Covered Calls

The covered call is a strategy in which an investor writes a call option contract while at the same time owning an equivalent number of shares of the underlying stock. If this stock is purchased simultaneously with writing the call contract, the strategy is commonly referred to as a “buy-write.” If the shares are already held from a previous purchase, it is commonly referred to an “overwrite.” In either case, the stock is generally held in the same brokerage account from which the investor writes the call, and fully collateralizes, or “covers,” the obligation conveyed by writing a call option contract. This strategy is the most basic and most widely used strategy combining the flexibility of listed options with stock ownership.

Market Outlook

Neutral to bullish sentiment among market participants on the underlying stock.

When to Use

Though the covered call can be utilized in any market condition, it is most often employed when the investor, while bullish on the underlying stock, feels that its market value will experience little range over the lifetime of the call contract. The investor desires to either generate additional income (over dividends) from shares of the underlying stock, and/or provide a limited amount of protection against a decline in underlying stock value.

Profit & Loss Chart

Benefit

While this strategy can offer limited protection from a decline in price of the underlying stock and limited profit participation with an increase in stock price, it generates income because the investor keeps the premium received from writing the call. At the same time, the investor can appreciate all benefits of underlying stock ownership, such as dividends and voting rights, unless he is assigned an exercise notice on the written call and is obligated to sell his shares. The covered call is widely regarded as a conservative strategy because it decreases the risk of stock ownership.

Risk & Reward

Maximum Profit: Limited
Maximum Loss: Substantial

Upside Profit at Expiration if Assigned: Premium Received + Difference (if any) Between Strike Price and Stock Purchase Price

Upside Profit at Expiration if Not Assigned: Any Gains in Stock Value + Premium Received

Maximum profit will occur if the price of the underlying stock you own is at or above the call option’s strike price, either at its expiration or when you might be assigned an exercise notice for the call before it expires. The risk of real financial loss with this strategy comes from the shares of stock held by the investor. This loss can become substantial if the stock price continues to decline in price as the written call expires. At the call’s expiration, loss can be calculated as the original purchase price of the stock less its current market price, less the premium received from initial sale of the call. Any loss accrued from a decline in stock price is offset by the premium you received from the initial sale of the call option. As long as the underlying shares of stock are not sold, this would be an unrealized loss. Assignment on a written call is always possible. An investor holding shares with a low cost basis should consult his tax advisor about the tax ramifications of writing calls on such shares.

Break Even Point

Stock Purchase Price – Premium Received

Volatility Changes

Increase In Volatility: Negative Effect
Decrease In Volatility: Positive Effect

Any effect of volatility on the option’s price is on the time value portion of the option’s premium.

Time Decay (Theta)

Positive Effect

With the passage of time, the time value portion of the option’s premium generally decreases – a positive effect for an investor with a short option position.