In this report, "Intuitive Surgical ," "Intuitive," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer toIntuitive Surgical, Inc. and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. This management's discussion and analysis of financial condition as ofMarch 31, 2021 , and results of operations for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, should be read in conjunction with management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . 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. 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 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 should be considered in light of various important factors, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to obtain accurate procedure volume and mix in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic; the risk that the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to further material delays and cancellations of, or reduced demand for, procedures; curtailed or delayed capital spending by hospitals; disruption to our supply chain, including increased difficulties in obtaining a sufficient amount of materials in the semiconductor and other markets; closures of our facilities; delays in surgeon training; delays in gathering clinical evidence; delays in obtaining new product approvals or clearances from theU.S. Food and Drug Administration due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; the evaluation of the risks of robotic-assisted surgery in the presence of infectious diseases; 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; healthcare reform legislation in theU.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 Schölly Fiberoptic's robotic endoscope business and Orpheus Medical; procedure counts; regulatory approvals, clearances, 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 outside ofthe United States ; unanticipated manufacturing disruptions or the inability to meet demand for products; our reliance on sole and single source suppliers; the results of legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party; 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. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those risk factors described throughout this filing and in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2020 , and other periodic filings with theSecurities and Exchange Commission . Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Intuitive®, Intuitive Surgical®, da Vinci®, da Vinci S®, da Vinci S HD Surgical System®, da Vinci Si®, da Vinci Si HD Surgical System®, da Vinci Xi®,da Vinci SP®, EndoWrist®, Firefly®, InSite®, da Vinci Connect®,Intuitive Surgical EcoSystem®, da Vinci X®, SureFormTM, IonTM, IrisTM, and SynchroSealTM are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Company. 21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Overview Intuitive is committed to advancing patient care in surgery and other acute medical interventions. We are focused on innovating to enable physicians and healthcare providers to improve the quality of and access to minimally invasive care. Our mission reflects that we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Intuitive brings more than two decades of leadership in robotic-assisted surgical technology and solutions to its offerings. 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. At the same time, governments strain to cover the healthcare needs of their populations and demand lower total cost per patient to treat disease. In the face of these challenges, we believe scientific, process, and technological advances in biology, computing, imaging, algorithms, and robotics offer new methods to solve continued and difficult problems. We address these needs by focusing on the quadruple aim. First, we focus on products and services that can improve outcomes and decrease variability in the hands of care teams. 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. 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 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 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. Ourda Vinci products fall into five broad categories: da Vinci Surgical Systems,da Vinci instruments and accessories, da Vinci Stapling,da Vinci Energy, and da Vinci Vision, including Firefly Fluorescence imaging systems ("Firefly") and da Vinci Endoscopes. We also provide a comprehensive suite of services, training, and education programs. Within our integrated ecosystem, our hardware, software, and digital solutions are designed to decrease variability in surgery by offering dependable, consistent functionality and user experiences for surgeons seeking better outcomes. 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: the da Vinci standard Surgical System in 1999, the da Vinci S Surgical System in 2006, the da Vinci Si Surgical System in 2009, and the fourth generation da Vinci Xi Surgical System in 2014. We have extended our fourth generation platform by adding the da Vinci X Surgical System, commercialized in the second quarter of 2017, and the da Vinci SP Surgical System, commercialized in the third quarter of 2018. The da Vinci SP Surgical System accesses the body through a single incision while the other da Vinci Surgical Systems access the body through multiple incisions. We are early in the launch of our da Vinci SP Surgical System, and we have an installed base of 75 da Vinci SP Surgical Systems as ofMarch 31, 2021 . Our plans for the rollout of the da Vinci SP Surgical System include putting systems in the hands of experiencedda Vinci users first while we optimize training pathways and our supply chain. We receivedU.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") clearances for the da Vinci SP Surgical System for urological and certain transoral procedures. We also received clearance inSouth Korea where the da Vinci SP Surgical System may be used for a broad set of procedures. We plan to seek FDA clearances for additional indications for da Vinci SP over time. The success of the da Vinci SP Surgical 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. Allda Vinci systems include a surgeon's console (or consoles), imaging electronics, a patient-side cart, and computational hardware and software. We offer approximately 70 different multi-portda 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 Vinci Xi andda Vinci X platforms, including da Vinci Energy andda Vinci Stapler products, to provide surgeons with sophisticated, computer-aided tools to precisely and efficiently interact with tissue.Da Vinci X and da 22 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Vinci Xi Surgical Systems share the same instruments whereas the da Vinci Si Surgical System uses instruments that are not compatible withda Vinci X orda Vinci Xi systems. We currently offer nine core instruments on our da Vinci SP Surgical System. We plan to expand the SP instrument offering over time. Training technologies include our Intuitive Simulation products, 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 of 2019, the FDA cleared our Ion endoluminal system to enable minimally invasive biopsies in the lung. Our Ion system extends our commercial offering beyond surgery into diagnostic procedures with this first application. We are introducing the Ion system in theU.S. in a measured fashion while we optimize training pathways and our supply chain and collect additional clinical data. We are early in the launch and have placed 50 Ion systems for commercial use as ofMarch 31, 2021 . Ion systems are not included in our da Vinci Surgical System installed base. We currently have 2 Ion systems placed with hospitals for gathering clinical data in addition to the systems placed for commercial use. 