Company Overview - Applied Materials Inc (NASDAQ: AMAT) is preparing to release its fiscal third-quarter earnings on August 14, following a recent pullback from nearly $200 in late July, which may indicate a "cup-and-handle" pattern in its stock chart [4][5]. Technical Analysis - The stock's recent pullback could be finding support around the 50-day moving average, with the $175 level serving as a significant support point, previously a low in September and resistance in May [5][6]. - Historically, AMAT has averaged an 8% return 21 trading days after pullbacks to its 50-day moving average, indicating potential for recovery [9]. Market Sentiment - There is considerable pessimism surrounding AMAT, as indicated by a high put/call volume ratio of 2.37, suggesting that traders are more inclined to buy puts than calls [10]. - The stock's put/call open interest ratio of 1.17 is in the 87th percentile of its annual range, reflecting a bearish sentiment among near-term traders [10]. Earnings History - AMAT has a challenging post-earnings history, with five of the last eight post-earnings moves being negative, including a 5.3% decline in May [11]. - The options market is currently pricing in a larger-than-usual post-earnings move of 7.3%, indicating expectations for significant volatility [11]. Investment Strategy - A suggested strategy includes purchasing out-of-the-money short-term puts to hedge against earnings risk while considering a longer-term call to capitalize on the technical setup [12].