second half of 2023, relative to the first half of 2023 and to the prior year. Additionally, hospitals are facing significant financial pressure as supply chain constraints and inflation drive up operating costs, higher interest rates make access to credit more expensive, unrealized losses decrease available cash reserves, and fiscal stimulus programs enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic wind down. Hospitals may also be adversely affected by the liquidity concerns in the broader financial services industry that could result in delayed access or loss of access to uninsured deposits or loss of their ability to draw on existing credit facilities involving a troubled or failed financial institution. As a consequence of the financial pressures and decreased profitability, some hospitals have indicated that they are lowering their capital investment plans and tightening their operational budgets. We believe that these factors have contributed to a softening in our U.S. capital pipeline, and we expect that demand for capital, particularly in the U.S., will continue to be impacted while macroeconomic conditions remain challenging. In addition, as overall competition for medical technologies, including robotic-assisted devices and treatment options, progresses in various markets, we will likely experience longer selling cycles and pricing pressures. Any or all of these eventsfactors could negatively impact the number of da
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Vinci procedures performed or the number of system placements and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations resulting in the failure to achieve our anticipated financial results.
We maintain the majority of our cash and cash equivalents in accounts with major U.S. and multi-national financial institutions, and our deposits exceed insured limits. Market conditions could impact the viability of these institutions. To date, these market conditions and liquidity concerns have not impacted our results of operations. However, in the event of the failure of any of the financial institutions where we maintain our cash and cash equivalents, there can be no assurance that we would be able to access uninsured funds in a timely manner or cash flows.at all. Any inability to access or delay in accessing these funds could adversely affect our business and financial position.
Our ResponseCOVID-19 Pandemic
Our prioritiesIn 2021, resurgences of the outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) affected da Vinci procedure volumes at various times throughout the year in most of the markets that we operate in. After each resurgence, as COVID-19 cases and actionshospitalizations subsided, we saw procedure volumes recover. In the U.S., the impact of high COVID-related hospitalization rates on procedure volumes was exacerbated by staffing shortages. Although hospitals were better equipped to handle COVID patients as compared to the outset of the pandemic, COVID-19 resurgences challenged hospital resources and negatively impacted da Vinci procedure volumes. In addition, delays in diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions had a negative impact on da Vinci procedure volumes. Volumes associated with benign procedures were generally impacted to a higher degree when COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increased, reflecting the deferability of certain elective surgeries.
In early 2022, a resurgence of COVID-19 resulted in a significant increase in infections and hospitalization rates in the U.S. and certain countries in Europe, which, in turn, negatively impacted procedure volumes in January and February. As infections and hospitalizations started to decrease in February in the U.S. and Europe, we saw a recovery of procedure volumes. In March and during the second quarter of 2022, we also saw a resurgence in COVID-19 pandemic have beencases and remainincreased hospitalizations and government interventions impacting parts of Asia, particularly China, which negatively impacted procedure volumes. During the third quarter of 2022, we did not experience significant disruptions from COVID-19. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we saw a resurgence in COVID-19 cases in China, which had a significant negative impact on our procedure volumes in the region.
In 2023, COVID-19 resurgences in China continued to negatively impact our procedure volumes in January. However, in February and March, as follows. First,infections and hospitalization started to decrease, we are focusedsaw a recovery of procedure volumes. During the remainder of 2023, we did not experience significant disruptions from COVID-19.
We expect the depth and extent to which COVID-19 impacts individual markets to vary based on the healthavailability of vaccinations, personal protective equipment, intensive care units and safetyoperating rooms, and medical staff, as well as other government interventions. Additionally, COVID-19 has, and may continue to, contribute to hospital staffing shortages, which impacts hospitals’ ability to provide patient care and, in some cases, results in the deferral of all thoseelective surgeries. When COVID-19 infection rates have spiked in a particular region in the past, procedure volumes were often negatively impacted and the diagnoses of new conditions and their related treatments were sometimes deferred. While we serve –believe that there has been a backlog of patients customers, our communities,that remains to be treated, and our employees – implementing continuous updatesthat such a backlog has positively contributed to our health2023 procedure volumes, it is difficult to determine if and safety policieswhen any remaining backlog of patients will ultimately seek diagnosis and processes. Second, we are supporting our customers according to their priorities – clinical, operational,treatment and economic – and ensuring continuity of supply by working with our suppliers and our distributors. Third, we are securing our workforce economically. We have built a valuable team over the years, and we believewhether they will be important in a recovery that follows the pandemic. Finally, we will continue to invest in our priority development programs while eliminating avoidable spend.
As COVID-19 vaccination rates increase and cases decline, we have enhanced our focus on evaluating and implementing our return-to-office strategy. We intend to remain flexible, allowing many of our employees to work remotely on at least a partial basis, while maintaining productivity and our culture. Our top priority in this process continues to be the health and safety of our employees.treated through surgery.
Business Model
Overview
We generate revenue from the placementsplacement of da Vinci Surgical Systems,surgical systems, in sales or sales-type lease arrangements where revenue is recognized up-front at a point in time or in fixed-payment or usage-based operating lease transactions and usage-based modelsarrangements where revenue is recognized over time. We earn recurring revenue from the sales of instruments, accessories, and services, as well as revenue from operating leases. The da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system generally sells for between $0.5$0.7 million and $2.5 million, depending uponon the model, configuration, and geography, and represents a significant capital equipment investment for our customers when purchased. Our instruments and accessories have limited lives and will either expire or wear out as they are used in surgery, at which point they need to be replaced. We generally earn between $600$700 and $3,500$3,600 of instruments and accessories revenue per surgical procedure performed, depending on the type and complexity of the specific procedures performed and the number and type of instruments used. During the fourth quarter of 2020, we launched our Extended Use Program (refer to further discussion immediately below) with the intention to reduce the cost for customers to treat patients, which in turn will reduce our overall instruments and accessories revenue per procedure. We typically enter into service contracts at the time systems are sold or leased at an annual fee between $80,000 and $190,000,$200,000, depending uponon the configuration of the underlying system and the composition of the services offered under the contract. Our system sale arrangements generally include a five-year period of service, with the first year of service provided for free. These service contracts have generally been renewed at the end of the initial contractual service periods.
We generate revenue from our Ion endoluminal system in a business model consistent with the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system model described above. We generate revenue from the placement of Ion systems, in sales or sales-type lease arrangements where revenue is recognized up-front at a point in time or in fixed-payment or usage-based operating lease transactions and usage-based modelsarrangements where revenue is
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recognized over time. We earn recurring revenue from the sales of instruments, accessories, and accessories used in biopsies and ongoing system service,services, as well as revenue from operating leases. The average selling price of an Ion system is generally significantly lower thansells for between $500,000 and $650,000. Our instruments and accessories have limited lives and will either expire or wear out as they are used in procedures, at which point they need to be replaced. We typically enter into service contracts at the average selling price of a da Vinci Surgical System. Wetime systems are introducing our Ion system in a measured fashion. For the years ended December 31, 2021,sold or leased at an annual fee between $55,000 and 2020, the associated impact to revenue and gross margin was not significant.$65,000.
Additionally, as part of our ecosystem of products and services, we provide a portfolio of learning offerings and digital solutions. We do not currently generate material revenue from these offerings.
Extended Use Program
In 2020, we introduced our “Extended Use Program,” which consists of select da Vinci Xi and da Vinci X instruments possessing 12 to 18 uses (“Extended Use Instruments”) compared to previously 10 uses. These Extended Use Instruments represent some of our higher volume instruments but exclude stapling, monopolar, and advanced energy instruments.
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Instruments included in the program are used across a number of da Vinci surgeries. Their increased uses are the result of continuous, significant investments in the design and production capabilities of our instruments, resulting in improved quality and durability. Extended Use Instruments have been introduced in the U.S. and Europe in the fourth quarter of 2020 and have launched in most other countries around the world in the first half of 2021, except China due to regulatory timelines. They will continue to be introduced at various times throughout 2022 in other geographies, depending on regulatory processes. In addition, simultaneous with the regional launches of Extended Use Instruments, we have lowered the price of certain instruments that are most commonly used in lower acuity procedures and/or lower reimbursed procedures within the region. These actions have reduced the cost for customers to treat patients, which in turn has reduced our revenue per procedure. In the U.S. and Europe, during 2021, we saw customers adjust their instrument buying patterns to reduce their inventory levels to reflect the additional uses per instrument. We believe that, as of the end of 2021, in the U.S. and Europe, full cutover to Extended Use Instruments has occurred, as customers have utilized substantially all of their remaining 10 use instruments. The precise impact of these actions on future revenue will be dependent on the future volume and mix of procedures and whether cost elasticity will enable greater penetration into available markets.
Recurring Revenue
Recurring revenue consists of instruments and accessories revenue, service revenue, and operating lease revenue. Recurring revenue increased to $4.3$5.94 billion, or 83% of total revenue in 2023, compared to $4.92 billion, or 79% of total revenue in 2022, and $4.29 billion, or 75% of total revenue in 2021, compared to $3.4 billion, or 77% of total revenue in 2020, and $3.2 billion, or 72% of total revenue in 2019.2021.
Instruments and accessories revenue has grown at a faster rate than systems revenue over time. Instruments and accessories revenue increased to $4.28 billion in 2023, compared to $3.52 billion in 2022 and $3.10 billion in 2021, compared to $2.46 billion in 2020 and $2.41 billion in 2019.2021. The increase in instruments and accessories revenue largely reflects continued procedure adoption.
Service revenue was $916 million$1.17 billion in 2021,2023, compared to $724 million$1.02 billion in 20202022 and 2019.$0.92 billion in 2021. The increase in service revenue was primarily driven by the growth of the base of installed da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems producing service revenue, as well as the effects of the Customer Relief Program in the prior year, which resulted in an $80 million decrease in service revenue in 2020.revenue. The installed base of da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems grew 14% to approximately 8,606 as of December 31, 2023; 12% to approximately 7,544 as of December 31, 2022; and 12% to approximately 6,730 as of December 31, 2021; 7% to approximately 5,989 as of December 31, 2020; and 12% to approximately 5,582 as of December 31, 2019.2021.
We use the installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems as metrics for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Management believes that the installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance, as management believes that the installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems are an indicator of the rate of adoption of our robotic-assisted surgerymedical procedures as well as an indicator of future recurring revenue (particularly service revenue).revenue. Management believes that both it and investors benefit from referring to the installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. The installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems also facilitate management’s internal comparisons of our historical performance. We believe that the installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems are useful to investors as metrics because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision-making, and (2) they are used by institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the performance of our business. The vast majority of da Vinci Surgical Systems installed systems are connected via the internet. System logs can also be accessed by field engineers for systems that are not connected to the internet. We utilize this information as well as other information from agreements and discussions with our customers that involve estimates and judgments, which are, by their nature, subject to substantial uncertainties and assumptions. Estimates and judgments for determining the installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems may be impacted over time by various factors, including system internet connectivity, hospital and distributor reporting behavior, and inherent complexities in new agreements. Such estimates and judgments are also susceptible to technical errors. In addition, the relationship between the installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems and our revenues may fluctuate from period to period, and growth in the installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems may not correspond to an increase in revenue. The installed base, number of placements, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, revenue or other financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
Intuitive System Leasing
Since 2013, we have entered into sales-type and fixed-payment operating lease arrangements directly with certain qualified customers as a way to offer customers flexibility in how they acquire systems and expand their robotic-assisted programs while leveraging our balance sheet. These leases generally have commercially competitive terms as compared withto other third-party entities that offer equipment leasing. We have also entered into usage-based operating lease arrangements with qualified customers that have committed da Vinci programs where we charge for the system and service as the systems are utilized. We believe that these alternative
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financing structures have been effective and well-received, and we are willing to expand the proportion of these structures based on customer demand. We include operating and sales-type leases, and systems placed under fixed-payment and usage-based operating lease arrangements, as well as sales-type lease arrangements, in our system placement and installed base disclosures. We exclude operating lease-related revenue, including usage-based revenue, and Ion system revenue from our da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system average selling price (“ASP”) computations.
In
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The following table summarizes our system placements under leasing arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019, we placed 668, 432, and 425 da Vinci Surgical Systems, respectively, under lease and usage-based arrangements, of which 517, 317, and 384 systems, respectively, were operating lease and usage-based arrangements. 2021:
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Da Vinci System Placements Under Leasing Arrangements
Fixed-payment operating lease arrangements304 276 333 
Usage-based operating lease arrangements355 216 184 
Total da Vinci system placements under operating lease arrangements659 492 517 
% of Total da Vinci system placements48 %39 %38 %
Sales-type lease arrangements45 99 151 
Total da Vinci system placements under leasing arrangements704 591 668 
Ion System Placements Under Leasing Arrangements
Fixed-payment operating lease arrangements63 61 43 
Usage-based operating lease arrangements54 40 
Total Ion system placements under operating lease arrangements117 101 50 
% of Total Ion system placements55 %53 %54 %
Sales-type lease arrangements11 
Total Ion system placements under leasing arrangements122 112 57 
Revenue from fixed-payment operating lease arrangements is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, or, in the case ofand revenue from usage-based operating lease arrangements is recognized as the systems are used. We generally set fixed-payment and usage-based operating lease and usage-basedarrangements’ pricing at a modest premium relative to purchased systems reflecting the time value of money and, in the case of usage-based operating lease arrangements, the risk that system utilization may fall short of anticipated levels. The proportion ofVariable lease revenue recognized from usage-based operating lease arrangements has not been significant and has been included in our operating lease metrics herein. Operating lease revenue has grown at a faster rate than overall systems revenue and was $277$501 million, $177$377 million, and $107$277 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 2020,respectively, of which $217 million, $133 million, and 2019, respectively.$78 million, respectively, was variable lease revenue related to our usage-based operating lease arrangements. As revenue for operating leasesfixed-payment and usage-based systemsoperating lease arrangements is recognized over time, total systems revenue growth is reduced in a period when the number of operating lease and usage-based placements increases as a proportion of total system placements. Generally, lease transactions generate similar gross margins as our sale transactions. As of December 31, 2021, a total of 1,294 da Vinci Surgical Systems were
The following table summarizes our systems installed at customers under operating lease or usage-based arrangements.leasing arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021:
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Da Vinci System Installed Base under Operating Leasing Arrangements
Fixed-payment operating lease arrangements1,204 1,018 841 
Usage-based operating lease arrangements1,023 665 453 
Total da Vinci system installed base under operating lease arrangements2,227 1,683 1,294 
Ion System Installed Base under Operating Leasing Arrangements
Fixed-payment operating lease arrangements96 72 50 
Usage-based operating lease arrangements118 60 11 
Total Ion system installed base under operating lease arrangements214 132 61 
Our exposure to the credit risks relating to our lease financing arrangements may increase if our customers are adversely affected by economic pressures or uncertainty, changes in healthcare laws, coverage and reimbursement, economic pressures or uncertainty, or other customer-specific factors. In addition, asAs a result of these macroeconomic factors impacting our customers, divert resources to the treatment of or the preparation to treat patients with COVID-19, we may be exposed to defaults under our lease financing arrangements. Moreover, usage-based operating lease arrangements generally contain no minimum payments; therefore, customers may exit such arrangements without paying a financial penalty to us. As a result
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For some operating lease arrangements, our customers are provided with the right to purchase the leased system at certain points during and/or at the end of the lease term. Revenue generated from customer purchases of systems under operating lease arrangements (“Lease Buyouts”) was $96.0$74 million, $52.2$72 million, and $92.8$96 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, respectively. We expect that revenue recognized from customer exercises of the buyout options will fluctuate based on the timing of when, and if, customers choose to exercise their buyout options.
Systems Revenue
System placements are driven by procedure growth in most markets. In some markets, system placements are constrained by regulation. In geographies where da Vinci procedure adoption is in an early stage or system placements are constrained by regulation, system sales will precede procedure growth. System placements also vary due to seasonality largely aligned with hospital budgeting cycles. WeOn an annual basis, we typically place a higher proportion of annual system placementssystems in the fourth quarter and a lower proportion in the first quarter as customer budgets are reset. Systems revenue is also affected by the proportion of system placements under operating lease arrangements, recurring fixed-payment and usage-based arrangements, recurring operating lease and usage-based revenue, operating lease buyouts,Lease Buyouts, product mix, ASPs, trade-in activities, customer mix, and customer mix.specified-price trade-in rights. We generally do not provide specified-price trade-in rights or upgrade rights at the time of a system purchase. However, we expect that the number of arrangements that may contain these specified-price trade-in rights will increase when we launch our fifth-generation multi-port platform, da Vinci 5. Systems revenue remained flat at $1.68 billion in 2023. Systems revenue declined 1% to $1.68 billion in 2022. Systems revenue grew 44% to $1.69 billion in 2021. Systems revenue declined 12% to $1.18 billion in 2020. Systems revenue grew 19% to $1.35 billion in 2019. Based on the factors outlined in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, we believe that historical system placement trends may not be a good indicator of future system placements.
Procedure Mix / Products
Our da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems are generally used for soft tissue surgery for areas of the body between the pelvis and the neck, primarily in general, surgery, gynecologic, surgery, urologic, surgery, cardiothoracic, surgery, and head and neck surgery.surgeries. Within these categories, procedures range in complexity from cancer and other highly complex procedures to less complex procedures for benign conditions. Cancer and other highly complex procedures tend to be reimbursed at higher rates than less complex procedures for benign conditions. Thus, hospitals are more sensitive to the costs associated with treating less complex, benign conditions. Our strategy is to provide hospitals with attractive clinical and economiceconomical solutions across the spectrum of procedure complexity. Our fully featured da Vinci Xi Surgical Systemsurgical system with advanced instruments (including da Vinci Energy and EndoWrist and SureForm Stapler products) and our Integrated Table Motion product targets the more complex procedure segment. Our da Vinci X Surgical Systemsurgical system is targeted towards price sensitivetoward price-sensitive markets and procedures. Our da Vinci SP Surgical Systemsurgical system complements the da Vinci Xi and X Surgical Systemssurgical systems by enabling surgeons to access narrow workspaces.
Procedure Seasonality
More than half of the da Vinci procedures performed are for benign conditions, most notably hernia repairs, hysterectomies, and cholecystectomies. These benign procedures and other short-term elective procedures tend to be more seasonal than cancer
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operations and surgeries for other life-threatening conditions. Seasonality in the U.S. for procedures for benign conditions typically results in higher fourth quarter procedure volume when more patients have met annual deductibles and lower first quarter procedure volume when deductibles are reset. Seasonality outside of the U.S. varies and is more pronounced around local holidays and vacation periods.periods, which have lower procedure volume. As a result of the factors outlined in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, including past and potentially future recommendations of authorities to defer elective procedures, historical procedure patterns may be disrupted.
Distribution Channels
We provide our products through direct sales organizations in the U.S., Europe (excluding Italy, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and most Eastern European countries), China (through our Intuitive-Fosun Pharma Joint Venture), Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, and Taiwan. In January 2019, our Intuitive-Fosun joint venture began direct sales for da Vinci products and services in China.Canada. In the remainder of our OUS markets, we provide our products through distributors.
Regulatory Activities
Overview
Our products must meet the requirements of a large and growing body of international standards that govern the product safety, efficacy, advertising, labeling, safety reporting design, manufacture, materials content and sourcing, testing, certification, packaging, installation, use, and disposal of our products. Examples of such standards include electrical safety standards, such as those of the International Electrotechnical Commission, and composition standards, such as the Reduction of Hazardous Substances and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directives.Directives in the EU. Failure to meet these standards could limit our ability to market our products in those regions that require compliance towith such standards.
Our products and operations are also subject to increasingly stringent medical device, privacy, and other regulations by regional, federal, state, and local authorities. After a device is placed on the market, numerous FDA and comparable foreign regulatory requirements continue to apply. These requirements include establishment registration and device listing with the
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FDA or other foreign regulatory authorities and compliance with medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA or other foreign regulatory authorities if their device caused or contributed, or may have caused or contributed, to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur.
We anticipate that timelines for the introduction of new products and/or indications may be extended relative to past experience as a result of these regulations. For example, we have seen elongated regulatory approval timelines in the U.S. and the EU.Europe.
Clearances, Approvals, and ApprovalsCertifications
We have generally obtained the regulatory clearances, approvals, and certifications required to market our products associated with our da Vinci Surgical Multiport Systems (Standard, S,multi-port surgical systems (S, Si, Xi, and X systems) for our targeted surgical specialties within the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and the European markets in which we operate. Since 2019,2021, we have obtained regulatory clearances, approvals, and certifications for the following products:
In January 2024, we obtained the European certification in accordance with 2017/745 EU MDR (Medical Devices Regulation) for our da Vinci SP surgical system for use in endoscopic abdominopelvic, thoracoscopic, transoral otolaryngology, transanal colorectal, and breast surgical procedures. We plan to commercialize the da Vinci SP surgical system in select major European countries throughout 2024 as part of a measured rollout strategy. In September 2022, we obtained regulatory clearance for our da Vinci SP surgical system in Japan for use in general surgeries, thoracic surgeries (excluding cardiac procedures and intercostal approaches), urologic surgeries, gynecologic surgeries, and transoral head and neck surgeries.
In September 2023, we received regulatory clearance in South Korea for our Ion endoluminal system. We expect the introduction of the Ion system in South Korea to follow the refinement of our training pathways in the region and the gathering of local clinical and economic data. In March 2023, we obtained the European certification in accordance with 2017/745 EU MDR (Medical Devices Regulation) for our Ion endoluminal system. In Europe, we plan to initially focus on the United Kingdom (“UK”) market and on the collection of clinical data in support of our European reimbursement strategy. Our Ion system previously received FDA clearance in the U.S. in 2019.
Following approval in June 2023 by China’s National Medical Products Administration (“NMPA”) for a local version of our da Vinci Xi surgical system, in August 2023, our Intuitive-Fosun Pharma Joint Venture received a manufacturing license that permits the Joint Venture to manufacture our da Vinci Xi surgical system for sale to customers in China.
In July 2023, we received regulatory clearance for our E-200 generator in Japan and South Korea. In November 2022, we obtained FDA clearance for our E-200 generator. The E-200 generator can be used in da Vinci robotic procedures, as well as non-robotic open and laparoscopic procedures, to deliver high-frequency energy for cutting, coagulation, and vessel sealing of tissues. The E-200 generator includes the same advanced energy capability as the E-100 generator and supports the same vessel sealing instruments.
In April 2023, we obtained FDA clearance for the use of our da Vinci SP surgical system in simple prostatectomy procedures. We also obtained FDA clearance for the use of our da Vinci SP surgical system in transvesical approaches to simple and radical prostatectomy.
In October 2022, we received regulatory clearance in Japan to market our 8 mm SureForm 30 Curved-Tip and Straight-Tip Stapler instruments and reloads for use in general, thoracic (except for cardiac), gynecologic, and urologic surgery. In December 2021, we obtained FDA clearance for our 8 mm SureForm 30 Curved-Tip Stapler and reloads for use in general, thoracic, gynecologic, urologic, and pediatric surgery. TheWe completed initial evaluations of the 8 mm SureForm 30 stapler is expected to launchwith certain customers in the U.S. in 2022, with other countries to follow.2022. After the initial feedback, we are completing design changes and are targeting another submission in 2024.
In late 2020 and early 2021, we obtained FDA clearance, CE mark clearance, and other regulatory clearances in most of our significant markets to market our Extended Use Instruments.
In November 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for our SynchroSeal instrument and E-100 generator. Following the FDA clearance, in February 2020, we received CE mark clearance for both products. In March 2020,2022, we received regulatory clearance in JapanChina to market both our SynchroSeal instrument and E-100 generator. We received regulatory clearance in South Korea to market our SynchroSeal instrument and E-100 generator in January 2020 and August 2020, respectively.
In July 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload, which round out our SureForm 45 portfolio. We have also received CE mark clearance for our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload. In September 2019, we received regulatory clearance in Japan to market both our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload. We received regulatory clearance in South Korea to market our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload in June 2021 and July 2021, respectively.
In June 2019, we received CE mark clearance for our da Vinci Endoscope Plus for the da Vinci Xi and da Vinci X Surgical Systems in Europe. Following the CE mark, in July 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for our da Vinci Endoscope Plus. We have also received regulatory clearances in South Korea and Japan to market our da Vinci Endoscope Plus in December 2019 and May 2020, respectively.
In June 2019, we obtained European certification for our da Vinci Endoscope Plus for the da Vinci Xi and da Vinci X surgical systems. Following the European certification, in July 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for our da Vinci Handheld Camera and, in February 2020, we received CE mark clearance.Endoscope Plus.
In February 2022, we received regulatory clearance in China to market both our 12 mm SureForm 45 Stapler and SureForm 60 Stapler and corresponding reloads.
In January 2022, we received regulatory clearance in China to market our da Vinci Vessel Sealer Extend with up to 7 mm vascular indications.
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In June 2021 and July 2021, we received regulatory clearance in South Korea to market our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload, respectively. In September 2019, we received regulatory clearance in Japan to market both our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload. In February 2019, we obtained European certification for our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload and, in July 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for our Ion endoluminal system,SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload, which round out our flexible, robotic-assisted, catheter-based platform, designed to navigate through very small lung airways to reach peripheral nodules for biopsies. Our rollout of the Ion system is progressing well, and we are continuing to gather additional clinical evidence. We have placed 129 Ion systems as of December 31, 2021.SureForm 45 portfolio.
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In February 2019,late 2020 and early 2021, we obtained FDA clearance, for our Iris augmented reality product. Iris is a service that delivers a 3D image of the patient anatomy (initially targeting kidneys) to aid surgeonsEuropean certification, and other regulatory clearances in both pre- and intra-operative settings. We are currently conducting a pilot studymost of our Iris product and service in the field at a small group of U.S. hospitalssignificant markets to gain initial product experience and insights.market our Extended Use Instruments.
Refer to the descriptions of our new products that received regulatory clearances, approvals, or certifications in 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 20192021 in the NewRecent Product Introductions section below.
In October 2018,June 2023, the China National Health Commission published on its official website the 14th five-year plan quota for major medical equipment to be imported and sold in China through 2020. After an adjustment notice was published inon its official website. Under the third quarter of 2020,2023 Quota, the government will now allow for the total sale of 225559 new surgical robots into China, which could include da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems as well as surgical systems introduced by others. As of December 31, 2021,2023, including systems that were sold in prior quarters, we have sold 161placed 76 da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems under this quota, and one system quota has expired; therefore, 63 surgical robots can still be imported and sold under this quota.the 2023 Quota. Future sales of da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems under the quotathis and any previously published open quotas are uncertain, as they are open to other medical device companies that have introduced robotic-assisted surgical systems and are dependent on hospitals completing a tender process and receiving associated approvals. Also, our ability to track the number of systems that could be sold under these quotas in the future will be limited by provincial and national agencies making such information publicly available.
Since 2022, several provinces, including the Hunan Provincial Healthcare Security Administration, have implemented significant limits on what hospitals can charge patients for surgeries using robotic surgical technology, including soft tissue surgery and orthopedics. These limits have significantly impacted the number of procedures performed and have impacted our instruments and accessories revenue in those provinces. As of the date of this report, these limits have not had a material impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, as only a small portion of our installed base in China is currently located in the impacted provinces. Companies providing robotic surgical technology, including our Joint Venture in China, have been meeting with Chinese government healthcare agencies to discuss these developments and to provide feedback. We cannot assure you that additional provincial or national healthcare agencies and administrations will not impose similar limits, and we expect to continue to face increased pricing pressure, both of which could further impact the number of procedures performed and our instruments and accessories revenue in China.
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare considers reimbursement for procedures in April of even-numbered years. The process for obtaining reimbursement requires Japanese university hospitals and surgical societies, with our support, to seek reimbursement. There are multiple pathways to obtain reimbursement for procedures, including those that require in-country clinical data/and economic data. In April 2012 and April 2016, the MHLW granted reimbursement status for prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy, respectively. Most prostatectomies and partial nephrectomies were open procedures prior to da Vinci reimbursement. Da Vinci procedure reimbursement for prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy procedures are higher than open and conventional laparoscopic procedure reimbursements. An additional 12 da Vinci procedures were granted reimbursement effectivein April, 1, 2018, including gastrectomy, low anterior resection, lobectomy, and hysterectomy, for both malignant and benign conditions. Anconditions, and an additional 7seven da Vinci procedures were granted reimbursement effectivein April, 1, 2020. TheseAn additional 19eight da Vinci procedures were granted reimbursement in April, 2022, including colon resection. In addition, we received higher reimbursement for da Vinci gastrectomy procedures, as compared to open and conventional laparoscopic procedure reimbursements. The additional reimbursed procedures have varying levels of conventional laparoscopic penetration and will generally be reimbursed at rates equal to the conventional laparoscopic procedures. Given the reimbursement level and laparoscopic penetration for these 19additional procedures, there can be no assurance that the adoption pace for these procedures will be similar to prostatectomy or partial nephrectomy, given their higher reimbursement, or any other da Vinci procedure.
Recalls and Corrections
Medical device companies have regulatory obligations to correct or remove medical devices in the field that could pose a risk to health. The definition of “recalls and corrections” is expansive and includes repair, replacement, inspections, relabeling, and issuance of new or additional instructions for use or reinforcement of existing instructions for use and training when such actions are taken for specific reasons of safety or compliance. These field actions require stringent documentation, reporting, and monitoring worldwide. There are other actions that a medical device manufacturer may take in the field without reporting including, but not limited to, routine servicing and stock rotations.
As we determine whether a field action is reportable in any regulatory jurisdiction, we prepare and submit notifications to the appropriate regulatory agency for the particular jurisdiction. Regulators can require the expansion, reclassification, or change in scope and language of the field action. In general, upon submitting required notifications to regulators regarding a field action that is a recall or correction, we will notify customers regarding the field action, provide any additional
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documentation required in their national language, and arrange, as required, the return or replacement of the affected product or a field service visit to perform the correction.
Field actions, as well as certain outcomes from regulatory activities, can result in adverse effects on our business, including damage to our reputation, delays by customers of purchase decisions, reduction or stoppage of the use of installed systems, and reduced revenue as well as increased expenses.
Procedures
We model patient value as equal to procedure efficacy / invasiveness. In this equation, procedure efficacy is defined as a measure of the success of the surgeryprocedure in resolving the underlying disease, and invasiveness is defined as a measure of patient pain and disruption of regular activities. When the patient value of a da Vincirobotic-assisted procedure is greater than that of alternative treatment options, patients may benefit from seeking out surgeons or physicians and hospitals that offer da Vinci Surgery,robotic-assisted medical procedures, which could potentially result in a local market share shift. Adoption of da Vincirobotic-assisted procedures occurs procedure by procedure and market by market and is driven by the relative patient value and total treatment costs of da Vincirobotic-assisted procedures as compared to alternative treatment options for the same disease state or condition.
We use the number and type of da Vinci procedures as metrics for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Management believes that the number and type of da Vinci procedures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance, as management believes procedure volume is an indicator of the rate of adoption of our robotic-assisted surgerymedical procedures as well as an indicator of future revenue (including revenue from
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usage-based operating lease arrangements). Management believes that both it and investors benefit from referring to the number and type of da Vinci procedures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. The number and type of da Vinci procedures also facilitate management’s internal comparisons of our historical performance. We believe that the number and type of da Vinci procedures are useful to investors as metrics, because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision-making, and (2) they are used by institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the performance of our business. The vast majority of da Vinci Surgical Systemsour installed systems are connected via the internet. System logs can also be accessed by field engineers for systems that are not connected to the internet. We utilize certain methods that rely on information collected from the installed systems installed for determining the number and type of da Vinci procedures performed that involve estimates and judgments, which are, by their nature, subject to substantial uncertainties and assumptions. Estimates and judgments for determining the number and type of da Vinci procedures may be impacted over time by various factors, including changes in treatment modalities, hospital and distributor reporting behavior, and system internet connectivity. Such estimates and judgments are also susceptible to algorithmic or other technical errors. In addition, the relationship between the number and type of da Vinci procedures and our revenues may fluctuate from period to period, and da Vinci procedure volume growth may not correspond to an increase in revenue. The number and type of da Vinci procedures are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, revenue or other financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
Worldwide Procedures
Our da Vinci systems and instruments are regulated independently in various countries and regions of the world. The discussion of indications for use and representative or target procedures is intended solely to provide an understanding of the market for da Vinciour products and is not intended to promote for sale or use any Intuitive Surgical product outside of its licensed or cleared labeling and indications for use.
Da Vinci Procedures
The adoption of robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system has the potential to grow for those procedures that offer greater patient value than to non-da Vinci alternatives and competitive total economics for healthcare providers. Our da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems are used primarily in general, surgery, urologic, surgery, gynecologic, surgery, cardiothoracic, surgery, and head and neck surgery.surgeries. We focus our organization and investments on developing, marketing, and training products and services for procedures in which da Vinci can bring patient value relative to alternative treatment options and/or economic benefit to healthcare providers. Target procedures in general surgery include hernia repair (both ventral and inguinal), colorectal, procedures, cholecystectomies,cholecystectomy, and bariatrics.bariatric procedures. Target procedures in urology include prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy. Target procedures in gynecology include hysterectomy for both cancer and benign conditions and sacrocolpopexy. In cardiothoracic surgery, target procedures include lobectomy.lung resection. In head and neck surgery, target procedures include transoral surgery. Not all the indications, procedures, or products described may be available in a given country or region or on all generations of da Vinci Surgical Systems.surgical systems. Surgeons and their patients need to consult the product labeling in their specific country and for each product in order to determine the cleared uses, as well as important limitations, restrictions, or contraindications.
In 2021,2023, approximately 1,594,0002,286,000 surgical procedures were performed with da Vinci Surgical Systems,surgical systems, compared to approximately 1,243,0001,875,000 and 1,229,0001,594,000 surgical procedures performed with da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems in 20202022 and 2019,2021, respectively. The increase in our overall procedure volume in 2023 was largely attributable to growth in U.S. general surgery, OUS urologic surgery, OUS general surgery (particularly cancer), and U.S. gynecologic surgery procedures. The overall
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procedure volumes in the comparative 2022 and 2021 reflectsyears reflect the significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, and was driven by growth in U.S. general surgery and gynecology procedures and worldwide urology procedures.above.
U.S. da Vinci Procedures
Overall U.S. procedure volume with da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems grew to approximately 1,109,0001,532,000 in 2021,2023, compared to approximately 876,0001,282,000 in 20202022 and approximately 883,0001,109,000 in 2019.2021. General surgery was our largest and fastest growing U.S. specialty in 20212023 with procedure volume that grew to approximately 589,000896,000 in 2021,2023, compared to approximately 434,000720,000 in 20202022 and approximately 421,000588,000 in 2019.2021. Gynecology was our second largest U.S. surgical specialty in 20212023 with procedure volume that grew to approximately 316,000390,000 in 2021,2023, compared to approximately 267,000341,000 in 20202022 and approximately 282,000316,000 in 2019.2021. Urology was our third largest U.S. surgical specialty in 20212023 with procedure volume that grew to approximately 153,000173,000 in 2021,2023, compared to approximately 134,000162,000 in 20202022 and approximately 138,000153,000 in 2019.2021.
OUS da Vinci Procedures Outside of the U.S.
Overall OUS procedure volume with da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems grew to approximately 485,000754,000 in 2021,2023, compared to approximately 367,000593,000 in 20202022 and approximately 346,000485,000 in 2019.2021. Urology was our largest OUS specialty in 20212023 with procedure volume that grew to approximately 264,000381,000 in 2021,2023, compared to approximately 214,000316,000 in 20202022 and approximately 206,000264,000 in 2019.2021. General surgery was our second largest and fastest growing OUS specialty in 20212023 with procedure volume that grew to approximately 101,000188,000 in 2021,2023, compared to approximately 68,000133,000 in 20202022 and approximately 62,000101,000 in 2019. Thoracic2021. Gynecology was our third largest OUS specialty in 2023 with procedure volume that grew to approximately 110,000 in 2023, compared to approximately 86,000 in 2022 and approximately 70,000 in 2021.
Ion Procedures
The adoption of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy using the Ion endoluminal system has the potential to grow if it can offer greater patient value than non-Ion alternatives and competitive total economics for healthcare providers.
In 2023, approximately 54,000 biopsy procedures also contributedwere performed with Ion systems, compared to OUSapproximately 23,500 in 2022 and approximately 7,400 in 2021. The increase in our overall procedure growth with higher growth rates than urology and general surgery procedures.volume in 2023 reflects a larger installed base of approximately 534 systems, an increase of 66% compared to the installed base of approximately 321 systems as of 2022. Currently, the vast majority of Ion biopsy procedures are performed in the U.S.
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Recent Business Events and Trends
Procedures
Overall. Total da Vinci procedures performed by our customers grew approximately 28%22% for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to approximately 1%18% for the year ended December 31, 2020. Total da Vinci procedures performed2022. The growth in the comparative 2022 procedure results partially reflected disruption caused by our customers grew approximately 19% for the three months ended December 31,COVID-19 pandemic in both the 2022 and comparative 2021 compared to approximately 6% forprocedure results, as noted in the three months ended December 31, 2020. The full yearCOVID-19 Pandemic and fourth quarter 2021section above. The 2023 procedure growth was largely attributable to growth in U.S. general surgery, OUS urologic surgery, OUS general surgery (particularly cancer), and growthU.S. gynecologic surgery procedures. Delays in OUS markets. The both the diagnosis and treatments of diseases reflecting disruptions caused by COVID-19 have previously, and may continue to, adversely impact procedure volumes in periods with disruption. Such delays may also create treatment backlogs that could have a beneficial impact on future period procedure volumes.
full yearU.S. Procedures. and fourth quarter 2020U.S. da Vinci procedures grew approximately 19% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to approximately 16% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The 2022 procedure results reflect significant(and comparative 2021 procedures results) reflected disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact our procedures in 2021 in geographies and markets where there was a resurgence of the virus. Delays in both the diagnosis of and treatments of disease reflecting patient concerns over contracting COVID-19 has also impacted the number of procedures. This was most pronounced in prostatectomy procedures.
U.S. da Vinci procedures grew approximately 27% for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the prior year. U.S. da Vinci procedures declined approximately 1% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The 20212023 U.S. procedure growth was largely attributable to growth in general surgery procedures, most notably cholecystectomy, hernia repair, cholecystectomy, and colorectal procedures. Growth in bariatric procedures as well asdecelerated in 2023. Growth in the more mature gynecologic procedure category most notably hysterectomies. The 2020 U.S. procedure results reflect significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as notedaccelerated in 2023, while growth in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, whereas the 2021more mature urologic procedure results reflected COVID-19 resurgences throughout the year, which also significantly impacted our procedures.
U.S. da Vinci procedures grew approximately 16% for the three months ended December 31, 2021, compared to approximately 5% for the three months ended December 31, 2020. The fourth quarter 2021 U.S. procedure growthcategory was largely attributable to growth in general surgery procedures, most notably hernia repair, cholecystectomy, and bariatric procedures. The fourth quarter 2020 U.S. procedure results reflect significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and regional resurgences, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, whereas the fourth quarter of 2021 reflected a COVID-19 resurgence later in the quarter, which also impacted our procedures.
OUS da Vinci procedures grew approximately 32% for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to approximately 6% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The 2021 OUS procedure growth was driven by continued growth in urologic procedures, including prostatectomies and partial nephrectomies, and earlier stage growth in general surgery (particularly colorectal), gynecology, and thoracic procedures. The 2021 OUS procedure growth also reflects continued adoption in European and Asian markets. We saw strong procedure growth in China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany during 2021. The 2020 OUS procedure results reflect significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, whereas the 2021 procedure results reflected COVID-19 resurgences throughout the year, which also significantly impacted our procedures. We believe growth in these global markets is being driven by increased acceptance among surgeons and health systems, supported by expanded global evidence validating the clinical and economic value of da Vinci procedures.
OUS da Vinci procedures grew approximately 28% for the three months ended December 31, 2021, compared to approximately 11% for the three months ended December 31, 2020. The fourth quarter 2021 OUS procedure growth was driven by continued growth in urologic procedures, including prostatectomies, and earlier stage growth in general surgery (particularly colorectal), gynecology, and thoracic procedures. We saw strong procedure growth in China, Japan, Germany, South Korea, and Italy during the fourth quarter of 2021. The fourth quarter 2020 OUS procedure growth reflects significant procedure disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, whereas the fourth quarter of 2021 reflected a COVID-19 resurgence later in the quarter, which also impacted our procedures.more moderate.
U.S. General Surgery.  In 2021, generalGeneral surgery procedures in the U.S. grew to approximately 589,000896,000 in 2021,2023, compared to approximately 434,000720,000 in 20202022 and approximately 421,000588,000 in 2019. Inguinal2021. Cholecystectomy, inguinal and ventral hernia repairs, cholecystectomies,repair, and colorectal procedures contributed the most incremental procedures in 2023, while inguinal and ventral hernia repair, cholecystectomy, and bariatric procedures contributed the most incremental procedures in 2021, while cholecystectomies2022 and bariatric procedures contributed2021.
Given the already very high level of laparoscopic techniques used in cholecystectomy, it is unclear to the most incremental procedures in 2020 and inguinal and ventral hernia repairs contributed the most incremental procedures in 2019.what extent robotic-assisted surgery using da Vinci may continue to be adopted.
We believe that growth in hernia repair using da Vinci reflects improved clinical outcomes within certain patient populations, as well as potential cost benefits relative to certain alternative treatments. We believe that hernia repair procedures represent a significant opportunity with the potential to drive growth in future periods. However, given the differences in surgical complexity associated with the treatment of various hernia patient populations and varying surgeon opinionopinions regarding
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optimal surgical technique, it is difficult to estimate the timing of and to what extent hernia repair procedure volume will grow in the future. We expect a large portion of hernia repairs will continue to be performed via different modalities of surgery.
Given the already very high level of laparoscopic techniques used in cholecystectomy, it is unclear whether growth is sustainable and to what extent da Vinci may be adopted.
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Bariatric procedures have grown significantly for the last two years. These procedures have been an increased area of focus in 2021 and 2020 and may also have benefited from certain patients prioritizing weight loss as obesity is a significant COVID-19 risk factor. In addition, our SureForm 60mm Stapler provides surgeons a more optimized robotic tool set for bariatric procedures. However, the diagnoses and treatment pathways for bariatric patients are long, and many of the patients may have begun their treatment pathway prior to the spread of COVID-19; therefore, we cannot provide any assurance that we will continue to see significant growth in bariatric procedures in future periods.
AdoptionThe adoption of da Vinci for colorectal procedures, which includes several underlying procedures, includingsuch as low anterior resections for rectal cancers and certain colon procedures for benign and cancerous conditions, has been ongoing for several years and is supported by certain technologies, such as the EndoWrist and SureForm Staplers, energy devices, and Integrated Table Motion.
Bariatric procedures have been an increased area of focus and may have benefited from certain patients prioritizing weight loss, as obesity is a significant COVID-19 risk factor. In addition, our SureForm 60mm Stapler provides surgeons with a more optimized robotic tool set for bariatric procedures using da Vinci. While bariatric procedures have grown significantly over the last three years, the pace of this growth has slowed during 2023. It is unclear whether the slowing growth is a temporary pause as patients evaluate new drug therapies or if growth in U.S. bariatric procedures will continue to slow in future periods. The diagnosis and treatment pathways for bariatric patients are long, and we cannot provide any assurance that we will continue to see significant growth in bariatric procedures in future periods.
U.S. GynecologyIn 2021, gynecologyGynecology procedures in the U.S. grew to approximately 316,000390,000 in 2021,2023, compared to approximately 267,000341,000 in 20202022 and approximately 282,000316,000 in 2019, driven by an increase2021. Benign hysterectomy procedures contributed the most incremental procedures in 2023, 2022, and 2021. The growth in benign hysterectomy procedures has been driven largely by new surgeon training.
OUS Procedures. OUS da Vinci procedures grew approximately 27% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to approximately 22% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The 2022 procedure results (and comparative 2021 procedures results) reflected disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above. The 2023 OUS procedure growth was driven by continued growth in urologic procedures, including prostatectomies and partial nephrectomies, and earlier stage growth in general surgery (particularly colorectal) and gynecologic procedures. The 2023 OUS procedure growth rate reflects continued da Vinci adoption in European and Asian markets. We saw strong procedure growth in China, Japan, Germany, and the UK during 2023. In China, the strong procedure growth rate was partially attributable to a lesser extent, hysterectomy procedures for cancer. Combining robotic, laparoscopic, and vaginal approaches, MIS represents about 80% of the U.S. hysterectomy market for benign conditions.disruption caused by COVID-19 in the comparative 2022 procedure results. We believe that our growth in gynecologic procedures over the past several years has primarily beenthese global markets is being driven by consolidationincreased acceptance among surgeons and health systems, supported by expanded global evidence validating the clinical and economic value of gynecologicda Vinci procedures into higher volume surgeons that focus on cancer and complex surgeries.as well as increased surgeon training.
GlobalOUS Urology. Along with U.S. general surgery and gynecology, globalOUS urology procedures have also been a strong contributor to our overall procedure growth. OUS urology procedures grew to approximately 381,000 in 2023, compared to approximately 316,000 in 2022 and approximately 264,000 in 2021. In the U.S., da Vinci is the standard of care for the surgical treatment of prostate cancer, and we believe that the growth is largely aligned with surgical volumes of prostate cancer. In 2021,Outside of the U.S. prostatectomy procedures grew, compared to a modest decline in 2020. For OUS,, prostatectomy is at varying states of adoption in different areas of the world but is the largest overall da Vinci procedure. In 2021,2023, we saw high-teensmore moderate growth in OUS prostatectomy procedures compared to slighthigher growth in 2020.2022, as we are further up the adoption curve.
Kidney cancer procedures have also been a strong contributor to our recent global urology procedure growth. Clinical publications have demonstrated that the use of a da Vinci system increases the likelihood that a patient will receive nephron sparing surgery through a partial nephrectomy, which is typically the surgical society guideline recommended therapy.
OUS Procedures. The 2021 OUS procedure growth rate reflects continued da Vinci adoption in European and Asian markets, although it also reflects disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 PandemicGeneral Surgery.  section above. We saw strong procedure growthOUS general surgery procedures grew to approximately 188,000 in China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Brazil, France,2023, compared to approximately 133,000 in 2022 and approximately 101,000 in 2021. Colorectal procedures contributed the UK during 2021. In China, procedure growth acceleratedmost incremental procedures in 2023, 2022, and 2021, aided by improved clinical outcomes relative to open and laparoscopic techniques within certain patient populations, along with enabling technologies, such as a result of new system placements during the year as well as very high system utilization.EndoWrist and SureForm staplers, energy devices, and Integrated Table Motion.
System Demand
We placed 1,3471,370 da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems in 2021,2023, compared to 9361,264 systems in 2020.2022. The increase in systems placedsystem placements reflects the significant disruption experiencedan increase in demand for additional capacity by our customers as a result of procedure growth. This increase was partially offset by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as well as procedure growth in 2021, more customers trading inimpacts of a smaller number of third generation da Vinci Si Surgical Systemssystems available for fourth generationtrade-in and the macroeconomic challenges impacting our customers. We continue to see our customers challenged by staffing shortages, inflation, debt servicing costs, and other financial pressures, particularly in the U.S. As a result, we expect our customers to continue to be cautious in their overall capital spending. In addition, in July 2023, the Chinese government launched a one-year anti-corruption campaign targeting the healthcare sector. As a result of this anti-corruption campaign, the medical institutions have heightened their scrutiny with respect to initiating tenders. Therefore, some tenders were cancelled or delayed without a timeline. In 2023, the effect of this anti-corruption campaign contributed to fewer systems being placed in order to access fourth generation instruments and capabilities as well as to standardize their system portfolio, and further customer validation that surgery addresses their quadruple aim objectives.China. Currently, the extent of the impact of this anti-corruption campaign on our business remains uncertain.
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While 2021 placements grew 44% compared with 2020,We expect that future placements of da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems will be impacted by a number of factors: supply chain risks; economic and geopolitical factors; the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above;inflationary pressures; high interest rates; hospital response to the evolving healthcare environment;staffing shortages; procedure growth rates; hospital consolidation trends; evolving system utilization and point of carepoint-of-care dynamics; capital replacement trends, including a declining number of older generation systems available for trade-in transactions; additional reimbursements in various global markets, including Japan:such as in Japan; the timing around governmental tenders and authorizations, includingas well as governmental actions impacting the tender process, such as the anti-corruption campaign in China; the impact of COVID-19, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above; the hospital response to the evolving healthcare environment; the timing of when we receive regulatory clearance in our other OUS markets for our da Vinci Xi, Surgical System, da Vinci X, Surgical System, and da Vinci SP Surgical System,surgical systems and related instruments; and the market response. Market acceptance of our da Vinci SP Surgical Systemsurgical system and the nature and timing of additional da Vinci SP regulatory indications may also impact future system placements.
Demand may also be impacted by robotic-assisted surgery competition, including from companies that have introduced products in the field of robotic-assisted surgerymedical procedures or have made explicit statements about their efforts to enter the field including, but not limited to, the following companies: Asensus Surgical, Inc.; avateramedical GmbH;Beijing Surgerii Robotics Company Limited; CMR Surgical Ltd.; Johnson & Johnson; Medicaroid Inc.; Medrobotics Corporation; Medtronic plc; meerecompany Inc.; MicroPort Scientific Corporation; Olympus Corporation; Samsung Group;Noah Medical; Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Ltd.; Shanghai Microport Medbot (Group) Co., Ltd.; and TitanShenzhen Edge Medical Inc.
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Co., Ltd.
Many of the above factors will also impact future demand for our Ion endoluminal system, as we extend our commercial offering into diagnostics, along with additional factors associated with a new product introduction, including, but not limited to, our ability to optimize manufacturing and our supply chain, competition, clinical data to demonstrate value, and market acceptance.
NewRecent Product Introductions
E-200 Generator. In November 2022, we obtained FDA clearance for the E-200 generator. In July 2023, we received regulatory clearance for our E-200 generator in Japan and South Korea. The E-200 generator is an advanced electrosurgical generator designed to provide high-frequency energy for cutting, coagulation, and vessel sealing of tissues. The E-200 generator is compatible with the da Vinci Xi and X surgical systems and can also function as a standalone electrosurgical generator. When connected to a da Vinci system, the E-200 delivers high-frequency energy to da Vinci instruments, with control and status messages communicated through an Ethernet cable. The E-200 generator is also compatible with third-party handheld monopolar and bipolar instruments, as well as fingerswitch-equipped instruments and Intuitive-provided auxiliary footswitches. The E-200 generator includes the same advanced energy capability as the E-100 generator and supports the same vessel sealing instruments.
SureForm 30 Curved-Tip Stapler and Reloads. In December 2021, we obtained initial FDA clearance for our 8 mm SureForm 30 Curved-Tip Stapler and reloads (gray, white, and blue) for use in general, thoracic, gynecologic, urologic, and pediatric surgery. It has beenWe designed this instrument to help surgeons better visualize and reach anatomy through a combination of the 8 mm diameter instrument shaft and jaws, 120-degree cone of wristed articulation, and the curved tip. As it fits through the 8 mm da Vinci surgical system instrument cannula, the stapler allows different angles for surgeons to approach patient anatomy. Consistent with theour other SureForm staplers, the 8 mm SureForm 30 Curved-Tip Stapler integrates SmartFire technology, which makes automatic adjustments to the firing process as staples are formed and the transection is made. The technology makes more than 1,000 measurements per second, helping achieve a consistent staple line. TheWe completed initial evaluations of the 8 mm SureForm 30 stapler is expected to launchwith certain customers in the U.S. in 2022, with other countries to follow.
SynchroSeal2022. After the initial feedback, we are completing design changes and E-100 Generator.are targeting another submission in 2024. In November 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for our SynchroSeal instrument and E-100 generator. Following the FDA clearance, in February 2020, we received CE mark clearance for both products. In March 2020,October 2022, we received regulatory clearance in Japan to market both our SynchroSeal instrument8 mm SureForm 30 Curved-Tip and E-100 generator. In August 2020, we received regulatory clearance in South Korea to market our E-100 generator. SynchroSeal is a single-use, bipolar, electrosurgical instrument intended for grasping, dissection, sealing,Straight-Tip Stapler instruments and transection of tissue. With its wristed articulation, rapid sealing cycle, and refined curved jaw, SynchroSeal offers enhanced versatility to the da Vinci Energy portfolio. The E-100 generator is an electrosurgical generator developed to power two key instruments–Vessel Sealer Extend and SynchroSeal–on the da Vinci X and da Vinci Xi Surgical Systems. The generator delivers high frequency energy for cutting, coagulation, and vessel sealing of tissues.
SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and Gray Reload. In July 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for the SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload. We have also received CE mark clearance for our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload. In September 2019, we received regulatory clearance in Japan to market both our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload. We received regulatory clearance in South Korea to market our SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and SureForm 45 Gray reload in June 2021 and July 2021, respectively. SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler is a single-use, fully wristed stapling instrument with a curved tip intended for resection, transection, and/or creation of anastomoses. SureForm 45 Gray reload is a new, single-use cartridge that contains multiple staggered rows of implantable staples and a stainless steel knife. The SureForm 45 Curved-Tip Stapler and Gray reload have particular utility in thoracic procedures and round out our SureForm 45 portfolio. Not all reloads or staplers are available for use on all systems or in all countries.
Da Vinci Endoscope Plus. In June 2019, we received CE mark clearancegeneral, thoracic (except for our da Vinci Endoscope Plus, an enhanced 3D endoscope for use with our da Vinci Xcardiac), gynecologic, and Xi Surgical Systems. Following the CE mark, in July 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for our da Vinci Endoscope Plus. We have also received regulatory clearances in South Korea and Japan to market our da Vinci Endoscope Plus in December 2019 and May 2020, respectively. The da Vinci Endoscope Plus leverages new sensor technology to allow for increased sharpness and color accuracy.urologic surgery.
Da Vinci Handheld Camera. In June 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for our da Vinci Handheld Camera, a lightweight, 2D camera head, which can be connected to third-party laparoscopes. This allows the laparoscopic image to be displayed on the da Vinci X/Xi vision cart to address aspects of da Vinci procedures that may require use of a laparoscope, thus eliminating the need for redundant equipment in the operating room and increasing procedure efficiency. In February 2020, we received CE mark clearance for our da Vinci Handheld Camera. We broadly launched the da Vinci Handheld Camera in our European direct markets as well as in the U.S. in May 2020 and June 2020, respectively.
Ion endoluminal system. In February 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for the Ion endoluminal system, our new flexible, robotic-assisted, catheter-based platform designed to navigate through very small lung airways to reach peripheral nodules for biopsies. The Ion system uses an ultra-thin articulating robotic catheter that can articulate 180 degrees in all directions. The outer diameter of the catheter is 3.5mm, which allows physicians to navigate through small and tortuous airways to reach nodules in most airway segments within the lung. The Ion system’s flexible biopsy needle can also pass through very tight bends via Ion’s catheter to collect tissue in the peripheral lung. The catheter’s 2mm working channel can also accommodate other biopsy tools, such as biopsy forceps or cytology brushes, if necessary. Our rollout of the Ion system is progressing well, and we are continuing to gather additional clinical evidence. We have placed 129 Ion systems as of December 31, 2021.
Iris. In February 2019, we obtained FDA clearance for our Iris augmented reality product. Iris is a service that delivers a 3D image of the patient anatomy (initially targeting kidneys) to aid surgeons in both the pre- and intra-operative settings. The
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service is currently being used in pilot studies. We launched our first pilot site in 2019, continued in 2020 with select sites, and have six pilot sites as of December 31, 2021.
Acquisition of Orpheus Medical
In February 2020, we acquired Orpheus Medical Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiaries to deepen and expand our integrated informatics platform. Orpheus Medical provides hospitals with information technology connectivity, as well as expertise in processing and archiving surgical videos. Orpheus Medical is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intuitive.
Intuitive Ventures
In 2020, we launched Intuitive Ventures Fund I, an inaugural $100 million fund focused on investment opportunities in companies that share Intuitive’s commitment to advancing positive outcomes in healthcare. As of December 31, 2023, we have invested $50 million of the $100 million.
In late 2023, we launched Intuitive Ventures Fund II, a $150 million fund focused on investment opportunities in companies reimagining the future of minimally invasive care.
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2023 Operational and Financial Highlights
Total revenue increased by 31%14% to $5.7$7.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $4.4$6.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022.
Approximately 1,594,0002,286,000 da Vinci procedures were performed during the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, an increase of 28%22% compared to approximately 1,243,0001,875,000 da Vinci procedures for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022.
Approximately 54,000 Ion procedures were performed during the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of 129% compared to approximately 23,500 Ion procedures for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Instruments and accessories revenue increased by 26%22% to $3.10$4.28 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $2.46$3.52 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022.
Systems revenue increased by 44% to $1.69remained flat at $1.68 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $1.18$1.68 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022.
A total of 1,3471,370 da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems were placed during the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, an increase of 44%8% compared to 9361,264 systems during the year ended December 31, 2020.2022.
As of December 31, 2021,2023, we had a da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system installed base of approximately 6,7308,606 systems, an increase of 12%14% compared to the installed base of approximately 5,9897,544 systems as of December 31, 2020.2022.
Utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems,surgical systems, measured in terms of procedures per system per year, increased 17%9% relative to 2020.2022.
During213 Ion systems were placed during the year ended December 31,2021, we placed 93 Ion systems,31, 2023, an increase of 258%11% compared to 26 Ion192 systems during the year ended December 31, 2020.2022.
As of December 31, 2023, we had an Ion system installed base of approximately 534 systems, an increase of 66% compared to the installed base of approximately 321 systems as of December 31, 2022.
Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 69.3%66.4% for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to 65.6%67.4% for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022.
Operating income increased by 73%12% to $1.82$1.77 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $1.05$1.58 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. Operating income included $457$598 million and $399$517 million of share-based compensation expense related to employee stock plans and $37.0$31.2 million and $60.9$45.4 million of intangible asset-related charges for the years ended December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021,2023, we had $8.62$7.34 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and investments. Cash, cash equivalents, and investments increased by $1.75$0.60 billion, compared to $6.87$6.74 billion as of December 31, 2020,2022, primarily as a result of cash generatedprovided by operating activities, proceeds from operating activities,stock option exercises and employee stock purchases, and unrealized gains on interest-bearing debt securities classified as available for sale, partially offset by cash used for capital expenditures.expenditures and share repurchases.
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Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. This section of the Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses 20212023 and 20202022 items and year-to-year comparisons between 20212023 and 2020.2022. Discussions of 20192021 items and year-to-year comparisons between 20202022 and 20192021 that are not included in this report on Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2022.
The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, certain Consolidated Statements of Income information (in millions, except percentages):
Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
2021% of
total
revenue
2020% of
total
revenue
2019% of
total
revenue
2023% of total Revenue2022% of total Revenue2021% of total Revenue
Revenue:Revenue:
ProductProduct$4,793.9 84 %$3,634.6 83 %$3,754.3 84 %
Product
Product$5,956.3 84 %$5,198.0 84 %$4,793.9 84 %
ServiceService916.2 16 %723.8 17 %724.2 16 %Service1,167.8 16 16 %1,024.2 16 16 %916.2 16 16 %
Total revenueTotal revenue5,710.1 100 %4,358.4 100 %4,478.5 100 %Total revenue7,124.1 100 100 %6,222.2 100 100 %5,710.1 100 100 %
Cost of revenue:Cost of revenue:
Product
Product
ProductProduct1,464.1 26 %1,230.3 28 %1,119.1 25 %2,041.8 29 29 %1,700.3 28 28 %1,464.1 26 26 %
ServiceService287.5 %266.9 %249.2 %Service352.8 %325.9 %287.5 %
Total cost of revenueTotal cost of revenue1,751.6 31 %1,497.2 34 %1,368.3 31 %Total cost of revenue2,394.6 34 34 %2,026.2 33 33 %1,751.6 31 31 %
Product gross profitProduct gross profit3,329.8 58 %2,404.3 55 %2,635.2 59 %Product gross profit3,914.5 55 55 %3,497.7 56 56 %3,329.8 58 58 %
Service gross profitService gross profit628.7 11 %456.9 11 %475.0 10 %Service gross profit815.0 11 11 %698.3 11 11 %628.7 11 11 %
Gross profitGross profit3,958.5 69 %2,861.2 66 %3,110.2 69 %Gross profit4,729.5 66 66 %4,196.0 67 67 %3,958.5 69 69 %
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrativeSelling, general and administrative1,466.5 25 %1,216.3 28 %1,178.4 26 %1,963.9 27 27 %1,739.9 28 28 %1,466.5 25 25 %
Research and developmentResearch and development671.0 12 %595.1 14 %557.3 12 %Research and development998.8 14 14 %879.0 14 14 %671.0 12 12 %
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses2,137.5 37 %1,811.4 42 %1,735.7 38 %Total operating expenses2,962.7 41 41 %2,618.9 42 42 %2,137.5 37 37 %
Income from operationsIncome from operations1,821.0 32 %1,049.8 24 %1,374.5 31 %Income from operations1,766.8 25 25 %1,577.1 25 25 %1,821.0 32 32 %
Interest and other income, netInterest and other income, net69.3 %157.2 %127.7 %Interest and other income, net192.1 %29.7 %69.3 %
Income before taxesIncome before taxes1,890.3 33 %1,207.0 28 %1,502.2 34 %Income before taxes1,958.9 28 28 %1,606.8 26 26 %1,890.3 33 33 %
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense162.2 %140.2 %120.4 %Income tax expense141.6 %262.4 %162.2 %
Net incomeNet income1,728.1 30 %1,066.8 24 %1,381.8 31 %Net income1,817.3 26 26 %1,344.4 22 22 %1,728.1 30 30 %
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventureLess: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture23.5 — %6.2 — %2.5 — %Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture19.3 %22.1 %23.5 — — %
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.$1,704.6 30 %$1,060.6 24 %$1,379.3 31 %Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.$1,798.0 25 25 %$1,322.3 21 21 %$1,704.6 30 30 %