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 Pandemic Procedures In the first quarter of 2020, prior to the spread of COVID-19, we experienced procedure growth trends consistent with those experienced in the fourth quarter of 2019, including strength in general surgery, growth in mature procedures in theU.S. , and growth in OUS urology. Beginning inJanuary 2020 , we saw a substantial reduction inda Vinci procedures inChina and, by earlyFebruary 2020 , procedures per week inChina had declined by approximately 90% compared to the weekly procedure rates experienced in earlyJanuary 2020 . As the COVID-19 pandemic subsided inChina inMarch 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 earlyJanuary 2020 weekly procedure rate. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread toWestern Europe and theU.S. , we experienced a significant decline inda Vinci procedures in the last half ofMarch 2020 to approximately 65% of the weekly procedure rate experienced earlier in the first quarter of 2020. In the first quarter of 2021, in theU.S. , the COVID-19 resurgence that affected procedures later in the fourth quarter of 2020 continued well intoJanuary 2021 . Then, as COVID-19 cases subsided beginning inFebruary 2021 ,da Vinci procedures experienced a steady improvement throughout February and March. InEurope , the spread of COVID-19 varied regionally, and procedure growth rates were mixed with strength inFrance and a year-over-year decline in the U.K. While there have been COVID-19 hot spots within some of ourAsia Pacific markets, they tended to be isolated and, in general, procedures performed well.China growth was significantly higher than other regions, reflecting the severity of the COVID-19 impact onChina during the first quarter of the prior year and the additional system installations during 2020. The depth and extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact individual markets will vary based on the availability of testing capabilities, 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 spike 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, we do not expect all markets, regions, and procedure types to recover at the same time or at the same pace. System Demand In the first quarter of 2020, customers in regions impacted by COVID-19 deferred decisions to purchase or lease systems into future quarters and, in some cases, indefinitely. However, in the first quarter of 2021, we experienced strong system demand. In general, we believe that the COVID-19 pandemic had less of an impact on hospital spending capacity and that customers recognize thatda Vinci surgery meets their quadruple aim objectives better than other surgical approaches. More specifically, during the first quarter of 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. General Increase in Risks Capital markets and 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 business as hospitals curtail and reduce capital and 23 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents overall spending. The COVID-19 pandemic and local actions, such as "shelter-in-place" orders and restrictions 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. Any of these events could negatively impact the number ofda Vinci procedures performed or the number of system placements and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Our Response Our priorities and actions during the COVID-19 pandemic have been and remain as follows. First, we are focused on the health and safety of all those we serve - patients, customers, our communities, and our employees - implementing continuous updates to our health and safety policies and processes. Second, we are supporting our customers according to their priorities - clinical, operational, 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 believe 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. Business Model Overview We generate revenue from the placements of da Vinci Surgical Systems, in sales or sales-type lease arrangements where revenue is recognized up-front or in operating lease transactions and usage-based models where revenue is recognized over time. We earn recurring revenue from the sales of instruments, accessories, and services, as well as the revenue from operating leases. The da Vinci Surgical System generally sells for between$0.5 million and$2.5 million , depending upon 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 and$3,500 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. Further, in late 2020, we launched our Extended Use Program (refer to further discussion immediately below) in theU.S. andEurope , with the intention to reduce the cost for customers to treat patients, which in turn will reduce the 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 , depending upon the configuration of the underlying system and composition of the services offered under the contract. These service contracts have generally been renewed at the end of the initial contractual service periods. Consistent with the da Vinci Surgical System model described above, we generate revenue from the placements of the Ion endoluminal system at the time of sale in or sales-type lease arrangements or over time in operating lease transactions and usage-based models. We generate revenue from the placements of the Ion system, and we earn recurring revenue from the sales of instruments and accessories used in biopsies and ongoing system service. Ion systems are presented separately from our da Vinci Surgical Systems installed base. We are introducing the Ion system in theU.S. in a measured fashion. For the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , Ion's contribution to revenue and gross margin was not significant. Extended Use Program InJuly 2020 , we announced our "Extended Use Program," which consists of selectda Vinci Xi andda Vinci X instruments possessing 12 to 18 uses ("Extended Use Instruments") compared to the current 10 use instruments. 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 ofda 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 theU.S. andEurope in the fourth quarter of 2020. They are being introduced at various times throughout 2021 and 2022 in other geographies, depending on regulatory processes. In addition, simultaneous with the regional launches of Extended Use Instruments, we will lower the price of certain instruments that are most commonly used in lower acuity procedures and/or lower reimbursed procedures within the region. These actions will reduce the cost for customers to treat patients, which in turn will reduce our revenue per procedure. Based on 2019 volume and mix of procedures, our Extended Use Program and the reduced pricing on certain other instruments would have reduced 2019 annual instruments and accessories revenue by approximately$150 to$170 million . During the first quarter of 2021, we saw customers begin to adjust their instrument buying patterns to reduce their inventory levels to reflect the additional uses per instrument. In addition, we saw increased usage of Extended Use Instruments; however, we anticipate that full adoption will occur over the next few quarters as customers utilize their remaining 10 use instruments. We expect increased usage of Extended Use Instruments and customer buying patterns to continue to reduce instruments and accessories revenue per 24 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents procedure over the next few quarters. 