APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 for a detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting our Company. As of March 31, 2025, there have been no material changes to those risk factors, except as described below.

In recent months, the United States and its trading partners have imposed, expanded and revised a wide range of tariffs, reciprocal tariffs, and other trade restrictions—often with minimal notice—disrupting global trade and affecting a wide spectrum of raw materials, components, and finished goods. U.S.-China trade tensions, in particular, have intensified, resulting in elevated tariff rates and signaling the potential for further measures, including those targeting the semiconductor sector.

The continuation, escalation, or expansion of tariffs and other trade barriers—as well as heightened geopolitical tensions and increased uncertainty regarding global trade and regulatory policy, particularly involving the United States and China—could adversely affect our business both directly and indirectly, including through impacts on consumer and business confidence, currency and interest rate volatility, commodity and equity markets, inflation, financing conditions, and broader international economic relations. These developments could materially and adversely affect our revenue, operations, financial condition, cost structure, competitiveness, supply chain logistics, product pricing and demand, and profitability, and could also amplify other risks described in our 2024 Form 10-K.

Although we seek to mitigate the effects of these challenges through pricing adjustments, supply chain diversification, and operational efficiencies, we may not be able to fully offset increased costs or secure timely alternative sources. In addition, customers may resist price increases or seek alternative suppliers, which could adversely affect our sales volumes.