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Staar Surgical (STAA)
NASDAQ:STAA

Staar Surgical (STAA) AI Stock Analysis

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Staar Surgical

(NASDAQ:STAA)

Rating:54Neutral
Price Target:
$18.00
▲(7.27%Upside)
The overall stock score reflects significant challenges in financial performance with declining revenues and negative margins as the most impactful factors. While corporate events and strategic initiatives provide a positive outlook, technical indicators and valuation metrics caution about potential risks. The company needs to address operational and profitability issues to improve investor sentiment.
Positive Factors
Global Sales Performance
Global sales excluding China were $3 million above estimates with 9% year-over-year growth.
Management Strategy
New management is focused on its ability to drive long-term profitable growth and has undertaken meaningful cost reduction and restructuring initiatives.
Market Recovery
The company is seeing early signs that the Chinese market may be on the mend, which should lead to a rebound.
Negative Factors
Guidance Withdrawal
The company formally withdrew guidance given the macro uncertainty and the management transition.
Investor Concerns
FY25 guidance was not reiterated in the announcement, leading to potential investor concern.
Revenue Decline
Revenue in China declined to less than $0.5 million, though it is expected to see a return to growth in the future.

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

Staar Surgical Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSTAAR Surgical Company (STAA) is a leading provider in the healthcare sector, specializing in the development, manufacture, and marketing of implantable lenses for the eye. The company primarily focuses on developing products for vision correction, including implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. STAAR Surgical's innovative lens technology provides an alternative to traditional vision correction methods such as glasses and contact lenses, catering to a global market.
How the Company Makes MoneySTAAR Surgical makes money primarily through the sale of its implantable collamer lenses (ICLs). The company's revenue model is driven by the production and distribution of these lenses to ophthalmologists and eye care professionals worldwide. Key revenue streams include direct sales to healthcare providers, partnerships with eye clinics, and distribution agreements in various countries. STAAR Surgical benefits from its strong brand reputation and technological advancements, which allow it to maintain competitive pricing and expand its market reach. Additionally, the company invests in research and development to continually improve its products, thereby driving further adoption and increasing its revenue potential.

Staar Surgical Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 07, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -13.68%|
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 Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Staar Surgical faces profitability challenges with declining revenues and negative margins. While the balance sheet remains strong with low leverage, the negative cash flow and profitability metrics indicate operational pressures. The company needs to address revenue growth and cost management to improve financial health.
Income Statement
55
Neutral
The company has shown a decline in revenue, with a decrease from $313.9 million in the previous annual report to $279.1 million TTM. Gross profit margin for TTM stands at 74.0%, which is strong but has decreased from 76.3% in the last annual report. Net profit margin is concerning at -25.5% TTM, reflecting a challenging profitability scenario compared to -6.4% in the prior year. EBIT and EBITDA margins are also negative, indicating operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
Staar Surgical maintains a strong equity base with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10 TTM, indicating low leverage. The equity ratio is robust at 76.5%, suggesting a solid capital structure. However, the return on equity (ROE) is negative at -20.3% TTM, reflecting the negative net income and impacting shareholder returns.
Cash Flow
45
Neutral
The company's cash flow position is under pressure with a negative free cash flow of -$13.7 million TTM, worsening from -$7.7 million in the previous period. Operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, highlighting cash flow challenges. Despite these issues, the ability to maintain cash reserves is notable.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Mar 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue279.13M313.90M322.42M284.39M230.47M163.46M
Gross Profit206.55M239.58M252.65M223.38M178.64M118.36M
EBITDA-75.74M-5.72M33.22M48.31M36.98M9.86M
Net Income-71.08M-20.21M21.35M39.66M27.51M5.91M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets457.36M509.52M488.69M415.15M345.78M257.42M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments222.76M230.49M220.73M211.64M199.71M152.45M
Total Debt36.68M38.74M35.83M31.04M32.06M10.80M
Total Liabilities107.39M112.19M102.74M82.71M87.22M60.19M
Stockholders Equity349.97M397.33M385.95M332.44M258.56M197.22M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-13.68M-7.67M-3.59M17.61M30.32M12.55M
Operating Cash Flow-11.69M15.72M14.59M35.72M43.96M20.95M
Investing Cash Flow-40.05M-59.22M74.35M-156.38M-13.64M-8.40M
Financing Cash Flow720.00K5.72M7.42M8.30M17.79M19.57M

Staar Surgical Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price16.78
Price Trends
50DMA
17.90
Negative
100DMA
17.81
Negative
200DMA
22.88
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.33
Negative
RSI
44.90
Neutral
STOCH
52.96
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For STAA, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 16.78 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 17.05, below the 50-day MA of 17.90, and below the 200-day MA of 22.88, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.33 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 44.90 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 52.96 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative 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 (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
RMRMD
85
Outperform
$37.41B28.6525.81%0.83%9.54%37.23%
76
Outperform
$191.29B79.7115.94%19.08%23.13%
63
Neutral
$9.12B116.65-23.93%-0.12%-713.82%
62
Neutral
$4.38B-5.56%11.94%-6.98%
BABAX
60
Neutral
$15.60B136.07-8.96%2.24%-20.17%-138.32%
54
Neutral
$837.98M55.81-19.14%-14.44%-557.38%
51
Neutral
$7.44B0.40-61.90%2.33%17.14%1.55%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
STAA
Staar Surgical
16.78
-27.74
-62.31%
BAX
Baxter International
30.28
-1.82
-5.67%
ISRG
Intuitive Surgical
543.41
104.60
23.84%
MASI
Masimo
168.22
54.80
48.32%
RMD
Resmed
258.00
70.34
37.48%
BLCO
Bausch + Lomb Corporation
13.01
-1.65
-11.26%

Staar Surgical Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Staar Surgical Appoints Deborah Andrews as CFO
Neutral
Jun 25, 2025

On June 25, 2025, STAAR Surgical announced the appointment of Deborah Andrews as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Andrews, who previously served as interim CFO since March 2025 and held various roles at STAAR, brings extensive experience and is expected to enhance financial and operational rigor. Additionally, STAAR established a new Capital Stewardship Committee to guide financial strategies, chaired by Lilian Y. Zhou, aiming to improve capital management and shareholder value. The company also restructured its investor relations function, resulting in the departure of Brian Moore, Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Development.

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.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Staar Surgical Holds Annual Shareholders Meeting
Neutral
Jun 18, 2025

On June 18, 2025, STAAR Surgical Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders where three proposals were voted upon. The shareholders elected six directors for terms expiring at the 2026 Annual Meeting, ratified the appointment of BDO USA, P.C. as the independent accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 2, 2026, and approved the compensation of the Company’s executive officers on a non-binding advisory basis.

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.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Staar Surgical to Present Strategic Plans to Investors
Positive
Jun 4, 2025

STAAR Surgical Company announced that its representatives will present to investors starting June 4, 2025, sharing insights on their strategic plans and financial performance. The presentation will highlight the company’s focus on innovative vision correction technologies and its commitment to addressing global myopia, with implications for continued growth and market leadership.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Jun 12, 2025