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$3.4 billion , or 77% of total revenue in 2020, compared to$3.2 billion , or 72% of total revenue in 2019, and$2.6 billion , or 71% of total revenue in 2018. Instruments and accessories revenue has grown at a faster rate than systems revenue over time. Instruments and accessories revenue increased to$2.46 billion in 2020, compared to$2.41 billion in 2019 and$1.96 billion in 2018. The growth of instruments and accessories revenue largely reflects continued procedure adoption. Service revenue was$724 million in 2020, compared to$724 million in 2019 and$635 million in 2018. Service revenue remained unchanged, driven by the growth of the installed base of da Vinci Surgical Systems, offset by the effects of the Customer Relief Program that was implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the second quarter of 2020. The installed base of da Vinci Surgical Systems grew 7% to approximately 5,989 atDecember 31, 2020 ; 12% to approximately 5,582 atDecember 31, 2019 ; and 13% to approximately 4,986 atDecember 31, 2018 . We use the installed base, number of shipments, and utilization ofda Vinci Surgical Systems 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 shipments, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance, as management believes that the installed base, number of shipments, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems are an indicator of the rate of adoption of robotic-assisted surgery as well as an indicator of future recurring revenue (particularly service revenue). Management believes that both it and investors benefit from referring to the installed base, number of shipments, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. The installed base, number of shipments, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems also facilitate management's internal comparisons of our historical performance. We believe that the installed base, number of shipments, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems 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 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 shipments, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems 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 shipments, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems and our revenues may fluctuate from period to period, and growth in the installed base, number of shipments, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems may not correspond to an increase in revenue. The installed base, number of shipments, and utilization of da Vinci Surgical Systems 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.Intuitive System Leasing Since 2013, we have entered into sales-type and 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 surgery programs while leveraging our balance sheet. These leases generally have commercially competitive terms as compared to other third-party entities that offer equipment leasing. We have also entered into usage-based arrangements with qualified customers that have committedda Vinci programs where we charge for the system and service as the systems are utilized. We include operating and sales-type leases, and systems placed under usage-based arrangements, in our system shipment and installed base disclosures. We exclude operating lease-related revenue, usage-based revenue, and Ion system revenue from our da Vinci Surgical System average selling price ("ASP") computations. In the years endedDecember 31, 2020 , 2019, and 2018, we shipped 432, 425, and 272 da Vinci Surgical Systems, respectively, under lease and usage-based arrangements, of which 317, 384, and 229 systems, respectively, were operating lease and usage-based arrangements. Revenue from operating lease arrangements is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. More recently, we have entered into usage-based arrangements with certain qualified customers whereby systems revenue and service revenue are recognized as the systems are used. We generally set operating lease and usage-based pricing at a modest premium relative to purchased systems reflecting the time value of money and, in the case of usage-based arrangements, the risk that system utilization may fall short of anticipated levels. The proportion of revenue recognized from usage-based 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$177 million ,$107 million , and$51 million for the 25 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents years endedDecember 31, 2020 , 2019, and 2018, respectively. Generally, lease transactions generate similar gross margins as our sale transactions. As ofDecember 31, 2020 , a total of 901 da Vinci Surgical Systems were installed at customers under operating lease or usage-based arrangements. Our system leasing and usage-based models provide customers with flexibility regarding how they acquire or obtain access to our systems. We believe that these alternative financing structures have been effective and well-received, and we are willing to expand the proportion of these structures based on customer demand. As revenue for operating leases and usage-based 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. 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. In addition, as customers continue to divert significant 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 arrangements generally contain no minimum payments; therefore, customers may exit such arrangements without paying a financial penalty to us. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we anticipate that some customers will exit such arrangements or seek to amend the terms of our operating lease and usage-based arrangements with them. 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$52.2 million ,$92.8 million , and$48.8 million for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 , 2019, and 2018, 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, systems placements are constrained by regulation. In geographies whereda Vinci procedure adoption is in an early stage, system sales will precede procedure growth. System placements also vary due to seasonality largely aligned with hospital budgeting cycles. We typically place a higher proportion of annual system placements 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 and usage-based arrangements, recurring operating lease and usage-based revenue, operating lease buyouts, product mix, ASPs, trade-in activities, and customer mix. Systems revenue declined 12% to$1.18 billion in 2020. Systems revenue grew 19% to$1.35 billion in 2019 and 21% to$1.13 billion in 2018. Based on the factors outlined in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, we believe that historical system shipment trends may not be a good indicator of future system shipments. Procedure Mix / Products Our da Vinci Surgical 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. 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 economic solutions across the spectrum of procedure complexity. Our fully featured da Vinci Xi Surgical 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. Ourda Vinci X Surgical System is targeted towards price sensitive markets and procedures. Our da Vinci SP Surgical System complements the da Vinci Xi and X Surgical Systems by enabling surgeons to access narrow workspaces. Procedure Seasonality More than half ofda 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 operations and surgeries for other life threatening conditions. Seasonality in theU.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 theU.S. varies and is more pronounced around local holidays and vacation periods. 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 theU.S. ,Europe (excludingSpain ,Portugal ,Italy ,Greece , and most Eastern European countries),China ,Japan ,South Korea ,India , andTaiwan . In 2018, we began direct operations in 26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of ContentsIndia andTaiwan . InJanuary 2019 , our Intuitive-Fosun joint venture began direct sales forda Vinci products and services inChina . 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 theInternational Electrotechnical Commission , and composition standards, such as the Reduction of Hazardous Substances and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directives. Failure to meet these standards could limit our ability to market our products in those regions that require compliance to 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. 