Establish Potash Corp of Saskatchewan Inc Covered Calls

A new covered calls position was established on Friday in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio (CCAP) with the purchase of Potash Corp of Saskatchewan Inc (POT).

Potash Corp (POT) is the world's largest producer of crop fertilizers and they produce each of the three primary fertilizers (potash, phosphates, and nitrogen-based products). Of these three, potash is the most beneficial to farmers in terms of enhancing the productivity of arable acreage; consequently potash is in greatest demand and has the best profit margins of the three fertilizers. Potash Corp. ranks #1 in the world in potash production with about 22% of the world's supply. They are, therefore, in a very enviable position because of the relatively high cost to establish new potash production mines. The stock price of POT has plummeted this year at an even faster rate than the overall market, but this advisor believes that worldwide recession fears have created a temporarily depressed demand for fertilizers along with a steep, but also temporary, decline in feed grain and oilseed futures prices. But as the significant worldwide growth in the numbers of people moving up into the middle class continues (especially in China and India), and they continue to improve their diets (including more protein), the ongoing strong demand for more and more fertilizer will continue. Consequently, prices for corn, soybeans, and wheat are likely now to be reaching the lower end of their future price range, and POT is well positioned for a very nice price rebound when crop prices firm up. In the meantime, Potash Corp maintains their commitment to steadily increasing production capacity to meet the growing demand while maintaining good profit margins and a strong balance sheet. Finally, there is great value in the company's current stock price when it is evaluated in relation to key financial ratio metrics (including P/E ratio, free cash flow, and return-on-equity among others).

Established Potash Corp of Saskatchewan Inc (POT) Covered Calls for Dec08 as follows:
11/28/08 Bought 200 POT @ $61.40
11/28/08 Sold 2 POT Dec08 $65.00 Calls @ $4.00

Annualized Return If Unchanged (ARIU): +108.0%
Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE): +205.4%
Downside Breakeven Protection: 6.5%

Returns -- Through November 2008

Both 2008 year-to-date and 2007 performance results for the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio (CCAP) are presented below. The single measure used to determine overall portfolio investment performance results is called 'Total Account Value Return Percent' -- a simple example demonstrates how it is calculated:
If the total CCAP portfolio value was $100,000 at the beginning of the calendar year and $110,000 at the end of that year (and with no deposits or withdrawals having been made), then the 'Total Account Value Return Percent' would be +10.0% [($110,000-$100,000)/$100,000]*100.

In addition, CCAP results each year are shown below and are always compared against an overall stock market benchmark for the comparable time period, namely the Russell 3000 Index ETF (ticker symbol IWV).

1. 2008 Year-to-Date Results (Jan 1st through Nov 30th, 2008):

CCAP 2008 Year-to-Date Absolute Return = -25.6 %
($199,733.10-$257,886.51)/$257,886.51

Benchmark Russell 3000(IWV) 2008 Yr-to-Date Absolute Return = -39.2%
($51.35-$84.40)/$84.40

A 25.6% decline so far this year is certainly disappointing. But when viewed in comparison with the 39.2% decline in the overall stock market benchmark, the CCAP is currently outperforming by 13.6 percentage points (39.2%-25.6%).

2. 2007 Results:

The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio (CCAP) was initiated on September 14th, 2007 with a beginning balance of $250,000. The CCAP balance at year-end (12/31/07) was $257,886.51. Below are the returns of the CCAP for this 2007 timeframe compared with the results of the Russell 3000 (IWV) benchmark during the same time period.

CCAP 2007 Absolute Return = +3.2%
($257,886.51-$250,000.00)/$250,000.00
Benchmark (IWV) 2007 Absolute Return = -1.2%
($84.40-$85.43)/$85.43

The corresponding annualized return for the 108 days the CCAP existed in 2007 (between Sept 14, 2007 and Dec 31, 2007) was:

CCAP 2007 Annualized Return = +10.7%
[($257,886.51-$250,000.00)/$250,000.00]*(365/108 days)

Benchmark Russell 3000(IWV) 2007 Annualized Return = -4.1%
[($84.40-$85.43)/$85.43]*(365/108 days)

As shown in the sidebar near the top of this site, the Covered Calls Advisor's Overall Market Meter shows that a SLIGHTLY BULLISH investment posture is appropriate at this time. The corresponding covered calls investing approach is to write near-month primarily slightly out-of-the-money covered calls. By 'slightly out-of-the-money', this advisor means that for a covered calls portfolio, on average covered calls positions should be established somewhere between 1.0% and 2.5% below the strike price.