Total Revenue
Total revenue increased by 31%14% to $7.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $6.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022. Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, increased by 9% compared to $5.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $4.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020. Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020, decreased by 3% compared to $4.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019.2021. The increase in total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, resulted from 44% higher systems revenue, driven by 44% higher system placements, 26%22% higher instruments and accessories revenue driven by approximately 28% higher procedure volume partially offset by the effects of the Extended Use Program, and 27%14% higher service revenue. In conjunction with our 2020 COVID-19 Customer Relief Program implemented in the second quarter of 2020, service revenue in 2020 was reduced by $80 million as a result of service fee credits provided to customers.
Revenue denominated in foreign currencies as a percentage of total revenue was approximately 23%25%, 23%24%, and 20%23% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, respectively. We generally sell our products and services in local currencies where we have direct distribution channels. Foreign currency rate fluctuations, did not have a materialas determined by comparing current period revenue in USD to current period revenue in local currency using the same foreign exchange rates as the prior year same period, net of the impacts from foreign currency hedging, had an unfavorable impact on OUS total revenue of $29 million for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, as compared to 2020, or2022. Foreign currency rate fluctuations, net of the impacts from foreign currency hedging, had an unfavorable impact on OUS total revenue of $138 million for the year ended December 31, 2020,2022, as compared to 2019.2021.
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Revenue generated in the U.S. accounted for 67%66%, 68%67%, and 70%67% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, respectively. We believe that U.S. revenue has accounted for the large majority of total revenue due to U.S. patients’ ability to choose their provider and method of treatment, reimbursement structures supportive of innovation and MIS,
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and our initial investments focused on U.S. infrastructure. We have been investing in our business in the OUS markets, and our OUS procedures have grown faster in proportion to U.S. procedures. We expect that our OUS procedures and revenue will make up a greater portion of our business in the long term.
As the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to continue to cause strain on hospital resources, as outlined in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, we cannot reliably estimate the extent total revenue will be impacted in the first quarter of 2022 and beyond.
The following table summarizes our revenue and system unit placements for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, respectively (in millions, except percentages and unit placements):
Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
202120202019 202320222021
RevenueRevenue
Instruments and accessories
Instruments and accessories
Instruments and accessoriesInstruments and accessories$3,100.5 $2,455.7 $2,408.2 
SystemsSystems1,693.4 1,178.9 1,346.1 
Total product revenueTotal product revenue4,793.9 3,634.6 3,754.3 
ServicesServices916.2 723.8 724.2 
Total revenueTotal revenue$5,710.1 $4,358.4 $4,478.5 
U.S.U.S.$3,853.2 $2,962.7 $3,129.5 
OUSOUS1,856.9 1,395.7 1,349.0 
Total revenueTotal revenue$5,710.1 $4,358.4 $4,478.5 
% of Revenue - U.S.67 %68 %70 %
% of Revenue - OUS33 %32 %30 %
% of Revenue — U.S.% of Revenue — U.S.66%67%
% of Revenue — OUS% of Revenue — OUS34%33%
Instruments and accessories
Instruments and accessories
Instruments and accessoriesInstruments and accessories$3,100.5 $2,455.7 $2,408.2 
ServicesServices916.2 723.8 724.2 
Operating lease revenueOperating lease revenue276.9 176.7 106.9 
Total recurring revenueTotal recurring revenue$4,293.6 $3,356.2 $3,239.3 
% of Total revenue% of Total revenue75 %77 %72 %% of Total revenue83%79%75%
Da Vinci Surgical System Placements by Region:
Da Vinci Surgical System Placements by Region
Da Vinci Surgical System Placements by Region
Da Vinci Surgical System Placements by Region
U.S. unit placements
U.S. unit placements
U.S. unit placementsU.S. unit placements865 600 728 
OUS unit placementsOUS unit placements482 336 391 
Total unit placements*Total unit placements*1,347 936 1,119 
*Systems placed under operating leases (included in total unit placements)517 317 384 
*Systems placed under fixed-payment operating lease arrangements (included in total unit placements)
*Systems placed under usage-based operating lease arrangements (included in total unit placements)
Da Vinci Surgical System Placements involving System Trade-ins:
Da Vinci Surgical System Placements involving System Trade-ins
Da Vinci Surgical System Placements involving System Trade-ins
Da Vinci Surgical System Placements involving System Trade-ins
Unit placements involving trade-ins
Unit placements involving trade-ins
Unit placements involving trade-insUnit placements involving trade-ins510 447 442 
Unit placements not involving trade-insUnit placements not involving trade-ins837 489 677 
Ion System Placements93 26 10 
Ion System Placements**
Ion System Placements**
Ion System Placements**
**Systems placed under fixed-payment operating lease arrangements (included in total unit placements)
**Systems placed under usage-based operating lease arrangements (included in total unit placements)
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Product Revenue
Product revenue increased by 32%15% to $4.8$5.96 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $3.6$5.20 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. Product revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020, decreased2022, increased by 3%8% compared to $3.8$4.79 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019.2021.
Instruments and accessories revenue increased by 26%22% to $3.10$4.28 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $2.46$3.52 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. The increase in instruments and accessories revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily driven primarily by approximately 22% higher da Vinci procedure growth of 28%volume and incremental sales of our advanced instruments,higher pricing, partially offset by stocking orders in Q4 2020 associated with the Company’s launch of Extended Use Instruments.customer buying patterns. The 20212023 U.S. da Vinci procedure growth ofwas approximately 27%19%, compared to a 2020 U.S. procedure decline of approximately 1%, was driven by strong growth in general surgery procedures,
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most notably cholecystectomy, hernia repair, cholecystectomy, and colorectal procedures. Growth in bariatric procedures and gynecology procedures, as well as moderatedecelerated in 2023. Growth in the more mature gynecologic procedure category accelerated in 2023, while growth in the more mature urologyurologic procedure category.category was more moderate. The 2020 U.S. procedure decline was primarily a result of the significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above. The 20212023 OUS procedure volumes grew by approximately 32%, compared to 2020 OUSda Vinci procedure growth of 6%. Key drivers for OUS procedure growth in 2021 werewas approximately 27%, driven by continued growth in urologyurologic procedures, most notably prostatectomyincluding prostatectomies and partial nephrectomy procedures,nephrectomies, and earlier stage growth in general surgery (particularly colorectal) and gynecologygynecologic procedures. The 2020 OUS procedure growth was impacted by the significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above. Geographically, the 20212023 OUS da Vinci procedure growth was driven by procedure expansion in a number of markets with particular strength in China, Japan, Korea,Germany, and Germany.the UK. In China, the strong procedure growth rate was partially attributable to the disruption caused by COVID-19 in the comparative 2022 procedure results.
Systems revenue increased by 44% to $1.69remained flat at $1.68 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $1.18$1.68 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. The higher 2021 systemsflat system revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily driven by higher system placements, higher operating lease revenue, higheroffset by lower sales-type lease buyouts,revenue, lower ASPs, and higher 2021 ASPs, partially offset by a higher proportion of da Vinci system placements under operating leases.leases (partially offset by more systems placements).
During 2021, a total of 1,3472023, 1,370 da Vinci Surgical Systemssurgical systems were placed compared to 9361,264 systems during 2020.2022. By geography, 865666 systems were placed in the U.S., 232308 in Europe, 203305 in Asia, and 4791 in other markets during 2021,2023, compared to 600692 systems placed in the U.S., 136280 in Europe, 157244 in Asia, and 4348 in other markets during 2020. During 2021, 517 of the 1,347 systems were placed under operating lease arrangements, compared to 317 of the 936 systems placed during 2020.2022. The increase in system placements was primarily driven by decisions in 2020the demand for additional capacity by our customers due to defer purchases or leases of systems into future quarters as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as procedure growth, more customers trading in da Vinci Si Surgical Systems for fourthpartially offset by a smaller number of third generation da Vinci Xisystems available for trade-in, the macroeconomic challenges impacting our U.S. customers, and the effect of the anti-corruption campaign in China. As of December 31, 2023, we had a da Vinci Xsurgical system installed base of approximately 8,606 systems, in ordercompared to access fourth generation instruments and capabilitiesan installed base of approximately 7,544 systems as well as to standardize theirof December 31, 2022. The incremental system portfolio,installed base reflects continued procedure growth and further customer validation that robotic-assisted surgery addresses their quadruple aimQuadruple Aim objectives.
We placed 668 and 432The following table summarizes our da Vinci Surgical Systemssystem placements under lease or usage-basedleasing arrangements of which 517 and 317 systems were classified as operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020, respectively. 2022:
Year Ended December 31,
20232022
Da Vinci System Placements Under Leasing Arrangements
Fixed-payment operating lease arrangements304 276 
Usage-based operating lease arrangements355 216 
Total da Vinci system placements under operating lease arrangements659 492 
% of Total da Vinci system placements48%39%
Sales-type lease arrangements45 99 
Total da Vinci system placements under leasing arrangements704 591 
Da Vinci System Installed Base under Operating Leasing Arrangements
Fixed-payment operating lease arrangements1,204 1,018 
Usage-based operating lease arrangements1,023 665 
Total da Vinci system installed base under operating leasing arrangements2,227 1,683 
Operating lease revenue, including the contribution from Ion systems, was $277$501 million for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, of which $217 million was variable lease revenue relating to usage-based arrangements, compared to $177$377 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Systems placed as operating leases represented 38%2022, of total placements during 2021, comparedwhich $133 million was variable lease revenue relating to 34% during 2020. A total of 1,294 da Vinci Surgical Systems were installed at customers under operating lease or usage-based arrangements as of December 31, 2021, compared to 901 as of December 31, 2020.arrangements. Revenue from Lease Buyouts was $96$74.2 million forfor the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $52$72.1 million forfor the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. We expect revenue from Lease Buyouts to fluctuate period to period baseddepending on the timing of when, and if, customers choose to exercise the buyout options embedded in their leases.
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The da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system ASP, excluding the impact of systems placed under fixed-payment or usage-based operating lease or usage-based arrangements and Ion systems, was approximately $1.55$1.42 million for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to approximately $1.50$1.49 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. The higher 2021lower ASP for the year ended December 31, 2023, was largely driven by lower relative trade-in volumehigher pricing discounts, unfavorable product mix, unfavorable geographic mix, and favorable product mix,foreign currency impacts, partially offset by pricing discounts.fewer trade-ins. ASP fluctuates from period to period based on geographic and product mix, product pricing, systems placed involving trade-ins, and changes in foreign exchange rates.
During 2023, 213 Ion systems were placed compared to 192 systems during 2022. The increase in system placements was primarily driven by the demand for additional capacity by our customers due to the procedure growth. As of December 31, 2023, we had an Ion system installed base of approximately 534 systems, compared to an installed base of approximately 321 systems as of December 31, 2022.
The following table summarizes our Ion system placements under leasing arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022:
Year Ended December 31,
20232022
Ion System Placements Under Leasing Arrangements
Fixed-payment operating lease arrangements63 61 
Usage-based operating lease arrangements54 40 
Total Ion system placements under operating lease arrangements117 101 
% of Total Ion system placements55%53%
Sales-type lease arrangements11 
Total Ion system placements under leasing arrangements122 112 
Ion System Installed Base under Operating Leasing Arrangements
Fixed-payment operating lease arrangements96 72 
Usage-based operating lease arrangements118 60 
Total Ion system installed base under operating leasing arrangements214 132 
Service Revenue
Service revenue increased by 27%14% to $916 million$1.17 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $724 million$1.02 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020. Service2022. The increase in service revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020, remained unchanged at $724 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Higher service revenue in 20212023, was primarily driven by a larger installed base of da Vinci Surgical Systemssystems producing service revenue, as well as the effects of the Customer Relief Program in the prior year, which resulted in an $80 million decrease in service revenue in 2020 as a result of service fee credits provided to customers.revenue.
Gross Profit
Product gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, increased by 38%12% to $3.3$3.91 billion, representing 69.5%65.7% of product revenue, compared to $2.4$3.50 billion, representing 66.2%67.3% of product revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. The higher 2021 product gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily driven by higher product revenue, and higherpartially offset by a lower product gross profit margin. The higherlower product gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, was primarily driven by a higher 2021 ASPs, lower year-over-year excessmix of new products, higher costs related to scrap and obsoletecomponents, increases in inventory costs,reserves, and lower year-over-year intangible assets amortization expense,2023 da Vinci system ASPs, partially offset by higher share-based compensation expense. In addition, we incurred period costs in the second, third,pricing for instruments and fourth quarters of 2020 associated with abnormally low production, which did not recur in 2021 as a result of increased production volumes.accessories.
Product gross profit for the years ended December 31, 20212023, and 2020,2022, included share-based compensation expense of $68.9$83.4 million and $58.9$67.6 million, respectively, and intangible assets amortization expense of $17.6$13.5 million and $35.5$17.3 million, respectively.
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respectively
Service gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, increased by 38%17% to $629 million,$0.82 billion, representing 68.6%69.8% of service revenue, compared to $457 million,$0.70 billion, representing 63.1%68.2% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. The higher 2021 service gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily driven by higher service revenue, reflecting a larger installed base of da Vinci Surgical Systems,surgical systems, and a higher service gross profit margin. The lowerhigher service gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2020,2023, was primarily driven by the $80 million decrease in service revenue as a resultfavorable impacts from leveraging volume of the Customer Relief Program.repairs.
Service gross profit for the years ended December 31, 20212023, and 2020,2022, included share-based compensation expense of $22.2$28.2 million and $24.0$23.6 million, respectively, and intangible assets amortization expense of $1.0$0.9 million and $3.7$1.9 million, respectively.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs for sales, marketing and administrative personnel, sales and marketing activities, tradeshowtrade show expenses, legal expenses, regulatory fees, and general corporate expenses.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, increased by 21%13% to $1.47$1.96 billion, compared to $1.22$1.74 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, was primarily driven by higher headcount, resulting in increased fixed and share-based compensation expense, higher variable compensation, and increased infrastructure costs to support our growth. In addition, there werethe charitable contribution discussed below, as well as higher marketing, travel and training expenses, in 2021, as compared with the prior year. Also, inpartially offset by lower litigation charges. In the fourth quartersquarter of 2021 and 2020,2023, we made a charitable contributionscontribution of $30$40 million and $25 million, respectively, to the Intuitive Foundation, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to reduce the global burden of disease and suffering through research, education, and philanthropy aimed at better outcomes for patients around the globe.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, included share-based compensation expense of $232$275 million and $202$261 million, respectively, and intangible assets amortization expense of $7.3$3.3 million and $6.9$5.9 million, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were 25% for 2021, as a percentage of revenue, compared to 28% for 2020, and 26% for 2019. Our spending in 2021 reflected a continued but less pronounced curtailment of certain costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel, marketing events, clinical trials, and other related expenses. We expect that these costs will continue to increase to the extent that the impact of COVID-19 decreases and decline to the extent that the impact of COVID-19 increases. In addition, we expect spending to increase as a percentage of revenue as we continue to support our customers, invest in innovation focused on the quadruple aim, and invest in manufacturing and our supply chain to ensure supply for our customers.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses include costs associated with the design, development, testing, and significant enhancement of our products. Our main product development initiatives include multi-port, Ion, and SP platform investments and our digital products and services.
Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, increased by 13%14% to $671$999 million, compared to $595$879 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022. The increase in research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, was primarily driven by higher personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation expense, and other project costs incurred to support a broader set of product development initiatives, including future generations of robotics, Ion and SP platform investments, and digital investments, advanced instrumentation, advanced imaging, and future generations of robotics.investments.
Research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, included share-based compensation expense of $134$212 million and $114$164 million, respectively, and intangible asset-related charges of $11.1$13.5 million and $15.8$20.3 million, respectively.
Research and development expenses fluctuate with project timing. Based upon our broader set of product development initiatives and the stage of the underlying projects, we expect to continue to make substantial investments in research and development and anticipate that research and development expenses will continue to increase in the future.
Interest and Other Income, Net
Interest and other income, net, was $69.3for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by 547% to $192 million, compared to $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2021,2022. Interest and other income, net decreased by 57% for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $157.2$69 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, and $127.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.2021. The decreaseincrease in interest and other income, net, for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, was primarily driven by higher interest income earned due to an increase in average interest rates (despite lower gainsaverage cash and investment balances), lower foreign exchange losses, and lower unrealized losses on investments resulting from strategic arrangements, lower interest income earned, despite higher cash and investment balances, due to the decline in average interest rates, and gains on the sale of certain securities in 2020, partially offset by foreign exchange losses realized in 2020.arrangements.
We held an equity investment in preferred shares of Broncus Holding Corporation (“Broncus”), which was reflected in our financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements on a cost basis. DuringIn the first quarter of 2021, we recorded an unrealized gain on our investment in
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Broncus of approximately $14 million. In September 2021, Broncus completed an initial public offering (“IPO”) of common shares on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Upon completion of the IPO, the preferred shares were converted to common shares in Broncus, and we recognized a net gain on this investment in the third quarter of 2021 of approximately $8 million. We are restricted from selling these shares for a period of six months. InFor the fourth quarter of 2021,year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized a loss on this investment of approximately $17$21 million.
We held an equity investment in common shares of Bolder Surgical Holdings, Inc. (“Bolder”), which was reflected in our financial statements on a cost basis. During For the fourth quarter of 2021, Hologic, Inc., a publicly traded company, completed its acquisition of Bolder. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, we received cash on the date of closing and recognized a gain on this investment of approximately $10 million.
We held an equity investment in preferred shares of InTouch Technologies, Inc. (“InTouch”), which was reflected in the our financial statements on a cost basis. On July 1, 2020, Teladoc Health, Inc. (“Teladoc”), a publicly traded company, completed its acquisition of InTouch. Based on the terms of the agreement, we received Teladoc shares on the date of closing and recognized a gain on our investment of approximately $45 million. We were restricted from selling these shares for a period of six months. In January 2021,year ended December 31, 2023, we sold all of our shares in Teladoc and recognized a gain on this investments of approximately $11 million. This gain was offset by a $7.5 million loss recognized upon the settlement of a corresponding derivative collar contract in January 2021.
Additionally, the Company recorded unrealized gains on other strategic investments in 2020 of approximately $22 million.investment, recognizing an additional nominal loss.
Income Tax Expense
Our incomeIncome tax expense was $162 million, $140$142 million and $120$262 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, and 2019,2022, respectively. Our effective tax rate for 20212023 was approximately 8.6%7.2% compared to 11.6%16.3% for 2020 and 8.0% for 2019. 2022.
Our effective tax raterates for 2021, 2020, and 2019 differs2023 differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the excessincrease in Swiss deferred tax assets, as discussed below, the tax benefits recognizedassociated with employee equity plans, the effect of income earned by certain overseas entities being taxed at rates lower than the federal statutory rate, the federal research and development credit benefit, and the release of unrecognized tax benefits due to statute expiration in various jurisdictions, partially offset by the U.S. tax on foreign earnings and state income taxes (net of the federal benefit).
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Our effective tax rates for 2022 differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the tax benefits associated with employee share-based compensation,equity plans, the effect of income earned by certain overseas entities being taxed at rates lower than the federal statutory rate, and the federal research and development credit benefit, partially offset by the U.S. tax on foreign earnings and state income taxes (net of the federal benefit).
Our lower effective tax rate for 2021 includedthe year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to the increase in Swiss deferred tax assets, as discussed below, and lower U.S. tax on foreign earnings.
Our provision for income taxes for 2023 reflected Swiss tax benefits of $92.3 million, net of a $67.3 million valuation allowance, related to certain tax assets recorded by our Swiss entity. In addition, a one-time net benefit of $66.4$67.1 million was recorded from the re-measurement of our Swiss deferred tax assets resulting from the extension of the economic useful life of certain intangible assets. Our effective tax rate for 2020 included an increase of $39.3 million in unrecognized tax benefits with a corresponding increase to income tax expense. This increase was related to intercompany charges for share-based compensation for relevant periods prior to 2020, triggered by the finalization of a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion involving an independent third party. An additional charge of $13.6 million related to this matter was recorded to income tax expense in 2021, primarily as a result of additional IRS guidance issued in July 2021. Our effective tax rate for 2019 included a one-time benefit of $51.3 million associated with re-measurement of our Swiss deferred tax assets due to a Swiss statutorycantonal tax rate increase enacted in December 2023 for years after 2024 as partwell as a Swiss cantonal tax rate increase from the discontinuation of our 2017 Swiss tax reform in August 2019.ruling, which was deemed effective as of January 1, 2023.
Our 2021, 2020, and 2019 provisionsprovision for income taxes for 2023 and 2022 included excess tax benefits associated with employee equity plans of $186 million, $166$108 million and $147$99 million, respectively, which reduced our effective tax rate by 9.8, 13.8,5.5 and 9.86.1 percentage points, respectively. The amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies will fluctuate from period to period based on the price of our stock, the volume of share-based awards settled or vested, and the value assigned to employee equity awards under U.S. GAAP, which results in increased income tax expense volatility.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was enacted in the U.S. and introduced a 15% alternative minimum tax based on the financial statement income of certain large corporations (“CAMT”), effective January 1, 2023. There is no impact on our provision for income taxes from the CAMT for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In 2021, the OECD established an Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting and agreed on a two-pillar solution (“Pillar Two”) to global taxation, focusing on global profit allocation and a 15% global minimum effective tax rate. On December 15, 2022, the European Union member states agreed to implement the OECD’s global minimum tax rate of 15%. The OECD issued Pillar Two model rules and continues to release guidance on these rules. The Inclusive Framework calls for tax law changes by participating countries to take effect in 2024 and 2025. Various countries have enacted or have announced plans to enact new tax laws to implement the global minimum tax. We considered the applicable tax law changes on Pillar Two implementation in the relevant countries, and there is no impact to our tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2023. We will continue to evaluate the impact of these tax law changes on future reporting periods.
We file federal, state, and foreign income tax returns in many jurisdictions in the U.S. and abroad.OUS. Years prior tobefore 2016 are considered closed for most significant jurisdictions. Certain of our unrecognized tax benefits could change due to activities of various tax authorities, including evolving interpretations of existing tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate, potential assessment of additional tax, possible settlement of audits, or through normal expiration of various statutes of limitations, which could affect our effective tax rate in the period in which they change. Due to the uncertainty related to the timing and potential outcome of audits, we cannot estimate the range of reasonably possible changechanges in unrecognized tax benefits that may occur in the next 12 months.
We are subject to the examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. The outcome of these audits cannot be predicted with certainty. Management regularly assesses the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. If any issues addressed in our tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management’s expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Venture
The Company’s majority-owned joint venture (the “Joint Venture”)Joint Venture with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Fosun Pharma”), a subsidiary of Fosun International Limited,Pharma was established to research, develop, manufacture, and sell
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robotic-assisted, catheter-based medical devices. The Joint Venture is owned 60% by us and 40% by Fosun Pharma and is located in China. The catheter-based technology will initially target early diagnosis and cost-effective treatment of lung cancer, one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer in the world. Distribution of catheter-based medical devices in China will be conducted by the joint venture,Joint Venture, while distribution outside of China will be conducted by us.
In January 2019, the Joint Venture acquired certain assets, including distribution rights, customer relationships, and certain personnel, from Chindex and its affiliates, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, and began direct operations for da Vinci products and services in China. As of December 31, 2021,2023, the companies have contributed $55 million of up to $100 million required by the joint venture agreement. Following approval in June 2023 by China’s NMPA for a local version of our da Vinci Xi surgical system, in August 2023, our Intuitive-Fosun Pharma Joint Venture received a manufacturing license that permits the Joint Venture to manufacture our da Vinci Xi surgical system for sale to customers in China.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Joint Venture for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, was $23.5$19.3 million, compared to $6.2$22.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, and $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Joint Venture for the year ended December 31, 2021, was primarily due to the increase in sales in China, as well as re-measurement losses related to the contingent consideration from the acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2020, which did not recur in 2021 as the contingent consideration has been finalized and paid. These increases in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Joint Venture were partially offset by additional long-term incentive plan expenses recorded as a result2022.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
Our principal source of liquidity is cash provided by our operations and by the issuance of common stock through the exercise of stock options and our employee stock purchase program. Cash and cash equivalents plus short- and long-term investments increased by $1.75$0.60 billion to $7.34 billion as of December 31, 2023, from $6.74 billion as of December 31, 2022, primarily as a result of cash provided by operating activities, proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases, and unrealized gains on interest-bearing debt securities classified as available for sale, partially offset by cash used for capital expenditures and share repurchases. Cash and cash equivalents plus short- and long-term investments decreased by $1.88 billion to $6.74 billion as of December 31, 2022, from $8.62 billion as of December 31, 2021, from $6.87 billion as of December 31, 2020, primarily from cash used in share repurchases, capital expenditures, and taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards, as well as unrealized losses on interest-bearing debt securities classified as available for sale, offset by cash provided by our operations and proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases, partially offset by capital expenditures and taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards. Cash and cash equivalents plus short- and long-term investments increased by $1.02 billion to $6.87 billion as of December 31, 2020, from $5.85 billion as of December 31, 2019, primarily from cash provided by our operations and proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases, partially offset by capital expenditures, taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards, and share repurchases.purchases.
Our cash requirements depend on numerous factors, including market acceptance of our products, the resources we devote to developing and supporting our products, and other factors. We expect to continue to devote substantial resources to expand procedure adoption and acceptance of our products. We have made substantial investments in our commercial operations, product development activities, facilities, and intellectual property. Based uponon our business model, we anticipate that we will continue to be able to fund future growth through cash provided by our operations. We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents, and investment balances, together with income to be derived from the sale of our products,business, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may experience reduced cash flow from operations if we experience decreased revenues or if we extend payment terms on salesas a result of the risk of a recession along with other macroeconomic and operating lease and usage-based arrangements.geopolitical headwinds.
As of December 31, 2021, $4812023, $521 million of our cash, cash equivalents, and investments was held by foreign subsidiaries. We intend to repatriate earnings from our Swiss subsidiary and our joint venture in Hong Kong, as needed, since the U.S. and foreign tax implications of such repatriations are not expected to be significant. We will continue to indefinitely reinvest earnings from the rest of our foreign subsidiaries which areand do not expect the tax implications of repatriating these earnings to be significant.
See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for discussion on the impact of interest rate risk and market risk on our investment portfolio.
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Consolidated Cash Flow Data
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 2020, and 2019:(in millions):
 Years Ended December 31,
 202120202019
(in millions)
Net cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities$2,089.4 $1,484.8 $1,598.2 
Investing activities(2,461.5)(940.6)(1,154.4)
Financing activities43.0 (85.7)(168.4)
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(3.4)(2.6)(2.2)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$(332.5)$455.9 $273.2 

