Despite holding on tight to its 10% gain for 2025, pressure sits sharply overhead at the $180 level for shares of semiconductor name Applied Materials (AMAT). Also keeping gains in check have been both the 20- and 200-day moving averages, the latter thwarting a breakout attempt and ending a six-day win streak on Jan. 22. This overhead resistance may be preceding a correction, however, as AMAT has landed on Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White’s list of the 25 best stocks to own in February.
Specifically, AMAT averaged an impressive February gain of 7.4% over the past 10 years, finishing higher eight times out of 10. From the security’s current perch of $179.89, a move of similar magnitude would place it above $193 for the first time since its late-January peak.
There is ample room for upgrades as well. Heading into today, 11 covering brokerage firms sport a tepid “hold” or worse recommendation, and should this bearish sentiment begin to unwind, it could act as a tailwind for the semiconductor stock.
Due out after the close on Thursday, February 13 is Applied Materials’ quarterly report, where analysts anticipate an earnings per share of $2.28. AMAT’s historical post-earnings performance leave much to be desired, with the stock finishing flat or lower in six of its past eight reports, averaging a swing of 3.5%. This time around, options traders are anticipating an 8.6% move, regardless of direction.
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