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Staar Surgical (STAA)
NASDAQ:STAA

Staar Surgical (STAA) AI Stock Analysis

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Staar Surgical

(NASDAQ:STAA)

52Neutral
STAA's overall stock score is 52, reflecting significant challenges in financial performance with declining revenues and negative profitability. The balance sheet is a strength, showing low leverage. Technical indicators are mixed, indicating uncertainty. Valuation concerns arise due to negative earnings, and while there are strategic efforts underway to address these issues, the immediate outlook remains cautious.
Positive Factors
Management Strategy
New management is focused on its ability to drive long-term profitable growth and has undertaken meaningful cost reduction and restructuring initiatives.
Product Development
Staar highlighted the attractiveness of its proprietary collamer material and noted that there may be opportunities to apply it in ophthalmologic therapeutic settings in the future.
Regional Performance
Global sales excluding China were $3 million above estimates with 9% year-over-year growth.
Negative Factors
Guidance Withdrawal
STAA withdrew its 2025 guidance.
Inventory Concerns
Shares are expected to remain pressured for the foreseeable future due to significant inventory in the channel.
Macroeconomic Challenges
The lack of clarity on a recovery remains an open-ended question due to macro challenges within China.

Staar Surgical (STAA) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Staar Surgical Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionStaar Surgical (STAA) is a leading medical device company that specializes in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of implantable lenses for the eye. The company operates primarily in the ophthalmic sector, offering products that are intended to provide visual improvement by correcting refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Staar Surgical is recognized for its innovative Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs), which serve as an alternative to traditional corrective lenses and surgical procedures, enhancing vision without the removal of corneal tissue.
How the Company Makes MoneyStaar Surgical generates revenue primarily through the sale of its implantable lens products, particularly its flagship Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs). These lenses are marketed to ophthalmologists and eye care professionals, who, in turn, offer the lenses to patients seeking vision correction solutions. The company benefits from a growing demand for refractive vision correction, driven by increasing global rates of myopia and the desire for alternatives to glasses and contact lenses. Staar Surgical also maintains strategic partnerships with eye care providers and clinics to enhance its market reach and adoption of its products. Furthermore, the company invests in research and development to continuously improve its product offerings and maintain a competitive edge in the ophthalmic sector. Revenue growth is influenced by factors such as new product launches, expansion into emerging markets, and increasing awareness of the benefits of ICLs over other vision correction methods.

Staar Surgical Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Staar Surgical exhibits a mixed financial performance. The income statement reveals challenges with negative EBIT and EBITDA and inconsistent revenue growth. The balance sheet is strong with low debt-to-equity but declining return on equity due to decreased net income. Cash flow has improved, yet free cash flow growth remains a concern.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Staar Surgical has faced challenges in recent financial periods, as highlighted by the negative EBIT and EBITDA in the latest year. Gross profit margins are solid, but the net profit margin has declined, indicating operational inefficiencies or increased costs. Revenue growth has been inconsistent, with a recent decline from the previous year.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet shows a healthy equity position with a low debt-to-equity ratio, suggesting financial stability. The equity ratio is strong, indicating the company is well-capitalized. However, the return on equity has decreased due to declining net income, which may concern investors.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Operating cash flow has improved, turning positive in the latest year, but free cash flow remains low. The operating cash flow to net income ratio indicates improved cash conversion. The overall cash flow position is stable, yet the growth rate of free cash flow needs to be addressed.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Mar 2021
Income StatementTotal Revenue
313.90M322.42M284.39M230.47M163.46M
Gross Profit
239.58M252.65M223.38M178.64M118.36M
EBIT
-12.61M28.10M43.80M33.34M6.77M
EBITDA
-5.72M33.22M48.31M36.98M9.86M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-20.21M21.35M39.66M27.51M5.91M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
230.49M220.73M211.64M199.71M152.45M
Total Assets
509.52M488.69M415.15M345.78M257.42M
Total Debt
38.74M35.83M31.04M32.06M10.80M
Net Debt
-105.42M-147.20M-55.44M-167.65M-141.65M
Total Liabilities
112.19M102.74M82.71M87.22M60.19M
Stockholders Equity
397.33M385.95M332.44M258.56M197.22M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-7.67M-3.59M17.61M30.32M12.55M
Operating Cash Flow
15.72M14.59M35.72M43.96M20.95M
Investing Cash Flow
-59.22M74.35M-156.38M-13.64M-8.40M
Financing Cash Flow
5.72M7.42M8.30M17.79M19.57M

Staar Surgical Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price19.22
Price Trends
50DMA
17.77
Positive
100DMA
19.59
Negative
200DMA
25.44
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.38
Positive
RSI
55.64
Neutral
STOCH
27.26
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For STAA, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 19.22 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 18.48, above the 50-day MA of 17.77, and below the 200-day MA of 25.44, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.38 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 55.64 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 27.26 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for STAA.