 Years Ended December 31,
 202320222021
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$1,813.8 $1,490.8 $2,089.4 
Investing activities(360.1)1,370.8 (2,461.5)
Financing activities(287.6)(2,572.3)43.0 
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash3.3 5.4 (3.4)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$1,169.4 $294.7 $(332.5)
Operating Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, net cash provided by operating activities of $2.09$1.81 billion exceededwas less than our net income of $1.73$1.82 billion, primarily due to the following factors:
1.Our net income included non-cash charges of $729$774 million, consisting primarily of the following significant items: share-based compensation of $449$593 million; depreciation expense and losses on the disposal of property, plant, and equipment of $283$402 million; changes in deferred income taxes of $(63)$(281) million; deferred commission amortization of $33 million; and intangible asset amortization of intangible assets of $27$20 million.
2.The non-cash charges outlined above were partially offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in $368$778 million of cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2021.2023. Inventory, including the transfer of equipment from inventory to property, plant, and equipment, increased by $256$713 million, primarily to address the growth in the business as well as to mitigate risks of disruption that could arise from supply or other matters. Refer to the supplemental cash flow information in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. Accounts receivable increased by $186 million, primarily due to the timing of billings and collections,
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and other accrued liabilities decreased by $33 million, primarily due to timing of income tax payments. The unfavorable impact of these items on cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by an increase in deferred revenue by $53 million, primarily due to collections of payments related to future services, an increase in accounts payable by $42 million, primarily due to the timing of billing and payments, an increase in accrued compensation and employee benefits by $35 million, primarily due to higher headcount and higher variable compensation, and a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets by $24 million, primarily due to a decrease in net investments in sales-type leases.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by operating activities of $1.49 billion exceeded our net income of $1.34 billion, primarily due to the following factors:
1.Our net income included non-cash charges of $766 million, consisting primarily of the following significant items: share-based compensation of $513 million; depreciation expense and losses on the disposal of property, plant, and equipment of $338 million; changes in deferred income taxes of $(185) million; and net losses on investments, accretion, and amortization of $49 million.
2.The non-cash charges outlined above were partially offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in $619 million of cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2022. Inventory, including the transfer of equipment from inventory to property, plant, and equipment, increased by $547 million, primarily to address the growth in the business as well as to mitigate risks of disruption that could arise from trade, supply, or other matters. Refer to further details in the supplemental cash flow information in Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Prepaid expenses and other assetsAccounts receivable increased by $205 million, primarily due to an increase in net investments in sales-type leases, and accounts receivable increased $142$159 million, primarily due to the timing of billings and collections. Prepaid expenses and other assets increased by $129 million, primarily due to an increase in net investments in sales-type leases and an increase in recoverable VAT related to growth in our OUS activities. The unfavorable impact of these items on cash used inprovided by operating activities was partially offset by a $115 million increase in accrued compensation and employee benefits, primarily due to higher headcount and variable compensation, a $51$122 million increase in other liabilities, primarily due to additional accruals related to capital expenditures and timing of income tax payments, a $36$52 million increase in accrued compensation and employee benefits, primarily due to higher headcount and variable compensation, and a $21 million increase in accounts payable, primarily due to the timing of paymentsbilling and vendor billings, and a $33 million increasepayments.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in deferred revenue, primarily due to the increased volume of sales contracts.
Forinvesting activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities of $1.48 billion exceeded our net income of $1.07 billion, primarily due to the following factors:
1.Our net income included non-cash charges of $691 million, consisting2023, consisted primarily of $1.06 billion paid for the following significant items: share-based compensation of $395 million; depreciation expense and losses on the disposalacquisition of property, plant, and equipment, of $226 million; changes in deferred income taxes of $58 million; gains on investments, accretion, and amortization, net, of $55 million; and amortization of intangible assets of $50 million.
2.The non-cash charges outlined above were partially offset by changes in operating assetsproceeds from maturities and liabilities that resulted in $273 millionsales of investments, net of purchases, of $0.71 billion.
Net cash used in operatingprovided by investing activities duringfor the year ended December 31, 2020. Inventory, including2022, consisted primarily of proceeds from maturities and sales of investments, net of purchases, of $1.92 billion, partially offset by $532 million paid for the transferacquisition of equipment from inventory to property, plant, and equipment, increased by $170 million, primarily due to the increased number of systems under operating lease and usage-based arrangements and build-up to mitigate risks of disruption that could arise from trade, supply, or other matters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Prepaid expenses and other assets increased by $112 million, primarily due to an increase in net investments in sales-type leases and an increase in deferred commissions. Accounts payable decreased by $32 million, primarily due to the timing of payments. Accrued compensation and employee benefits decreased by $17 million, primarily due to the timing of bonus payments. The unfavorable impact of these items on cash used in operating activities was partially offset by a $37 million increase in other liabilities, primarily due to additional income tax reserves, and a $15 million increase in deferred revenue, primarily due to the effects of the Customer Relief Program.
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Investing Activitiesequipment.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, consisted primarily of purchases of investments, (netnet of proceeds from salesmaturities and maturities of investments)sales, of $2.10 billion and $340 million paid for the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment of $354 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, consisted of purchases of investments (net of proceeds from sales and maturities of investments) of $561 million, the acquisition of property and equipment of $342 million, and the Orpheus Medical acquisition, net of cash acquired, of $38 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019, consisted of purchases of investments (net of proceeds from sales and maturities of investments) of $669 million, the acquisition of property and equipment of $426 million, and the acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired, of $60 million.equipment.
We invest predominantly in high quality, fixed income securities. Our investment portfolio may, at any time, contain investments in U.S. treasury and U.S. government agency securities, taxable and tax-exempt municipal notes, corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper, non-U.S. government agency securities, cash deposits, and money market funds.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, consisted primarily of cash used in the repurchase of approximately 1.7 million shares of our common stock for $416 million and taxes paid on behalf of employees related to net share settlements of vested employee equity awards of $165 million, partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases of $296 million.
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, consisted primarily of cash used in the repurchase of approximately 11.2 million shares of our common stock for $2.61 billion, 8.5 million shares of which related to accelerated share buyback programs executed and settled during 2022 and further described in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and taxes paid on behalf of employees related to net share settlements of vested employee equity awards of $194 million, partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases of $234 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, consisted primarily of proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases of $277 million, partially offset by taxes paid on behalf of employees related to net share settlements of vested employee equity awards of $212 million and the payment of deferred purchase consideration of $22 million.
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, consisted primarily
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Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019, consisted primarily of cash used in the repurchase of approximately 1.7 million shares of our common stock in the open market for $270 million and taxes paid on behalf of employees related to net share settlements of vested employee equity awards of $159 million, partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases of $273 million.
Capital Expenditures
Our business is not capital equipment intensive. However,expenditures are increasing as we continue to build the Company to supply our customers with the growth of our businesshighly differentiated products manufactured in highly automated factories to facilitate outstanding performance in product quality, availability, and our investments in property and facilities and in manufacturing automation, capital investments in these areas have increased. We expect these capital investments to increase significantly in 2022 to a range between $700 million and $1 billion.cost. A significant portion of this investment involves the construction of facilities to provide incremental space for growth,expand our manufacturing and commercial capabilities. We have also been vertically integrating key technologies to consolidate operationsdevelop a more robust supply chain and bring important products to enhance efficiency,market at attractive price points. These investments include increased ownership of our imaging pipelines, and investments in strategic instruments and accessories technologies that allow us to replace leased spaces with owned spaces. Theseserve our customers better. We expect these capital investments also expand our OUS footprintto range between $1 billion and $1.2 billion in support2024, the majority of opportunities for growth in key international markets.which will be facilities-related investments. We intend to fund these capital investments with cash generated from operations.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
Operating leases. We lease spaces for our operations in the U.S. as well as in Japan, China, Israel, Mexico, China,Germany, South Korea, Israel,the United Kingdom, India, and other countries. We also lease automobiles for certain sales and field service employees. These leases have varying terms of up to 1520 years. Operating lease amounts include future minimum lease payments under all of our non-cancellable operating leases with an initial term in excess of one year. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 for further details.
Purchase commitments and obligations. Total purchase commitments and obligations as of December 31, 2021 is2023, are estimated to be $1.51$2.37 billion, of which $1.41$2.13 billion is expected to be due within a year. These amounts include an estimate of all open purchase orders and contractual obligations in the ordinary course of business, including commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers for which we have not received the goods or services, commitments for capital expenditures, andincluding construction-related activities, for which we have not received the goods or services, and commitments for the acquisition and licensing of intellectual property. Approximately one third of our estimated purchase commitments and obligations are facilities-related. Although open purchase orders are considered enforceable and legally binding, the terms generally allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, andor adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to the delivery of goods or performance of services. In addition to the above, we have committed to makemaking potential future milestone payments to third parties as part of licensing, collaboration, and development arrangements. Payments under these agreements generally become due and payable only upon achievement of certain developmental, regulatory, and/or commercial milestones. For instances in
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which the achievement of these milestones is neither probable nor reasonably estimable, such contingencies have not been recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
2017 Tax Act deemed repatriation tax. As of December 31, 2021,2023, our obligation associated with the deemed repatriation tax is $182$121 million, of which $21$54 million is due within a year. Amounts due areThe remaining balance is expected to be paid in installments in accordance with the 2017 Tax Act.2025.
We are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate as to when payments may occur for our unrecognized tax benefits. Therefore, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is not included in the table above.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2021,2023, we did not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”),GAAP, which requires us to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions. See “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which is included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” which describesfor a description of our significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. The methods, estimates, and judgments that we use in applying our accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates regarding matters that are inherently uncertain. Our most critical accounting estimates include:
the valuation and recognition of investments, which impacts our investment portfolio balance when we assess fair value and interest and other income, net, when we record impairments;
the standalone selling prices used to allocate the contract consideration to the individual performance obligations, which impacts revenue recognition;
the allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts, which impacts revenue;
the valuation of inventory, which impacts gross profit margins;
the valuation of and assessment of the recoverability of intangible assets and theirgoodwill and the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, which primarily impacts gross profit margin or operating expenses when we record asset impairments or accelerate their amortization;
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the recognition and measurement of current and deferred income taxes (including the measurement of uncertain tax positions), which impact our provision for taxes; and
the estimate of probable loss associated with legal contingencies, which impacts accrued liabilities and operating expenses.
Investments Valuation
Fair Value. Our investment portfolioinvestments may include, at any time, containa diversified portfolio of cash equivalents and short- and long-term investments in a variety of high-quality securities, including money market funds, U.S. treasuriestreasury and U.S. government agency securities, non-U.S. government securities, taxable and/or tax-exempt municipal notes, corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper, cash deposits, money market funds,non-U.S. government agency securities, and municipal notes, as well as equity investments with and without readily determinable value. The assessment of the fair value of investments can be difficult and subjective. U.S. GAAP establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. Each level of input has different levels of subjectivity and difficulty involved in determining fair value. Valuation of Level 1 and 2 instruments generally do not require significant management judgment, and the estimation is not difficult. Level 3 instruments include unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The determination of fair value for Level 3 instruments requires the most management judgment and subjectivity. There were no Level 3 securities for the periods presented.
After determining the fair value of our available-for-sale instruments, we identify instruments with an amortized cost basis in excess of their estimated fair value. Available-for-sale instruments in an unrealized loss position are written down to fair value through a charge to interest and other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income, if we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. For the remaining securities, we assess what amount of the excess, if any, is caused by expected credit losses. Factors considered in determining whether a credit-related loss exists include the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, the extent of the loss related to the credit of the issuer, and the expected cash flows from the security. These judgments could prove to be wrong, and companies with relatively high credit ratings and solid financial conditions may not be able to fulfill their obligations.
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No significant impairment charges were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019.2021. As of December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, net unrealized losses on investments of $16.0$29.7 million and $29.5$154.2 million, net of tax, respectively, were included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).loss.
Revenue recognition. Our system sale arrangements contain multiple products and services, including system(s), system components, system accessories, instruments, accessories, and service.services. Other than service,services, we generally deliver all of the products upfront. Each of these products and services is a distinct performance obligation. System accessories, instruments, accessories, and serviceservices are also sold on a standalone basis.
For multiple-element arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Standalone selling prices are based on observable prices at which we separately sell the products or services. If a standalone selling price is not directly observable, then we estimate the standalone selling prices considering market conditions and entity-specific factors including, but not limited to, features and functionality of the products and services, geographies, type of customer, and market conditions. We regularly review standalone selling prices and maintain internal controls over establishing and updating these estimates.
Our system sales arrangements generally include a five-year period of service. The first year of service is generally free and included in the system sale arrangement, and the remaining four years are billed at a stated service price. Revenue that is allocated to the service obligation is deferred and recognized ratably over the service period.
Allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts. We record estimated reductions in revenue for potential returns of certain products by customers. As a result, management must make estimates of potential future product returns related to current period product revenue. In making such estimates, management analyzes historical returns, current economic trends and changes in customer demand and acceptance of our products. If management were to make different judgments or utilize different estimates, material differences in the amount of reported revenue could result.
Similarly, we make estimates of the collectability of accounts receivable, especially analyzing the aging and nature of accounts receivable and historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends, and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Credit evaluations are undertaken for all major sales transactions before shipment is authorized. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate aged items in the accounts receivable aging report and provide an allowance in an amount that we deem adequate for doubtful accounts. If management were to make different judgments or utilize different estimates, material differences in the amount of reported accounts receivable and operating expenses could result.
Inventory valuation. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a first-in, first-out basis. The cost basis of our inventory is reduced for any products that are considered excessiveexcess or obsolete based uponon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required, which could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations.
Intangible assets.Valuation of intangible assets and goodwill. We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration, including contingent consideration, to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the fair value of the purchase consideration over the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest, management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. The estimates and assumptions used in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to, the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, the discount rate used to determine the present value of these cash flows, and the determination of the assets’ life cycle. These estimates are inherently uncertain and, therefore, actual results may differ from the estimates made.
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Our intangible assets include identifiable intangible assets and goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets include developed technology, patents, distribution rights, customer relationships, licenses, and non-competition arrangements. AllCurrently, all of our identifiable intangible assets have finite lives. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are subject to an annual impairment review (or more frequent if impairment indicators arise) by applying a fair value-based test. There have been no such impairments.
Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are subject to impairment testing and are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of these identifiable intangible assets based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated from such assets. If the cash flow estimates or the significant operating assumptions upon which they are based change in the future, we may be required to record additional impairment charges.
The valuation and classification of intangible assets and goodwill and the assignment of useful lives for purposes of amortization involves judgments and the use of estimates. The evaluation of these intangible assets and goodwill for impairment under established accounting guidelinesprinciples is required on a recurring basis. Changes in business conditions could potentially require future adjustments to the assumptions made. When we determine that the useful lives of assets are shorter than we had originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization over the assets’ new, shorter useful lives. No impairment chargecharges or accelerated amortization waswere recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019.2021. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing impairment, which includes financial forecasts. If conditions are different from management’s current estimates, material write-downs of long-lived assets may be required, which would adversely affect our operating results.
Business combinations. We allocate the fair value of the purchase consideration, including contingent consideration, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the fair
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value of the purchase consideration over the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest, management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. The estimates and assumptions used in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to, the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, the discount rate used to determine the present value of these cash flows, and the determination of the assets’ life cycle. These estimates are inherently uncertain and, therefore, actual results may differ from the estimates made.
Accounting for stock options. We account for share-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of U.S. GAAP. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them and the estimated volatility of our common stock price over the expected term. The assumptions for expected volatility and expected term are the two assumptions that most significantly affect the grant date fair value of stock options. Changes in expected risk-free rate of return do not significantly impact the calculation of fair value and determining this input is not highly subjective.
We use implied volatility based on traded Intuitive options in the open market, as we believe implied volatility is more reflective of market conditions and a better indicator of expected volatility than historical volatility. In determining the appropriateness of relying on implied volatility, we considered the following:
the sufficiency of the trading volume of our traded options;
the ability to reasonably match the terms, such as the date of the grant and the exercise price of our traded options to options granted; and
the length of the term of our traded options used to derive implied volatility.
The expected term represents the weighted-average period that our stock options are expected to be outstanding. The expected term is based on the observed and expected time to exercise. We determine expected term based on historical exercise patterns and our expectation of the time it will take for employees to exercise options still outstanding.
Changes in these subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of stock options and, consequently, the related amount of share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Accounting for income taxes. Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits, benefits, and deductions and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as the interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease toin our tax provision in the current period or subsequent period.periods.
WeAlso, we must assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets. In the event that all or part of our deferred tax assets are not recoverable in the future, we must increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be recoverable. In order for our deferred tax assets to be recoverable, we must be able to generate sufficient taxable income in those jurisdictions where the deferred tax assets are located. We consider forecasted income, including income that may be generated as a result of certain tax planning strategies, together with future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, in determining the need for a valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2021,2023, we believe that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will ultimately will be recovered, with the exception of our California deferred tax assets and a portion of our Swiss deferred tax assets. We believe that, due to the computation of California taxes under the single sales factor, it is more likely than not that our California deferred tax assets of $202.5 million will not be realized. Additionally, given certain limitations prescribed by the Swiss tax authority on the utilization of some of our Swiss deferred tax assets, we believe that it is more likely than not that $67.3 million of the Swiss deferred tax assets will not be realized based on the future forecasted income of our Swiss entity. Our ability to realize the deferred tax assets could be reduced in the future if our estimates of future forecasted income do not support the realization of our deferred tax assets. Should there be a change in our ability to recoverrealize our deferred tax assets, our tax provision would be affected in the period in which such change takes place.
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If we determine that a tax position will more likely than not be sustained on audit, then the second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as we have to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We re-evaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effective settlement of audit issues, and new audit activity. Such a change in the recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.
Accounting for legal contingencies.  From time to time, we are involved in a number of legal proceedings involving product liability, intellectual property, shareholder derivative actions, securities class actions, insurance, employee-related, and
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other matters. We record a liability and related charge to earnings in our Consolidated Financial Statements for legal contingencies when the loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Our assessment is re-evaluated each accounting period and is based on all available information, including discussion with any outside legal counsel that represents us. If a reasonable estimate of a known or probable loss cannot be made, but a range of probable losses can be
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estimated, the low-end of the range of losses is recognized if no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other. If a loss is reasonably possible, but not probable, and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss or range of loss is disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
When determining the estimated probable loss or range of losses, significant judgment is required to be exercised in order to estimate the amount and timing of the loss to be recorded. Estimates of probable losses resulting from litigation are inherently difficult to make, particularly when the matters are in early procedural stages with incomplete facts and information. The final outcome of legal proceedings is dependent on many variables and is difficult to predict and, therefore, the ultimate cost to entirely resolve such matters may be materially different than the amount of current estimates. Consequently, new information or changes in judgments and estimates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations or cash flows.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a full description ofadditional information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, including the respective expected dates of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate and Market Risk
The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while supporting the Company’sour liquidity requirements. To achieve this objective, we maintain a diversified portfolio of cash equivalents and short- and long-term investments in a variety of high qualityhigh-quality securities, including money market funds, U.S. treasury and U.S. government agency securities, municipal notes, corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper, non-U.S. government agency securities, cash deposits, and money market funds.municipal notes. The securities are classified as available-for-sale and consequently are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The weighted average duration of our portfolio as of December 31, 2021,2023, was approximately 1.20.8 years. If interest rates rise, the market value of our investments may decline, which could result in a realized loss if we are forced to sell an investment before its scheduled maturity. A hypothetical increase or decrease in interest raterates by 25 basis points would have resulted in a decrease or increase in the fair value of our net investment position of approximately $23$14 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021.2023. We do not utilize derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate risks.
Uncertain financial markets could result in a tightening in the credit markets, a reduced level of liquidity in many financial markets, and extreme volatility in fixed income and credit markets. The credit ratings of the securities we have invested in could deteriorate and may have an adverse impact on the carrying value of these investments.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The majority of our revenue, expense, and capital purchasing activities are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, we generally sell our products and services in local currencies where we have direct distribution channels. We operate in a number of markets on a direct sales basis and incur operating expenses in local currencies. We also purchase certain product components from non-U.S. suppliers in local currency. As a result, because a portion of our operations consistconsists of sales activities outside of the U.S., we have foreign exchange exposures to non-U.S. dollar revenues, operating expenses, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and foreign currency bank balances.
For the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, sales denominated in foreign currencies were approximately 23%25% of total revenue. The objective of our hedging program is to mitigate the impact of changes in currency exchange rates on our net cash flow from foreign currency denominatedcurrency-denominated sales and expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, our revenue would have decreased by approximately $25.1$121 million if the U.S. dollar exchange rate strengthened by 10%. We also hedge the net recognized non-functional currency balance sheet exposures with foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk that our earnings and cash flows will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. A 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar exchange rate against all currencies to which we have exposure, after considering foreign currency hedges and offsetting positions as of December 31, 2021,2023, would have resulted in an approximately $7.6$1 million increase in the carrying amounts of those net assets. Actual gains and losses in the future may differ materially from the hypothetical gains and losses discussed above based on changes in the timing and amount of foreign currency exchange rate movements and our actual exposure and hedging transactions. Bank counterparties to foreign exchange forward contracts expose us to credit-related losses in the event of their nonperformance. To mitigate that risk, we only contract with counterparties that meet certain minimum requirements under our counterparty risk assessment process. We monitor credit ratings and potential downgrades on at least a quarterly basis. Based on our ongoing assessment of counterparty risk, we will adjust our exposure to various counterparties.
Although we sell to distributors outside of the U.S. in U.S. dollars, strengthening of the dollar can impact our distributors’ margins and could impact the end customers’ ability to purchase our productproducts if our distributors seek to recover the impact of the change in the dollar by increasing product and service prices. Less than 10% of our revenue is conducted through distributors outside of the U.S. Strengthening of the dollar relative to non-U.S. currencies could have an adverse impact on our business.
Our operations outside of the U.S. are subject to risks typical of operations outside of the U.S. including, but not limited to, differing economic conditions, changes in the political climate, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions, and foreign exchange rate volatility.
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ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
All other schedules have been omitted, because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021,2023, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20212023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidatedfinancial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Determination of Standalone Selling Prices Related to System Sale Arrangements
As described in Notes 2 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognized $1,693.4$1,679.7 million of systems revenue, during the year ended December 31, 2021.2023. The Company’s system sale arrangements include a combination of the following performance obligations: system(s); system components; system accessories; instruments; accessories; and system service. For multiple-element arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Standalone selling prices are based on observable prices at which the Company separately sells the products or services. If a standalone selling price is not directly observable, then management estimates the standalone selling price considering market conditions and entity-specific factors including, but not limited to, features and functionality of the products and services, geographies, and type of customer.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the determination of standalone selling prices related to system sale arrangements is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management when determining estimates of standalone selling prices, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence relating to the estimates of standalone selling prices used to allocate the transaction price of an arrangement to each distinct performance obligation.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls over the revenue recognition process, including controls over the determination of the estimates of standalone selling prices. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for determining the estimates of standalone selling prices; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the overall methodology used by management to develop the estimates, including the appropriateness of the data inputs related to the products and services, geographies, and type of customer used in the methodology; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the methodology; and (iv) testing the accuracy of management’s calculations of estimated selling prices.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
February 3, 2022January 31, 2024