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 theU.S. and the EU. Clearances and Approvals We have generally obtained the clearances required to market our products associated with our da Vinci Surgical Multiport Systems (Standard, S, Si, Xi, and X systems) for our targeted surgical specialties within theU.S. ,South Korea ,Japan , and the European markets in which we operate. Since 2019, we obtained regulatory clearances for the following products: •InNovember 2019 , we obtained FDA clearance for our SynchroSeal instrument and E-100 generator. Following the FDA clearance, inFebruary 2020 , we received CE mark clearance for both products. InMarch 2020 , we received regulatory clearance inJapan to market both our SynchroSeal instrument and E-100 generator. InAugust 2020 , we received regulatory clearance inSouth Korea to market our E-100 generator. •InJuly 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. •InJune 2019 , we received CE mark clearance for our da Vinci Endoscope Plus for the da Vinci Xi and da Vinci X Surgical Systems inEurope . Following the CE mark, inJuly 2019 , we obtained FDA clearance for our da Vinci Endoscope Plus. We have also received regulatory clearances inSouth Korea andJapan to market our da Vinci Endoscope Plus inDecember 2019 andMay 2020 , respectively. •InJune 2019 , we obtained FDA clearance for our da Vinci Handheld Camera and, inFebruary 2020 , we received CE mark clearance. •InFebruary 2019 , we obtained FDA clearance for our 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. We are introducing the Ion endoluminal system in a measured fashion while we optimize training pathways and our supply chain and collect additional clinical data. We have placed 50 Ion systems for commercial use as ofMarch 31, 2021 . •InFebruary 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 pre- and intra-operative settings. We are currently conducting a pilot study of our Iris product and service in the field at a small group ofU.S. hospitals to gain initial product experience and insights. •InDecember 2018 , we received product registration for our da Vinci Xi Surgical System inChina . The registration approval does not include advanced energy or stapling products that attach to the da Vinci Xi system. Separate product registrations are required for each of these products with theChina National Medical Products Administration ("NMPA"). •InOctober 2018 , theChina National Health Commission published on its official website the quota for major medical equipment to be imported and sold inChina through 2020. After an adjustment notice was published in the third quarter of 2020, the government will now allow for the total sale of 225 new surgical robots intoChina , which could include da Vinci Surgical Systems as well as surgical systems introduced by others. As ofMarch 31, 2021 , we have sold 129 da Vinci Surgical Systems under this quota. Future 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. Refer to the descriptions of our products that received regulatory clearances in 2021, 2020, and 2019 in the New Product Introductions section below. 27 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of ContentsThe Japanese Ministry of Health , Labor, and Welfare ("MHLW") 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/economic data. InApril 2012 andApril 2016 , the MHLW granted reimbursement status for robotic-assisted prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy, respectively. Most prostatectomies and partial nephrectomies were open procedures prior toda Vinci reimbursement.Da Vinci procedure reimbursement for robotic-assisted prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy procedures are higher than open and conventional laparoscopic procedure reimbursements. An additional 12da Vinci procedures were granted reimbursement effectiveApril 1, 2018 , including gastrectomy, low anterior resection, lobectomy, and hysterectomy, for both malignant and benign conditions. An additional 7 da Vinci procedures were granted reimbursement effectiveApril 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 the adoption pace for these procedures will be similar to robotic-assisted prostatectomy or partial nephrectomy, given their higher reimbursement, or any otherda 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 documentation required in their national language, and arrange, as required, 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 surgery 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 ada Vinci procedure is greater than that of alternative treatment options, patients may benefit from seeking out surgeons and hospitals that offer da Vinci Surgery, which could potentially result in a local market share shift. Adoption ofda Vinci procedures occurs procedure by procedure and market by market and is driven by the relative patient value and total treatment costs ofda Vinci procedures as compared to alternative treatment options for the same disease state or condition. We use the number and type ofda 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 ofda Vinci procedures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance, as management believes procedure volume is an indicator of the rate of adoption of robotic-assisted surgery as well as an indicator of future revenue (including revenue from usage-based arrangements). Management believes that both it and investors benefit from referring to the number and type ofda Vinci procedures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. The number and type ofda Vinci procedures also facilitate management's internal comparisons of our historical performance. We believe that the number and type ofda 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 Systems installed 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 systems installed for determining the number and type ofda 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 ofda 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 ofda Vinci procedures and our 28 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents revenues may fluctuate from period to period, andda Vinci procedure volume growth may not correspond to an increase in revenue. The number and type ofda 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 Ourda 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 forda Vinci products and is not intended to promote for sale or use of any Intuitive product outside of its licensed or cleared labeling and indications for use. The adoption of robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci Surgical 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 Systems are used primarily in general surgery, gynecologic surgery, urologic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and head and neck surgery. We focus our organization and investments on developing, marketing, and training products and services for procedures in whichda 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, bariatrics, and cholecystostomies. Target procedures in gynecology include hysterectomy for both cancer and benign conditions. Target procedures in urology include prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy. In cardiothoracic surgery, target procedures include lobectomy. In head and neck surgery, target procedures include certain procedures resecting benign and malignant tumors classified as T1 and T2. Not all of the indications, procedures, or products described may be available in a given country or region or on all generations ofda Vinci 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 2020, approximately 1,243,000 surgical procedures were performed with da Vinci Surgical Systems, compared to approximately 1,229,000 and 1,038,000 surgical procedures performed with da Vinci Surgical Systems in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The reduced growth in our overall procedure volume in 2020 reflects significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above, and was driven by growth inU.S. general surgery procedures and worldwide urology procedures.U.S. Procedures OverallU.S. procedure volume with da Vinci Surgical Systems declined to approximately 876,000 in 2020, compared to approximately 883,000 in 2019 and approximately 753,000 in 2018. General surgery was our largest and fastest growingU.S. specialty in 2020 with procedure volume that grew to approximately 434,000 in 2020, compared to approximately 421,000 in 2019 and approximately 325,000 in 2018. Gynecology was our second largestU.S. surgical specialty in 2020 with procedure volume that declined to approximately 267,000 in 2020, compared to approximately 282,000 in 2019 and approximately 265,000 in 2018. Urology was our third largestU.S. surgical specialty in 2020 with procedure volume that declined to approximately 134,000 in 2020, compared to approximately 138,000 in 2019 and approximately 128,000 in 2018. Procedures Outside of theU.S. Overall OUS procedure volume with da Vinci Surgical Systems grew to approximately 367,000 in 2020, compared to approximately 346,000 in 2019 and approximately 285,000 in 2018. Procedure growth in most OUS markets was driven largely by urology procedure volume, which grew to approximately 214,000 in 2020, compared to approximately 206,000 in 2019 and approximately 175,000 in 2018. General surgery and thoracic procedures also contributed to OUS procedure growth with higher growth rates than urology procedures. 