'Buy Alerts' Spreadsheet

With my academic background as an Industrial Engineer, it is probably not surprising that I have a strong preference for using a heavy dose of quantitative analysis in my stock selection process. In a previous post, the detailed 'Analysis Sheet' used for evaluating a potential covered calls position was presented (link).
In response to readers who have indicated that using the 'Analysis Sheet' is just too cumbersome for them, the Covered Calls Advisor has now developed a more user-friendly stock selection analysis sheet which I am hopeful is more practical for your use -- let's call it 'Buy Alerts'. This spreadsheet includes those financial ratios and metrics that this advisor has found to be most relevant as an aid in identifying good stocks to purchase. These criteria are categorized as follows:

• Stock Advisory Services Ratings -- the two services preferred by this advisor are Schwab Equity Ratings and MarketGrader.com; but you can, of course, use whatever advisory ratings you personally prefer.


• Solvency Ratios -- the three key financial ratios here are: (1) Total cash & cash equivalents as a percent of market capitalization, which should be > 10%; (2) Total debt as a percent of market cap should be less than 40%; and (3) Free Cash Flow as a percent of market cap should be > 10%.


• Value Ratios -- the two metrics here are: (1) the current year Price/Earnings Ratio should be less than 15; and (2) the Price/Sales Ratio should be less than 1.5.
• Growth Ratio -- the 'P/E Ratio Comparison' calculates next year's P/E ratio (based on analysts' estimated earnings) divided by the current P/E ratio (based on actual earnings for the most recent 12-months). This 'P/E Ratio Comparison' result should be less than 1.0.
  
• Profitability Ratio -- for this financial ratio, the company's return-on-equity (ROE) should be > 25%.
  

A simple spreadsheet was developed to aid in recording the results for any company under consideration for investment. The spreadsheet format also enables an easy side-by-side comparison with other companies. Prior to establishing the covered calls position in Fluor earlier this week, the Covered Calls Advisor completed a 'Buy Alerts' spreadsheet for several companies in the Engineering & Construction industry, namely Fluor, Jacobs Engineering, Foster Wheeler, and McDermott. It is presented below for your review:

In reviewing this spreadsheet, you can see that Flour, Jacobs, and Foster Wheeler each ranked equally highly with 'Total Points' of 8 (out of a maximum possible total points of 9). So why was Fluor selected to add to the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio? The answer lies in the fact that the 'Buy Alerts' should be viewed essentially as a starting point in the more comprehensive stock selection decision process. This spreadsheet should be used only as a 'first pass' tool, which determines only if a particular company is worthy of further analysis as a potential future investment. If the total points for a particular company is 7, 8, or 9, then they are a viable candidate for further analysis. Beyond the 'Buy Alerts' spreadsheet, essential further analysis would include calculating return-on-investment potential, analyzing risk factors, and assessing the quality of the company's management. Additionally, valuable insights can be gained from studying a company's website. For example, it is very worthwhile to take about one hour to listen to top management's presentation and to listen to their answers to analysts' questions during their most recent quarterly earnings conference call (archives of the most recent conference call are usually available in the Investor Relations section of their website). It is also helpful to read recent commentary about the company from various stock advisory services (Standard & Poor's, Morningstar, and Argus for example) as well as from websites such as Yahoo! Finance, Seeking Alpha, or even Wikinvest.

I hope both this 'Buy Alerts' form and the additional suggestions for doing your homework on a particular company are helpful. It may sound like a lot of work (and time commitment), but 'doing your homework' prior to making a decision to invest your money is both a wise approach and a worthwhile time investment that will greatly increase the likelihood of achieving exceptional investment returns.