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.
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INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PAR VALUE AMOUNTS)




December 31,

December 31,
20212020

20232022
ASSETSASSETS
Current assets:Current assets:
Current assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,290.9 $1,622.6 
Short-term investmentsShort-term investments2,913.1 3,488.8 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $20.2 and $17.7 as of December 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively782.7 645.5 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $27.1 and $22.4 as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively
InventoryInventory587.1 601.5 
Prepaids and other current assetsPrepaids and other current assets271.1 267.5 
Total current assetsTotal current assets5,844.9 6,625.9 
Property, plant, and equipment, netProperty, plant, and equipment, net1,876.4 1,577.3 
Long-term investmentsLong-term investments4,415.5 1,757.7 
Deferred tax assetsDeferred tax assets441.4 367.7 
Intangible and other assets, netIntangible and other assets, net633.2 503.6 
GoodwillGoodwill343.6 336.7 
Total assetsTotal assets$13,555.0 $11,168.9 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:Current liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accounts payable
Accounts payableAccounts payable$121.2 $81.6 
Accrued compensation and employee benefitsAccrued compensation and employee benefits350.1 235.0 
Deferred revenueDeferred revenue377.2 350.3 
Other accrued liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities301.3 298.3 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities1,149.8 965.2 
Other long-term liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities453.7 444.6 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities1,603.5 1,409.8 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)00Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Stockholders’ equity:Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, 2.5 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, issuable in series; no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021, and 2020— — 
Common stock, 600.0 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, 357.7 shares and 353.1 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively0.4 0.4 
Preferred stock, 2.5 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, issuable in series; zero shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and 2022
Preferred stock, 2.5 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, issuable in series; zero shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and 2022
Preferred stock, 2.5 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, issuable in series; zero shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and 2022
Common stock, 600.0 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, 352.3 shares and 350.0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital7,164.0 6,444.9 
Retained earningsRetained earnings4,760.9 3,261.3 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(24.2)24.9 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total Intuitive Surgical, Inc. stockholders’ equityTotal Intuitive Surgical, Inc. stockholders’ equity11,901.1 9,731.5 
Noncontrolling interest in joint ventureNoncontrolling interest in joint venture50.4 27.6 
Total stockholders’ equityTotal stockholders’ equity11,951.5 9,759.1 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equityTotal liabilities and stockholders’ equity$13,555.0 $11,168.9 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)




Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
202120202019

202320222021
Revenue:Revenue:
ProductProduct$4,793.9 $3,634.6 $3,754.3 
Product
Product
ServiceService916.2 723.8 724.2 
Total revenueTotal revenue5,710.1 4,358.4 4,478.5 
Cost of revenue:Cost of revenue:
Product
Product
ProductProduct1,464.1 1,230.3 1,119.1 
ServiceService287.5 266.9 249.2 
Total cost of revenueTotal cost of revenue1,751.6 1,497.2 1,368.3 
Gross profitGross profit3,958.5 2,861.2 3,110.2 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrativeSelling, general and administrative1,466.5 1,216.3 1,178.4 
Research and developmentResearch and development671.0 595.1 557.3 
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses2,137.5 1,811.4 1,735.7 
Income from operationsIncome from operations1,821.0 1,049.8 1,374.5 
Interest and other income, netInterest and other income, net69.3 157.2 127.7 
Income before taxesIncome before taxes1,890.3 1,207.0 1,502.2 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense162.2 140.2 120.4 
Net incomeNet income1,728.1 1,066.8 1,381.8 
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventureLess: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture23.5 6.2 2.5 
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.$1,704.6 $1,060.6 $1,379.3 
Net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.:Net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.:
BasicBasic$4.79 $3.02 $3.98 
Basic
Basic
DilutedDiluted$4.66 $2.94 $3.85 
Shares used in computing net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.:Shares used in computing net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.:
BasicBasic356.1 351.1 346.2 
Basic
Basic
DilutedDiluted365.8 361.0 358.4 
Total comprehensive income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.$1,655.5 $1,073.1 $1,405.0 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN MILLIONS)


Years Ended December 31,

Years Ended December 31,
202120202019

202320222021
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.$1,704.6 $1,060.6 $1,379.3 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation gains (losses)Change in foreign currency translation gains (losses)(12.6)4.7 0.3 
Available-for-sale investments (net of tax):
Change in foreign currency translation gains (losses)
Change in foreign currency translation gains (losses)
Available-for-sale securities (net of tax):
Change in unrealized gains (losses)Change in unrealized gains (losses)(45.5)13.8 30.7 
Less: Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on investments— (4.7)(0.5)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains on securities
Net changeNet change(45.5)9.1 30.2 
Derivative instruments (net of tax):
Hedge instruments (net of tax):
Change in unrealized gains (losses)Change in unrealized gains (losses)12.3 (0.8)5.8 
Less: Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on derivative instruments(4.9)(2.8)(5.3)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on hedge instruments
Net changeNet change7.4 (3.6)0.5 
Employee benefit plans (net of tax):Employee benefit plans (net of tax):
Change in unrealized gains (losses)Change in unrealized gains (losses)0.1 1.0 (5.9)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses on employee benefit plansLess: Reclassification adjustment for losses on employee benefit plans1.5 1.3 0.6 
Net changeNet change1.6 2.3 (5.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(49.1)12.5 25.7 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Total comprehensive income
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Total comprehensive income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Total comprehensive income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.$1,655.5 $1,073.1 $1,405.0 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(IN MILIONS)MILLIONS)



