BUZZ - Staar Surgical stock rises after Stifel upgrades rating to "Buy"

September 29 - ** The share price of lens manufacturer Staar Surgical (STAA.O) rose 5.1% in pre-market trading to $21.9

** Securities firm Stifel believes the company's revenue has upside potential with the promotion of its EVO+ artificial lens in the Chinese market and the recovery of international demand; the stock rating was raised from "hold" to "buy"

** The target price was raised from $28 to $31, representing a 49% premium to the previous trading day's closing price

** The institution stated that market expectations for future sales are too low, given continued strong growth in the Chinese market and improved overseas demand

** Stifel pointed out that the growth potential of the company's ICL technology portfolio is underestimated, including opportunities in the large presbyopia (age-related vision disease) market

** Out of 12 brokerages, 4 give the stock a "buy" or higher rating, 7 give a "hold" rating, and 1 gives a "sell" rating; the median target price is $27

** As of the previous trading day's close, the stock was down 9.6% year-to-date

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