Regards and Godspeed to All,

Jeff

Roll Up -- McKesson Corporation (MCK)

The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio (CCAP) covered call position in McKesson Corporation(MCK) was rolled up today (11/28/08) from the Dec08 $30s to the Dec08 $35s. The spread transaction was executed as follows:

11/28/08 Buy-to-Close (BTC) 3 MCK Nov08 $30s @ $5.28
11/28/08 Sell-to-Open (STO) 3 MCK Nov08 $35s @ $1.63
Net Debit on Roll Up $3.65 ($5.28-$1.63)

The ‘net debit to strike price difference ratio’ was 73% [($5.28-$1.63)/($35-$30)]*100, which achieved the Covered Calls Advisor's desired threshold criteria which is to roll up only when this ratio is <75%. In addition, I like the MCK holding and would like to retain the stock for continuing to write future covered calls against the McKesson stock upon the Dec08 expiration.

A summary of the MCK transactions so far is as follows:
11/24/08 Initial Stock Purchase -- Bought 300 MCK @ $30.72
11/24/08 Initial Call Option Transaction -- Sold 3 MCK Dec08 $30.00 Calls @ $2.35
11/26/08 $36.00 Ex-Dividend Income ($.12 per share X 300 shares)
11/28/08 Roll Up Transaction -- BTC 3 MCK Dec 30s @ $5.28
11/28/08 Roll Up Transaction -- STO 3 MCK Dec 35s @ $1.63
Note: MCK was trading at $34.88 today when the roll up transaction was executed.

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the MCK transactions through the Dec08 expiration would be as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $9,224.95
($30.72*300+$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: -$423.60 (300*($2.35-$5.28+$1.63) - 3*$11.20 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: +$36.00 (300*$.12/share)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If exercised): +$1,266.10
= ($35.00-$30.72)*300 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit(If stock price exercised at $35.00): +$878.50
= (-$423.60 +$36.00 +$1,266.10)

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE) +133.7%
(+$878.50/$9,224.95)*(365/26 days)

The tradeoff in this roll-up transaction is that:
- it increases the potential annualized return of the position from 79.9% originally to 133.7% now.
- it decrease the downside breakeven protection from 8.0% initially to 3.8% now

As stated above, since it is this advisor's current inclination to want to retain the stock upon Dec08expiration in order to then establish a Jan09 covered calls position on MCK, today's roll-up spread was transacted.

I'm a 'Covered Calls Investor'

Although Covered Calls is neither a complicated nor risky strategy, most of the general investing public is clueless when it comes to understanding Covered Calls. In fact, whenever I have the opportunity to speak with someone about my use of Covered Calls, I often receive one of two reactions; either a quizzical expression or simply a blank stare -- perhaps you've received similar reactions? Regardless of the sad state of investment intelligence evident in most people, I continue to identify myself to them as a 'Covered Calls investor'. Yes, 'Covered Calls investor' is the term that most clearly reflects how I perceive my investing persona since: (1) About 90% of my money is invested in Covered Calls; (2) I remain fully invested in Covered Calls at all times -- that is, I don't believe in market timing and putting money into and pulling it out of the market at various times; and (3) I try to maintain the mentality of a longer-term 'investor' rather than a short-term 'trader'-- this is true even though some might consider me a 'trader' since I prefer to almost exclusively write near-month Covered Calls. So what term would you choose to use for yourself in relation to your covered calls persona? Some possibilities are: - Covered Calls Investor -- if you want to sound more solid and conservative - Covered Calls Trader -- if you want to sound like a financial aficionado - Covered Calls Speculator -- if you want to sound like a wheeler-dealer - Covered Calls Hedging Specialist -- if you want to sound like a Wall Street insider - Covered Calls Derivatives Specialist -- if you want to sound wise but mysterious Isn't it nice that there are so many possibilities here? It's great that our strategy can encompass such a variety of descriptive terms. And I'm definitely not implying that 'Covered Calls investor' is the best term; it is just the one that best describes my investing style and personality. In addition to a 'Covered Calls investor', I also think of myself as a 'Covered Calls Advisor' as indicated by the name of this blog. In that regard, I'm interested in freely and openly sharing my thoughts and ideas on Covered Calls with you at any time. I recognize that the term 'Advisor' might seem a tad presumptuous since it implies a certain degree of wisdom (and it takes time to truly earn that level of trust). It is my earnest hope that as time progresses you will conclude that the term 'Advisor' is a valid moniker. Regards and Godspeed to All, Jeff

Continuation Transactions -- Accenture, Altria, iShares MSCI China ETF, iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, Microsoft, and Petrobras

Today, covered calls positions were established against six equities already owned in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio(CCAP). As shown by the transactions history below, the Nov08 options expired worthless and new options were sold today to roll-out to Dec08 covered call positions.

