3 Executives of AI Optical Communication Sell Shares Worth Hundreds of Millions After RSU Vesting

Three executives of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAOI) had their 2023–2026 performance-based RSUs vest at maximum performance levels on May 15, 2026, receiving several hundred thousand shares of common stock at no cost. On May 19, the company processed tax withholding on a portion of these shares at approximately $190.36 per share. That same day, the executives sold tens of thousands of shares in the open market at about $173.26 per share, raising roughly $5.2 million, $5.8 million and $6.79 million respectively (equivalent to about KRW 70 billion, KRW 80 billion and KRW 90 billion at KRW 1,350 per dollar). They continue to hold several hundred thousand shares.

On May 14, the company entered into an at-the-market (ATM) equity offering program with Raymond James and Needham as sales agents, allowing for up to $600 million in share issuances. It also announced plans to expand its production facilities near Houston to increase output of 800G and 1.6T optical transceivers for AI data centers and disclosed intentions to secure large orders exceeding $200 million.

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc., headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, designs and manufactures lasers and optical transceivers for data center, telecommunications and cable broadband applications. The company trades on Nasdaq under the ticker AAOI.