Options Corner: APP Earnings Event

Core Insights - The software sector is currently experiencing a challenging period, with major companies like Apploven and Palanteer showing only modest gains compared to their previous highs from last year [1][2]. Group 1: Market Trends - The software sector has faced a significant decline, with top names struggling to regain their former performance levels [2]. - A downward sloping trend line has been established, indicating a failure to surpass previous highs from September and December [3]. - Key horizontal levels to monitor include 410, 386, 507, and 570, which represent various significant price points and gaps [4]. Group 2: Technical Analysis - The current price is below moving averages, with the yearly 251-day EMA at 478 [4]. - The volume profile study indicates a heavy trading area near 347, with increased activity around the 400 level [5]. - Resistance levels are identified at 445 and 550, which could impact future price movements [5]. Group 3: Trading Strategy - A neutral to bullish trade example is proposed, targeting a February 20th option with an expected move range of plus or minus 17% [6]. - The suggested trade involves a $2 credit for a 400/390 put vertical, with a maximum profit of $200 and a maximum loss of $800 [7]. - The break-even point for this trade is set at 398, which is approximately 13.5% below the current level [8].