1. Accenture(ACN) Continuation Transaction

The following transaction was made today to establish a covered calls position against the 300 shares owned in Accenture(ACN):
11/24/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 3 Dec08 $30.00 Calls @ $2.05

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
08/18/08 Initial Stock Purchase Transaction -- Bought 300 ACN @ $41.01
08/18/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Sold 3 ACN Sep08 $40.00 Calls @ $1.90
09/20/08 Sep08 Options Expired
09/26/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 3 Oct08 $40.00 Calls @ $.70
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/28/08 Sold 3 ACN Nov08 $35.00 Calls at $.75
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 3 ACN Dec08 $30 Calls at $2.05

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the ACN transactions through the Dec08 expiration would be as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $12,311.95
($41.01*300+$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$1,575.20 (300*($1.90+$.70+$.75+$2.05) - 4*$11.20 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: +$0.00
(c) Capital Appreciation (If exercised): -$3,320.90
= ($30.00-$41.01)*300 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit(If stock price exercised at $30.00): -$1,745.70
= (+$1,575.20 +$0.00 -$3,320.90)

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE) -52.8%
(-$1,745.70/$12,311.95)*(365/98 days)

2. Altria(MO) Continuation Transaction

The following transaction was made today to establish a covered calls position against the 500 shares owned in Altria(MO):
11/24/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 5 Dec08 $16.00 Calls @ $.63

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
08/19/08 Initial Stock Purchase Transaction -- Bought 500 MO @ $20.91
08/19/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Sold 5 MO Sep08 $21.00 Calls @ $.51
9/11/08 Ex-Dividend of $145.00 ($.29 * 500 shares)
09/20/08 Sep08 Options Expired
09/25/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 5 Oct08 $21.00 Calls @ $.43
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/20/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 5 Nov08 $21.00 Calls @ $.67
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 3 MO Dec08 $16 Calls at $.63

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the MO transactions through the Dec08 expiration would be as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $10,463.95
($20.91*500+$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$1,059.20 (500*($.51+$.43+$.67+$.63) - 4*$12.70 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: +$290.00 ($.29 per share*500 shares ex-divs on 9/11/08 & 12/11/08)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If exercised): -$2,472.90
= ($16.00-$20.91)*500 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit(If stock price exercised at $16.00): -$1,123.70
= (+$1,059.20 +$290.00 -$2,472.90)

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE) -40.4%
(-$1,123.70/$10,463.95)*(365/97 days)


3. iShares MSCI China ETF(FXI) Continuation Transaction

The following transaction was made today to establish a covered calls position against the 800 shares owned in iShares MSCI China ETF(FXI):
11/24/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 8 Dec08 $27.00 Calls @ $1.55

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
08/18/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Bought 800 FXI @ $40.60
08/18/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Sold 8 FXI Sep08 $44.00 Calls @ $.60
09/20/08 Sep08 Options Expired
09/25/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 8 Oct08 $40.00 Calls @ $1.10
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/20/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 8 Nov08 $34.00 Calls @ $1.30
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 8 FXI Dec08 $27 Calls at $1.55

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the FXI transactions through the Nov08 expiration would be as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $32,488.95
($40.60*800+$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$3,610.10 (800*($.60 + $1.10 + $1.30 + $1.55) - 2*$14.95 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: +$0
(c) Capital Appreciation (If exercised): -$10,897.90
= ($27.00-$40.60)*800 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit(If stock price exercised at $27.00): -$7,287.80
= (+$3,610.10 +$0.00 -$10,897.90)

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE) -83.5%
(-$7,287.80/$32,488.95)*(365/98 days)

4. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF(EWY) Continuation Transaction