Common StockCommon StockAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)/Income
Total Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Stockholders’ EquityNoncontrolling
Interest
in
Joint
Venture
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Shares
Balances as of December 31, 2020
Balances as of December 31, 2020
Balances as of December 31, 2020
Common StockAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)/Income
Total Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Stockholders’ EquityNoncontrolling
Interest
in
Joint
Venture
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Issuance of common stock through employee stock plans
Issuance of common stock through employee stock plans
Issuance of common stock through employee stock plans
Shares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awards
Share-based compensation expense related to employee stock plans
SharesAmountAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)/Income
Total Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Stockholders’ EquityNoncontrolling
Interest
in
Joint
Venture
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balances as of December 31, 2018343.4 $0.3 
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture
Balances as of December 31, 2021
Issuance of common stock through employee stock plansIssuance of common stock through employee stock plans7.1 272.8 272.8 272.8 
Shares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awardsShares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awards(0.9)(7.6)(151.5)(159.1)(159.1)
Share-based compensation expense related to employee stock plansShare-based compensation expense related to employee stock plans335.8 335.8 335.8 
Repurchase and retirement of common stockRepurchase and retirement of common stock(1.7)(14.5)(255.0)(269.5)(269.5)
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.1,379.3 1,379.3 1,379.3 
Other comprehensive income (loss)Other comprehensive income (loss)25.7 25.7 (0.3)25.4 
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest— 10.0 10.0 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventureNet income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture— 2.5 2.5 
Balances as of December 31, 2019347.9 $0.3 $5,756.6 $2,494.5 $12.4 $8,263.8 $20.9 $8,284.7 
Adoption of new accounting standard
(1)
(0.1)(0.1)(0.1)
Balances as of December 31, 2022
Issuance of common stock through employee stock plans
Issuance of common stock through employee stock plans
Issuance of common stock through employee stock plansIssuance of common stock through employee stock plans6.8 0.1 308.7 308.8 308.8 
Shares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awardsShares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awards(0.9)(7.9)(167.3)(175.2)(175.2)
Share-based compensation expense related to employee stock plansShare-based compensation expense related to employee stock plans395.4 395.4 395.4 
Repurchase and retirement of common stockRepurchase and retirement of common stock(0.7)(7.9)(126.4)(134.3)(134.3)
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.1,060.6 1,060.6 1,060.6 
Other comprehensive income12.5 12.5 0.5 13.0 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventureNet income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture— 6.2 6.2 
Balances as of December 31, 2020353.1 $0.4 $6,444.9 $3,261.3 $24.9 $9,731.5 $27.6 $9,759.1 
Issuance of common stock through employee stock plans5.4 276.5 276.5 276.5 
Shares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awards(0.8)(6.6)(205.0)(211.6)(211.6)
Share-based compensation expense related to employee stock plans449.2 449.2 449.2 
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.1,704.6 1,704.6 1,704.6 
Other comprehensive income (loss)(49.1)(49.1)(0.7)(49.8)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventureNet income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture— 23.5 23.5 
Balances as of December 31, 2021357.7 $0.4 $7,164.0 $4,760.9 $(24.2)$11,901.1 $50.4 $11,951.5 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture
Balances as of December 31, 2023
(1) Represents the adjustment related to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS)


Years Ended December 31,

Years Ended December 31,
202120202019

202320222021
Operating activities:Operating activities:
Net incomeNet income$1,728.1 $1,066.8 $1,381.8 
Net income
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment, netDepreciation and loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment, net282.8 226.4 160.0 
Depreciation and loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment, net
Depreciation and loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment, net
Amortization of intangible assetsAmortization of intangible assets27.4 49.8 43.0 
Loss (gain) on investments, accretion of discounts, and amortization of premiums on investments, net10.6 (55.1)(6.0)
Gain on sale of business
Loss on investments, accretion of discounts, and amortization of premiums on investments, net
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes(62.6)57.6 (8.0)
Share-based compensation expenseShare-based compensation expense449.2 395.4 335.8 
Amortization of contract acquisition assetsAmortization of contract acquisition assets22.0 17.1 13.1Amortization of contract acquisition assets33.0 26.6 26.6 22.022.0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivableAccounts receivable(142.3)5.7 38.8 
InventoryInventory(256.0)(170.1)(360.5)
Prepaids and other assetsPrepaids and other assets(204.9)(111.8)(116.9)
Accounts payableAccounts payable36.0 (32.3)12.3 
Accrued compensation and employee benefitsAccrued compensation and employee benefits115.1 (16.6)57.4 
Deferred revenueDeferred revenue32.6 15.0 35.5 
Other liabilitiesOther liabilities51.4 36.9 11.9 
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities2,089.4 1,484.8 1,598.2 
Investing activities:Investing activities:
Purchase of investmentsPurchase of investments(6,452.0)(4,292.9)(3,346.2)
Purchase of investments
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from sales of investmentsProceeds from sales of investments84.9 800.7 107.3 
Proceeds from maturities of investmentsProceeds from maturities of investments4,267.8 2,930.8 2,569.8 
Purchase of property, plant, and equipment and intellectual property(353.5)(341.5)(425.6)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash(8.7)(37.7)(59.7)
Net cash used in investing activities(2,461.5)(940.6)(1,154.4)
Purchase of property, plant, and equipment
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash, and intellectual property and other investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Financing activities:Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock relating to employee stock plans
Proceeds from issuance of common stock relating to employee stock plans
Proceeds from issuance of common stock relating to employee stock plansProceeds from issuance of common stock relating to employee stock plans276.5 308.8 272.8 
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awardsTaxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards(211.6)(175.2)(159.1)
Repurchase of common stockRepurchase of common stock— (134.3)(269.5)
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest— — 10.0 
Payment of deferred purchase consideration
Payment of deferred purchase consideration
Payment of deferred purchase considerationPayment of deferred purchase consideration(21.9)(85.0)(22.6)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activitiesNet cash provided by (used in) financing activities43.0 (85.7)(168.4)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cashEffect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(3.4)(2.6)(2.2)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cashNet increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(332.5)455.9 273.2 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of yearCash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of year1,638.5 1,182.6 909.4 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of yearCash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of year$1,306.0 $1,638.5 $1,182.6 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.    DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (“Intuitive” or the “Company”) develops, manufactures, and markets the da Vinci® Surgical Systemsurgical systems and the Ion® endoluminal system. The Company’s products and related services enable physicians and healthcare providers to improve the quality of and access to minimally invasive care. The systems consistda Vinci surgical system consists of a surgeon console or consoles, a patient-side cart, and a high-performance vision system. The Ion endoluminal system consists of a system cart, a controller, a catheter, and proprietarya vision probe. Both systems use software, instruments, and accessories.
NOTE 2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the results and balances of the Company’s majority-owned joint venture (“Jointventures, Intuitive Surgical-Fosun Medical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Intuitive Surgical-Fosun (HongKong) Co., Ltd. (collectively, the “Joint Venture”) with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Fosun Pharma”). Chindex Medical Limited (“Chindex”), a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, has been its distribution partner for da Vinci Surgical Systems in China. The Company holds a controlling financial interest in the Joint Venture, and the noncontrolling interest is reflected as a separate component of the consolidated stockholders’ equity. The noncontrolling interest’s share of the earnings in the Joint Venture is presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019.2021.
Common Stock Split
Shares issued pursuant to the three-for-one stock split (the "Stock Split"“Stock Split”) of the Company'sCompany’s issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.001 per share, were distributed on October 4, 2021, to stockholders of record as of September 27, 2021. All share and per-share information presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Stock Split.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The accounting estimates that require management’s most significant, complex, and subjective judgments include the valuation and recognition of investments, revenue recognition and the valuation of revenue and allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts,standalone selling prices used to allocate the contract consideration to the individual performance obligations, the valuation of inventory, the valuation of and assessment of the recoverability of intangible assets and their estimated useful lives, the valuation and recognition of share-based compensation,goodwill, the recognition and measurement of current and deferred income taxes, including the measurement of uncertain tax assets, along with the assessment of recoverability, and liabilities,positions, and the estimates for legal contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Concentrations of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties
The carrying amounts for financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Marketable securities and derivative instruments are stated at their estimated fair values, based on quoted market prices for the same or similar instruments. The counterparties to the agreements relating to the Company’s investment securities and derivative instruments consist of various major corporations, financial institutions, municipalities, and government agencies of high credit standing.
The Company’s accounts receivable are primarily derived from billings related to revenue arrangements with customers and distributors located throughout the world. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral from its customers. The Company provides reserves for potential credit losses but has not experienced significant losses to date. As of both December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020, 67%2022, 65% and 60%, respectively, of accounts receivable were from domestic customers.
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, domestic revenue accounted for 67%66%, 68%67%, and 70%67% of total revenue, respectively, while outside of the U.S. (“OUS”) revenue accounted for 33%34%, 32%33%, and 30%33%, respectively, of total revenue for each of the years then ended.
The Company is subject to additional risks and uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent of the impact on the Company’s business is highly uncertain and difficult to predict. In certain regions, the Company’s customers continue to divert resources to treat COVID-19 patients and defer some elective surgical procedures, both of which may impact the Company’s customers’ ability to meet their obligations, including to the Company. Furthermore, economies worldwide have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is possible that the impact could cause an extended local and/or global economic recession. Such economic disruption could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business as
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hospitals curtail and reduce capital and overall spending. Policymakers around the globe have responded with fiscal policy actions to support the healthcare industry and their economies. However, the magnitude and overall effectiveness of these actions remains uncertain.
The severity of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the duration and severity of the pandemic and the extent and severity of the impact on the Company’s customers, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. The Company’s future results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected by delaysmacroeconomic and geopolitical factors in payments of outstanding receivables,the U.S. and globally, including the supply chain disruptions, including shortages andenvironment, inflationary pressure, higher interest rates, instability in the global financial markets, significant disruptions in the commodities’ markets as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas, labor shortages, the introduction of or changes in tariffs, trade
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barriers, or regulatory requirements, and uncertain or reduced demand, andas well as the impact of any initiatives or programs that the Company may undertake to address financial and operational challenges faced by its customers.
In particular, the Company has experienced increased difficulties in obtaining a sufficientSupply chain constraints continued to show improvement through 2023 based on fewer market constraints. Notably, supply of componentsemiconductor materials used in its products, including those in the semiconductor market, as global supply has become significantly constrained due to increased demand in semiconductors and other materials.rebounded while certain residual stresses remain. Additionally, prices of such materials have increasedremain elevated due to the increasedeither market demand or production-related cost inflation. With higher interest rates, access to credit may become more difficult, and supply shortage.any insolvency of certain suppliers, including sole- and single-sourced suppliers, may heighten continuity risks. The Company is actively engaged in activities to seek to mitigate supply disruptions by, for example, increasing its communications with its suppliers and modifying its purchase order coverage and inventory levels.
However, the globalimpact of any supply chain shortages, including those indisruptions on the semiconductor market, are likely to remain a challenge for the foreseeable future. The Company has also experienced challenges in logistics, as certain shipping routes have been impacted by port closures. Such globalCompany’s operations.
Global shortages in important components and logistics challenges have resulted in, and will continue to cause, inflationary cost pressure in the Company’s supply chain. To date, these supply chain challenges have not materially impacted the Company’s results of operations or ability to deliver productproducts and services to its customers. However, supply constraints with certain materials, which may be unavoidable, could delay the timing of our product deliveries, which could result in deferred or canceled procedures. Additionally, if shortagesinflationary pressures in important supply chain materials in the semiconductor or other markets continue,component costs persist, the Company could failmay not be able to meet product demand, which would adverselyquickly or easily adjust pricing, reduce costs, or implement countermeasures. Also, there is continued uncertainty surrounding the impact its business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.any monetary policy changes taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks to address the structural risks associated with inflation.
IncreasedFluctuations in labor availability globally, including labor shortages globally, includingand staff burnout and attrition, could also impact the Company’s ability to hire and retain personnel critical to its manufacturing, logistics, and commercial operations. The Company is also highly dependent on the principal members of its management and scientific staff. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to its success, and competition for them has become more intense. The loss of critical members of the Company’s team, or its inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, could significantly harm its operations, business, and ability to compete. In addition,
A number of hospitals are also experiencingcontinue to experience challenges with staffing shortages and supply chain issuescost pressures that could impactaffect their ability to provide patient care.care; however, the staffing challenges have shown signs of improvement during the second half of 2023, relative to the first half of 2023 and to the prior year. Additionally, hospitals are facing significant financial pressure as supply chain constraints and inflation drive up operating costs, higher interest rates make access to credit more expensive, unrealized losses decrease available cash reserves, and fiscal stimulus programs enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic wind down. Hospitals may also be adversely affected by the liquidity concerns in the broader financial services industry that could result in delayed access or loss of access to uninsured deposits or loss of their ability to draw on existing credit facilities involving a troubled or failed financial institution. To the extent macroeconomic conditions remain challenging, it is likely that hospitals’ spend on capital equipment will be adversely impacted. In addition, as overall competition for medical technologies, including robotic-assisted devices and other treatment options, progresses in various markets, longer selling cycles and pricing pressures are likely to result. As of the date of issuance of these Consolidated Financial Statements, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemicthese macroeconomic factors may materially adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, or results of operations is uncertain.
Customer Relief Program
DuringThe Company maintains the second quartermajority of 2020,its cash and cash equivalents in accounts with major U.S. and multi-national financial institutions, and our deposits exceed insured limits. Market conditions could impact the Company introduced a seriesviability of programs to provide financial relief to customers (the “Customer Relief Program”). As partthese institutions. To date, these market conditions and liquidity concerns have not impacted our results of operations. However, in the event of the Customer Relief Program, the Company provided its customers service fee credits, extended payment terms, and deferred payments related to Intuitive System Leasing arrangements. The Customer Relief Program ended at the endfailure of any of the third quarter of 2020. There wasfinancial institutions where we maintain our cash and cash equivalents, there can be no similar customer relief program offeredassurance that we would be able to access uninsured funds in 2021.
Service fee credits. As part of the Customer Relief Program, the Company provided service fee creditsa timely manner or at all. Any inability to customers based on the reductionaccess or delay in the utilization of their systems during the secondaccessing these funds could adversely affect our business and third quarters of 2020 relative to a pre-COVID-19 level baseline. The Company reflected the service fee credits as a reduction of service revenue and accounts receivable in the quarter they were earned by its customers. The service fee credit program resulted in an $80 million decrease in service revenue in 2020.
Short-term payment relief. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company introduced a payment deferral program to provide financial relief to qualified customers. This relief extended payment terms up to 180 days for qualified and creditworthy customers.position.
The Company is also introducedsubject to additional risks and uncertainties due to COVID-19. When COVID-19 infection rates have spiked in a lease payment deferral programparticular region in the past, procedure volumes were often negatively impacted and the diagnoses of new conditions and their related treatments were sometimes deferred. The Company’s customers may divert resources to treat COVID-19 patients and defer some elective surgical procedures, both of which creditworthy customers with active Intuitive system leasing arrangements could electmay impact the Company’s customers’ ability to defer lease payments upmeet their obligations, including to five months that are payable at the endCompany. The severity of the lease by extendingimpact of COVID-19 on the lease term. This program didCompany’s business will depend on a number of factors, including, but not result in substantial increases in the rights of the lessor or the obligations of the lessee, and the Company elected to apply the relief provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) FAQ on accounting for COVID-19 and market volatility by not applying the lease modification guidance in ASC 842limited to, the lease arrangements affected by the deferralsextent and lease extensions.
For operating lease arrangements where the lease term was extended by adding the deferred period to the endseverity of the contract, the Company recalculated the straight-line revenue based on the revised terms, consistent with the treatment accepted by the FASB FAQ on accounting for COVID-19. For its sales-type lease arrangements impacted, the Company accounted for the deferral in the timing of lease payments as if there were no changes in the lease contract, consistent with the treatment accepted by the FASB FAQ on accounting for COVID-19. While the short-term payment relief offered did not have a material impact on the results of operations, the Company deferred $15 million of lease billingsCompany’s customers, which is uncertain and extended payment terms associated
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with $181 million of billings during the program, of which $19 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2020. All of the trade receivables with extended payment terms have been collected as of December 31, 2021.cannot be predicted.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity from the date of purchase of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash
As of December 31, 2021,2023, and 2022, the Company had $17.9$20.0 million and $19.5 million, respectively, of restricted cash associated with its insurance programs. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $18.0 million of restricted cashprimarily associated with its insurance programs. Restricted cash was included in prepaids and other current assets and intangible and other assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Investments
Available-for-sale investments.debt securities. The Company’s investments may consist of money market funds, U.S. treasury and U.S. government agency securities, taxable and tax-exempt municipal notes,high-quality corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper, non-U.S. government agency securities, and money market funds.taxable and tax-exempt municipal notes. The Company has designated all investments as available-for-sale and, therefore, such investments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). For securities sold prior to maturity, the cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are recorded in interest and other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Investments with remaining maturities at date of purchase greater than 90 days and remaining maturities as of the reporting period less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with remaining maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term investments.
All of the Company’s investments are subject to a periodic impairment review.under the available-for-sale debt security impairment model. Available-for-sale investmentsdebt securities in an unrealized loss position are written down to fair value through a charge to interest and other income, net, if the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. The Company evaluates the remaining securities to determine what amount of the excess, if any, is caused by expected credit losses. Factors consideredA decline in determining whether a credit-related loss exists include the financial conditionfair value attributable to expected credit losses is recorded to interest and near-term prospects of the investee, the extentother income, net, while any portion of the loss related to creditnon-credit factors is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). For securities sold prior to maturity, the cost of the issuer,securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses on the expected cash flows fromsale of investments are recorded in interest and other income, net in the security. No significant charges were recorded duringConsolidated Statements of Income. Investments with remaining maturities at the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,date of purchase greater than 90 days and 2019.remaining maturities as of the reporting period of less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with remaining maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term investments.
Equity investments. The Company holds equity investments with readily determinable fair values and equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The Company recognizes equity investments with readily determinable fair values at the quoted market price with changes in value recorded in interest and other income, net. The Company generally recognizes equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures the fair value of money market funds, certain U.S. treasury securities, and equity investments with readily determinable value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets as Level 1 securities. Marketable securities measured at fair value using Level 2 inputs are, or have been, primarily comprised of commercial paper, corporate notes and bonds, U.S. and non-U.S. government agencies, municipal notes, and equity investments without readily determinable value. The Company reviews trading activity and pricing for these investments as of the measurement date. When sufficient quoted pricing for identical securities is not available, the Company uses market pricing and other observable market inputs for similar securities obtained from various third-party data providers. These inputs either represent quoted prices for similar assets in active markets or have been derived from observable market data. This approach results in the Level 2 classification of these securities within the fair value hierarchy.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory costs include direct materials, direct labor, and normal manufacturing overhead. The cost basis of the Company’s inventory is reduced for any products that are considered excessive or obsolete based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Additionally, the cost basis of the Company’s inventory does not include any unallocated fixed overhead costs associated with abnormally low utilization of its factories.
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Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally, as follows:
 Useful Lives
BuildingUp to 30 years
Building improvementsUp to 15 years
Leasehold improvementsLesser of useful life or term of lease
Equipment and furniture5 years
Operating lease assetsGreater of lease term or 1 to 5 years
Computer and office equipment3 to 5 years
Enterprise-wide software5 to 8 years
Purchased softwareLesser of 3 years or life of license
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 2020,was $382 million, $326 million, and 2019, was $280 million, $221 million, and $157 million, respectively.
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Capitalized Software Costs for Internal Use
The Company capitalizes direct costs associated with developing or obtaining internal use software, including enterprise-wide business software, thatwhich are incurred during the application development stage. These capitalized costs are recorded as capitalized software within property, plant, and equipment. Costs related to preliminary project activities and post-implementation activities are expensed as incurred. Once the software is ready for its intended use, amounts capitalized are amortized over an estimated useful life of up to 58 years generally on a straight-line basis.
Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement
The Company capitalizes qualified implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract for which it is the customer in accordance with the requirements for capitalizing costs incurred to develop internal-use software. These capitalized implementation costs are recorded within intangible and other assets, net, and are generally amortized over the fixed, non-cancellable term of the associated hosting arrangement on a straight-line basis.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized $10.2 million, $6.4 million, and $2.9 million of amortization expense associated with capitalized implementation costs, respectively.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. This standard requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree using acquisition-date fair values. Certain provisions of this standard prescribe, among other things, the determination of acquisition-date fair value of consideration paid in a business combination, including contingent consideration. The excess of the acquisition-date fair value of consideration paid over the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred. The Company includes the results of operations of the businesses that are acquired as of the acquisition date.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter, or if circumstances indicate their value may no longer be recoverable. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets and liabilities. The Company continues to operate in 1one segment, which is considered to be the sole reporting unit and, therefore, goodwill was tested for impairment at the enterprise level.
Intangible assets are carried at cost, net of accumulated amortization. The Company does not have intangible assets with indefinite useful lives other than goodwill. Amortization is recorded on a straight-line basis over the intangible assets’ useful lives, which range from approximately 23 to 9 years.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company evaluates long-lived assets, which include finite-lived intangible and tangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the net book value to the future undiscounted cash flows attributable to such assets. The Company recognizes an impairment charge equal to the amount by which the net book value exceeds its fair value. No material impairment losses were incurred in the periods presented.
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Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenue consists of product revenue, resulting from the sale of systems, system components, and instruments and accessories, and service revenue. The Company accounts for a contract with a customer when there is a legally enforceable contract between the Company and its customer, the rights of the parties are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and the collectability of the contract consideration is probable. The Company’s revenues are measured based on the consideration specified in the contract with each customer, net of any sales incentives and taxes collected from customers that are remitted to government authorities.
The Company’s system sale arrangements generally contain multiple products and services. For these bundled sale arrangements, the Company accounts for individual products and services as separate performance obligations if they are a distinct product or service that is separately identifiable from other items in bundled packages and if a customer can benefit from the product or service on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer. The Company’s system sale arrangements include a combination of the following performance obligations: system(s); system components; system accessories; instruments; accessories; and system service. The Company’s system sale arrangements generally include a five-year period of service. The first year of service is generally free and included in the system sale arrangement, and the remaining four years are generally included at a stated service price. The Company considers the service terms in the arrangements that are
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legally enforceable to be performance obligations. Other than service, the Company generally satisfies all of the performance obligations at a point in time. System components, system accessories, instruments, accessories, and service are also sold on a stand-alone basis.
For multiple-element arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Standalone selling prices are based on observable prices at which the Company separately sells the products or services. If a standalone selling price is not directly observable, then the Company estimates the standalone selling price considering market conditions and entity-specific factors including, but not limited to, features and functionality of the products and services, geographies, and type of customer. The Company regularly reviews standalone selling prices and updates these estimates, as necessary.
The Company recognizes revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control of the product or service to a customer. The Company generally recognizes revenue for the performance obligations in the following manner:
System sales. For systems (including system components and system accessories) sold directly to end customers, revenue is recognized when the Company transfers control to the customer, which is generally at the point when acceptance occurs that indicates customer acknowledgment of delivery or installation, depending on the terms of the arrangement. For systems sold through distributors, revenue is recognized generally at the time of shipment. The Company’s system arrangements generally do not provide a right of return. The systems are generally covered by a one-yearone-year warranty. Warranty costs were not material for the periods presented.
Instruments and accessories. Revenue from sales of instruments and accessories is recognized when control is transferred to the customers, which generally occurs at the time of shipment but also could occur at the time of delivery, depending on the customer arrangement. The Company generally allows its customers in the normal course of business to return unused products for a limited period of time subsequent to the initial purchase and records an allowance against revenue for estimated returns.
Service. Service revenue is recognized over the term of the service period, as the customer benefits from the services throughout the service period. Revenue related to services performed on a time-and-materials basis is recognized when performed.
The Company offers its customers the opportunity to trade in their older systems for a credit towards the purchase of a newer generation system. The Company generally does not provide specified price trade-in rights or upgrade rights at the time of system purchase. Such trade-in or upgrade transactions are separately negotiated based on the circumstances at the time of the trade-in or upgrade, based on the then-fair value of the system, and are generally not based on any pre-existing rights granted by the Company. Accordingly, such trade-ins and upgrades are not considered separate performance obligations in the arrangement for a system sale. The Company generally does not provide specified-price trade-in rights or upgrade rights at the time of a system purchase; however, when they are provided, it is typically a specified trade-in credit that declines over time and requires the customer to enter into a new purchase agreement to exercise the right. The Company accounts for such rights as guarantees and, first, reduces the total consideration by the fair value of the guarantee; the remaining consideration is then allocated to each performance obligation. The liability associated with these guarantees was not material for any of the years presented.
Traded-in systems can generally be reconditioned and resold. The Company accounts for the fair value of the traded-in system in the total consideration in the arrangement by includingfor the net realizable valuepurchase of the traded-in system less a normal profit margin. The value of the traded-in system is determined as the amount, after reconditioning costs are added, that will allow a normal profit margin on the sale of the reconditioned unit to be generated.newer generation system. When there is no market for the traded-in units, no value is assigned. The assigned value of the traded-in units is reported as a component of inventory until resold or otherwise disposed.
In addition, customers may also have the opportunity to upgradeadd additional features to their systems at a price determined at the time of the upgrade,that is separately negotiated, for example, by adding a second surgeon console for use with the da Vinci Surgical System. Such upgrades are performed by completing component level upgrades at the customer’s site. Upgrade revenuesurgical system. Revenue is recognized when the component level upgradesfeatures are completeprovided and all revenue recognition criteria are met.
For multiple-element arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Standalone selling prices are based on observable prices at which the Company separately sells the products or services. If a standalone selling price is not directly observable, then the Company estimates the standalone selling price considering market conditions and entity-specific factors including, but not limited to, features and functionality of the products
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and services, geographies, and type of customer. The Company regularly reviews standalone selling prices and updates these estimates, as necessary.
Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer
The Company has determined that certain sales incentives provided to the Company’s sales team are required to be capitalized when the Company expects to generate future economic benefits from the related revenue-generating contracts subsequent to the initial system sales transaction. When determining the economic life of the contract acquisition assets recognized, the Company considers historical servicecontract renewal rates, expectations of future customercontract renewals, of service contracts, and other factors that could impact the economic benefits that the Company expects to generate from the relationship with its customers. The costsamounts capitalized as contract acquisition costs, which are included in intangible and other assets, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $71.8$89.3 million and $53.1$72.3 million as of December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, respectively. The Company did not incur any impairment losses during the periods presented.
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Intuitive System Leasing
The Company enters into lease arrangements with certain qualified customers. Leases have terms that generally range from 24 to 84 months and are usually collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. The Company also leases systems to certain qualified customers under usage-based arrangements that have terms of up to 84 months. For these usage-based lease arrangements, the lease fee is generally billed monthly in arrears based on a contractual per-use fee, and usage is generally defined as the number of procedures performed with the system.
Revenue related to multiple-element arrangements are allocated to lease and non-lease elements based on their relative standalone selling prices as prescribed by the Company’s revenue recognition policy. Lease elements generally include a system or system component, while non-lease elements generally include service. For some lease arrangements, customers are provided with the right to purchase the leased system at some point during and/or at the end of the lease term. Except for certain usage-based lease arrangements, lease arrangements generally do not provide rights for the customers to exit or terminate the lease without incurring a penalty. Certain lease arrangements may also include upgrade rights that allow customers to upgrade the leased system to newer technology at some point during the lease term. Generally, these upgrade rights do not specify the terms, including the price or structure of the future upgrade transactions, as those terms are negotiated based on the circumstances at the time of the upgrade, including the then-fair value of the system as well as other factors.
In determining whether a transaction should be classified as a sales-type or operating lease (whether fixed-payment or usage-based), the Company considers the following terms at lease commencement: (1) whether title of the system transfers automatically or for a nominal fee by the end of the lease term; (2) whether the present value of the minimum lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the leased system; (3) whether the lease term is for the major part of the remaining economic life of the leased system; (4) whether the lease grants the lessee an option to purchase the leased system that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise; and (5) whether the underlying system is of such a specialized nature that it is expected to have no alternative use to the Company at the end of the lease term.
The Company generally recognizes revenue from sales-type lease arrangements at the time the system is accepted by the customer, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Revenue related to lease elements from sales-type leases is presented as product revenue. Revenue related to lease elements from fixed-payment operating lease arrangements is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is presented as product revenue. Revenue related to lease elements from usage-based arrangements is recognized as the customers utilize the systems and is presented as product revenue.
Other Leasing Arrangements
The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. For arrangements where the Company is the lessee, operating leases are included in intangible and other assets, net, other accrued liabilities, and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021.2023. The Company currently does not have any finance leases.
Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and operating leaseslease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. ROU assets also include any initial direct costs incurred and any lease payments made at or before the lease commencement date, less lease incentives received. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the lease liabilities, as the Company does not have insight tointo the inputs necessary to calculate the implicit rate of the leases. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate when the Company is reasonably certain the option will be exercised. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company also has lease arrangements with lease and non-lease components. The Company elected the practical expedient not to separate non-lease components from lease components for the Company’s real estate and automobile leases. Additionally, the Company applied a portfolio approach to effectively account for the operating lease ROU assets and lease
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liabilities for the Company’s automobile leases. The Company also elected to apply the short-term lease measurement and recognition exemption in which ROU assets and lease liabilities are not recognized for leases with terms of 12 months or less.
Credit Losses
Trade accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances, and current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay. For the years ended December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, bad debt expense was not material.
Net investment in sales-type leases. The Company enters into sales-type leases with certain qualified customers to purchase its systems. Sales-type leases have terms that generally range from 24 to 84 months and are usually collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. The allowance for loan loss is based on the Company’s assessment of the current expected lifetime loss on lease receivables. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical
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experience, credit quality, age of the lease receivable balances, and current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay. Lease receivables are considered past due 90 days after invoice.
The Company manages the credit risk of the net investment in sales-type leases using a number of factors relating to our customers, including, but not limited to, the following: size of operations; profitability, liquidity, and debt ratios; payment history; and past due amounts. The Company also uses credit scores obtained from external providers as a key indicator for the purposes of determining credit quality. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis by year of origination and by credit quality for the net investment in sales-type leases as of December 31, 20212023 (in millions):
20212020201920182017PriorNet Investment
2023
2023
20232022202120202019PriorNet Investment
Credit Rating:Credit Rating:
High
High
HighHigh$101.7 $51.0 $18.8 $7.0 $1.7 $— $180.2 
ModerateModerate109.3 62.6 18.8 7.0 2.8 0.6 201.1 
LowLow8.1 1.6 1.3 0.1 — 0.2 11.3 
TotalTotal$219.1 $115.2 $38.9 $14.1 $4.5 $0.8 $392.6 
For the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, credit losses related to the net investment in sales-type leases were not material.
The Company’s exposure to credit losses may increase if its customers are adversely affected by changes in healthcare laws, procedure coverage, and reimbursement, economic pressures or uncertainty associated with local or global economic recessions, disruption associated with the current COVID-19, pandemic, or other customer-specific factors. Although the Company has historically not experienced significant credit losses, it is possible that there could be a material adverse impact from potential adjustments of the carrying amount of trade and lease receivables as hospital cash flows are impacted by their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.macroeconomic factors, including inflation, high interest rates, and staffing shortages.
Available-for-sale debt securities. The Company’s investment portfolio at any point in time contains investments in U.S. treasury and U.S. government agency securities, taxable and tax-exempt municipal notes, corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper, non-U.S. government agency securities, cash deposits, and money market funds. The Company segments its portfolio based on the underlying risk profiles of the securities and have a zero loss expectation for U.S. treasury and U.S. government agency securities. The Company regularly reviews the securities in an unrealized loss position and evaluates the current expected credit loss by considering factors such as historical experience, market data, issuer-specific factors,financial condition and current economic conditions.near-term prospects of the investee, the extent of the loss related to the credit of the issuer, and the expected cash flows from the security. The Company segments its portfolio based on the underlying risk profiles of the securities and has a zero-loss expectation for U.S. treasury and U.S. government agency securities. The basis for this assumption is that these securities have consistently high credit ratings by rating agencies, have a long history with no credit losses, are explicitly guaranteed by a sovereign entity, which can print its own currency, and are denominated in a currency that is routinely held by central banks, used in international commerce, and commonly viewed as a reserve currency. Additionally, all of the Company’s investments in corporate debt securities are in securities with high-quality credit ratings, which have historically experienced low rates of default. For the years ended December 31, 20212023, and 2020,2022, credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities were not material.
Allowance for Sales Returns
The allowance for sales returns is based on the Company’s estimates of potential future returns of certain products related to current period product revenue. The Company analyzes historical returns, current economic trends, and changes in customer demand and acceptance of the Company’s products.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company grants long-term equity awards under its stock-based compensation plans to certain employees of the Company. These awards include restricted stock units, stock options, and performance stock units. The Company accounts for share-based employee compensation plans using the fair value recognition and measurement provisions under U.S. GAAP. The Company’s share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company estimates expected forfeitures at the time of grant and revises the estimate, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimated.
Restricted stock units. The fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is determined based on the closing quoted price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant.
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Stock options. The Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of
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stock options granted and utilizes the following inputs: (1) closing quoted price of ourthe Company’s common stock on the date of grant; (2) expected term; (3) expected volatility; and (4) risk-free interest rate.
Expected Term: The expected term represents the weighted-average period that the stock options are expected to be outstanding prior to being exercised. The Company determines expected term based on historical exercise patterns and its expectation of the time that it will take for employees to exercise options still outstanding.
Expected Volatility: The Company uses market-based implied volatility for purposes of valuing stock options granted. Market-based implied volatility is derived based on actively traded options with expirations greater than one year on the Company’s common stock. The extent to which the Company relies on market-based volatility when valuing options depends, among other things, on the availability of traded options on the Company’s stock and the term of such options. Due to a sufficient volume of the traded options, the Company used 100% market-based implied volatility to value options granted, which the Company believes is more representative of future stock price trends than historical volatility.
Risk-Free Interest Rate: The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the stock option.
Performance stock units. Performance stock units (“PSUs”) include predefined performance and market conditions. The fair value of restrictedperformance stock units with performance conditions is determined based on the closing quoted price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. The Company estimates the number of awards with performance conditions that will ultimately vest based on the probability of achievement each quarter to determine the amount of compensation expense to recognize each reporting period. The fair value of performance stock units that include a market condition is determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model.
Employee stock purchase plan. The fair value of shares to be issued under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) is computed using the Black-Scholes-Merton model at the commencement of an offering period in February and August of each year utilizing the following inputs: (1) closing quoted price of the Company’s common stock on the initial date of the offering period; (2) expected term; (3) expected volatility; and (4) risk-free interest rate. Share-based compensation for the ESPP is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the two-year offering period.
See “Note 10. Share-Based Compensation,”Compensation” for a detailed discussion of the Company’s stock plans and share-based compensation expense.
Computation of Net Income per Share
Basic net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is computed using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is computed using the weighted-average number of the Company’s shares and dilutive potential shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares primarily consist of employeerestricted stock units, stock options, restrictedperformance stock units, and shares to be purchased by employees under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan.
U.S. GAAP requires that employeeEmployee equity share options, non-vested shares, and similar equity instruments granted by the Company beare treated as potential common shares outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted shares outstanding include the dilutive effect of equity awards, which is calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options and the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and include amortization of intangible assets, costs associated with co-development research and development licensing arrangements, costs of prototypes, salaries, benefits and other headcount-related costs, contract and other outside service fees, and facilities and overhead costs.
Foreign Currency and Other Hedging Instruments
For subsidiaries whose local currency is their functional currency, their assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates in effect during the period. Gains and losses from foreign currency translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For all non-functional currency monetary account balances, the re-measurement of such balances to the functional currency results in either a foreign exchange gain or loss, which is recorded to interest and other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the same accounting period that the re-measurement occurred.
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The Company uses derivatives to partially offset its business exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. The terms of the Company’s derivative contracts are generally twelvethirteen months or shorter. The Company typically hedges portions of its forecasted foreign currency exposure associated with revenue and expenses. The Company may also enter into foreign currency forward contracts to offset the foreign currency exchange gains and losses generated by the re-measurement of certain assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies. The hedging program is not designated for trading or speculative purposes.
The Company’s accounting policies for these instruments are based on whether the instruments are designated as hedging or non-hedging instruments. The Company records all derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The effective portions of cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are de-designated as hedges when it is probable that the forecasted hedged transaction will not occur in the initially identified time period or within a subsequent two-monthtwo-month time period. Gains and losses in OCI associated with such derivative instruments are reclassified immediately into earnings through interest and other income, net. Any subsequent changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments also are reflected in
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current earnings. Derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments and the ineffective portions of cash flow hedges are adjusted to fair value through earnings in interest and other income, net.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are expected more likely than not to be realized in the future.
The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company includes interest and penalty on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of its income tax expense.
The Company recognizes excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the provision for income taxes as discrete items in the period when the awards vest or are settled. The Company accounts for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) as period costs when incurred.
Segments
The Company operates in 1one segment. The chief operating decision maker regularly reviews the operating results of the Company on a consolidated basis as part of making decisions for allocating resources and evaluating performance. As of both December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, 84% and 83% of long-lived assets were in the United States, respectively.States. Revenue from external customers is attributed to a geographic regionindividual countries based on the location of the end customer.customer location.
Legal Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is involved in a number of legal proceedings involving product liability, intellectual property, shareholder derivative actions, securities class actions, and other matters. A liability and related charge are recorded to earnings in the Company’s consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements for legal contingencies when the loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The assessment is re-evaluated each period and is based on all available information, including discussion with outside legal counsel. If a reasonable estimate of a known or probable loss cannot be made, but a range of probable losses can be estimated, the low-end of the range of losses is recognized if no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other. If a material loss is reasonably possible but not probable and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss or range of loss is disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred.
When determining the estimated probable loss or range of losses, significant judgment is required to be exercised in order to estimate the amount and timing of the loss to be recorded. Estimates of probable losses resulting from litigation are inherently difficult to make, particularly when the matters are in early procedural stages with incomplete facts and information. The final outcome of legal proceedings is dependent on many variables that are difficult to predict and, therefore, the ultimate cost to entirely resolve such matters may be materially different than the amount of current estimates. Consequently, new information or changes in judgments and estimates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments
In July 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2021-05, Lessors — Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments, which amends the lessor lease classification guidance in ASC 842 for leases that include any amount of variable lease payments that are not based on an index or rate. The Company has early adopted this ASU as of July 1, 2021, on a prospective basis. The standard had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Business Combinations
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2021-08”), which creates an exception to the general recognition and measurement principle in ASC 805 by requiring companies to apply ASC 606 to recognize and measure
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contract assetsRecently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Troubled Debt Restructurings and contract liabilities from contracts with customers acquiredVintage Disclosures
In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures (“ASU 2022-02”), which eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Additionally, the standard requires disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in a business combination. The guidance additionally clarifies that companies should applyleases within the definitionscope of a performance obligation inSubtopic ASC 606 when recognizing contract liabilities assumed in a business combination.326-20, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses-Measured at Amortized Cost. The Company will early adoptadopted ASU 2021-08 as of2022-02 on January 1, 20222023, on a prospective basis. TheThere was no impact of the adoption of ASU 2021-08 cannot2022-02 on the Company’s Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), which requires all public entities, including public entities with a single reportable segment, to provide in interim and annual periods one or more measures of segment profit or loss used by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. Additionally, the standard requires disclosures of significant segment expenses and other segment items as well as incremental qualitative disclosures. The guidance in this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently be determined, as itin the process of evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on our related disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires enhanced income tax disclosures, including specific categories and disaggregation of information in the effective tax rate reconciliation, disaggregated information related to income taxes paid, income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit, and income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations. The requirements of the ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is dependentcurrently in the process of evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on future business combinations thatour related disclosures.
The Company continues to monitor new accounting pronouncements issued by the Company may enter into.FASB and does not believe any accounting pronouncements issued through the date of this report will have a material impact on the Company’s Financial Statements.
NOTE 3.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments
The following tables summarize the Company’s cash and available-for-sale marketabledebt securities’ amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, allowance for credit loss, and fair value by significant investment category reported as cash and cash equivalents, or short-term investments, or long-term investments as of December 31, 2021,2023, and 20202022 (in millions):
Reported as:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossFair
Value
Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
Short-term
Investments
Long-term
Investments
December 31, 2021
Cash$572.3 $— $— $— $572.3 $572.3 $— $— 
Level 1:
Money market funds696.6 — — — 696.6 696.6 — — 
U.S. treasuries3,429.1 6.3 (15.4)— 3,420.0 17.0 1,100.3 2,302.7 
Subtotal4,125.7 6.3 (15.4)— 4,116.6 713.6 1,100.3 2,302.7 
Level 2:
Commercial paper717.7 — — — 717.7 — 717.7 — 
Corporate securities2,485.6 2.7 (11.9)— 2,476.4 5.0 886.7 1,584.7 
U.S. government agencies526.1 0.2 (2.9)— 523.4 — 137.8 385.6 
Municipal securities213.4 0.7 (1.0)— 213.1 — 70.6 142.5 
Subtotal3,942.8 3.6 (15.8)— 3,930.6 5.0 1,812.8 2,112.8 
Total assets measured at fair value$8,640.8 $9.9 $(31.2)$— $8,619.5 $1,290.9 $2,913.1 $4,415.5 
Reported as:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossFair
Value
Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
Short-term
Investments
Long-term
Investments
December 31, 2020
Reported as:Reported as:
Amortized
Cost
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossFair
Value
Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
Short-term
Investments
Long-term
Investments
December 31, 2023
Cash
Cash
CashCash$644.3 $— $— $— $644.3 $644.3 $— $— 
Level 1:Level 1:
Money market funds
Money market funds
Money market fundsMoney market funds625.8 — — — 625.8 625.8 — — 
U.S. treasuriesU.S. treasuries2,626.8 23.0 — — 2,649.8 212.5 1,567.9 869.4 
SubtotalSubtotal3,252.6 23.0 — — 3,275.6 838.3 1,567.9 869.4 
Level 2:Level 2:
Commercial paper671.3 — — — 671.3 64.1 607.2 — 
Corporate securities1,425.4 11.9 (0.2)— 1,437.1 3.4 1,036.5 397.2 
Corporate debt securities
Corporate debt securities
Corporate debt securities
U.S. government agenciesU.S. government agencies716.5 2.5 — — 719.0 72.5 233.6 412.9 
Municipal securities
Municipal securities
Municipal securitiesMunicipal securities119.8 2.0 — — 121.8 — 43.6 78.2 
SubtotalSubtotal2,933.0 16.4 (0.2)— 2,949.2 140.0 1,920.9 888.3 
Total assets measured at fair valueTotal assets measured at fair value$6,829.9 $39.4 $(0.2)$— $6,869.1 $1,622.6 $3,488.8 $1,757.7 
Total assets measured at fair value
Total assets measured at fair value
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Reported as:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossFair
Value
Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
Short-term
Investments
Long-term
Investments
December 31, 2022
Cash$497.2 $— $— $— $497.2 $497.2 $— $— 
Level 1:
Money market funds1,084.0 — — — 1,084.0 1,084.0 — — 
U.S. treasuries2,715.2 — (96.6)— 2,618.6 — 1,542.4 1,076.2 
Subtotal3,799.2 — (96.6)— 3,702.6 1,084.0 1,542.4 1,076.2 
Level 2:
Commercial paper20.0 — — — 20.0 — 20.0 — 
Corporate debt securities2,022.0 — (76.0)(1.1)1,944.9 — 651.8 1,293.1 
U.S. government agencies447.2 — (19.9)— 427.3 — 247.8 179.5 
Municipal securities155.5 — (6.0)— 149.5 — 74.7 74.8 
Subtotal2,644.7 — (101.9)(1.1)2,541.7 — 994.3 1,547.4 
Total assets measured at fair value$6,941.1 $— $(198.5)$(1.1)$6,741.5 $1,581.2 $2,536.7 $2,623.6 
The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of the Company’s cash equivalents and available-for-sale investmentsdebt securities (excluding cash and money market funds), as of December 31, 20212023 (in millions):
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Mature in less than one yearMature in less than one year$2,931.6 $2,935.1 
Mature in one to five yearsMature in one to five years4,440.3 4,415.5 
TotalTotal$7,371.9 $7,350.6 
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities, because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations. Gross realized gains recognized on the sale of investments were not material and $8.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Gross realized losses recognized on the sale of investments were not materialimmaterial for the periods presented.years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022.
As of December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, net unrealized gains/(losses)losses on investments,available-for-sale debt securities, net of tax, of $16.0$29.7 million and $29.5154.2 million, respectively, were included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)loss in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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The following tables present the breakdown of the available-for-sale investmentsdebt securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2021,2023, and 20202022 (in millions):
Unrealized losses less
than 12 months
Unrealized losses 12
months or greater
Total Unrealized losses less
than 12 months
Unrealized losses 12
months or greater
Total
December 31, 2021Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Commercial paper$4.0 $— $— $— $4.0 $— 
Corporate securities1,687.9 (11.9)— — 1,687.9 (11.9)
December 31, 2023December 31, 2023Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. treasuriesU.S. treasuries2,596.3 (15.4)— — 2,596.3 (15.4)
Corporate debt securities
Corporate debt securities
Corporate debt securities
U.S. government agenciesU.S. government agencies412.5 (2.9)— — 412.5 (2.9)
Municipal securitiesMunicipal securities156.0 (1.0)— — 156.0 (1.0)
TotalTotal$4,856.7 $(31.2)$— $— $4,856.7 $(31.2)
December 31, 2020      
Corporate securities$352.7 $(0.2)$— $— $352.7 $(0.2)
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2022  
U.S. treasuriesU.S. treasuries278.1 — — — 278.1 — 
Corporate debt securities
Corporate debt securities
Corporate debt securities
U.S. government agenciesU.S. government agencies63.5 — — — 63.5 — 
Municipal securitiesMunicipal securities21.3 — — — 21.3 — 
TotalTotal$715.6 $(0.2)$— $— $715.6 $(0.2)
The current unrealized losses on the Company’s available-for-sale debt securities were caused by interest rate increases. The contractual terms of those investments are relateddo not permit the issuer to commercial paper, corporatesettle the securities U.S. treasuries, U.S. government agencies,at a price less than the amortized cost basis of the investments. As of December 31, 2023, the Company does not intend to sell the investments in unrealized loss positions, and municipalit is not more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell any of the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Therefore, the Company does not expect to realize any losses on these available-for-sale debt securities. The Company determined these unrealized losses to be temporary. FactorsAdditional factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary included the lengthtreatment of time and extent to which the investment’s fair value has been less than the cost basis,unrealized losses include the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, the extent of the loss related to the credit of the issuer, and the expected cash flows from the security, the Company’s intent to sell the security, and whether or not the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost.
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security.
Equity Investments
The following table is a summary of the activity related to equity investments (in millions):
Reported as:Reported as:
December 31, 2022
Carrying Value
December 31, 2022
Carrying Value
Changes in Fair Value (1)
Purchases / Sales / Other (2)
December 31, 2023
Carrying Value
Prepaids and other current assetsIntangible and other assets, net
Equity investments with readily determinable value (Level 1)
Equity investments without readily determinable value (Level 2)
(1) Recorded in interest and other income, net.
(1) Recorded in interest and other income, net.
(1) Recorded in interest and other income, net.
(2) Other includes foreign currency translation gains/(losses).
(2) Other includes foreign currency translation gains/(losses).
Reported as:
December 31, 2020
Carrying Value
Changes in Fair Value (1)
Sales/Purchases/Others (2)
December 31, 2021
Carrying Value
Prepaids and other current assetsIntangible and other assets, net
Equity investments with readily determinable value (Level 1)$60.1 (17.7)(15.5)$26.9 $26.9 $— 
Equity investments without readily determinable value (Level 2)$30.2 43.8 (58.4)$15.6 $— $15.6 
(1) Recorded in Interest and other income, net.
(2) Other includes conversion of certain equity investments without readily determinable value to equity investments with readily determinable value.
TheIn 2023, Company recognized a $43.8 million increasenet decrease in fair value which was reflected in Interest and other income, net,of $5.9 million primarily due to changesan impairment, partially offset by net increases in observable prices for certain equity investments that are held at cost, because they lack readily determinable market values (Level 2). A total of $34.2 million of this increase in fair value was related to an equity investment in preferred shares of Broncus Holding Corporation (“Broncus”). There, which were no decreases in fair valuealso reflected in net income due to impairments.
In September 2021, Broncus completed an IPO of common shares on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Upon completion of its IPO, the Company’s preferred shares were converted to common shares, which have a readily determinable value (Level 1). The Company is restricted from selling these shares for a period of six months. Subsequent to the IPO, the Company recognized a $29.1 million decrease in fair value from this investment. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company has recognized a net gain of $5.1 million related to its Broncus investment, comprised of the $34.2 million gain reflected in changes in fair value for Level 2 equity investments, offset by the $29.1 million loss reflected in changes in fair value for Level 1 equity investments, both of which were reflected in Interestinterest and other income, net.
The Company held an equity investment in common shares of Bolder Surgical Holdings, Inc. (“Bolder”), which was reflected in its financial statements on a cost basis. During the fourth quarter of 2021, Hologic, Inc., a publicly traded company, completed its acquisition of Bolder. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company received cash on the date of closing and recognized a gain on its investment of $9.5 million.
In January 2021, the Company sold all of its shares of Teladoc Health, Inc. (“Teladoc”), a publicly traded company, for $71.5 million and recognized a gain of $11.4 million, which was reflected in Interest and other income, net. This gain was offset by a $7.5 million loss recognized upon the settlement of a corresponding derivative collar contract.
Foreign Currency Derivatives
The objective of the Company’s hedging program is to mitigate the impact of changes in currency exchange rates on net cash flow from foreign currency-denominated sales, expenses, and intercompany balances, and other monetary assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar (“USD”). The terms of the Company’s derivative contracts are generally thirteen months or shorter. The derivative assets and liabilities are measured using Level 2 fair value inputs.
Cash Flow Hedges. The Company enters into currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges to hedge certain forecasted revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the USD, primarily the Euro (“EUR”), the British Pound (“GBP”), the Japanese Yen (“JPY”), and the Korean Won (“KRW”), and the New Taiwan Dollar (“TWD”). The Company also enters into
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currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges to hedge certain forecasted expense transactions denominated in EUR and the Swiss Franc (“CHF”).
For these derivatives, the Company reports the unrealized after-tax gain or loss from the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)loss in stockholders’ equity and reclassifies the amount into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The amounts reclassified to revenue and expenses related to the hedged transactions and the ineffective portions of cash flow hedges were not material for the periods presented.
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments. Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of forward contracts that the Company uses to hedge intercompany balances and other monetary assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the USD, primarily the EUR, GBP, JPY, KRW, CHF, TWD, Indian Rupee (“INR”), Mexican Peso (“MXN”), Chinese Yuan (“CNY”), and New TaiwanCanadian Dollar (“TWD”CAD”), and Swedish Kronor (“SEK”).
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These derivative instruments are used to hedge against balance sheet foreign currency exposures. The related gains and losses were as follows (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Recognized gains (losses) in interest and other income, net$15.5 $(12.3)$6.4 
Foreign exchange gains (losses) related to balance sheet re-measurement$(16.4)$10.9 $(1.5)
Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Recognized gains in interest and other income, net$4.8 $26.9 $15.5 
Foreign exchange losses related to balance sheet re-measurement$(8.5)$(54.2)$(16.4)
The notional amounts for derivative instruments provide one measure of the transaction volume. Total gross notional amounts (in USD) for outstanding derivatives and the aggregate gross fair value outstanding at the end of each period were as follows (in millions):
Derivatives Designated as Hedging InstrumentsDerivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Notional amounts:
   Forward contracts$181.2 $154.3 $318.8 $309.8 
Gross fair value recorded in:
   Prepaid and other current assets$5.7 $0.9 $6.9 $0.7 
   Other accrued liabilities$0.5 $4.3 $0.8 $5.4 

