Basic Options Strategies: Covered Call - Part One

---

Basic Options Strategies: Covered Call
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 as 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 Opinion?
Neutral to Bullish 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.



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.

Continued in Part Two...
"

---

View The Options Industry Council's post archive >