The following transaction was made today to establish a covered calls position against the 700 shares owned in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF(EWY):
11/24/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 7 Dec08 $24.00 Calls @ $1.25

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
The Transactions History to date is as follows:
08/18/08 Initial Stock Purchase Transaction -- Bought 700 EWY @ $48.35
08/18/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Sold 7 EWY Sep08 $50 Calls @ $1.05
09/20/08 Sep08 Options Expired
09/25/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- Sold 7 EWY Oct08 $47.00 Calls @
$.65
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/20/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 7 Nov08 $30.00 Calls @ $2.30
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 7 EWY Dec08 $24 Calls at $1.25

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the EWY transactions through the Dec08 expiration would be as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $33,853.95
($48.35*700+$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$3,618.20 (700*($1.05+$.65+$2.30+$1.25) - 4*$14.20 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: +$0.00
(c) Capital Appreciation (If exercised): -$17,062.90
= ($24.00-$48.35)*700 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit(If stock price exercised at $24.00): -$13,894.70
= (+$3,618.20 +$0.00 -$17,062.90)

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE) -152.9%
(-$13,894.70/$33,853.95)*(365/98 days)


5. Microsoft(MSFT) Continuation Transaction

The following transaction was made today to establish a covered calls position against the 500 shares owned in Microsoft Corp(MSFT):
11/24/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 2 Dec08 $21.00 Calls @ $1.26

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
08/18/08 Bought 500 MSFT @ $27.95
08/18/08 Sold 5 MSFT Sep08 $28.00 Calls @ $.81
09/20/08 Sep08 Options Expired
09/26/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 5 Oct08 $28.00 Calls @ $.55
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/20/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 5 Nov08 $24.00 Calls @ $1.89
11/18/08 $65.00 (Ex-Div of $.13 per share * 500 shares)
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 5 MSFT Dec08 $21 Calls at $1.26


The overall performance results(including commissions) for the MSFT transactions through the Dec08 expiration would be as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $13,983.95
($27.95*500+$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$2,409.20 (500*($.81+$.55+$2.30+$1.26) - 4*$12.70 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: +$65.00
(c) Capital Appreciation (If exercised): -$3,492.90
= ($21.00-$27.95)*500 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit(If stock price exercised at $21.00): -$1,018.70
= (+$2,409.20 +$65.00 -$3,492.90)

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE) -27.1%
(-$1,018.70/$13,983.95)*(365/98 days)


6. Petrobras (PBR) Continuation Transaction

The following transaction was made today to establish a covered calls position against the 400 shares owned in Petrobras(PBR):
11/24/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 4 Dec08 $20.00 Calls @ $2.15

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
07/07/08 Initial Stock Purchase Transaction -- Bought 400 PBR @ $65.95
07/07/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Sold 4 PBR Jul08 $65.00 Calls @ $2.95
07/19/08 July08 Options Expired
07/24/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- Sold 4 PBR Aug08 $60.00 Calls @ $1.00
Note: Price of PBR was $56.86 at the time when the calls were sold today.
08/16/08 Aug08 Options Expired
08/18/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 4 Sep08 $55.00 Calls @ $.90
Note: Price of PBR was $49.45 when the calls were sold today.
09/20/08 Sep08 Options Expired
09/25/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 4 Oct08 $47.50 Calls @ $2.70
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/20/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 4 Nov08 $30.00 Calls @ $1.89
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 4 PBR Dec08 $20 Calls at $2.15

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the PBR transactions through the Dec08 expiration would be as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $26,388.95
($65.95*400+$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$4,564.30 (400*($2.95 + $1.00 + $.90 + $2.70 + $1.89 + $2.15) - 6*$11.95 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: +$0
(c) Capital Appreciation (If exercised): -$18,397.90
= ($65.95-$20.00)*400 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit(If stock price exercised at $34.00): -$13,833.60
= (+$4,564.30 +$0.00 -$18,397.90)

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE) -136.7%
(-$13,833.60/$26,388.95)*(365/140 days)

Establish American Oriental Bioengineering Inc Covered Calls

A new covered calls position was established today in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio(CCAP) with the purchase of American Oriental Bioengineering Inc (AOB).

