Intuitive Surgical shows a quiet edge over Stryker with strong recurring revenue and AI-driven growth.

Intuitive Surgical and Stryker both reported their fifth consecutive earnings beat in Q2 2026, with Intuitive showing 18.5% revenue growth and 85% recurring revenue, driven by its da Vinci robotic system and AI enhancements. Stryker posted 9.4% revenue growth, recovering from a cyber incident, and expanding its hospital operating system with AI. Intuitive's strong installed base and recurring revenue model offer a durable compounding advantage, while Stryker provides diversified medtech exposure with growth potential from new product launches and recovery. Investors should watch Intuitive's da Vinci 5 upgrade cycle and Stryker's supply chain and trial results for future catalysts.