Source: Papa JohnsWe step into the new year with a largely unchanged macroeconomic backdrop and a recession waiting for us. However, investors can maintain a healthy portfolio if they keep a longer-term view, shutting out all the noise.In that context, we kickstart 2023 with five stocks picked by Wall Street’s top analysts, according to TipRanks, a service that ranks analysts based on their past performance.STAAR SurgicalMedical technology company STAAR Surgical (STAA) is benefiting from solid demand for refractive corrections (surgical corrections for eye conditions) across the world. Moreover, BTIG analyst Ryan Zimmerman believes that favorable demographic trends, including an aging population and a rising number of myopia cases, are also driving demand for STAAR’s products.Earlier in December, the company announced that its president and chief executive officer, Caren Mason, is retiring by the end of the month. Mason will be succeeded by Thomas Frinzi, who has earlier served as head of Johnson & Johnson’s vision unit and president of Abbott Medical Optics. Zimmerman said the appointment of Frinzi can appease investors, thanks to having 40 years of experience in medical optics. (See Staar Surgical Hedge Fund Trading Activity on TipRanks)The analyst is also upbeat about the demand environment for STAAR’s products across different time periods. “Next-gen lenses to new markets should drive near-term growth, while expanded indications, presbyopia, and cataract companion drive long-term growth,” noted Zimmerman, who reiterated a buy rating on the stock with a price target of $80.Zimmerman ranks No. 861 among mor …