Derivatives Designated as Hedging InstrumentsDerivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Notional amounts:
Forward contracts$292.1 $188.4 $699.7 $496.3 
Gross fair value recorded in:
Prepaids and other current assets$3.1 $1.8 $5.0 $4.3 
Other accrued liabilities$5.9 $5.3 $6.6 $4.2 
NOTE 4.    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT DETAILS
The following tables provide details of selected consolidated financial statement items (in millions):
 December 31,
20212020
Inventory:
Raw materials$214.6 $184.1 
Work-in-process96.4 75.6 
Finished goods276.1 341.8 
Total inventory$587.1 $601.5 
December 31,
20212020
Prepaids and other current assets:
Prepaid taxes$4.3 $28.9 
Equity investments26.9 60.1 
Net investment in sales-type leases – short-term110.3 81.1 
Other prepaids and other current assets129.6 97.4 
Total prepaids and other current assets$271.1 $267.5 
 December 31,
Accounts receivable, net20232022
Trade accounts receivable, net$1,042.2 $864.9 
Unbilled accounts receivable and other105.0 91.7 
Sales returns and allowances(17.0)(14.5)
Total accounts receivable, net$1,130.2 $942.1 
 December 31,
Inventory20232022
Raw materials$454.7 $382.9 
Work-in-process159.9 159.9 
Finished goods606.0 350.4 
Total inventory$1,220.6 $893.2 
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 December 31,
 20212020
Property, plant, and equipment, net:
Land$367.8 $277.9 
Building and building/leasehold improvements812.5 773.8 
Machinery and equipment497.6 428.0 
Operating lease assets – Intuitive System Leasing616.1 419.9 
Computer and office equipment123.7 112.6 
Capitalized software217.6 205.4 
Construction-in-process209.7 117.4 
Gross property, plant, and equipment2,845.0 2,335.0 
Less: Accumulated depreciation*(968.6)(757.7)
Total property, plant, and equipment, net$1,876.4 $1,577.3 
*Accumulated depreciation associated with operating lease assets – Intuitive System Leasing$(182.1)$(112.1)
December 31,
Prepaids and other current assets20232022
Net investment in sales-type leases – short-term137.3 131.2 
Other prepaids and other current assets176.7 168.6 
Total prepaids and other current assets$314.0 $299.8 
 December 31,
20212020
Other accrued liabilities – short-term:
Taxes payable$54.1 $47.2 
Current portion of deferred purchase consideration11.6 10.4 
Current portion of contingent consideration0.4 15.1 
Other accrued liabilities235.2 225.6 
Total other accrued liabilities – short-term$301.3 $298.3 
 December 31,
Property, plant, and equipment, net20232022
Land$457.3 $388.6 
Building and building/leasehold improvements1,002.1 866.5 
Machinery and equipment724.2 566.4 
Operating lease assets – Intuitive System Leasing1,149.7 806.4 
Computer and office equipment153.8 134.7 
Capitalized software257.8 240.9 
Construction-in-process1,354.7 608.6 
Gross property, plant, and equipment5,099.6 3,612.1 
Less: Accumulated depreciation*(1,562.0)(1,237.9)
Total property, plant, and equipment, net$3,537.6 $2,374.2 
*Accumulated depreciation associated with operating lease assets – Intuitive System Leasing$(434.3)$(285.8)
 December 31,
 20212020
Other long-term liabilities:
Income taxes – long-term$316.6 $305.6 
Deferred revenue – long-term36.8 32.1 
Other long-term liabilities100.3 106.9 
Total other long-term liabilities$453.7 $444.6 
December 31,
Implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements20232022
Capitalized implementation costs$50.7 $36.0 
Less: Accumulated depreciation(20.5)(10.3)
Total capitalized implementation costs in intangible and other assets, net$30.2 $25.7 
 December 31,
Other accrued liabilities – short-term20232022
Income and other taxes payable$111.4 $96.1 
Accrued construction-related capital expenditures143.3 50.3 
Other accrued liabilities332.8 329.8 
Total other accrued liabilities – short-term$587.5 $476.2 
 December 31,
Other long-term liabilities20232022
Income taxes – long-term$233.8 $288.0 
Deferred revenue – long-term45.6 41.0 
Other long-term liabilities106.1 110.3 
Total other long-term liabilities$385.5 $439.3 
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Supplemental Cash flowFlow Information
The following table provides supplemental cash flow informationnon-cash investing and financing activities (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Income taxes paidIncome taxes paid$180.0 $34.4 $158.6 
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
Equipment transfers from inventory to property, plant, and equipment$302.4 $186.5 $210.6 
Equipment transfers, including operating lease assets, from inventory to property, plant, and equipment
Equipment transfers, including operating lease assets, from inventory to property, plant, and equipment
Equipment transfers, including operating lease assets, from inventory to property, plant, and equipment
Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment in accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesAcquisition of property, plant, and equipment in accounts payable and accrued liabilities$32.1 $47.3 $30.2 
Deferred purchase and contingent consideration related to acquisitions$6.5 $4.2 $86.6 
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NOTE 5.    REVENUE
The following table presents revenue disaggregated by types and geography (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
U.S.U.S.202120202019U.S.202320222021
Instruments and accessoriesInstruments and accessories$2,225.1 $1,785.1 $1,790.4 
SystemsSystems1,024.8 695.0 830.7 
ServicesServices603.3 482.6 508.4 
Total U.S. revenueTotal U.S. revenue$3,853.2 $2,962.7 $3,129.5 
Outside of U.S. (“OUS”)
OUS
OUS
OUS
Instruments and accessories
Instruments and accessories
Instruments and accessoriesInstruments and accessories$875.4 $670.6 $617.8 
SystemsSystems668.6 483.9 515.4 
ServicesServices312.9 241.2 215.8 
Total OUS revenueTotal OUS revenue$1,856.9 $1,395.7 $1,349.0 
TotalTotal
Total
Total
Instruments and accessories
Instruments and accessories
Instruments and accessoriesInstruments and accessories$3,100.5 $2,455.7 $2,408.2 
SystemsSystems1,693.4 1,178.9 1,346.1 
ServicesServices916.2 723.8 724.2 
Total revenueTotal revenue$5,710.1 $4,358.4 $4,478.5 
Remaining Performance Obligations
The transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations relates to amounts allocated to products and services for which revenue has not yet been recognized. A significant portion of these performance obligations relate to service obligations in the Company'sCompany’s system sale and lease arrangements that will be satisfied and recognized as revenue in future periods. The transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations was $1.86$2.29 billion as of December 31, 2021.2023. The remaining performance obligations are expected to be satisfied over the term of the system sale, lease, and service arrangements. Approximately 45% of the remaining performance obligations are expected to be recognized in the next 12 months with the remainder recognized thereafter over the term of the system sale, lease, and service arrangements, which are generally up to 5 years.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The following information summarizes the Company’s contract assets and liabilities (in millions):
December 31,
20212020
December 31,December 31,
202320232022
Contract assetsContract assets$46.9 $34.6 
Deferred revenueDeferred revenue$414.0 $382.3 
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The Company invoices its customers based on the billing schedules in its sales arrangements. Payments are generally due 30 to 60 days from the date of invoice. Contract assets for the periods presented primarily represent the difference between the revenue that was recognized based on the relative standalone selling price of the related performance obligations satisfied and the contractual billing terms in the arrangements. Deferred revenue for the periods presented primarily relates to service contracts where the service fees are billed up-front, generally quarterly or annually, prior to those services having been performed. The associated deferred revenue is generally recognized over the term of the service period. The Company did not have any significant impairment losses on its contract assets for the periods presented.
During the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, the Company recognized $351$396 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2020.2022. During the year ended December 31, 2020,2022, the Company recognized $282$380 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2019.
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2021.
Intuitive System Leasing
The following table presents product revenue from Intuitive System Leasing arrangements (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Sales-type lease revenue$220.3 $154.4 $81.6 
Operating lease revenue (1)
$276.9 $176.7 $106.9 
(1) Includes variable lease revenue relating to usage-based arrangements.

Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Sales-type lease revenue$78.4 $156.4 $220.3 
Operating lease revenue*$500.5 $376.5 $276.9 
*Variable lease revenue relating to usage-based arrangements included within operating lease revenue$216.5 $133.0 $78.1 
NOTE 6.    LEASES
Lessor Information related to Intuitive System Leasing
Sales-type Leases. Lease receivables relating to sales-type lease arrangements are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions):
December 31,
20212020
December 31,December 31,
202320232022
Gross lease receivablesGross lease receivables$404.0 $286.1 
Unearned incomeUnearned income(11.4)(11.1)
SubtotalSubtotal392.6 275.0 
Allowance for credit lossAllowance for credit loss(3.6)(4.4)
Net investment in sales-type leasesNet investment in sales-type leases$389.0 $270.6 
Reported as:
Reported as:
Reported as:Reported as:
Prepaids and other current assets Prepaids and other current assets$110.3 $81.1 
Prepaids and other current assets
Prepaids and other current assets
Intangible and other assets, net Intangible and other assets, net278.7 189.5 
Total, net$389.0 $270.6 
Net investment in sales-type leases
Contractual maturities of gross lease receivables as of December 31, 2021,2023, are as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearFiscal YearAmountFiscal YearAmount
2022$117.8 
2023102.8 
2024202490.3 
2025202561.1 
2026202629.3 
2027 and thereafter2.7 
2027
2028
2029 and thereafter
TotalTotal$404.0 
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Operating Leases. The Company’s fixed-payment or usage-based operating lease terms are generally less than seven years. Future minimum lease payments (excluding non-lease elements and contingent payments related to usage-based arrangements) related to the non-cancellable portion of operating leases (which excludes contingent payments related to usage-based arrangements) as of December 31, 2021,2023, are as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearAmount
2022$260.3 
2023223.8 
2024173.6 
2025121.8 
202661.2 
2027 and thereafter21.9 
Total$862.6 
Variable lease revenue relating to usage-based arrangements was not material for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019.
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Fiscal YearAmount
2024$277.2 
2025232.3 
2026169.4 
2027103.0 
202843.6 
2029 and thereafter11.2 
Total$836.7 
Lessee Information
The Company enters into operating leases for real estate, automobiles, and certain equipment. Operating lease expense was $20.4$26.8 million, $21.0$25.7 million, and $19.1$20.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, respectively. For leases with terms of 12 months or less, the related expense was not materialimmaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019.2021.
Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 20192021 related to operating leases was as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Cash paid for leases that were included within operating cash outflows$23.2 $11.0 $18.8 
Right-of-use assets recognized related to new lease obligations$30.6 $9.6 $21.5 
Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Cash paid for leases that were included within operating cash outflows$30.2 $33.8 $23.2 
Right-of-use assets recognized related to new lease obligations$27.8 $34.0 $30.6 
Supplemental balance sheet information, as of December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, related to operating leases was as follows (in millions, except lease term and discount rate):
December 31,
Reported as:20212020
Intangible and other assets, net (Right-of-use assets)$74.4 $63.9 
Other accrued liabilities$20.4 $21.9 
Other long-term liabilities66.6 58.0 
Total lease liabilities$87.0 $79.9 
Weighted-average remaining lease term4.9 years5.3 years
Weighted-average discount rate2.5 %3.2 %
December 31,
20232022
Intangible and other assets, net (Right-of-use assets)$79.3 $82.2 
Other accrued liabilities$25.3 $24.2 
Other long-term liabilities64.5 69.6 
Total lease liabilities$89.8 $93.8 
Weighted-average remaining lease term3.7 years4.5 years
Weighted-average discount rate3.4%3.0%
As of December 31, 2021,2023, the future payments related to the Company’s operating lease liabilities are scheduled as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearAmount
2022$22.0 
202321.9 
202416.6 
202514.5 
202612.1 
2027 and thereafter9.1 
Total lease payments96.2 
Less imputed interest(9.2)
Total operating lease liabilities$87.0 

Fiscal YearAmount
2024$27.4 
202527.1 
202622.9 
20279.7 
20285.9 
2029 and thereafter3.1 
Total lease payments96.1 
Less: imputed interest(6.3)
Total operating lease liabilities$89.8 
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NOTE 7.    GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Acquisitions in 2021
There were no material acquisitions in 2023, 2022, or 2021.
Acquisitions in 2020
Orpheus Medical
In February 2020, the Company acquired Orpheus Medical Ltd. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries to deepen and expand the Company’s integrated informatics platform. Orpheus Medical provides hospitals with information technology connectivity, as well as expertise in processing and archiving surgical videos.
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Acquisitions in 2019
Chindex
During the first quarter of 2019, the Company’s majority-owned Joint Venture with Fosun Pharma acquired certain assets from Chindex and its affiliates, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, including distribution rights, customer relationships, and certain personnel on January 5, 2019, which collectively met the definition of a business. Chindex was the Company’s distributor of da Vinci products and services in China. The transaction enhances the Company’s ability to serve patients, surgeons, and hospitals in China.
The total purchase consideration of $66.0 million, as of the acquisition date, included a contingent consideration liability of $64.7 million and an upfront cash payment of $1.3 million. As of the acquisition date, the estimated total undiscounted contingent consideration was approximately $81 million, based on the underlying performance of the business in 2019 and 2020 as well as the amount and timing of the contingent consideration payments. Since the acquisition date, the total undiscounted contingent consideration decreased by approximately $1 million due to changes in the timing of the milestone achievements. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the contingent consideration liability changed due to payments of $12.9 million, $53.7 million, and $16.5 million, respectively, and net additional expenses, which were recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses, of zero, $11.3 million, and $7.2 million, respectively, primarily related to accretion due to the passage of time. As of December 31, 2021, all contingent consideration has been settled and paid.
The Company recorded $1.7 million of net tangible assets, $58.6 million of intangible assets, and $5.7 million of residual goodwill. Intangible assets included distribution rights of $48.2 million and customer relationships of $10.4 million, which are being amortized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years. Key assumptions included (1) the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, and (2) the discount rate used to determine the present value of these cash flows. The goodwill is not amortizable for income tax purposes. The allocation of purchase consideration was completed in the third quarter of 2019. There were no adjustments to the provisional amounts in the measurement period.
Schölly
During the third quarter of 2019, the Company acquired certain assets and operations from Schölly Fiberoptic GmbH (“Schölly”), including manufacturing process technology, a non-compete agreement, certain personnel, and net tangible assets on August 31, 2019, which collectively met the definition of a business. The Company believes that the transaction strengthens the Company’s supply chain and manufacturing capacity for imaging products used in the Company’s da Vinci systems. The total purchase consideration of $101.4 million consisted of an initial cash payment of $34.4 million and deferred cash payments totaling approximately $67.0 million, of which $13.6 million was deferred as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021, all deferred cash payments have been made.
The Company recorded $11.5 million of net tangible assets, which included $6.7 million of inventory and $1.4 million of cash, $31.0 million of intangible assets, and $58.9 million of residual goodwill. The balances include the net impact of adjustments to the preliminary allocation of the purchase price within the one year measurement period, which decreased goodwill by $0.8 million during 2020. There was no significant impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income as result of these adjustments. Intangible assets included manufacturing process technology of $28.0 million and non-compete provisions of $3.0 million, which are being amortized over a weighted-average period of 6.6 years. Key assumptions included (1) the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, and (2) the discount rate used to determine the present value of these cash flows. The allocation of purchase consideration is considered preliminary with provisional amounts primarily related to working capital. Goodwill primarily consists of the manufacturing and other synergies of the combined operations and the value of the assembled workforce. The majority of goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.
In 2019, the Company included the results of the acquired businesses, since their acquisition dates, in its Consolidated Financial Statements, and the revenues and earnings were not material in the year. Pro forma results of operations related to the acquisitions have not been presented, because the operating results of the acquired businesses are not considered material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Goodwill
The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in millions):
Amount
Balance as of December 31, 20192021$307.2343.6 
Acquisition activity29.36.5 
Translation and other0.2 (1.6)
Balance as of December 31, 20202022348.5 336.7 
Acquisition activity8.0 
Translation and other(1.1)0.2 
Balance as of December 31, 20212023$343.6348.7 
The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test and determined that no impairment existed. As of December 31, 2021,2023, there has been no impairment of goodwill.
Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes the components of gross intangible asset, accumulated amortization, and net intangible asset balances as of December 31, 2021,2023, and 20202022 (in millions):
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet
Carrying
Amount
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet
Carrying
Amount
December 31, 2023December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Gross Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet
Carrying
Amount
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet
Carrying
Amount
Patents and developed technologyPatents and developed technology$219.3 $(173.2)$46.1 $198.4 $(158.7)$39.7 
Distribution rights and othersDistribution rights and others26.3 (19.4)6.9 91.9 (77.4)14.5 
Customer relationshipsCustomer relationships31.8 (14.3)17.5 59.0 (35.8)23.2 
Total intangible assetsTotal intangible assets$277.4 $(206.9)$70.5 $349.3 $(271.9)$77.4 
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $27.4$20.2 million, $49.8$27.8 million, and $43.0$27.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, respectively.
The estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets as of December 31, 2021,2023, is as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearFiscal YearAmountFiscal YearAmount
2022$23.6 
202319.0 
2024202415.0 
202520259.6 
202620262.7 
2027 and thereafter0.6 
2027
2028
2029 and thereafter
TotalTotal$70.5 
The preceding expected amortization expense is an estimate. Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to additional intangible asset acquisitions, measurement period adjustments to intangible assets, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, impairmentimpairments of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets, and other events.
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NOTE 8.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
As of December 31, 2021,2023, the Company’s commitments include an estimated amount of approximately $1.51$2.37 billion relating to the Company’s open purchase orders and contractual obligations that occur in the ordinary course of business, including commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers for which the Company has not received the goods or services, commitments for capital expenditures and construction-related activities for which the Company has not received the services, and acquisition and licensing of intellectual property. Although open purchase orders are considered enforceable and legally binding, the terms generally allow the Company the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust its requirements based on its business needs prior to the delivery of goods or performance of services. Additionally, the Company has committed to makemaking certain future milestone payments to third parties as part of licensing, collaboration, and development arrangements. Payments
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under these arrangements generally become due and payable only upon the achievement of certain specified developmental, regulatory, and/or commercial milestones. For instances in which the achievement of these milestones is neither probable nor reasonably estimable, such contingencies are not included in the estimated amount.
Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits, investigations, and proceedings relating to securities laws, product liability, intellectual property, commercial, insurance, contract disputes, employment, and other matters. Certain of these lawsuits and claims are described in further detail below. It is not possible to predict what the outcome of these matters will be, and the Company cannot guarantee that any resolution will be reached on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
A liability and related charge to earnings are recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements for legal contingencies when the loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The assessment is re-evaluated each accounting period and is based on all available information, including the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to each case. Nevertheless, it is possible that additional future legal costs (including settlements, judgments, legal fees, and other related defense costs) could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, andcondition, or future results of operations.
During the years ended December 31,2023 and 2021, 2020, and 2019, pre-tax litigation charges (benefits) related to securities class action lawsuits and product liability claims were not material.insignificant. The Company incurred $28.1 million of pre-tax litigation charges in 2022.
Product Liability Litigation
The Company is currently named as a defendant in a number of individual product liability lawsuits filed in various state and federal courts. The plaintiffs generally allege that they or a family member underwent surgical procedures that utilized the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system and sustained a variety of personal injuries and, in some cases, death as a result of such surgery. Several of the filed cases have trial dates in the next 12 months.
The cases raise a variety of allegations including, to varying degrees, that plaintiffs’ injuries resulted from purported defects in the da Vinci Surgical Systemsurgical system and/or failure on the Company’s part to provide adequate training resources to the healthcare professionals who performed plaintiffs’ surgeries. The cases further allege that the Company failed to adequately disclose and/or misrepresented the potential risks and/or benefits of the da Vinci Surgical System.surgical system. Plaintiffs also assert a variety of causes of action, including, for example, strict liability based on purported design defects, negligence, fraud, breach of express and implied warranties, unjust enrichment, and loss of consortium. Plaintiffs seek recovery for alleged personal injuries and, in many cases, punitive damages. The Company disputes these allegations and is defending against these claims.
The Company’s estimate of the anticipated cost of resolving the pending cases is based on negotiations with attorneys for the claimants. The final outcome of the pending lawsuits and claims, and others that might arise, is dependent on many variables that are difficult to predict, and the ultimate cost associated with these product liability lawsuits and claims may be materially different than the amount of the current estimate and accruals and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, andcondition, or future results of operations. Although there is a reasonable possibility that a loss in excess of the amount recognized exists, the Company is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss in excess of the amount recognized at this time.
Patent Litigation
On June 30, 2017, Ethicon LLC, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., and Ethicon US LLC (collectively, “Ethicon”) filed a complaint for patent infringement against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint, which was served on the Company on July 12, 2017, alleges that the Company’s EndoWrist Stapler instruments infringe several of Ethicon’s patents. Ethicon asserts infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,585,658; 8,479,969; 9,113,874; 8,998,058; 8,991,677; 9,084,601;9,585,658 (“’658”); 8,479,969 (“’969”); 9,113,874 (“’874”); 8,998,058 (“’058”); 8,991,677 (“’677”); 9,084,601 (“’601”); and 8,616,431.8,616,431 (“’431”). A claim construction hearing occurred on October 1, 2018, and the courtCourt issued a scheduling order on December 28, 2018. On March 20, 2019, the court Court
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granted the Company’s Motion to Stay pending an Inter Partes Review to be held at the Patent Trademark and Appeals Board (“PTAB”) to review patentability of six of the seven patents noted above and vacated the trial date. On August 1, 2019, the courtCourt granted the parties’ joint stipulation to modify the stay in light of Ethicon’s U.S. International Trade Commission (“USITC”) complaint against Intuitive involving U.S. Patent Nos. 8,479,969 and 9,113,874, discussed below. There is currently no trial date scheduled for this matter.
9,113,874. The PTAB has issued final written decisions finding the asserted claims of Patent Nos. ’658, ’058, ’677, ’601, and ’431 unpatentable. On August 27, 2018,October 3, 2023, Ethicon confirmed that it would not further appeal the decisions by the USITC in that proceeding that claim 24 of the ’969 Patent and claim 19 of the ’874 Patent were not infringed by the asserted Intuitive products and that those patents were invalid. Outside of the above USITC proceeding, on October 4, 2023, the parties filed a second complaint for patent infringement against the CompanyJoint Status Report in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint allegesdistrict court in which Ethicon stated that the Company’s SureForm 60 Staplers infringe five of Ethicon’s patents. Ethicon asserts infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,884,369; 7,490,749; 8,602,288; 8,602,287; and 9,326,770. The Company filed an answer denying all claims. On March 19, 2019, Ethicon filed a Motion for Leaveit was prepared to File a First Amended Complaint, removing allegations related to U.S. Patent No. 9,326,770 and adding allegations related to U.S. Patent Nos. 9,844,379 and 8,479,969. On July 17, 2019, the court entered an order denying the amendment, without prejudice, and granting
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the parties’ joint stipulation to stay theproceed in this case in its entirety in light of the USITC investigation involving U.S. Patent Nos. 9,844,369 and 7,490,749, discussed below. There is currently no trial date scheduled for this matter.
Based on currently available information, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of loss or range of losses, if any, arising from these matters.
On May 30, 2019, Ethicon filed a complaint with the USITC, asserting infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,884,369 (“’369”); 7,490,749 (“’749”); 9,844,379 (“’379”); 9,113,874 (“’874”); and 8,479,969 (“’969”). On June 28, 2019, the USITC voted to institute an investigation (No. 337-TA-1167) with respect to the claims in this complaint. The accused products include the Company’s EndoWrist 30, EndoWrist 45, SureForm 45, and SureForm 60 Staplers, as well as the stapler reload cartridges. In March 2020, Ethicon dismissed its claims concerning the ’749 patent. The evidentiary hearing took place in February 2021. On June 8, 2021, the Chief Administrative Law Judge issued an Initial Determination concludingallegations that (1) the accused products do not infringe the asserted claims in the ’874 or ’969 patents; (2) the asserted claims in the ’874 and ’969 patents are invalid; (3) the accused SureForm staplers and associated reload cartridges infringe two claims of the ’369 patent; (4) the accused SureForm staplers and associated reload cartridges infringe two claims of the ’379 patent; and (5) the Company was estopped from contending that the asserted claims in the ’379 patent are invalid. Ethicon has not challenged the Initial Determination with regard to the findings that absolve Intuitive of any liability regarding the accused EndoWrist staplersStapler instruments infringe asserted claim 24 of the ’969 Patent and associated reload cartridges. On October 14, 2021, the USITC issued its Opinion in which it made the following rulings: (1) the USITC absolved Intuitive from any liability regardingasserted claim 20 of the ’874 ’969, and ’369 patents; and (2) the USITC found that, while the SureForm staplers and their associated reload cartridges infringe the asserted claims in the ’379 patent, it has suspended the imposition of any remedial order pending an opinion from the Federal Circuit Court of Appeal ofPatent. The parties are currently briefing whether the Patent and Trademark Office correctly foundrecord before the asserted claims in this patent tocourt can be invalid. The Company and Ethicon have filed Notices of Appeal regardingsupplemented with the USITC Opinion. A lifting ofevidence developed before the suspension of any remedial order by the USITC could result in a prohibition on importing the accused SureForm products into the U.S. or necessitating workarounds. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe that any losses arising from this matter would be material.
Commercial Litigation
On February 27, 2019, Restore Robotics LLC and Restore Repair LLC (“Restore”) filed a complaint in the Northern District of Florida alleging anti-trust claims against the Company. On May 13, 2019, Restore filed an amended complaint alleging anti-trust claims relating to the da Vinci Surgical System and EndoWrist service, maintenance, and repair processes. On September 16, 2019, the Court partially granted and partially denied the Company’s Motion to Dismiss the amended complaint.
On September 30, 2019, the Company filed an answer denying the anti-trust allegations and filed a counterclaim against Restore. The Company filed amended counterclaims after the Court partially granted and partially denied Restore’s Motion to Dismiss the counterclaim. The amended counterclaims allege that Restore violated the Federal Lanham Act, the Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and that Restore is also liable to the Company for Unfair Competition and Tortious Interference with Contract. On January 7, 2020, the Court denied Restore’s Motion to Dismiss the amended counterclaims.
Motions for Summary Judgment have been filed by the Company and Restore. Subject to the rulings on those motions, the Court anticipates a trial date in later summer or early fall 2022. Based on currently available information, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of loss or range of losses, if any, arising from these matters.
On September 28, 2020, Rebotix Repair Inc. (“Rebotix”) filed a complaint in the Middle District of Florida alleging anti-trust claims against the Company relating to EndoWrist service, maintenance, and repair processes. The complaint was formally served on the Company on October 6, 2020. On March 8, 2021, the Court partially granted and partially denied the Company’s Motion to Dismiss the complaint. The Company filed an answer denying the anti-trust allegations and filed counterclaims against Rebotix. The counterclaims allege that Rebotix violated the Federal Lanham Act and Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and that Rebotix is also liable to the Company for Tortious Interference with Contract.
Motions for Summary Judgment have been filed by the Company and Rebotix. Subject to the rulings on these motions, the Court anticipates a trial date in or around May 2022.USITC. Based on currently available information, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of loss or range of losses, if any, arising from this matter.
SimilarOn October 19, 2022, a jury rendered a verdict against the Company awarding $10 million in damages to Rex Medical, L.P. in a patent infringement lawsuit. On September 20, 2023, the court granted the Company’s post-trial motion and reduced the damages to Rex Medical L.P. to nominal damages of $1. On October 18, 2023, Rex Medical filed a notice of appeal to the claims asserted inUnited States Court of Appeals for the Restore case,Federal Circuit and, on October 31, 2023, Intuitive filed its notice of cross appeal. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe that any losses arising from this matter would be material.
Commercial Litigation
On May 10, 2021, Surgical Instrument Service Company, Inc. (“SIS”) filed a complaint in the Northern District of California Court alleging anti-trustantitrust claims against the Company relating to EndoWrist service, maintenance, and repair processes. The Court granted in part and denied in part the Company'sCompany’s Motion to Dismiss, and discovery has commenced. The Company filed an answer denying the antitrust allegations and filed counterclaims against SIS. The counterclaims allege that SIS violated the Federal Lanham Act, California’s Unfair Competition Law, and California’s False Advertising Law and that SIS is also liable to the Company for Unfair Competition and Tortious Interference with Contract. The parties have filed summary judgment and Daubert motions, and the court held a hearing on these motions on September 7, 2023. Based on currently available information, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of loss or range of losses, if any, arising from this matter.
Three class action complaints were filed against the Company in the Northern District of California Court alleging anti-trustantitrust allegations relating to the service and repair of certain instruments manufactured by the Company. A complaint by Larkin
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Community Hospital was filed on May 20, 2021, a complaint by Franciscan Alliance, Inc. and King County Public Hospital District No. 1 was filed on July 6, 2021, and a complaint by Kaleida Health was filed on July 8, 2021. The Court has consolidated the Franciscan Alliance, Inc. and King County Public Hospital District No. 1 and Kaleida Health cases with the Larkin Community Hospital case, which is now captioned on the Larkin docket as “In Re: da Vinci Surgical Robot Antitrust Litigation.” A Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint has been filed on behalf of each plaintiff named in the earlier-filed cases. On January 14, 2022, Kaleida Health voluntarily dismissed itself as a party to this case. On January 18, 2022, the Company filed an answer against the plaintiffs in this matter, and discovery has commenced. The parties have filed summary judgment and Daubert motions, and the court held a hearing on these motions on September 7, 2023. Based on currently available information, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of loss or range of losses, if any, arising from these matters.this matter.
NOTE 9.    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Stock Repurchase Program
Through December 31, 2021,2023, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has authorized an aggregate of $7.5$10.0 billion of funding for the Company’s common stock repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”)Repurchase Program since its establishment in March 2009. The most recent authorization occurred in January 2019July 2022 when the Board increased the authorized amount available under the Repurchase Program to $2.0 billion.$3.5 billion, including amounts remaining under previous authorization. As of December 31, 2021,2023, the remaining amount of share repurchases authorized by the Board under the Repurchase Program was approximately $1.6$1.1 billion.
The following table provides thesummarizes stock repurchase activities (in millions, except per share amounts):
Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
202120202019 202320222021
Shares repurchasedShares repurchased— 0.7 1.7 
Average price per shareAverage price per share$— $183.84 $160.45 
Value of shares repurchasedValue of shares repurchased$— $134.3 $269.5 
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In August 2022, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase program (the “August ASR Program”) with Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman”) to repurchase $1.0 billion of the Company’s common stock. In September 2022, the August ASR Program was completed, and, in total, 4.6 million shares of common stock were received and retired. In total, 4.6 million shares were repurchased at an average price per share of $217.52. The total cost of the August ASR Program was reflected as a reduction to equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In October 2022, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase program (the “October ASR Program”) with Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”) to repurchase $1.0 billion of the Company’s common stock. In December 2022, the October ASR Program was completed, and, in total, 3.9 million shares were repurchased at an average price per share of $254.48. The total cost of the October ASR Program was reflected as a reduction to equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company uses the par value method of accounting for its stock repurchases. As a result of share repurchase activities during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, the Company reduced common stock and additional paid-in capital by an aggregate of zero, $8$19 million, $211 million, and $15 million,zero, respectively, and charged zero, $126 million,$0.4 billion, $2.4 billion, and $255 million,zero, respectively, to retained earnings.
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the Inflation Reduction Act enacted in the U.S. during 2022, the Company is subject to an excise tax on corporate stock repurchases, which is assessed as one percent of the fair market value of net stock repurchases after December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, no excise tax was accrued, as the aggregate fair market value of the Company’s stock issuances exceeded the fair market value of stock repurchases.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. are as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Year Ended December 31, 2023
Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Hedging
Instruments
Unrealized 
Gains (Losses)
on
Available-for-Sale Securities
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Gains
(Losses)
Employee Benefit PlansTotal Gains (Losses)
on Hedge
Instruments
Unrealized 
Gains (Losses)
on
Available-for-Sale Securities
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Gains
(Losses)
Employee Benefit PlansTotal
Beginning balanceBeginning balance$(2.9)$29.5 $4.7 $(6.4)$24.9 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassificationsOther comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications12.3 (45.5)(12.6)0.1 (45.7)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(4.9)— — 1.5 (3.4)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)7.4 (45.5)(12.6)1.6 (49.1)
Ending balanceEnding balance$4.5 $(16.0)$(7.9)$(4.8)$(24.2)
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Hedging
Instruments
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on
Available-for-Sale Securities
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Gains
(Losses)
Employee Benefit PlansTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2022


Gains (Losses)
on Hedge
Instruments
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on
Available-for-Sale Securities
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Gains
(Losses)
Employee Benefit PlansTotal
Beginning balanceBeginning balance$0.7 $20.4 $— $(8.7)$12.4 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassificationsOther comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(0.8)13.8 4.7 1.0 18.7 
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(2.8)(4.7)— 1.3 (6.2)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(3.6)9.1 4.7 2.3 12.5 
Ending balanceEnding balance$(2.9)$29.5 $4.7 $(6.4)$24.9 
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The income tax impacts for amounts recognized in other comprehensive income before reclassifications were as follows (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31,
Available-for-sale securities20232022
Income tax benefit (expense) for net gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income (loss)$(35.7)$39.1 
The tax impacts for amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications for hedge instruments, foreign currency translation gains (losses), and employee benefit plans in 2023 and 2022 were not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The tax impacts for amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss relating to hedge instruments, available-for-sale securities, foreign currency translation gains (losses), and employee benefit plans in 2023 and 2022 were not material to the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020.Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTE 10.    SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock Plans
2010 Incentive Award Plan. In April 2010, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2010 Incentive Award Plan (“2010 Plan”). Under this plan, the Company issuescan issue RSUs, nonqualified stock options (“NSOs”), and restricted stock units (“RSUs”)PSUs to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants. Equity awards granted to employees and certain consultants.non-employee directors include a mix of RSUs, stock options, and, as applicable, PSUs. The 2010 Plan generally permits NSOs to be granted at no less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant,grant. Prior to 2022, NSOs were granted with terms of 10 years from the date of the grant. In January 2022, the Company changed the term of its new NSO grants to 7 years from the date of the grant. The 2010 Plan expires in 2031.2032. In April 2021,2022, the Company’s shareholders approved an amended and restated 2010 Plan to provide for an increase in the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance thereunder from 97,350,000103,350,000 to 103,350,000.110,350,000. As of December 31, 2021,2023, approximately 25.520.6 million shares were reserved for future issuance under the 2010 Plan. A maximum of 11.1approximately 8.9 million of these shares can be awarded as RSUs.
2009 Employment Commencement Incentive Plan. In October 2009, the Board adopted the 2009 Employment Commencement Incentive Plan (“New Hire Plan”). The New Hire Plan provides for the shares to be used exclusively for the grant of RSUs and NSOs to new employees (“New Hire Options”), who were not previously employees or non-employee directors of the Company. The Compensation Committee approves all equity awards under the New Hire Plan, which are granted to newly-hired employees once a month on the fifth business day of each month after their hire. Options are granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and have a term not to exceed 10 years.
In April 2015, the Board of Directors amended and restated the New Hire Plan to provide for an increase in the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the New Hire Plan from 10,395,000 to 13,095,000. The New Hire Plan expired in October 2019 and, therefore, there are no shares reserved for future grants under the New Hire Plan. However, awards granted prior to the plan’s expiration continue to remain outstanding until their original expiration date.
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TableRestricted Stock Units. The RSUs granted to employees vest in one-fourth increments annually over a four-year period. The RSUs granted to existing non-employee directors vest one year from the date of Contentsgrant or at the next Annual Shareholders Meeting, whichever comes first. New non-employee directors receive pro-rated RSU grants that vest on the same term as the annual RSU grants. The number of shares issued on the date the RSUs vest is net of the minimum statutory tax withholdings, which are paid in cash to the appropriate taxing authorities on behalf of the Company’s employees.
Employee Option Vesting.Nonqualified Stock Options. Prior to 2020, the Companyannual NSO grants were made annual option grantsto employees on February 15 (or the next business day if the date is not a business day) and on August 15 (or the next business day if the date is not a business day). Beginning inIn 2020, the Company changed the timing of its annual equity awardNSO grants to the last businesstrading day of February and on the same date in August or, if that date is not a businesstrading day, the next businesstrading day. TheBeginning in 2023, the Company changed the timing of its annual NSO grants to the last trading day of February and August 10 or, if that date is not a trading day, the next trading day. Prior to 2023, the February NSO grants vest 6/481/8 upon completion of 6 months of service and 1/48 per month thereafter. Beginning in 2023, the February NSO grants vest 1/8 on August 10 and 1/48 per month thereafter. The August stock optionNSO grants vest 7/48 at the end of one month and 1/48 per month thereafter through a 3.5-year vesting period.
New Hire Options NSOs granted to new hires generally vest 12/481/4 upon completion of one year of service and 1/48 per month thereafter. NSOs granted to existing non-employee directors vest one year from the date of grant or at the next Annual Shareholders Meeting, whichever comes first. New non-employee directors receive pro-rated NSO grants that vest on the same term as the annual NSO grants. Option vesting terms are determined by the Board and, in the future, may vary from past practices.
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Performance Stock Units. In February 2022, the Company began granting PSUs to officers and other key employees, subject to three-year cliff vesting and pre-established, quantitative goals. Whether any PSUs vest, and the amount that do vest, is tied to completion of service over three years and the achievement of three equally-weighted, quantitative goals that directly align with or help drive the Company’s strategy and long-term total shareholder return.
2000 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. In March 2000, the Board of Directors adopted the 2000 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”). In October 2009, the automatic evergreen increase provisions were eliminated so that no further automatic increases willwould be made to the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Directors’ Plan. In addition, the common stock authorized for issuance under the Directors’ Plan was reduced to 1,350,000. Options are granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and have a term not to exceed 10 years. Prior to 2016, initial stock option grants to new non-employee directors vested over a three-yearthree-year period with 12/361/3 of the shares vesting after one year from the date of grant and 1/36 of the shares vesting monthly thereafter. Annual stock option grants vested one year from the date of the grant. Since 2016, new non-employee directors receivereceived pro-rated stock option grants that vest on the same term as the annual stock option grants. The Directors’ Plan was terminated in November 2020 and, therefore, there are no shares reserved for future grants under the Directors’ Plan. However, options granted prior to the plan'splan’s termination continue to remain outstanding until their original expiration date.
2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In March 2000, the Board adopted the 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”).ESPP. Employees are generally eligible to participate in the ESPP if they are customarily employed by the Company for more than 20 hours per week and more than 5 months in a calendar year and are not 5% stockholders of the Company. Under the ESPP, eligible employees may select a rate of payroll deduction up to 15% of their eligible compensation subject to certain maximum purchase limitations. The duration for each offering period is 24 months and is divided into 4four purchase periods of approximately six months in length. Offerings are concurrent. The purchase price of the shares under the offering is the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of the shares on the offering date or 85% of the fair market value of the shares on the purchase date. A two-yeartwo-year look-back feature in the ESPP causes the offering period to reset if the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the first or last day of the purchase period is less than that on the original offering date. ESPP purchases by employees are settled with newly-issued common stock from the ESPP’s previously authorized and available pool of shares. In April 2017, the Company’s stockholders approved an amended and restated ESPP to provide for an increase in the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance from 18,270,945 to 22,770,945.
The Company issued 0.5 million, 0.5 million, and 0.6 million shares under the ESPP, representing approximately $75.9 million, $71.2 million, and $56.4 million in employee contributions for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2021,2023, there were approximately 2.81.8 million shares reserved for future issuance under the ESPP.
Restricted Stock Units. Equity awards granted to employees and non-employee directors include a mix of stock options and RSUs. The RSUs granted to employees vest in one-fourth increments annually over a four-year period. The RSUs granted to existing non-employee directors vest oneUnits
RSU activity for the year from the date of grant or at the next Annual Shareholders Meeting, whichever comes first. New non-employee directors receive pro-rated RSU grants that vest on the same term as the annual RSU grants. The number of shares issued on the date the RSUs vest is net of the minimum statutory tax withholdings, which are paid in cash to the appropriate taxing authorities on behalf of the Company’s employees.
Stock Option Information
Option activity during 2021 under all the stock plansended December 31, 2023, was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
 Stock Options Outstanding
 Number
Outstanding
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price Per
Share
Balance as of December 31, 202013.4 $101.69 
Options granted1.1 $294.53 
Options exercised(2.7)$74.39 
Options forfeited/expired(0.1)$198.34 
Balance as of December 31, 202111.7 $125.07 
 
