Protected covered write or collar
When share prices are expected to rise moderately, the protected covered write can be used to generate income, while eliminating the risk of a large potential loss on the stock
The strategy consists of holding stock, writing a call option with a higher strike and buying a put option with a lower strike.
| Market outlook | Mildly bullish |
| Volatility outlook | Steady |
| The protected covered write | |
| Construction | long stock, short call Y, long put X |
| Point of entry | market between X and Y |
| Breakeven at expiry | share price at time of entering strategy less net premium from strategy |
| Maximum profit at expiry | difference between stock price at time of entering strategy and strike price of call, plus net premium received |
| Maximum loss at expiry | difference between stock price at time of entering strategy and strike price of put, less net premium received |
| Time decay | market near strike price of call: helps market near strike price of put: hurts |
| Margins to be paid? | no (if underlying stock lodged as collateral) |
| Synthetic equivalent | 1. long call X; short call Y 2. long put X; short put Y |
The maximum profit at expiry is the difference between the stock price at the time of entering the strategy and the strike of the call, plus the net credit received from the sale of the call and purchase of the put.
The maximum loss occurs if the stock falls to the level of the put. The loss is equal the to the difference between the stock price at the time of entering the strategy and the strike price of the put, less the net credit received from the options.
The potential loss with this strategy is limited because the stock can always be sold for the strike price of the put.
Although an unexpectedly strong rise in the share price will not result in a loss, there is an 'opportunity cost'. This is because the investor will be required to sell their shares at the exercise price of the call option.
Strike price: when choosing which option to sell, the trader must balance the income to be earned against the level at which they will be required to sell their shares. Similarly when choosing which put option to buy, the investor must balance the cost of the put with the level of protection required.
Typically, an investor sells an out of-the-money call and buys an out-of-the-money put, providing the opportunity to sell their shares for a profit and, at the same time, removing much of the downside risk. The protected buy and write/covered write is popular with investors buying stock on margin as much of the downside risk of owning the stock is eliminated through the purchase of the put. The strategy can be viewed as insuring the stock with a put financed either wholly or in part with the proceeds from the written call. Stock bought on margin through certain margin lenders can be lodged with ACH as collateral for the written calls on a one for one basis.
In the event of getting exercised on the short call (stock is sold) only the put remains, which would normally be sold as it is no longer required for protection.
Be sure that you are happy with the price you will obtain for your shares if you are exercised.
It is now December. You believe that shares in XYZ Limited are likely to remain steady for a couple of months and wish to derive some income during this period. You consider selling a straddle but are concerned that an unexpected break either way in the market could be very damaging. You decide to use the long butterfly in order to limit the loss you would face in the event of such a move.
Buy 1 Feb $2.75 Call @ $0.45
Sell 2 Feb $3.00 Calls @ $0.27
Buy 1 Feb $3.25 Call @ $0.14
Both courses have 10 modules with each module taking 20-25 minutes to complete
Disclaimer
The information contained in this webpage is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial product advice. ASX does not represent or warrant that the information is complete or accurate. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions. To the extent permitted by law, no responsibility for any loss arising in any way (including by way of negligence) from anyone acting or refraining from acting as a result of this material is accepted by ASX.
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