Covered Call Trading Guide: Definition, Examples, and Strategies for the Stock Market

To put it simply, a covered call is an options trading strategy. But what does that really mean? Well, imagine this: you already own some stocks from a company that you think will do okay. You sell someone the right to buy these stocks from you at a certain price for a certain time period. In return, you get some money upfront, no matter what happens with the stock price.

It might sound like you’d be selling an old car when there are better cars to buy, but it’s not quite like that. It’s more like renting out your car and getting paid extra up front. At the same time, because you still own the stocks, any profit over that price is yours to keep – just like if you were to sell your car, any trade-in value or sale above that goes directly into your wallet.

Let’s say you own 100 shares of Company X, which are currently trading at $50 per share. You decide to sell a call option on these shares with a strike price of $55 per share. Someone pays you $200 upfront for the right to buy 100 shares of Company X from you at $55 per share within the next month.

Now comes the interesting part – If the stock price stays below $55 until the option expires, all that happens is you’ve got an extra $200 in your pocket. And hey, who doesn’t love a bit of extra cash? However, if the stock price goes above $55, the person who bought the call option can choose to exercise it and buy your shares at $55 each.

So, regardless of what happens with the stock price, you still make money either from the upfront premium or by selling your shares at a higher price than expected. This is why it’s often considered suitable for beginning options traders as it offers limited return for limited risk.

Understanding how a covered call works is pivotal before exploring examples and strategies for implementing this options trading approach effectively.

When an investor executes a covered call, they take on specific rights and obligations. It’s crucial to understand these aspects to make informed decisions about your investment strategy. Let’s break down what these rights and obligations entail in the context of covered call trading.

Firstly, let’s explore the right to sell the underlying stock at the strike price until the expiration date. This right is granted to the call seller when they enter into a covered call position. By choosing to exercise this right, the seller can offload their shares at the predetermined strike price, regardless of the stock’s current market value.

Conversely, when the call option is exercised by the buyer, the seller has the obligation to sell the underlying stock at the strike price. This obligation arises from the initial agreement between the two parties when the covered call position was established.

Consider this scenario: If an investor sells a call against 100 shares of stock they own, they take on the obligation to sell those shares at the strike price if the buyer chooses to exercise their right to buy. In this situation, the call seller still retains ownership of the stock until it’s sold, along with keeping the option premium received from selling the call.

Let’s say an investor holds 100 shares of ABC company and decides to execute a covered call by selling one ABC call option with a strike price of $50. If the stock finishes above $50 at expiration, then that means they have to sell their shares for $50 each. On the other hand, if it finishes below $50, they will retain both their shares and the premium received from selling the call option.

Understanding these rights and obligations is crucial for managing a covered call position effectively. It empowers investors to make informed decisions throughout the life of the option contract and prepares them for potential outcomes based on different market conditions.

By being aware of these dynamics, investors can strategically manage their positions and optimise their overall trading performance in the stock market. This deep understanding allows for well-informed decisions that align with individual investment goals and risk tolerance levels.

Armed with this knowledge, investors can confidently navigate covered call trading while being mindful of their associated rights and obligations.

With a solid grasp of rights and obligations in covered call trading, let’s now proceed to examine how these concepts are put into action in the process of trading covered calls.

Investing in stock options can seem complex at first, but once you understand the basic steps, it becomes clear and straightforward. Let’s break down the process of trading covered calls.

Step 1 – Stock Ownership

When an investor decides to trade a covered call, they need to own at least 100 shares of the underlying stock. This is because one call option typically represents the right to buy 100 shares of a stock at a specified price (the strike price) by a certain date (the expiration date).

Owning the shares up front is crucial for this strategy—that way, if the stock price rises and the buyer wants to buy it at the agreed price (the strike price), you can sell your shares to them.

Step 2 – Call Option Selling

After obtaining at least 100 shares of a specific stock, the trader will sell a call option. This involves choosing an expiration date and strike price for the call option they are selling.

An important part of this step is picking the right strike price and expiration date for the call option. The strike price is the price at which the buyer of the call option has the right to buy the shares, while the expiration date is when the contract ends. These choices depend on your expectations for the stock’s future movement.

For example, if you expect the stock to stay about the same or slightly go up, you might choose a strike price close to where the stock is currently traded. If you think it’ll drop or rise significantly, you would select a different strike price and expiration date.

It’s important to consider your expectations for future stock movement as well as market conditions when making these decisions.

With these initial critical steps outlined, let’s now delve into how they fit into a larger strategy and what considerations should be taken into account before moving forward.

Selecting the right broker is vital for successful covered call trading. It’s not just about finding a broker that offers options trading; it’s about finding one that provides a comprehensive options trading platform tailored to meet your specific needs. Brokers such as TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE, and Charles Schwab are popular choices for options trading due to their robust platforms and competitive commission rates.