Staar Surgical Risk Analysis

Staar Surgical disclosed 41 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Staar Surgical reported the most risks in the “Legal & Regulatory” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Staar Surgical Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (52)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
RMRMD
85
Outperform
$36.90B28.2625.81%0.82%9.54%37.23%
78
Outperform
$202.00B82.6715.94%19.08%23.13%
58
Neutral
$8.44B116.65-23.93%-0.12%-713.82%
57
Neutral
$4.16B-5.56%11.94%-6.98%
BABAX
56
Neutral
$16.25B136.07-8.96%2.90%-20.17%-138.32%
52
Neutral
$5.15B3.02-44.64%2.83%16.44%-0.47%
52
Neutral
$951.89M55.81-19.14%-14.44%-557.38%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
STAA
Staar Surgical
19.22
-23.58
-55.09%
BAX
Baxter International
31.66
-2.45
-7.18%
ISRG
Intuitive Surgical
563.60
163.57
40.89%
MASI
Masimo
155.62
28.97
22.87%
RMD
Resmed
251.69
34.90
16.10%
BLCO
Bausch + Lomb Corporation
11.76
-2.75
-18.95%

Staar Surgical Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 07, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -1.13%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 06, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strategic management changes and positive sales growth outside China, along with cost optimization efforts and increased manufacturing capacity. However, significant revenue decline in China, lower profitability, decreased gross margin, and tariff challenges presented notable challenges.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Positive Global Sales Growth Outside China
Net sales excluding China were $42.2 million for the first quarter of 2025, representing 9% sales growth over the year ago quarter.
Strategic Management Changes
Streamlined management structure, including the promotion of Warren Faust to President and the appointment of Deborah Andrews as Interim CFO.
Cost Optimization Efforts
Identified actions to meaningfully reduce costs, targeting an SG&A run rate of approximately $225 million by the end of 2025.
Continued ICL Demand and Growth in China
Despite a dramatic reduction in reported revenue, in-market ICL procedures in China are believed to be similar to or better than the first quarter of 2024.
Expansion of Manufacturing Capacity
Increased manufacturing capacity in Switzerland with a potential output of 300,000 lenses a year by the end of 2026, with longer-term potential for over 800,000 lenses annually.
Negative Updates
Significant Revenue Decline in China
First quarter reported China sales were just $389,000 compared to $38.5 million in the year ago quarter, due to distributors consuming existing inventory.
Lower Profitability and Restructuring Charges
Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 was a loss of $26.4 million, with restructuring, impairment, and related charges totaling $22.7 million.
Decreased Gross Margin
Gross margin was 65.8% compared to 78.9% in the year ago quarter, impacted by higher manufacturing costs and increased excess and obsolete inventory reserves.
Tariff Challenges in China
Retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods by China led to consignment agreements and shipment of consigned inventory to distributors in China, creating uncertainties.
Company Guidance
During the STAAR Surgical first quarter 2025 earnings call, CEO Steve Farrell highlighted several key metrics and strategic initiatives aimed at addressing short-term tactical challenges and driving long-term growth. The company reported total net sales of $42.6 million for the quarter, a decline from $77.4 million in the previous year, largely due to minimal purchases by China distributors, who were consuming existing inventory. Despite this, sales outside China grew by 9% year-over-year. STAAR's efforts to mitigate the impact of China's tariffs included consignment agreements and strategic inventory placement, with expectations for normalized sales to resume by Q3. The company also undertook cost-cutting measures aimed at achieving a $225 million SG&A run rate by year-end, while targeting a 70% gross margin in the second half of 2025. The management team is optimistic about the future, driven by their proprietary technology, growing market opportunities, and strategic expansions, particularly in manufacturing capabilities in Switzerland.

