Investing.com -- Oppenheimer upgraded Intuitive Surgical to Outperform from Perform with a $500 price target in a note on Wednesday, arguing the company's strategy of "Crowding Out Competitors" is strategically smart. On the positive side, the firm views U.S. competition as a "non-factor," with field checks suggesting "some unique workflow challenges for Ottava that limit long-term appeal" and real-estate issues for Hugo. It added that Intuitive's customized price-volume contracts complicate competitor returns, while its per-click model "provides tremendous flexibility in lower-acuity ASC penetration." The firm was less optimistic about international competition, where about 34% of Intuitive's sales come from. Related articlesIntuitive Surgical: Oppenheimer now bullish, sees competition being "crowded out"As Claude disrupts stock market, Anthropic researcher warns 'world is in peril'This sector is 'poised for a big, beautiful year': Truist