When evaluating potential brokers, it’s crucial to consider their options trading platform. A good platform should offer an array of tools and resources designed specifically for options traders. These might include customizable screeners for identifying potential covered call opportunities, real-time data and analytics, and risk management tools to monitor and assess trade performance.

Additionally, it’s crucial to review the commission rates and fees associated with options trading. The best options brokers for covered call trading offer low or no options contract fees, no trading commissions, quality trading tools, high-quality research, and good customer service.

Many of the best brokers for stock trading are also good picks for options trading. If you have an existing brokerage account, it’s worth exploring whether they offer a robust options trading platform. Alternatively, if you’re new to options trading or seeking a more specialised platform, consider recommended brokers listed on the best day trading platforms, as they often excel in areas that matter most to options traders.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Options Broker

• Low fees: Look for brokers with low or no options contract fees and no trading commissions.
• Quality tools: Ensure the broker offers a range of advanced tools tailored for options traders, including screeners and analytical resources.
• Research availability: Access to high-quality research and insights can be invaluable in making informed trading decisions.
• Customer support: Good customer service is crucial in addressing any issues or concerns that may arise during your trading journey.

Some may argue that all brokers offer similar services, but it’s important to note that not all brokers are created equal. NerdWallet’s picks for the best options brokers are based on years of experience in finance and follow strict guidelines to maintain editorial integrity. Their independent analysis of investment firms evaluates information that investors want when choosing an investing account.

In summary, choosing the right broker is a critical decision for successful covered call trading. Prioritising factors such as low fees, robust trading tools, quality research, and customer support positions you for informed and strategic trades.

Step I – Analysing Stock Selection: Begin by choosing a stock with stable price movement. This is crucial because covered calls work best when the stock price doesn’t fluctuate significantly. Look for stocks that have shown relatively steady growth or stability over time.

Consider companies with strong fundamentals and consistent earnings. Typically, blue-chip stocks or those from established sectors such as utilities, consumer goods, or telecommunications fit this criterion well. These stocks tend to have less volatility, which is beneficial for covered call strategies.

Also, bear in mind that since you’ll be required to sell the stock at the strike price if the option is exercised, it’s important to choose a stock you wouldn’t mind parting ways with. You should also verify whether the stock pays dividends because this can impact your strategy.

Step II – Option Strike Price Selection: Once you’ve identified the stock, it’s time to select a strike price at which you would be comfortable selling the stock if the option is exercised.

The strike price you choose not only determines your potential profit but also sets a level at which you’re willing to let go of your shares. When picking a strike price, consider both profit and risk. Ideally, it should be higher than your cost basis for the stock but still within a range that would provide an attractive return if called away.

It’s important to conduct thorough analysis and understand potential scenarios before setting the strike price. Choosing an inappropriate strike price can significantly impact the outcome of your covered call strategy.

Step III – Writing the Call Option: With your stock and strike price chosen, it’s time to enter the market. Using your preferred trading platform, execute the trade by selling the call option at the chosen strike price and expiration date.

When executing this step, pay close attention to the expiration date of the options contract. Consider how long you’re willing to hold onto the stock and manage to cover call position, as well as how long you expect it will take for your desired price movement to occur.

Additionally, be aware of any upcoming company events or market influences that could impact the stock price during the options contract period. Strategic timing can play a crucial role in maximising the potential returns from your covered call trade.

Conclusively dissecting these crucial steps in writing a covered call highlights that each stage requires meticulous thought and analysis. It’s not just about selling a call option; it’s about strategically positioning yourself for success in options trading.

Just like any investment strategy, covered calls have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s delve into them to understand why some investors find them beneficial and others might see the downsides.

Pros of Using Covered Calls

One of the main benefits of using covered calls is that it generates income from a stock position. This means that as an investor, you have the potential to earn additional income on top of any dividends the stock may already produce. It’s a way to make your money work for you.

This strategy also offers a relatively low risk compared to some other options trading strategies. By owning the underlying stock, you have some protection in case the option doesn’t play out as expected.

Additionally, using covered calls can act as a hedge against risk in a position. While it may not completely eliminate risk, it can help cushion potential losses if the stock price were to drop.

For example, let’s say you own 100 shares of a company and you sell a call option against those shares. If the stock price falls, the premium received from selling the call option can offset some of the loss in value of the shares.

Another advantage is that covered calls can be re-established over and over. This means that after an option expires, if you still hold the stock, you can continue to sell new call options and collect premiums, effectively generating ongoing income from your stock position.

Cons of Using Covered Calls

Despite its advantages, using covered calls comes with its own set of drawbacks. One notable downside is the small limited upside. Since you are selling the right for someone else to buy your stock at a specified price, you are essentially capping your potential profit if the stock price were to soar dramatically.

This brings us to another con: using covered calls effectively trades away all of the stock’s upside potential until option expiration. If the stock price rises significantly during the options contract period, you are obligated to sell at the agreed-upon strike price, missing out on potential gains beyond that price.

