Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. AAOI is set to report second-quarter 2019 results on Aug 7.The company’s earnings beat the Zack Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 22.29%.Past-Quarter PerformanceIn first-quarter 2019, Applied Optoelectronics had reported non-GAAP loss of 27 cents per share, which was wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate for loss of 21 cents. Notably, the company reported earnings of 18 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.Revenues of $52.7 million came slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $53 million. Further, the figure declined 19.2% on a year-over-year basis.EstimatesFor second-quarter 2019, the company expects revenues in the range of $40-$45 million. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is currently pegged at $42.82 million.Further, the company anticipates non-GAAP loss between 35 cents and 43 cents per share. The consensus mark for loss is projected at 37 cents.Let’s see how things are shaping up prior to this announcement.Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. QuoteFactors to ConsiderApplied Optoelectronics’ robust optical networking technology portfolio is a key growth driver in both data center and cable TV (CATV) markets and is likely to aid results in the to-be-reported quarter.Moreover, in CATV market, the company’s platform, vertical integration and proprietary manufacturing process are expected to drive performance in the quarter under review.Additionally, continued focus toward diversification of customer base and development of innovative optical products remain major positive. Further, its expanding presence in new markets, such as 5G, is acting as a tailwind and is likely to drive the second-quarter top line.Further, the company’s strengthening technical engagement with customers for its next generation 400G products remain encouraging. Notably, Applied Optoelectronics’ expanding 400G product portfolio combined with cost advantages, owing to its manufacturing expertise and vertical integration, aids the company in maintaining its position in the data center market.However, the market is currently sluggish, which is likely to act as dampener for the company’s second-quarter results. The market continues to face excess inventory and the company’s hyperscale customers are working through it.Further, poor visibility and macro-economic headwinds in China are impacting customers’ CapEx deployment rate negatively and is likely to hurt the company in the to-be-reported quarter.Notably, these headwinds are accounted for in the company’s second-quarter 2019 guidance.What Our Model SaysAccording to the Zacks model, a company with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) has good chance of beating estimates if it also has a positive Earnings ESP. The Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) are best avoided. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Applied Optoelectronics has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) and an Earnings ESP of -0.78%, which makes surprise prediction difficult.Stocks to ConsiderHere are a few of stocks you may consider, as our proven model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.Clearway Energy CWEN has an Earnings ESP of +15.00% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.JD.com JD has an Earnings ESP of +17.86% and a Zacks Rank #2.Ciena CIEN has an Earnings ESP of +5.26% and a Zacks Rank #2.Today's Best Stocks from Zacks Would you like to see the updated picks from our best market-beating strategies? From 2017 through 2018, while the S&P 500 gained +15.8%, five of our screens returned +38.0%, +61.3%, +61.6%, +68.1%, and +98.3%.This outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. From 2000 – 2018, while the S&P averaged +4.8% per year, our top strategies averaged up to +56.2% per year.See their latest picks free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report JD.com, Inc. (JD): Free Stock Analysis Report Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI): Free Stock Analysis Report Ciena Corporation (CIEN): Free Stock Analysis Report Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWEN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research