Applied Materials Stock on Track for Worst Week Since August

Group 1 - Applied Materials Inc (NASDAQ:AMAT) shares are down 2.3% to $218.16 despite better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, primarily due to a lackluster full-year revenue outlook and predictions of lower spending in China amid U.S. restrictions [1] - Eight analysts have raised their price targets, with B. Riley increasing its target to $270 from $265, indicating a generally bullish sentiment among analysts, as 21 out of 35 brokerages have a "buy" or better rating, and the 12-month consensus target price is $233.62, representing a 7.1% premium to current levels [2] - The stock is on track for its largest weekly drop since August, pulling back from its 52-week high of $242.50, but a support level around $200 is expected to contain losses, with the stock still showing a 34% lead for 2025 [3] Group 2 - Today's options activity shows 19,000 calls and 20,000 puts traded, which is six times the typical volume, with the most active contract being the weekly 11/14 200-strike put, indicating new positions being opened [4] - The security typically outperforms options traders' volatility expectations, as indicated by a Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) score of 94 out of 100 [4]