Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) Falls 12.5% After 8-Year High

Core Insights - Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (NASDAQ:AAOI) experienced a significant decline of 12.51% on Thursday, closing at $39.57, as investors engaged in profit-taking after a previous surge to an eight-year high [1] - The stock had previously reached a peak price of $46.30, reflecting a 33% increase in January alone [2] Company Performance - Zacks Research has issued a "buy" recommendation for Applied Optoelectronics, highlighting the company's laser transceivers as essential for the AI revolution due to their ability to surpass the limitations of traditional copper cables [3] - The firm noted that the rising prices of copper enhance the value of fiber optic cables, positioning Applied Optoelectronics favorably in the market [3][4] Product Development - The company recently launched a new 400-milliwatt narrow-line-width pump laser aimed at meeting the increasing demand for silicon photonics and co-packaged optics (CPO) in AI data centers [4] - This laser is designed to improve performance in scenarios where broader line widths or higher noise figures are limiting factors, providing a stable light source for various applications [5]