STAAR Surgical Announces Preliminary Q1 2026 Net Sales: Detailed Investor Analysis

Key Highlights

• Record Net Sales: STAAR Surgical (NASDAQ: STAA) expects net sales for Q1 2026 to exceed \$90 million, more than double the \$42.6 million reported in Q1 2025.
• Strong Performance in China: The company’s largest market, China, was the primary driver of the sales increase, recovering from last year’s inventory issues.
• Growth in the Americas: The Americas region saw continued double-digit sales growth, contributing to overall revenue expansion.
• Improved Cost Structure: STAAR Surgical reports a significantly improved cost structure, which, alongside higher sales, is expected to deliver a meaningful improvement in adjusted EBITDA for the quarter.
• Inventory Normalization: Distributor inventory levels in China are reported to be within the company’s targeted range, indicating normalization after last year’s excess.
• Adverse Conditions in EMEA and APAC: Net sales in the Middle East and parts of EMEA and APAC were negatively impacted by geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges, leading to sales declines in those regions.
• No Forward Guidance: Due to ongoing global volatility and unpredictability in certain business segments, STAAR continues to refrain from providing forward revenue or earnings guidance.
• Upcoming Filings: Full quarterly financial results and Form 10-Q will be filed in early May 2026.

Detailed Analysis for Investors

STAAR Surgical, a global leader in implantable Collamer® lenses (EVO ICL™), has announced that preliminary net sales for the first quarter of 2026 will surpass \$90 million, a substantial increase compared to \$42.6 million in the same period last year. This remarkable growth is primarily attributed to robust demand in China, which experienced minimal shipments in Q1 2025 due to distributor inventory corrections. The normalization of distributor inventory in China now positions STAAR for sustained growth in its largest market.

In addition, the Americas region continues to deliver double-digit sales growth, further driving revenue expansion. The company’s improved cost structure is expected to result in significant improvement in adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026, meeting two of the three core objectives set out in the company’s Shareholder Letter earlier this year: Revenue Growth and Profit Expansion.

Potential Share Price Impact

This preliminary sales announcement is highly price-sensitive and could positively affect share values due to:

• The dramatic year-over-year increase in net sales, indicating strong demand and operational execution.
• Improved cost management, suggesting enhanced profitability.
• Resolution of prior inventory issues in China, which removes a significant overhang from last year.
• Continued robust performance in the Americas.

However, investors should note that sales in EMEA and APAC (including the Middle East) have been negatively affected by ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges. STAAR cautions that if these adverse conditions persist, sales growth in these regions may remain subdued and potentially spread to other markets.

Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Statements

• Global business conditions remain volatile; parts of the business are unpredictable.
• The company is not providing forward revenue or earnings guidance at this time.
• Risks include reliance on independent distributors, supply chain disruptions, fluctuations in foreign exchange, trade disputes, competition, regulatory uncertainties, and exposure to product liability and environmental risks.
• All reported financial information is preliminary, unaudited, and subject to adjustment pending completion of the quarterly review and filings.
• Full financial details will be disclosed in the company’s quarterly Form 10-Q, expected in early May 2026.

Company Background

STAAR Surgical is a pioneer in implantable phakic intraocular lenses for vision correction, having sold over 4 million ICLs in more than 85 countries. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, STAAR operates facilities in both California and Switzerland. Its EVO ICL™ product line offers safe, long-term vision correction without removing corneal tissue or the natural crystalline lens.

Investor Communication

STAAR Surgical uses its website for material disclosures, press releases, SEC filings, and investor alerts. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the Investor Relations section of investors.staar.com for updates.

Contact Information

Investor/Media Contact:
[email protected]
Connie Johnson
[email protected]
(626) 303-7902 ext. 2207
Asia Investor/Media Contact:
Niko Liu, CFA
[email protected]
United States: (626) 303-7902 ext. 3023
Hong Kong: +852 6092-5076

Disclaimer

This article contains information based on STAAR Surgical’s preliminary and unaudited financial results, forward-looking statements, and company disclosures. Actual results may vary due to risks and uncertainties detailed in the company’s SEC filings. Investors are encouraged to review official filings and conduct their own research before making investment decisions. This article does not constitute investment advice.

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