29 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Recent Business Events and Trends Procedures Overall. Totalda Vinci procedures performed by our customers grew approximately 16% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to approximately 10% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The first quarter procedure results for both periods reflect significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above. We saw continued recovery and growth in most of the major procedure categories in the latter part of the first quarter of 2021, most notably in general surgery procedures (particularly bariatrics and cholecystectomies) and, to a lesser extent, gynecology and urology procedures. The rates of recovery in urology procedures continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to delays in both the diagnosis of and procedures in patient populations that are considered to be at higher risk from COVID-19 infections as well as for conditions that may progress more slowly.U.S. Procedures.U.S. da Vinci procedures grew approximately 14% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to approximately 9% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The first quarter procedure results for both periods reflect significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above. TheU.S. procedure growth was largely attributable to general surgery procedures, most notably bariatric, cholecystectomy, and hernia procedures. Growth in the more mature gynecologic and urologic procedure categories was more moderate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe patients have delayed non-urgent procedures to a greater extent than urgent procedures, particularly when patients are at higher risk of COVID-19. OUS Procedures. OUS da Vinci procedures grew approximately 23% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to approximately 12% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The first quarter procedure results for both periods reflect significant procedure disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above. The OUS procedure growth was driven by continued growth in urology procedures, most notably partial nephrectomy and prostatectomy procedures, and earlier stage growth in general surgery (particularly colorectal), gynecology, and thoracic procedures. The OUS procedure growth rate reflects continuedda Vinci adoption in European and Asian markets. The COVID-19 outbreak inChina during the first quarter of 2020, coupled with low COVID-19 rates in 2021, resulted inChina's procedure volume significantly increasing in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020. We also saw strong procedure growth inFrance andSouth Korea , while theUK ,India , and other regions saw significant disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic. System Demand We placed 298 da Vinci Surgical Systems in the first quarter of 2021, compared to 237 systems in the first quarter of 2020. The increase in systems placed reflects procedure growth, more customers trading in da Vinci Si Surgical Systems for fourth generationda Vinci systems in order to access fourth generation instruments and capabilities as well as to standardize their system portfolio, and further customer validation thatda Vinci surgery addresses their quadruple aim objectives. While first quarter 2021 placements grew more than 25% compared with 2020, future demand for da Vinci Surgical Systems will be impacted by a number of factors: economic and geopolitical factors; the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above; hospital response to the evolving healthcare environment; procedure growth rates; hospital consolidation trends; evolving system utilization and point of care dynamics; capital replacement trends; additional reimbursements in various global markets, includingJapan : the timing around governmental tenders and authorizations, includingChina ; 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, and related instruments; and market response. Market acceptance of our recently launched da Vinci SP Surgical 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 surgery or have made explicit statements about their efforts to enter the field including, but not limited to, the following companies: Asensus Surgical, Inc.; avateramedicalGmbH ;CMR Surgical Ltd. ; Johnson & Johnson (including their wholly owned subsidiariesAuris Health, Inc. andVerb Surgical Inc. );Medicaroid, Inc. ;Medrobotics Corporation ; Medtronic plc; meerecompany Inc.; MicroPort Scientific Corporation; Olympus Corporation;Samsung Group ; Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Ltd.;Smart Robot Technology Group Co. Ltd. ; and Titan Medical Inc. Many of the above factors will also impact future demand for our Ion 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. 30 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents New Product Introductions SynchroSeal and E-100 Generator. InNovember 2019 , we obtained FDA clearance for our SynchroSeal instrument and E-100 generator. Following the FDA clearance, inFebruary 2020 , we received CE mark clearance for both products. InMarch 2020 , we received regulatory clearance inJapan to market both our SynchroSeal instrument and E-100 generator. InAugust 2020 , we received regulatory clearance inSouth Korea to market our E-100 generator. SynchroSeal is a single-use, bipolar, electrosurgical instrument intended for grasping, dissection, sealing, 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 and Gray Reload. InJuly 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. SureForm 45 Curved-Tip 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. InJune 2019 , we received CE mark clearance for our da Vinci Endoscope Plus, an enhanced 3D endoscope for use with ourda Vinci X and Xi Surgical Systems. Following the CE mark, inJuly 2019 , we obtained FDA clearance for our da Vinci Endoscope Plus. We have also received regulatory clearances inSouth Korea andJapan to market our da Vinci Endoscope Plus inDecember 2019 andMay 2020 , respectively. The da Vinci Endoscope Plus leverages new sensor technology to allow for increased sharpness and color accuracy. Da Vinci Handheld Camera. InJune 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 ofda Vinci procedures that may require use of a laparoscope, thus eliminating the need for redundant equipment in the operating room and increasing procedure efficiency. InFebruary 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 theU.S. inMay 2020 andJune 2020 , respectively. Ion endoluminal system. InFebruary 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. We are introducing Ion in a measured fashion while we optimize training pathways and our supply chain and collect additional clinical data. We have placed 50 Ion systems for commercial use as ofMarch 31, 2021 . Iris. InFebruary 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. We are now in the early stages of an Iris pilot study in the field at a small group ofU.S. hospitals to gain initial product experience and insights. 