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.
Neutral to Bullish on the Underlying Stock
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.
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.
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.
BEP: Stock Purchase Price - Premium Received
If Volatility Increases: Negative Effect
If Volatility Decreases: Positive Effect
Any effect of volatility on the option's price is on the time value portion of the
option's premium.
Passage of Time: 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.
If the investor's opinion on the underlying stock changes significantly before the
written call expires, whether more bullish or more bearish, the investor can make
a closing purchase transaction of the call in the marketplace. This would close
out the written call contract, relieving the investor of an obligation to sell his
stock at the call's strike price. Before taking this action, the investor should
weigh any realized profit or loss from the written call's purchase against any unrealized
profit or loss from holding shares of the underlying stock. If the written call
position is closed out in this manner, the investor can decide whether to make another
option transaction to either generate income from and/or protect his shares, to
hold the stock unprotected with options, or to sell the shares.
As expiration day for the call option nears, the investor considers three scenarios
and then accordingly makes a decision. The written call contract will either be
in-the-money, at-the-money or out-of-the-money. If the investor feels the call will
expire in-the-money, he can choose to be assigned an exercise notice on the written
contract and sell an equivalent number of shares at the call's strike price. Alternatively,
the investor can choose to close out the written call with a closing purchase transaction,
canceling his obligation to sell stock at the call's strike price, and retain ownership
of the underlying shares. Before taking this action, the investor should weigh any
realized profit or loss from the written call's purchase against any unrealized
profit or loss from holding shares of the underlying stock. If the investor feels
the written call will expire out-of-the-money, no action is necessary. He can let
the call option expire with no value and retain the entire premium received from
its initial sale. If the written call expires exactly at-the-money, the investor
should realize that assignment of an exercise notice on such a contract is possible,
but should not be assumed. Consult with your brokerage firm or a financial advisor
on the advisability of what action to take in this case.