What happened Shares of Applied Optoelectronics (NASDAQ: AAOI) have soared today, up by 18% as of 12:40 p.m. EDT, after getting an upgrade from Wall Street. Needham boosted its rating on the fiber-optic networking technology specialist from hold to buy while assigning a $15 price target. So what Analyst Alex Henderson acknowledges that Applied Optoelectronics has had its fair share of challenges recently but is optimistic around "several secular drivers on the horizon" for its data center, CATV broadband, and telecommunications businesses. Those trends should allow the company to return to growth and profitability, according to Henderson. Image source: Getty Images. "Improving mix, sharply ramping chip volumes, a rebound in Cable products, the ramp in 100G and new higher speed products should drive margin expansion," the analyst wrote in a research note to investors. "These conditions should enable AOI to get back to profitability, potentially by the end of the year." Now what Applied Optoelectronics intends to improve its cash flow while reducing capital expenditures this year, Henderson notes, which could allow the company to become profitable within the next six to 12 months. The $15 price target represents 25% upside from yesterday's close. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the company's operations in China by delaying construction of a manufacturing plant. On the last earnings call, CFO Stefan Murry said, "In light of the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, we are still evaluating our level of capex for the year." The company is set to report second-quarter results on Thursday, Aug. 6. 10 stocks we like better than Applied OptoelectronicsWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Applied Optoelectronics wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2020 Evan Niu, CFA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Source