The Age of Robots
Remember how the first computers spawned immediate daydreams of artificial intelligence? Back in the 50s and 60s, there were commercials/documentaries for "smart houses" controlled by A.I. that would completely revolutionize the way we lived. Heck, even the Jetsons had a robotic maid. Man, how I waited for technology to exponentially advance, so I could tell my future robotic maid, Rosie, to cook and clean for me. Although that day hasn't arrived yet, the field of robotics is making great progress toward that old daydream.
The question in my mind is: How do you make money off of robots?
Two stocks come to mind: Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) and iRobot (IRBT).
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) is the leader in operative surgical robots. A few weeks ago, ISRG dazzled investors with 3rd quarter profits that nearly tripled since the previous year. Since then, shares have skyrocketed from around $85 to (today's closing price of) $115.50. Every time their shares sky-rocket, I think it's a little over-valued. Today is no different, ending trading today, up $6.05. And for good reason too - ISRG just completed it's first sale in China. With everyone dying to get into China, the first sale in the ever-populous country is a momentous occasion that should be celebrated with share price rising 5.52%. For a complete list of ISRG's robotic products: 2003 Press Release (scroll toward the middle)
iRobot (IRBT) debuted on Wall Street on November 9, 2005. Since opening, share prices have ranged from $26.29 to $37.33, and is currently trading around $30. iRobot makes the a variety of robotic helpers, ranging from household products (with the Roomba and the Scooba) to military products (PackBot Scout, PackBot Explorer, PackBot EOD, R-Gator). Some family friends purchased a Roomba and they love it. Time Magazine even named the Scooba as the Most Amazing Invention of 2005. I think iRobot is positioned really well to become a fantastic company in the next few years.
I'm probably going to buy IRBT within the next few weeks, and I already own ISRG through an investment club.
The question in my mind is: How do you make money off of robots?
Two stocks come to mind: Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) and iRobot (IRBT).
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) is the leader in operative surgical robots. A few weeks ago, ISRG dazzled investors with 3rd quarter profits that nearly tripled since the previous year. Since then, shares have skyrocketed from around $85 to (today's closing price of) $115.50. Every time their shares sky-rocket, I think it's a little over-valued. Today is no different, ending trading today, up $6.05. And for good reason too - ISRG just completed it's first sale in China. With everyone dying to get into China, the first sale in the ever-populous country is a momentous occasion that should be celebrated with share price rising 5.52%. For a complete list of ISRG's robotic products: 2003 Press Release (scroll toward the middle)
iRobot (IRBT) debuted on Wall Street on November 9, 2005. Since opening, share prices have ranged from $26.29 to $37.33, and is currently trading around $30. iRobot makes the a variety of robotic helpers, ranging from household products (with the Roomba and the Scooba) to military products (PackBot Scout, PackBot Explorer, PackBot EOD, R-Gator). Some family friends purchased a Roomba and they love it. Time Magazine even named the Scooba as the Most Amazing Invention of 2005. I think iRobot is positioned really well to become a fantastic company in the next few years.
I'm probably going to buy IRBT within the next few weeks, and I already own ISRG through an investment club.
posted by L.Su at 5:10 PM
<< Home