31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents First Quarter 2021 Operational and Financial Highlights •Total revenue increased by 18% to$1.29 billion for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$1.10 billion for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . •Approximately 360,000da Vinci procedures were performed during the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , an increase of 16% compared to approximately 310,000 for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . •Instruments and accessories revenue increased by 14% to$706 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$618 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . •Systems revenue increased by 30% to$369 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$283 million during the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . •A total of 298 da Vinci Surgical Systems were shipped during the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , an increase of 26% compared to 237 systems during the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . •As ofMarch 31, 2021 , we had a da Vinci Surgical System installed base of approximately 6,142 systems, an increase of approximately 8% compared to the installed base of approximately 5,669 systems as ofMarch 31, 2020 . •Utilization ofda Vinci systems, measured in terms of procedures per system per year, increased 8% relative to the first quarter of 2020. •During the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , we placed 14 Ion systems for commercial use, an increase of 75% compared to 8 systems during the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . •Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 69.9% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to 67.1% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . •Operating income increased by 47% to$417 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$283 million during the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . Operating income included$104 million and$91 million of share-based compensation expense related to employee stock plans and$6.9 million and$13.3 million of intangible asset-related charges for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, respectively. •As ofMarch 31, 2021 , we had$7.23 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and investments. Cash, cash equivalents, and investments increased by$361 million , compared toDecember 31, 2020 , primarily as a result of cash provided by our operations and proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases, partially offset by capital expenditures and taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards. 32 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Results of Operations The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income information (in millions, except percentages): Three Months Ended March 31, % of Total % of Total 2021 Revenue 2020 Revenue Revenue: Product$ 1,074.6 83 %$ 900.8 82 % Service 217.5 17 % 198.7 18 % Total revenue 1,292.1 100 % 1,099.5 100 % Cost of revenue: Product 319.3 25 % 296.7 27 % Service 70.2 5 % 64.6 6 % Total cost of revenue 389.5 30 % 361.3 33 % Product gross profit 755.3 58 % 604.1 55 % Service gross profit 147.3 12 % 134.1 12 % Gross profit 902.6 70 % 738.2 67 % Operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative 326.0 25 % 308.1 28 % Research and development 159.8 12 % 147.1 13 % Total operating expenses 485.8 37 % 455.2 41 % Income from operations 416.8 33 % 283.0 26 % Interest and other income, net 32.0 2 % 25.1 2 % Income before taxes 448.8 35 % 308.1 28 % Income tax expense (benefit) 13.6 1 % (8.1) (1) % Net income 435.2 34 % 316.2 29 % Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture 8.9 1 % 2.7 - % Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. $ 426.3 33 %$ 313.5 29 % Total Revenue Total revenue increased by 18% to$1.3 billion for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$1.1 billion for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 , resulting from 30% higher systems revenue, driven by 26% higher system placements, 14% higher instruments and accessories revenue, driven by approximately 16% higher procedure volume partially offset by the impact of extended use instruments, and 9% higher service revenue. Revenue denominated in foreign currencies as a percentage of total revenue was approximately 23% and 21% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, 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 material impact on total revenue for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , nor for the three months ended andMarch 31, 2020 . Revenue generated in theU.S. accounted for 66% and 71% of total revenue for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 , respectively. We believe thatU.S. revenue has accounted for the large majority of total revenue due toU.S. patients' ability to choose their provider and method of treatment, reimbursement structures supportive of innovation and MIS, and our initial investments focused onU.S. infrastructure. We have been investing in our business in the OUS markets, and our OUS procedures have grown faster in proportion toU.S. procedures. We expect that our OUS procedures and revenue will make up a greater portion of our business in the long term. 33 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents As the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to continue to cause a 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 second quarter of 2021 and beyond. The following table summarizes our revenue and system unit shipments for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, respectively (in millions, except percentages and unit shipments):
Three Months Ended
2021 2020
Revenue
Instruments and accessories$ 705.9 $ 617.5 Systems 368.7 283.3 Total product revenue 1,074.6 900.8 Services 217.5 198.7 Total revenue$ 1,292.1 $ 1,099.5 United States$ 847.5 $ 781.6 OUS 444.6 317.9 Total revenue$ 1,292.1 $ 1,099.5 % of Revenue - U.S. 66 % 71 % % of Revenue - OUS 34 % 29 % Instruments and accessories$ 705.9 $ 617.5 Services 217.5 198.7 Operating lease revenue 59.0 39.1 Total recurring revenue$ 982.4 $ 855.3 % of Total revenue 76 % 78 % Da Vinci Surgical Systems Shipments by Region: U.S. unit shipments 190 182 OUS unit shipments 108 55 Total unit shipments* 298 237
*Systems shipped under operating leases (included in total unit shipments)
127 77
Da Vinci Surgical Systems Shipments involving System Trade-ins: Unit shipments involving trade-ins
132 136 Unit shipments not involving trade-ins 166 101 Ion Systems Shipments 14 8 Product Revenue Product revenue increased by 19% to$1.07 billion for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$0.90 billion for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . Instruments and accessories revenue increased by 14% to$706 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$618 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The increase in instruments and accessories revenue was driven primarily by procedure growth of approximately 16%, partially offset by customer buying patterns. The first quarter 2021 U.S. procedure growth was approximately 14%, driven by growth in general surgery procedures, most notably bariatric, cholecystectomy, and hernia repair procedures, as well as moderate growth in the more mature gynecologic and urologic procedures categories. The first quarter 2021 OUS procedure growth was approximately 23%, driven by continued growth in urology procedures, most notably partial nephrectomy and prostatectomy procedures, and earlier stage growth in general surgery (particularly colorectal), gynecology, and thoracic procedures. Both growth rates were impacted by the disruption 34 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the COVID-19 Pandemic section above. Geographically, the first