Moreover, employing this strategy may “lock up” your stock until option expiration, which means that you won’t be able to sell or trade those shares freely until the options contract is settled.

For instance, if you had plans to sell your shares and invest in another opportunity but are unable to do so because they are “locked up,” this limitation could impede your ability to act on other favourable investment opportunities.

Another consideration is that utilising covered calls typically requires more capital to set up compared to simply owning stocks. Since one options contract typically represents 100 shares of an underlying asset, you need enough capital to back those shares.

Lastly, engaging in this strategy may create taxable income, which could lead to unwelcome tax implications for investors who would rather avoid extra tax burdens.

Understanding these pros and cons gives us insights into how covered calls can impact our investment decisions and sheds light on whether they align with our individual risk tolerance and financial goals.

Imagine you own 100 shares of a company, let’s call it XYZ, and you believe its stock price will remain relatively stable for a while. You are aware that some people anticipate the stock will increase in value. This presents an opportunity to implement the covered call strategy and generate additional income.

Let’s say you purchased 100 shares of XYZ at $50 each. Now, you can sell a call option on those shares with a strike price of $55. This means you’re granting someone else the right to buy your 100 shares at $55 each, regardless of how high the stock price reaches.

In return for allowing someone to acquire your shares at a higher price if the stock value rises, they pay you an upfront fee called the “option premium,” which becomes yours regardless of subsequent outcomes.

For example, if by selling this call option, you receive a premium of $2 per share, totaling $200 ($2 premium * 100 shares), this premium acts as a safeguard for your investment; even if events unfold differently than expected, you still have that income as a buffer against potential losses.

Selling the Call Option

Here’s where things get interesting – by selling the call option:

• If the stock remains below $55 until the option expires, congratulations! You retain your shares and the option premium.
• If the stock surpasses $55 and the call buyer exercises their right to purchase your shares, you’ll need to sell them at $55 each. While your profit from the sold shares will be capped at $55, you still keep the premium earned from selling the call option.

This strategy limits your potential profit because if the stock price does rise significantly, you may miss out on bigger gains since you’ve agreed to sell at a fixed strike price. Nevertheless, for many traders, especially those expecting minimal movement in a particular stock’s price, this trade-off is acceptable.

With that said, let’s consider an example to illustrate just how this might play out in reality.

Suppose after selling the call option with a strike price of $55 for XYZ Company, the stock price holds steady at $52 upon expiration. In that case:

• You keep your 100 shares
• You retain the option premium of $200
• The person who bought but did not exercise the call option earns no profit since buying your shares at a higher price than their market value would not be financially beneficial.

This real-life example helps demonstrate how using covered calls can generate income from an existing stock position in scenarios where little movement in stock price is expected. However, it also illustrates how upside potential is limited since profits from selling shares are capped at the strike price established by the call option contract.

As we’ve seen with this example, implementing covered calls involves weighing potential risks against possible rewards and understanding different outcomes based on varying stock price movements. Let’s continue exploring more real examples to further comprehend this strategy’s dynamics and its consequences.

In a covered call strategy, the investor holds a long position in a stock while simultaneously writing (selling) a call option on the same asset. This combination of positions creates an intriguing relationship where the outcomes are influenced by both market movements and the passage of time.

When you own stock (long position) in a company, you want its value to increase over time. However, when you sell a call option (short position) against that stock, you’re agreeing to sell your shares at a set price within a specific timeframe, regardless of whether the stock’s value increases. This obligation significantly influences the potential profitability of your investment.

In essence, as a covered call writer, you are capping your profit potential in exchange for receiving the premium when you sell the call option. This income is yours to keep regardless of whether the option is exercised or not.

If the stock’s price rises above the call’s strike price before the option expires, you might end up selling your shares at a lower price than their market value. On the other hand, if the stock doesn’t reach the strike price by expiration, you keep both the stock and the premium. In this case, you’ve earned income from both sources.

For instance, suppose you own 100 shares of Company X currently valued at $50 per share. You decide to sell a call option with a strike price of $55 for $3 per share. If the stock’s price remains below $55 at expiration, you retain ownership of your shares and keep the $300 premium. Nevertheless, if the stock surpasses $55 by expiration, you’re obligated to sell your shares at $55 each, thereby capping your profit potential at $5000 plus the $300 premium.

This strategy also offers some protection in scenarios where the stock’s value declines. The premium received from selling the call option provides some cushioning against potential losses since it reduces your cost basis in your stock position.

The dynamics between these two positions can be quite complex and heavily depend on market conditions and individual risk tolerance.

Thus, by understanding how these positions interact and influence each other in various market conditions, investors can make more informed decisions when implementing covered call strategies.

Understanding the implications of a covered call strategy is pivotal for making sound investment choices. It allows investors to navigate market fluctuations and optimise their portfolio’s performance.