Intuitive Surgical vs Eli Lilly (ISRG vs LLY)

Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) vs Eli Lilly (LLY) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) and Eli Lilly (LLY) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Intuitive Surgical or Eli Lilly.

Intuitive Surgical vs Eli Lilly: the figures

Figure	Intuitive Surgical	Eli Lilly
Share price	$482.10 (November 4, 2026)	$1,417.99 (November 4, 2026)
Market cap	$170.3 billion	$1.26 trillion
P/E (TTM)	58.3x	46.0x
Forward P/E	38.7x	28.3x
Revenue growth (quarter)	+21.7%	+38.6%
Net margin (TTM)	25.5%	31.9%
Net debt / EBITDA	Net cash	1.0x
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.49%
Beta	1.44	0.39

Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Intuitive Surgical or Eli Lilly figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly

Growth: Eli Lilly grew sales +38.6% year on year in its latest quarter, against +21.7% for Intuitive Surgical.
Volatility: Intuitive Surgical stock moves more (beta 1.44) than Eli Lilly (beta 0.39); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
Size: Eli Lilly is worth $1.26 trillion on the stock market, about 7.4 times Intuitive Surgical ($170.3 billion).

Intuitive Surgical or Eli Lilly: which fits your profile

If you want growth: Eli Lilly is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
If you want income (dividends): Eli Lilly pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
If you prefer caution: Intuitive Surgical has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
If price is what matters most to you: Eli Lilly trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Intuitive Surgical nor Eli Lilly wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly make money

Intuitive Surgical (ISRG)

Intuitive Surgical sells the da Vinci surgical robot and the Ion lung biopsy system to hospitals. Its biggest revenue source is instruments and accessories used up in each procedure, followed by system sales and leases and service contracts. The United States is its main market, with growing international sales. Full Intuitive Surgical analysis.

Eli Lilly (LLY)

Eli Lilly sells prescription medicines. Its largest revenue source is tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for obesity, followed by Verzenio for breast cancer, Jardiance and Trulicity for diabetes, Taltz for immunology and Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease. The United States is its biggest market. Full Eli Lilly analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Intuitive Surgical vs Eli Lilly

Is Intuitive Surgical or Eli Lilly the better stock?

Choosing between Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly depends on what you are looking for. Eli Lilly is growing faster right now, and Eli Lilly trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Intuitive Surgical or Eli Lilly: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Intuitive Surgical or Eli Lilly?

As of November 4, 2026, Eli Lilly yields 0.49% and Intuitive Surgical pays none. Also check how much of their profit Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Intuitive Surgical or Eli Lilly?

On P/E, Intuitive Surgical (58.3x) is more expensive than Eli Lilly (46.0x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Intuitive Surgical or Eli Lilly.

More comparisons with Intuitive Surgical or Eli Lilly

More companies like Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Intuitive Surgical and Eli Lilly, not investment advice.