Shares
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Unvested balance as of December 31, 20224.6 $241.47 
Granted2.5 $237.37 
Vested(1.8)$223.52 
Forfeited(0.3)$247.21 
Unvested balance as of December 31, 20235.0 $245.75 
As of December 31, 2023, 4.5 million shares of RSUs were expected to vest with an aggregate intrinsic value of $1.52 billion. The aggregate vesting date fair value of RSUs vested was $454 million, $536 million, and $578 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
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Stock Options
NSO activity for the year ended December 31, 2023, was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
 Stock Options Outstanding
 Number
Outstanding
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
Balance as of December 31, 202210.8 $144.86 
Options granted1.4 $267.38 
Options exercised(2.3)$83.97 
Options forfeited/expired(0.1)$261.39 
Balance as of December 31, 20239.8 $174.90 
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised under the Company’s stock plans determined as of the date of option exercise was $613$476 million, $598$315 million, and $512$613 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, respectively. Cash received from stock option exercises and employee stock purchase plans for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 2020, and 2019, was $276$192 million, $309$146 million, and $273$201 million, respectively. The income tax benefit from stock options exercised was $138$109 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.2023.
The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, 20212023 (number of shares and aggregate intrinsic value in millions):
Options OutstandingOptions Exercisable Options OutstandingOptions Exercisable
Range of
Exercise Prices
Range of
Exercise Prices
Number
of Shares
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
Number
of Shares
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
Range of
Exercise Prices
Number
of Shares
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
Number
of Shares
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
$29.91-$49.341.4 1.9$45.18 1.4 $45.18 
$51.02-$57.111.4 2.5$54.39 1.4 $54.39 
$57.48-$59.461.4 2.9$58.78 1.4 $58.78 
$59.58-$77.001.3 2.8$69.07 1.3 $69.07 
$39.22-$57.11
$57.85-$77.00
$57.85-$77.00
$57.85-$77.00
$77.04-$139.52
$77.04-$139.52
$77.04-$139.52$77.04-$139.521.6 5.6$108.72 1.6 $108.24 
$143.49-$174.26$143.49-$174.261.4 7.1$168.88 1.1 $169.46 
$143.49-$174.26
$143.49-$174.26
$175.53-$182.83$175.53-$182.831.3 7.6$179.91 0.7 $180.38 
$182.90-$245.601.3 8.7$234.88 0.4 $230.62 
$249.83-$341.160.1 9.1$270.94 — $251.85 
$175.53-$182.83
$175.53-$182.83
$182.90-$229.39
$182.90-$229.39
$182.90-$229.39
$235.20-$262.70
$235.20-$262.70
$235.20-$262.70
$271.22-$304.67
$271.22-$304.67
$271.22-$304.67
$313.64-$341.16
$313.64-$341.16
$313.64-$341.16
$347.42-$347.42$347.42-$347.420.5 9.6$347.42 0.1 $347.42 
$347.42-$347.42
$347.42-$347.42
TotalTotal11.7 5.1$125.07 $2,737 9.4 4.3$99.52 $2,453 
Total
Total
(1)The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $359.30$337.36 as of December 31, 2021,2023, which would have been received by the option holders had all in-the-money option holders exercised their options as of that date.
As of December 31, 2021,2023, a total of 11.59.6 million shares of stock options vested and expected to vest had a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 5.04.6 years, an aggregate intrinsic value of $2.72$1.58 billion, and a weighted-average exercise price of $122.97.$173.14.
RestrictedPerformance Stock Units Information
RSUThe 2022 PSU grant metrics are focused on relative total shareholder return (“TSR”), year-over-year da Vinci procedure growth for 2023, and two-year compound annual da Vinci procedure growth for 2024. The 2023 PSU grant metrics are focused on relative TSR, da Vinci and Ion procedure growth in 2024 compared to 2022, and da Vinci and Ion procedure growth in 2025 compared to 2022. The TSR metric is considered a market condition, and the expense is determined at the grant date. The procedure growth metrics are considered performance conditions, and the expense is recorded based on the forecasted performance, which is reassessed each reporting period based on the probability of achieving the performance conditions. The number of shares earned at the end of the three-year period will vary, based on actual performance, from 0% to 125% of the target number of PSUs granted. PSUs are subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the vesting date. PSUs are not considered issued or outstanding shares of the Company.
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The Company calculates the fair value for each component of the PSUs individually. The fair value for the component with the TSR metric was determined using Monte Carlo simulation. The fair value per share for the components with the procedure growth metrics is equal to the closing stock price on the grant date.
PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

Shares
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value

Shares
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Unvested balance as of December 31, 20205.3 $163.30 
Unvested balance as of December 31, 2022
GrantedGranted1.9 $256.52 
VestedVested(2.1)$145.60 
Performance change
ForfeitedForfeited(0.3)$193.61 
Unvested balance as of December 31, 20214.8 $207.37 
Unvested balance as of December 31, 2023
As of December 31, 2021, 4.32023, 0.2 million shares of RSUsPSUs were expected to vest with an aggregate intrinsic value of $1.56 billion. The aggregate vesting date fair value of RSUs vested was $578$70 million.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the ESPP, employees purchased approximately 0.5 million, 0.4 million, and 0.5 million shares, representing approximately $478104.5 million, $87.9 million, and $433$75.9 million duringin employee contributions for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
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Share-Based Compensation Expense
The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense (in millions):
Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
202120202019 202320222021
Cost of sales—products$68.9 $58.9 $46.6 
Cost of sales—services22.2 24.0 20.4 
Total cost of sales91.1 82.9 67.0 
Cost of sales – products (before capitalization)
Amounts capitalized into inventory (1)
Amounts recognized in income for amounts previously capitalized in inventory
Cost of revenue—product
Cost of revenue—service
Total cost of revenue
Selling, general and administrativeSelling, general and administrative231.6 202.2 169.5 
Research and developmentResearch and development134.1 113.6 101.4 
Share-based compensation expense before income taxesShare-based compensation expense before income taxes456.8 398.7 337.9 
Income tax effect93.7 81.4 70.2 
Income tax benefit
Share-based compensation expense after income taxesShare-based compensation expense after income taxes$363.1 $317.3 $267.7 
(1)Share-based compensation expense subject to capitalization into inventory was not material during 2021 and the first three quarters of 2022, and, therefore, not recorded. The Company commenced capitalization of share-based compensation expense into inventory during the quarter ended December 31, 2022, on a prospective basis.
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The Black-ScholesBlack-Scholes-Merton option pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted under the Company’s share-based compensation plans and the rights to acquire stock granted under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan.ESPP. The weighted-average estimated fair values of stock options and the rights to acquire stock under the ESPP, and RSUs, as well as the weighted-average assumptions used in calculating the fair values of stock options and the rights to acquire stock under the ESPP that were granted during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, were as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,
STOCK OPTION PLANS202120202019
Risk-free interest rate0.8%0.6%2.0%
Expected term (years)4.14.14.1
Volatility32%32%30%
Fair value at grant date$78.23$54.34$47.51
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Risk-free interest rate0.1%0.9%2.1%
Expected term (years)1.21.21.2
Volatility29%30%29%
Fair value at grant date$89.98$57.29$49.66
RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
Fair value at grant date$256.52$181.89$180.45
 Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
RSUs
Fair value at grant date$237.37$272.97$256.52
STOCK OPTIONS
Risk-free interest rate4.6%2.6%0.8%
Expected term (in years)3.23.24.1
Expected volatility33%38%32%
Fair value at grant date$77.45$73.65$78.23
PSUs
Fair value at grant date$240.45$299.32$—
ESPP
Risk-free interest rate5.0%2.1%0.1%
Expected term (in years)1.21.21.2
Expected volatility33%39%29%
Fair value at grant date$89.42$80.61$89.98
As share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.
As of December 31, 2021,2023, there was $122$761 million, $616$134 million, $38 million, and $38$22 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options, restricted stock units, unvested stock options, unvested performance stock units, and employeerights granted to acquire common stock purchases,under the ESPP, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years for unvested stock options, 2.22.4 years for unvested restricted stock units, 2.5 years for unvested stock options, 1.8 years for unvested performance stock units, and 1.50.6 years for rights granted to acquire common stock under the ESPP.
NOTE 11.    INCOME TAXES
Income before provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, consisted of the following (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
U.S.U.S.$1,298.7 $926.8 $1,053.7 
ForeignForeign591.6 280.2 448.5 
Total income before provision for income taxesTotal income before provision for income taxes$1,890.3 $1,207.0 $1,502.2 
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The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, consisted of the following (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
CurrentCurrent
Federal
Federal
FederalFederal$158.8 $34.2 $82.0 
StateState17.3 21.5 26.5 
ForeignForeign50.1 26.9 18.0 
226.2 82.6 126.5 
Total current income tax expense
DeferredDeferred
Federal
Federal
FederalFederal(21.4)23.8 8.5 
StateState0.5 1.6 3.2 
ForeignForeign(43.1)32.2 (17.8)
(64.0)57.6 (6.1)
Total deferred income tax expense
Total income tax expenseTotal income tax expense$162.2 $140.2 $120.4 
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, reflected the impact of a change in U.S. tax law effective January 1, 2022, which requires the capitalization and amortization of research and development expenditures incurred after December 31, 2021.
The Company’s provision for income taxes for 2023 reflected Swiss tax benefits of $92.3 million, net of a $67.3 million valuation allowance, related to certain tax assets recorded by our Swiss entity. In addition, a one-time net benefit of $67.1 million was recorded from the re-measurement of the Company’s Swiss deferred tax assets resulting from the Swiss cantonal tax rate increase enacted in December 2023 for years after 2024 as well as a Swiss cantonal tax rate increase from the discontinuation of the Company’s 2017 Swiss tax ruling, which was deemed effective as of January 1, 2023. The Company’s provision for income taxes for 2021 also included a one-time benefit of $66.4 million from the re-measurement of its Swiss deferred tax assets resulting from the extension of the economic useful life of certain intangible assets.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) was enacted in the United States. The IRA introduces a 15% alternative minimum tax based on the financial statement income of certain large corporations, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022. The Company considered the applicable tax law changes, and there is no impact to the Company’s tax provision for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
Income tax expense differs from amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income rate of 21% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, as a result of the following (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Federal tax at statutory rateFederal tax at statutory rate$397.0 $253.5 $315.5 
Increase (reduction) in tax resulting from:Increase (reduction) in tax resulting from:
State taxes, net of federal benefits
State taxes, net of federal benefits
State taxes, net of federal benefitsState taxes, net of federal benefits33.1 23.1 29.7 
Foreign rate differentialForeign rate differential(54.3)(19.3)(56.2)
U.S. tax on foreign earningsU.S. tax on foreign earnings40.1 29.3 55.0 
Research and development creditResearch and development credit(30.7)(37.1)(32.7)
Excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation
Share-based compensation not benefitedShare-based compensation not benefited17.8 14.3 13.5 
Unrecognized tax benefit related to share-based compensation13.6 39.3 — 
Unrecognized tax benefits related to share-based compensation
Reversal of unrecognized tax benefitsReversal of unrecognized tax benefits(3.0)(4.0)(8.4)
Excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation(185.8)(166.2)(146.5)
Swiss tax benefits, net of valuation allowance
Deferred tax re-measurementDeferred tax re-measurement(66.4)— (51.3)
OtherOther0.8 7.3 1.8 
Total income tax expenseTotal income tax expense$162.2 $140.2 $120.4 
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Deferred income taxes reflect tax carry forwardscarryforwards and the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):
December 31,
20212020
December 31,December 31,
202320232022
Deferred tax assets:Deferred tax assets:
Intangible assets
Intangible assets
Intangible assets
Capitalized research and development expenditures
Research and development credits
Share-based compensation expense
Swiss tax credits
Expenses deducted in later years for tax purposes
Lease liabilities
Net operating lossesNet operating losses$9.7 $27.7 
Share-based compensation expense110.9 101.1 
Lease liabilities15.2 12.0 
Expenses deducted in later years for tax purposes38.4 29.3 
Intangible assets373.9 321.8 
Research and other credits98.5 76.3 
Other5.3 — 
Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities and other
Gross deferred tax assetsGross deferred tax assets651.9 568.2 
Valuation allowanceValuation allowance(104.6)(81.4)
Deferred tax assetsDeferred tax assets547.3 486.8 
Deferred tax liabilities:Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant, and equipmentProperty, plant, and equipment(79.4)(91.1)
Right-of-use assetsRight-of-use assets(12.3)(8.4)
Intangible assetsIntangible assets(9.7)(10.1)
OtherOther(5.1)(13.2)
Deferred tax liabilitiesDeferred tax liabilities(106.5)(122.8)
Net deferred tax assetsNet deferred tax assets$440.8 $364.0 
As of December 31, 2021, and 2020,2023, the Company had valuation allowances$38.2 million of $104.6 millionfederal, state, and $81.4 million, respectively, primarily related to California research and development credit carry forwards, for which the Company does not believe a tax benefit is more likely than not to be realized.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had US and foreign federal net operating loss carryforwards, certain of $23.9 million and foreign local net operating loss carryforwards of $207.3 million, which will begin to expire starting in 2027,2025 if not utilized. Utilization of these net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to certain limitations. The Company does not expect the limitations to result in any permanent loss of these tax benefits. As of
December 31, 2023, the Company had $122.4 million of Swiss tax credit carryforwards, which will expire in 2028. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $267.7 million of California research and development credit carryforwards, which do not expire, and $5.2 million of other state research and development credit carryforwards, which begin to expire in 2029.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a valuation allowance of $269.8 million, primarily related to California deferred tax assets and certain Swiss deferred tax assets, for which the Company does not believe a tax benefit is more likely than not to be realized. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had a valuation allowance of $168.6 million, primarily related to California deferred tax assets, for which the Company does not believe a tax benefit is more likely than not to be realized. The increase in the valuation allowance during 2023 is primarily related to certain Swiss tax assets and California research and development credits. These valuation allowances would result in a reduction to the income tax provision in the consolidated statements of income if they are ultimately not necessary.
The Company intends to repatriate earnings from its Swiss subsidiary and joint venture in Hong Kong, as needed, and the U.S. and foreign tax implications of such repatriations are not expected to be significant. The Company will continue to indefinitely reinvest earnings from the rest of its foreign subsidiaries which areand does not expect the tax implications of repatriating these earnings to be significant.
The Company’s 2021 income tax expense included a one-time benefit
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Table of $66.4 million from re-measurement of its Swiss deferred tax assets resulting from the extension of the economic useful life of certain intangible assets. The Company’s 2019 income tax expense included a one-time benefit of $51.3 million associated with re-measurement of its Swiss deferred tax assets due to a Swiss statutory tax rate increase enacted as part of Swiss tax reform in August 2019.Contents
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized income tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, are as follows (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Beginning balance$176.3 $96.7 $78.8 
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current year40.6 40.1 26.5 
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior year11.2 46.1 1.2 
Decreases related to tax positions taken during a prior year(1.3)— — 
Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities(0.2)(0.5)(3.8)
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations(4.1)(6.1)(6.0)
Ending balance$222.5 $176.3 $96.7 
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Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Beginning balance$252.6 $222.5 $176.3 
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current year48.5 49.5 40.6 
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior year— 4.9 11.2 
Decreases related to tax positions taken during a prior year(18.9)(16.5)(1.3)
Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities(1.0)(1.2)(0.2)
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations(20.8)(6.6)(4.1)
Ending balance$260.4 $252.6 $222.5 
As of December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, gross interest related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued was $14.9$31.2 million, $11.0$21.0 million, and $2.9$14.9 million, respectively. The Company’s net unrecognized tax benefits and related interest are presented in other long-term liabilities and long termlong-term deferred tax assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2021,2023, were $222.5$260.4 million, of which $181.8 million, if recognized, would result in a reduction ofhave an impact on the Company’s effective tax rate.
InA charge of $13.6 million was recorded to income tax expense in 2021, after additional IRS guidance was issued in July 2015,2021 related to a U.S. TaxNinth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion (the “2015 Opinion”) was issued involving an independent third party related to charging foreign subsidiaries for share-based compensation. Based on the findings of the U.S. Tax Court, direct share-based compensation had been excluded from the Company’s intercompany charges starting in 2015. In June 2019, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (the “Ninth Circuit”) reversed the 2015 Opinion (the “Ninth Circuit Opinion”). Subsequently, a re-hearing of the case was requested, but was denied in November 2019. In February 2020, a petition was filed to appeal the Ninth Circuit Opinion to the U.S. Supreme Court. The petition was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 22, 2020, which makes the Ninth Circuit Opinion binding precedent in the Ninth Circuit. As a result, the Company recorded an increase in the income tax provision of $39.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. An additional charge of $13.6 million related to this matter was recorded to income tax expense in 2021, primarily as a result of additional IRS guidance issued in July 2021. The Company will continue to monitor future IRS actions or other developments regarding this matter and will assess the impact of any such developments toon its income tax provision in the quarter that they occur. The Company is treating share-based compensation expense in accordance with the Ninth Circuit Opinion for 2020 and future periods.
The Company files federal, state, and foreign income tax returns in many U.S. and OUS jurisdictions. Years before 2016 are closed for the significant jurisdictions. Certain of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits could change due to activities of various tax authorities, including evolving interpretations of existing tax laws in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, potential assessment of additional tax, possible settlement of audits, or through normal expiration of various statutes of limitations, which could affect the Company’s effective tax rate in the period in which they change. Due to the uncertainty related to the timing and potential outcome of audits, the Company cannot estimate the range of reasonably possible changechanges in unrecognized tax benefits that may occur in the next 12 months.
The Company is subject to the examination of its income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. The outcome of these audits cannot be predicted with certainty. The Company’s management regularly assesses the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of the Company’s provision for income taxes. If any issues addressed in the Company’s tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management’s expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs.
NOTE 12.    NET INCOME PER SHARE
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (in millions, except per share amounts):
Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
202120202019 202320222021
Numerator:Numerator:
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.$1,704.6 $1,060.6 $1,379.3 
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
Denominator:Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding used in basic calculation
Weighted-average shares outstanding used in basic calculation
Weighted-average shares outstanding used in basic calculationWeighted-average shares outstanding used in basic calculation356.1 351.1 346.2 
Add: dilutive effect of potential common sharesAdd: dilutive effect of potential common shares9.7 9.9 12.2 
Weighted-average shares outstanding used in diluted calculationWeighted-average shares outstanding used in diluted calculation365.8 361.0 358.4 
Net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.:Net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.:
BasicBasic$4.79 $3.02 $3.98 
Basic
Basic
DilutedDiluted$4.66 $2.94 $3.85 
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Share-based compensation awards of approximately 0.81.9 million, 1.93.4 million, and 2.00.8 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 2019,2021, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. common stockholders, because the effect of including such shares would have been anti-dilutive in the periods presented.
116


NOTE 13.     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company sponsors various retirement plans for its eligible U.S. and non-U.S. employees. For employees in the U.S., the Company maintains the Intuitive Surgical, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”). As allowed under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Plan provides tax-deferred salary contributions for eligible U.S. employees. The Plan allows employees to contribute up to 100% of their annual compensation to the Plan on a pre-tax andand/or after-tax basis. Employee contributions are limited to a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches 200% of employee contributions up to $1,500 per calendar year per person. All matching employer contributions vest immediately.
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SCHEDULE II
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VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN MILLIONS)
Balance at
Beginning of
Year
Additions
Deductions (1)
Balance at
End of Year
Balance at
Beginning of
Year
Balance at
Beginning of
Year
Additions
Deductions (1)
Balance at
End of Year
Sales returns and allowancesSales returns and allowances
Year ended December 31, 2023
Year ended December 31, 2023
Year ended December 31, 2023
Year ended December 31, 2022
Year ended December 31, 2021Year ended December 31, 2021$15.5 $41.7 $(44.1)$13.1 
Year ended December 31, 2020$11.7 $39.7 $(35.9)$15.5 
Year ended December 31, 2019$11.2 $43.2 $(42.7)$11.7 
(1)Primarily represents products returned.
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ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on the foregoing, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Inherent Limitations Over Internal Controls
Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statementsthe Consolidated Financial Statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
(i)pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(ii)provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statementsthe Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
(iii)provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements.
Management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls in future periods are subject to the risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in business conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the results of our assessment under the framework in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021.2023.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021,2023, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2021,2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION
None.Rule 10b5-1 Plans
119
On November 8, 2023, David J. Rosa, the Company’s President, adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Mr. Rosa’s trading plan provides for the potential exercise and sale of up to 140,850 shares of the Company’s common stock subject to stock options, until February 14, 2025. This trading plan was entered into during an open insider trading window and is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company’s policies regarding transactions in the Company’s securities.

TableOn November 15, 2023, Marshall L. Mohr, the Company’s Executive Vice President, Global Business Services, adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Mr. Mohr’s trading plan provides for the potential exercise and sale of Contentsup to 129,810 shares of the Company’s common stock subject to stock options, until November 15, 2024. This trading plan was entered into during an open insider trading window and is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company’s policies regarding transactions in the Company’s securities.
On December 8, 2023, Bob DeSantis, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Corporate Operations Officer, adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Mr. DeSantis’s trading plan provides for the potential sale of up to 29,868 shares of the Company’s common stock, including the potential exercise and sale of up to 24,106 shares of the Company’s common stock subject to stock options, until December 9, 2024. This trading plan was entered into during an open insider trading window and is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company’s policies regarding transactions in the Company’s securities.
On December 15, 2023, Frederik C. Widman, the Company’s Vice President, Corporate Controller, and Principal Accounting Officer, adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Mr. Widman’s trading plan provides for the potential sale of up to 7,593 shares of the Company’s common stock, including the potential exercise and sale of up to 1,224 shares of the Company’s common stock subject to stock options, until March 7, 2025. This trading plan was entered into during an open insider trading window and is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company’s policies regarding transactions in the Company’s securities.
ITEM 9C.    DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
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PART III
Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our next Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), which we intend to file pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days after December 31, 2021.2023.
ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item concerning our directors and corporate governance is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the section titled “Directors and Corporate Governance” in our Proxy Statement. Information required by this item concerning our executive officers is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the section entitled “Executive Officers of the Company” in our Proxy Statement. Information regarding our Section 16 reporting compliance and code of business conduct and ethics is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in our Proxy Statement.
ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item regarding executive compensation is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the sections titled “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation for Directors” in our Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the section titled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in our Proxy Statement.Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2023.
ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the sections titled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Directors and Corporate Governance” in our Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item regarding principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the section titled “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in our Proxy Statement.
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PART IV
ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
1)Financial Statements—See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
2)The following financial statement schedule of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. for 2021, 2020,2023, 2022, and 20192021 is filed as part of this report and should be read in conjunction with the financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements of Intuitive Surgical, Inc.:
Page

All other schedules have been omitted, because they are not applicable, not required under the instructions, or the information requested is set forth in the consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements or related notes thereto.

3)Exhibits
The exhibits filed as part of this report are listed under “Exhibits” at subsection (b) of this Item 15.
(b)Exhibits
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EXHIBIT INDEX
3.1(1)
3.2(2)
3.3(3)
4.1(4)
4.24.2(5)
10.1(5)10.1(6)
10.2(6)10.2(7)
10.3(7)10.3(8)
10.4(8)10.4(9)
10.5(9)10.5(10)
10.6(10)10.6(11)
10.7(11)10.7(12)
10.8(12)10.8(13)
10.9(13)10.9(14)
10.10(14)10.10(15)
10.1110.11(16)
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
97.1
101The following materials from Intuitive Surgical, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, formatted in Inline XBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged at Level I through IV.
104The cover page from Intuitive Surgical, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
(1)1.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 23, 2020 (File No. 000-30713).
(2)2.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 20, 2021 (File No. 000-30713).
(3)3.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2021 (File No. 000-30713).
(4)4.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Company’s Registration Statement Amendment on Form S-1/A filed on May 2, 2000 (File No. 333-33016).
(5)5.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 3, 2022 (File No. 333-33016).
6.Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on March 22, 2000 (File No. 333-33016).
(6)7.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 3, 2015 (File No. 000-30713).
(7)8.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 1, 2015 (File No. 333-203793).
(8)9.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2017 (File No. 000-30713).
(9)10.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2021May 3, 2022 (File No. 000-30713).
(10)11.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 2, 2008 (File No. 000-30713).
(11)12.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 filed with the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 2, 2016 (File No. 000-30713).
(12)13.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 filed with the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 2, 2016 (File No. 000-30713).
(13)14.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.210.9 filed with the Company’s Quarterly2022 Annual Report on Form 10-Q10-K filed on July 23, 2020February 10, 2023 (File No. 000-30713).
(14)15.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.310.10 filed with the Company’s Quarterly2022 Annual Report on Form 10-Q10-K filed on July 23, 2020February 10, 2023 (File No. 000-30713).
16.Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 filed with the Company’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 10, 2023 (File No. 000-30713).
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
ITEM 16.    FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
By:
/S/    GARY S. GUTHART        
Gary S. Guthart, Ph.D.
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Power of Attorney
Each person whose individual signature appears below hereby authorizes and appoints Gary Guthart, Ph.D., and Jamie Samath, and each of them, with full power of substitution and re-substitution and full power to act without the other, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent to act in his or her name, place, and stead and to execute in the name and on behalf of each person, individually and in each capacity stated below, and to file any and all amendments to this annual report on Form 10‑K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing, ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
/S/    GARYS/    GARY S. GUTHART
GUTHART
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
February 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Gary S. Guthart, Ph.D.
/S/    JAMIES/    JAMIE E. SAMATH
SAMATH
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
February 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Jamie E. Samath
/S/    FREDRIKS/    FREDRIK C. WIDMAN
WIDMAN
Vice President, Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Fredrik C. Widman
/S/    CRAIGS/    CRAIG H. BARRATT
BARRATT
Chairman of the Board of DirectorsFebruary 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Craig H. Barratt, Ph.D.
/S/    JOSEPHS/    JOSEPH C. BEERY
BEERY
DirectorFebruary 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Joseph C. Beery
/S/    AMALS/    AMAL M. JOHNSON
JOHNSON
DirectorFebruary 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Amal M. Johnson
/S/    DON S/    DON R. KANIA
KANIA
DirectorFebruary 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Don R. Kania, Ph.D.
/S/    AMY L. LADDSREELAKSHMI KOLLI
DirectorJanuary 31, 2024
Sreelakshmi Kolli
/S/    AMY L. LADDFebruary 3, 2022DirectorJanuary 31, 2024
Amy L. Ladd, Ph.D.
/S/    KEITHS/    KEITH R. LEONARD JR.
LEONARD JR.
DirectorFebruary 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Keith R. Leonard Jr.
/S/    ALANS/    ALAN J. LEVY
LEVY
DirectorFebruary 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Alan J. Levy, Ph.D.
/S/    JAMI DOVER NACHTSHEIM
S/    JAMI DOVER NACHTSHEIM
DirectorFebruary 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Jami Dover Nachtsheim
/S/    MONICAS/    MONICA P. REED
REED
DirectorFebruary 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Monica P. Reed
/S/    MARKS/    MARK J. RUBASH
RUBASH
DirectorFebruary 3, 2022January 31, 2024
Mark J. Rubash
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