Staar Surgical Corporate Events

Product-Related AnnouncementsStock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
STAAR Surgical Announces $30 Million Share Buyback
Positive
May 16, 2025

On May 16, 2025, STAAR Surgical announced a $30 million share repurchase program, reflecting the board’s confidence in the company’s future and commitment to shareholder value. Additionally, on May 14, 2025, STAAR received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration for its EVO+ Toric Implantable Collamer Lens, enhancing its market presence in China and aligning with its strategic priorities.

The most recent analyst rating on (STAA) stock is a Buy with a $27.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Staar Surgical stock, see the STAA Stock Forecast page.

Spark’s Take on STAA Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, STAA is a Neutral.

STAAR Surgical currently faces significant challenges with declining revenues, negative cash flow, and profitability issues, especially impacted by sales decline in China. The technical analysis shows uncertainty with no strong trends, while valuation concerns arise from negative earnings. Leadership changes and strategic initiatives offer potential for improvement, but immediate financial recovery remains uncertain.

To see Spark’s full report on STAA stock, click here.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
STAAR Surgical Reports Q1 2025 Financial Results
Negative
May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, STAAR Surgical reported its financial results for the first quarter ending March 28, 2025, revealing a 45% year-over-year decline in net sales to $42.6 million, primarily due to reduced channel inventory in China. Despite this, sales outside China grew by 9%, and the company implemented cost controls and restructuring to align expenses with sales, aiming to resume growth in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA in the second half of the year. The company is also mitigating tariff impacts through consignment agreements in China and expanding manufacturing capabilities in Switzerland. Regulatory approvals in Taiwan and Brazil for its EVO/EVO+ ICLs further strengthen its market position, although the company withdrew its previous financial outlook due to global economic uncertainties and evolving tariff policies.

Spark’s Take on STAA Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, STAA is a Neutral.

Staar Surgical is facing significant challenges, particularly in China, impacting overall financial performance. While there is growth potential outside China, the current financial metrics and technical indicators point to caution. The valuation remains a concern due to negative earnings. Leadership changes could provide strategic direction, but the impact remains to be seen.

To see Spark’s full report on STAA stock, click here.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Staar Surgical Announces Board Changes and New Advisor
Neutral
Apr 24, 2025

On April 24, 2025, STAAR Surgical Company announced changes to its Board of Directors, appointing Louis E. Silverman as a director and noting that Aimee S. Weisner will not seek re-election. Wei Jiang will serve as a special strategic advisor to the Asia Pacific business, focusing on strengthening operations in the region. These changes aim to enhance STAAR’s strategic positioning and operational efficiency, particularly in the Asia Pacific market, amid evolving global tariff environments and distribution challenges.

Spark’s Take on STAA Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, STAA is a Neutral.

Staar Surgical is facing significant challenges, particularly in China, impacting overall financial performance. While there is growth potential outside China, the current financial metrics and technical indicators point to caution. The valuation remains a concern due to negative earnings. Leadership changes could provide strategic direction, but the impact remains to be seen.

To see Spark’s full report on STAA stock, click here.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Staar Surgical Announces Leadership Realignment for Growth
Positive
Mar 18, 2025

On March 17, 2025, STAAR Surgical Company announced a realignment of its leadership structure to better address market needs and drive revenue growth. Warren Foust was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer, while Magda Michna was appointed Chief Development Officer, taking on expanded responsibilities. Deborah Andrews returned as Interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Patrick Williams, who stepped down. The changes aim to streamline operations, improve cost structure, and enhance shareholder value.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Staar Surgical Announces New Leadership Transition
Positive
Feb 26, 2025

On February 26, 2025, STAAR Surgical Company announced a leadership transition with Stephen C. Farrell appointed as the new President and CEO, succeeding Thomas G. Frinzi. The company also elected Elizabeth Yeu, M.D., as the new Board Chair. This change is expected to leverage Mr. Farrell’s extensive experience in the healthcare industry to navigate global macroeconomic challenges and drive the next phase of STAAR’s growth. The transition aims to enhance STAAR’s market position and capitalize on the growing demand for refractive surgery solutions, with Mr. Frinzi remaining in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.