SUGAR LAND, Texas, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (NASDAQ: AAOI), a leading provider of HFC and advanced optical networking products that power the internet, today announced it completed testing and received certification from Charter Communications, for plans to deploy its 1.8GHz amplifiers and QuantumLink™ remote management software. Together, AOI is helping Charter progress its network evolution project with the deployment of extended spectrum DOCSIS (ESD). With the latest ...

Core Viewpoint - Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) is set to release its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 on August 7, 2025, which will be followed by a conference call to discuss the results and the outlook for the third quarter of 2025 [1][2]. Company Overview - AOI is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical and HFC networking products, essential for AI datacenters, CATV, and broadband fiber access networks globally [4]. - The company provides critical infrastructure to tier-one customers in cloud computing, CATV broadband, telecom, and FTTH markets [4]. - AOI has R&D facilities in Atlanta, GA, and engineering and manufacturing facilities in Sugar Land, TX, Taipei, Taiwan, and Ningbo, China [4]. Financial Communication - A conference call and webcast will be held at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day as the financial results release, allowing analysts and investors to engage with the company's performance and future outlook [2]. - The conference call will be accessible via a live audio webcast on the company's Investor Relations website, with an archived version available for one year [3]. - A telephonic replay of the call will be available one hour after the call until August 14, 2025 [3].

Core Insights - Applied Optoelectronics' stock price increased by 18.6% in a single trading session, contrasting with declines in major indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite [1] - The surge in stock valuation is attributed to the restructuring of debt agreements by one of its subsidiaries, leading to a 39% increase in stock price over the past week [1][3] Financing Changes - The company disclosed significant financing changes for its Global Technology subsidiary, including a one-year credit agreement with China Construction Bank for 96.8 million Chinese renminbi (approximately US$111.55 million) [4] - The new funding was utilized to repay outstanding loans with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank [4] Business Performance and Future Outlook - Despite the recent stock rally, Applied Optoelectronics' stock is down approximately 36% year-to-date due to inconsistent business performance and financing concerns [5] - The company has reported significant shipments of high-speed data center transceivers for a major customer, indicating potential growth [5] - There are indications of increased demand driven by artificial intelligence initiatives from cloud hyperscaler customers, suggesting a positive outlook for the company [6]

Company Overview - Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) shares increased by 17.8% to close at $19.77, supported by high trading volume, contrasting with an 11.5% decline over the past four weeks [1] - The company is experiencing strong demand in the CATV market, growth in data center business, and increased production capacity for advanced optical transceivers, including 800G and 1.6 terabit products [1] Financial Performance - The upcoming quarterly report is expected to show a loss of $0.08 per share, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 71.4% [2] - Revenue is projected to be $104.87 million, representing a significant increase of 142.4% compared to the same quarter last year [2] Market Trends - The consensus EPS estimate for Applied Optoelectronics has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating that stock price movements may not sustain without earnings estimate revisions [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting a neutral outlook [3] Industry Context - Applied Optoelectronics operates within the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry, where another company, Ichor Holdings (ICHR), has also maintained a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3][4] - Ichor Holdings' EPS estimate for the upcoming report is $0.19, showing a year-over-year change of 280% [4]

Core Viewpoint - Shares of Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) have increased by 7% following the announcement of a significant shipment of advanced transceivers, despite the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite being relatively flat [1]. Group 1: Shipment Announcement - Applied Optoelectronics has completed its first volume shipment of high-speed data center transceivers to a major hyperscale data center customer, marking the first of many shipments expected [2]. - This shipment is noted as the first of its size for the company in several years, indicating a potential resurgence in business opportunities [2]. Group 2: CEO Statement - CEO Thompson Lin highlighted that the shipment represents a significant milestone and anticipates increased shipments to this customer and others in the second half of the year [4]. - The positive response from investors reflects confidence in the company's ability to deliver on its growth plans [4]. Group 3: Stock Valuation Concerns - Despite the positive shipment news, the stock is considered overvalued, with concerns about the company's profitability and competition from larger players like Cisco [5]. - The company is projected to operate profitably in the upcoming quarter, but earnings are expected to be modest relative to its market capitalization [5]. - Continued investment in research and development will be necessary for the company to remain competitive in the market [5].

Core Viewpoint - Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. has achieved a significant milestone by completing its first volume shipment of high-speed data center transceivers to a major hyperscale data center customer, indicating a positive outlook for future sales growth in this segment [1][3]. Group 1: Company Developments - The company did not disclose the identity of the hyperscale customer but mentioned that this customer had been "recently re-engaged" [1]. - This shipment is notable as it represents the first significant volume shipment of advanced high-speed data center transceivers to this customer in several years [1]. - CEO Dr. Thompson Lin expressed expectations for growth in data center transceiver sales, particularly in the second half of the year, aligning with the company's capacity expansion plans [2][3]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Applied Optoelectronics shares rose by 16.23%, reaching a price of $18.97 in extended trading [4].

