Form 4: Applied Optoelectronics CEO Sells Shares to Cover Tax Obligations

Chih-Hsiang (Thompson) Lin, CEO of Applied Optoelectronics, sold shares to cover tax obligations related to vesting restricted stock units.

Summary

• On April 22, 2025, Chih-Hsiang (Thompson) Lin, the President and CEO of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc., disposed of shares of common stock to satisfy tax-withholding obligations.
• The transactions involved the surrender of shares back to the issuer upon the vesting of restricted stock unit awards.
• A total of 3,111 shares were surrendered related to a grant from June 11, 2021.
• A total of 5,492 shares were surrendered related to a grant from June 27, 2022.
• A total of 8,754 shares were surrendered related to a grant from June 26, 2023.
• A total of 2,333 shares were surrendered related to a grant from April 29, 2024.
• All shares were transacted at a price of $10.05.
• Following these transactions, Lin directly owns 1,369,593 shares of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The document describes a routine transaction (selling shares to cover taxes). It's neutral in sentiment as it doesn't reflect positive or negative news about the company's performance.

Industry Context

This is a routine transaction; executives often sell shares to cover tax obligations when stock options or restricted stock units vest. It doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of confidence in the company.

Stakeholder Impact

• The sale of shares by the CEO could have a minor, temporary impact on the stock price, but it's unlikely to have a significant long-term effect on shareholders.

Key Dates

Keywords

Form 4, insider trading, stock surrender, tax obligations, restricted stock units, AAOI, Applied Optoelectronics, Lin Chih-Hsiang