If you own shares of CalAmp Corp. (CAMP -2.14%), Micron Technology (MU 0.95%), or Barnes & Noble (BKS), buckle in for a wild ride. All three of these companies will be reporting earnings next week, and all have a lot of investors betting against--or "shorting" -- their success.

When these two forces combine, volatility is almost always the result. In fact, the last time I predicted such volatility, the average stock moved 17% after earnings! 

I don't suggest trying to trade on such moves. Instead, it's important for current shareholders to prepare for the coming moves by hunkering down and reviewing what's really important for the long-term view of all three companies.

In the slideshow below, we'll cover what those variables are so that you can make level-headed decisions when the time comes.