Core Viewpoint - Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) has announced the first volume shipment of high-speed data center transceivers to a major hyperscale data center customer, marking a significant milestone in their business relationship and indicating expected growth in data center transceiver sales in the second half of the year [1][2][3]. Company Overview - AOI is a leading provider of fiber-optic access network products, serving the internet datacenter, cable broadband, telecom, and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) markets [1][4]. - The company develops and manufactures advanced optical products, including components, modules, and equipment, which are essential for broadband fiber access networks globally [4]. Business Developments - The recent shipment represents the first significant quantity delivered to this customer in several years, highlighting a renewed engagement and potential for future business opportunities [2][3]. - AOI's CEO, Dr. Thompson Lin, expressed optimism about the growth in data center transceiver sales, particularly in the latter half of the year, as the company executes its US-based capacity expansion plan [3]. Market Position - AOI supplies optical networking lasers, components, and equipment to tier-1 customers across its target markets, reinforcing its position as a key player in the industry [4].

Group 1 - Applied Optoelectronics (NASDAQ: AAOI) reported Q1-2025 earnings and provided an outlook for Q2-2025, indicating higher revenue due to increased demand for data center and CATV products [1] - The company has experienced revenue growth for the last two quarters and forecasts continued revenue growth moving forward [1]

Company Performance - Applied Optoelectronics reported a quarterly loss of $0.02 per share, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.04, and an improvement from a loss of $0.31 per share a year ago, indicating a 50% earnings surprise [1] - The company posted revenues of $99.86 million for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.13%, and showing significant growth from year-ago revenues of $40.67 million [2] - Over the last four quarters, the company has exceeded consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - Applied Optoelectronics shares have declined approximately 62.1% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of 4.3% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.07 on revenues of $114.9 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.63 on revenues of $526.57 million [7] Industry Outlook - The Electronics - Semiconductors industry, to which Applied Optoelectronics belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 43% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8] - Empirical research suggests a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which could impact the stock's performance [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $99.9 million, more than doubled year over year, and was in line with guidance of $94 million to $104 million [25][35] - Non-GAAP gross margin was 30.7%, above the guidance range of 29% to 30.5%, and up from 28.9% in Q4 2024 [28][29] - Non-GAAP net loss for Q1 was $0.9 million or $0.02 per share, compared to a loss of $12 million or $0.31 per share in Q1 2024 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CATV segment revenue was $64.5 million, up more than six times year over year and increased 24% sequentially, driven by 1.8 GHz amplifier shipments [25][26] - Data center products revenue was $32 million, up 11% year over year but down 28% sequentially due to inventory digestion [25][26] - Telecom segment revenue was $2.9 million, up 29% year over year but down 17% sequentially [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 70.8% of data center revenue came from 100 Gbps products, with 10% from 200 Gbps and 400 Gbps products, and 10% from 40 Gbps products [26] - The top 10 customers represented 97% of revenue, with one customer in CATV contributing 64% and another in data center contributing 27% [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding production capacity for 800 Gbps and higher transceivers, with plans to reach approximately 40,000 transceivers per month by the end of 2025 [13][24] - The company aims to return non-GAAP gross margin to around 40% in the long term, driven by manufacturing efficiencies and improved product mix [29] - The company is committed to onshoring production to meet customer demand for domestic manufacturing, particularly in light of tariff concerns [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted strong demand in the CATV market and positive long-term growth trends in both CATV and data center markets [12][18] - The company expects a modest sequential decrease in CATV revenue in Q2 due to retooling for Motorola-style amplifiers [35] - Management remains vigilant regarding tariff impacts but does not expect significant effects in Q2 based on current information [12] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with $66.8 million in cash and equivalents, down from $79.1 million at the end of Q4 2024 [32] - Capital expenditures for the year are expected to be between $120 million and $150 million, with a focus on expanding production capacity [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the status of channel inventory for cable TV products? - Management has good knowledge of inventory levels and is intentionally building inventory in anticipation of revenue ramp due to tariff concerns [37][38] Question: Can you clarify the retooling to Motorola-style amplifiers? - The company is shifting production to Motorola-style amplifiers and expects to have significant inventory of both products by June [52] Question: What is the long-term market outlook for 800 Gbps products? - The market for 800 Gbps is expected to grow significantly, with the company aiming to be a major supplier for Amazon and other hyperscale customers [55][76] Question: What is the margin differential between cable TV and data center transceivers? - Cable TV products currently have margins that are 300 to 600 basis points higher than data center products [81] Question: What is the qualification status for 800 Gbps products? - The company is in the final qualification phase for several customers and expects to ramp production significantly in the second half of the year [83][85]