Intuitive Surgical (ISRG)

Intuitive Surgical's price has climbed roughly a fifth in the last month alone.

What is going on right now?

The stock has risen fast, about 23% over 30 days, on heavier than usual trading. A broader excitement around artificial intelligence may be lifting companies like this one, though that same wave could cool off quickly.

How is the business itself doing?

The company makes the da Vinci and Ion robotic surgery systems. Sales grew about 22% last quarter, but profits actually shrank by roughly a quarter, so it is spending more to keep growing.

What stands out?

Each dollar of revenue keeps about 67 cents after direct costs, which is unusually high. Still, the price right now equals about 55 times last year's earnings, meaning expectations are stretched.

What comes next?

Whether that gap between rising sales and falling profits narrows will show up in the next earnings report for the da Vinci and Ion product lines.