quarter 2021 OUS procedure growth was driven by procedure expansion inChina ,France ,South Korea ,Japan , andGermany , while procedures declined in theUK . Systems revenue increased by 30% to$369 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$283 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The higher first quarter 2021 systems revenue was primarily driven by higher system shipments, higher operating lease revenue, higher first quarter 2021 ASPs, and higher lease buyouts, partially offset by a higher proportion of system shipments under operating leases. During the first quarter of 2021, a total of 298 da Vinci Surgical Systems were shipped compared to 237 systems during the first quarter of 2020. By geography, 190 systems were shipped into theU.S. , 59 intoEurope , 44 intoAsia , and 5 into other markets during the first quarter of 2021, compared to 182 systems shipped into theU.S. , 25 intoEurope , 27 intoAsia , and 3 into other markets during the first quarter of 2020. The increase in systems shipments was primarily driven by procedure growth, more customers trading in da Vinci Si Surgical Systems for fourth generationda Vinci Xi andda Vinci X systems in order to access fourth generation instruments and capabilities as well as to standardize their system portfolio, and further customer validation thatda Vinci surgery addresses their quadruple aim objectives. We shipped 137 and 121 da Vinci Surgical Systems under lease arrangements, of which 127 and 77 systems were classified as operating leases for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, respectively. Operating lease revenue was$59.0 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$39.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . Systems placed as operating leases represented 43% of total shipments during the first quarter of 2021, compared to 32% during the first quarter of 2020. A total of 1,006da Vinci Surgical Systems were installed at customers under operating lease or usage-based arrangements as ofMarch 31, 2021 , compared to 721 as ofMarch 31, 2020 . Revenue from Lease Buyouts was$19.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$12.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . We expect revenue from Lease Buyouts to fluctuate period to period depending on the timing of when, and if, customers choose to exercise the buyout options embedded in their leases. The da Vinci Surgical System ASP, excluding the impact of systems shipped under operating lease or usage-based arrangements and Ion systems, was approximately$1.65 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to approximately$1.44 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . ASP fluctuates from period to period based on geographic and product mix, product pricing, systems shipped involving trade-ins, and changes in foreign exchange rates. Service Revenue Service revenue increased by 9% to$218 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , compared to$199 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The increase in service revenue was primarily driven by a larger installed base of da Vinci Surgical Systems producing service revenue. Gross Profit Product gross profit for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , increased 25% to$755 million , representing 70.3% of product revenue, compared to$604 million , representing 67.1% of product revenue, for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The higher product gross profit for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , was primarily driven by higher product revenue and higher product gross profit margin. The higher product gross profit margin for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , was primarily driven by higher system first quarter 2021 ASPs, lower year-over-year costs associated withda Vinci Si product transitions, lower freight costs, and lower intangible assets amortization expense. Product gross profit for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, included share-based compensation expense of$15.3 million and$12.8 million , respectively, and intangible assets amortization expense of$4.2 million and$8.8 million , respectively. Service gross profit for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , increased 10% to$147 million , representing 67.7% of service revenue, compared to$134 million , representing 67.5% of service revenue, for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The higher service gross profit for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , was primarily driven by higher service revenue, reflecting a larger installed base of da Vinci Surgical Systems, and higher service gross profit margin. The higher service gross profit margin for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , was primarily driven by lower intangible assets amortization expense. Service gross profit for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, included share-based compensation expense of$5.7 million and$5.5 million , respectively, and intangible assets amortization expense of$0.3 million and$0.9 million , respectively. 35 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs for sales, marketing, and administrative personnel, sales and marketing activities, tradeshow expenses, legal expenses, regulatory fees, and general corporate expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , increased by 6% to$326 million , compared to$308 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , was primarily driven by higher headcount, resulting in increased fixed and share-based compensation expense, higher variable compensation, and increased infrastructure to support our growth, partially offset by lower marketing, travel, and training expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, included share-based compensation expense of$53.1 million and$45.7 million , respectively, and intangible assets amortization expense of$1.7 million and$1.7 million , respectively. Our spending in the first quarter of 2021 reflected a continued curtailment of certain costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel, marketing events, surgeon training, clinical trials, and other related expenses. We expect that these costs will increase to the extent that the impact of COVID-19 decreases and decline to the extent that the impact of COVID-19 increases. However, we will 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. We will manage the hiring of volume-related roles, such as sales representatives and manufacturing employees, to meet the needs of the business. 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. Research and development expenses for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , increased by 9% to$160 million , compared to$147 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The increases in research and development expenses for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , were primarily driven by higher personnel-related expenses and other project costs incurred to support a broader set of product development initiatives, including Ion and SP platform investments, informatics, advanced instrumentation, advanced imaging, and future generations of robotics, partially offset by lower intangible asset-related charges. Research and development expenses for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, included share-based compensation expense of$30.1 million and$27.2 million , respectively, and intangible asset charges of$0.7 million and$1.9 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, for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, was$32.0 million , and$25.1 million , respectively. The increase in interest and other income, net, for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , was primarily driven by unrealized gains on investments resulting from strategic arrangements, partially offset by lower interest income earned, despite higher cash and investment balances, due to the decline in average interest rates. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company recorded unrealized gains on strategic investments of approximately$14 million . Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , was$13.6 million , or 3.0% of income before taxes, compared to$(8.1) million , or (2.6)% of income before taxes, for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The higher income tax expense for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , was primarily due to higher pre-tax income. Our effective tax rate for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, differs from theU.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to excess tax benefits associated with employee equity plans, the effect of income earned by certain overseas entities being taxed at rates lower than the federal statutory rate, and federal R&D credit benefit, partially offset byU.S. tax on foreign earnings and state income taxes (net of federal benefit). Our provision for income taxes for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, included excess tax benefits associated with employee equity plans of$73.4 million and$65.4 million , which reduced our effective tax rate by 16.4 and 21.2 percentage points, respectively. The amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies will fluctuate from period to period based on 36 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents the price of our stock, the volume of share-based instruments settled or vested, and the value assigned to employee equity awards underU.S. GAAP, which results in increased income tax expense volatility. We file federal, state, and foreign income tax returns in manyU.S. and OUS jurisdictions. Years before 2016 are closed for the 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 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 change in unrecognized tax benefits that may occur in the next 12 months. We are subject to the examination of our income tax returns by theIRS 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 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Joint Venture for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020, was$8.9 million and$2.7 million , respectively. The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Joint Venture was primarily due to increased sales inChina during the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 . Liquidity and Capital Resources Sources and Uses of Cash Our principal source of liquidity is cash provided by 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$0.36 billion to$7.23 billion as ofMarch 31, 2021 , from$6.87 billion as ofDecember 31, 2020 , primarily from cash provided by our operations and proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases, partially offset by capital expenditures and taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards. Our cash requirements depend on numerous factors, including market acceptance of our products, the resources we devote to developing and supporting our products, and other factors. We expect to continue to devote substantial resources to expand procedure adoption and acceptance of our products. We have made substantial investments in our commercial operations, product development activities, facilities, and intellectual property. Based upon our business model, we anticipate that we will continue to be able to fund future growth through cash provided by our operations. We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents, and investment balances, together with income to be derived from the sale of our products, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future. See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2020 , for discussion on the impact of interest rate risk and market risk on our investment portfolio. Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Data The following table summarizes our cash flows for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , and 2020 (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Net cash provided by (used in) Operating activities$ 477.6 $ 352.8 Investing activities (597.0) (117.1) Financing activities (102.2) (178.7)
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
0.8 (0.8) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$ (220.8) $ 56.2 37
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Operating Activities For the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , net cash provided by operating activities of$478 million exceeded our net income of$435 million , primarily due to the following reasons: 1.Our net income included non-cash charges of$212 million , consisting primarily of the following significant items: share-based compensation of$103 million ; depreciation expense and losses on the disposal of property, plant, and equipment of$65 million ; deferred income taxes of$45 million ; gain on investments, accretion, and amortization, net, of$13 million ; and amortization of intangible assets of$7 million . 2.The non-cash charges outlined above were partially offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in$169 million of cash used by operating activities during the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 . Prepaid expenses and other assets increased by$73 million , primarily due to an increase in prepaid taxes, driven by the timing of tax payments, and an increase in leasing. Inventory, including the effect of systems inventory built and transferred to property, plant, and equipment as a result of systems placed under operating lease and usage-based arrangements, increased by$41 million , primarily due to build-up 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 (Unaudited) included in Item 1, Part I. Accrued compensation and employee benefits decreased by$40 million , primarily due to the payments of 2020 incentive compensation. Other liabilities decreased by$31 million , primarily due to the timing of payments. Accounts receivable increased by$14 million , primarily due to the timing of collections. The unfavorable impact of these items on cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by a$24 million increase in accounts payable, primarily due to the timing of billings. Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , consisted primarily of purchases of investments (net of proceeds from sales and maturities of investments) of$530 million , the acquisition of property and equipment of$59 million , and the acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired, of$9 million . We invest predominantly in high quality, fixed income securities. Our investment portfolio may, at any time, contain investments inU.S. treasury andU.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 during the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , consisted primarily of taxes paid on behalf of employees related to net share settlements of vested employee stock purchases of$178 million and the payment of deferred purchase consideration from prior acquisitions of$8 million , partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchases of$84 million . Capital Expenditures Our business is not capital equipment intensive. However, with the growth of our business and our investments in property and facilities and in manufacturing automation, capital investments in these areas have increased. We expect these capital investments to exceed$300 million in both 2021 and 2022. We intend to fund these needs with cash generated from operations. Critical Accounting Estimates The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance withU.S. GAAP. The preparation of these Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our critical accounting estimates. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. There have been no new or material changes to the critical accounting estimates discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2020 , that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company. 38
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