Using the Earnings Power Value framework with a WACC of 7.8% and normalized earnings of $2.2B, Intuitive Surgical, Inc. has a fair value of $86.33 per share. The EPV range is $73.81 – $104.79 based on WACC sensitivity (6.3% – 9.3%).
| Low | Selected | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normalized Earnings | 2,212 | 2,212 | 2,212 |
| (/) WACC | 9.3% | 7.8% | 6.3% |
| Enterprise Value | 23,706 | 28,247 | 34,941 |
| (-) Net debt | -3,065 | -3,065 | -3,065 |
| Equity Value | 26,771 | 31,313 | 38,007 |
| (/) Outstanding shares | 363 | 363 | 363 |
| Fair Price | $73.81 | $86.33 | $104.79 |
Earnings Power Value (EPV) estimates what a company is worth based on its current normalized earnings, assuming zero growth. It values the business as a perpetuity: Normalized Earnings / WACC. This gives a conservative floor value — the company's worth if it never grows but maintains its current profitability.
The model normalizes earnings by: (1) using sustainable gross margins (5-year average) applied to current revenue, (2) deducting maintenance-level operating expenses (average R&D + SG&A as % of revenue), (3) applying the average effective tax rate, and (4) subtracting the average excess of CapEx over D&A (net reinvestment needed to maintain current capacity).
EPV is most useful as a comparison anchor: if the market price is below EPV, the stock may be undervalued even without any growth. If market price exceeds EPV, the premium reflects growth expectations — which may or may not materialize.