AOB is a Chinese manufacturer and distributor of more than 40 State FDA-approved prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical and personal health products. They have traded on the NYSE since 2006 and have a terrific growth history as well as future potential combined with a very attractive valuation. Through a combination of aggressive acquisitions and very good organic growth, AOB has a compounded annual growth rate in both revenue and earnings that exceeds 60% over the past 4 years. As a value proposition, its market cap is currently $380 million with an excellent balance sheet containing $220 million cash and only $126 million in debt (most at 4.5% that doesn't mature until 2015). The P/E ratio for 2008 is estimated at 6.2 and revenue and earnings growth should continue to expand in 2009 without the company needing to take on additional debt. The Covered Calls Advisor obtains international exposure primarily through the use of country-wide ETFs, which provides sector diversification in the most attractive countries for investments. This advisor only invests in individual companies outside of the U.S. where the investment case is very compelling both from a growth and value perspective -- and this is clearly the case with AOB.

Established American Oriental Bioengineering Inc (AOB) Covered Calls for Dec08:
11/24/08 Bought 1500 AOB @ $4.91
11/24/08 Sold 15 AOB Dec08 $5.00 Calls @ $.40

Annualized Return If Unchanged (ARIU): +113.6%
Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE): +140.1%
Downside Breakeven Protection: 8.1%

Establish Anadarko Petroleum Covered Calls

A new covered calls position was established today in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio(CCAP) with the purchase of Anadarko Petroleum Corp (APC).

Anadarko is one of the largest worldwide exploration and production companies primarily involved with natural gas. This advisor believes that natural gas has a strong claim as being an essential long-term energy resource for America since it has two key characteristics: (1) it's abundant in the U.S.; and (2) it's a clean-burning energy alternative to oil. These two advantages make it an attractive option as our country seeks ways towards energy independence in conjunction with environmental responsibility; and thus nat gas could be a good long-term investment opportunity. Anadarko has proven reserves and annual production rates very similar to that of Devon Energy and Apache Corporation. However, Anadarko's market cap is only $17 billion whereas Devon and Apache are $31 billion and $25 billion respectively. Anadarko has substantial long-term debt but management is committed to reducing it to 25-35% of market capitalization and is making good progress in that direction; and their free cash flow (at 15% of market cap) is tops among its peers. It's current year P/E ratio is less than 7 and its return-on-equity is adequate at approximately 20%. Importantly, CEO Jim Hackett and his top management team seem excellent, and their goals for APC include 5-9% growth per year with 120% production reserve replacement annually. Finally, their low production costs enables them to achieve greater than 10% return-on-investment even if the Nat Gas spot price were to decline to as low as $5.09.

Established Anadarko Petroleum Corp (APC) Covered Calls for Dec08:
11/24/08 Bought 500 APC @ $35.62
11/24/08 Sold 5 APC Dec08 $35.00 Calls @ $3.60

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE): +117.3%
Downside Breakeven Protection: 10.1%

Establish McKesson Covered Calls

A new covered calls position was established today in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio(CCAP) with the purchase of McKesson Corporation (MCK).

Perhaps you are not yet very familiar with McKesson. It might surprise you to know that it is the largest health company in America in terms of revenue with $100+ billion annually -- Yes; it generates even more sales than Johnson & Johnson. Its primary business is drug distribution and it delivers approximately one-third of all drugs in America. Incredibly, its total market capitalization is only $9 billion -- so its P/Sales ratio is an amazingly low 0.1. The current year P/E is only 9 and return-on-equity is an impressive 70%. With management's focus on continued revenue growth; and even more importantly their profit margin improvement plans, this seems like a great time to purchase this high quality company at a very reasonable price. One future growth driver could be in the international arena since currently only 8% of revenues are from outside the U.S. Another possible area of growth is the fact that there is a lot of room for future increases in the use of information technology in the health care industry, and McKesson already has a Technology Solutions division (although currently relatively small) which should benefit and grow as investments in healthcare information technology are pursued by the Obama administration's stated healthcare technology and cost containment policy initiatives.

Established McKesson Corporation (MCK) Covered Calls for Dec08:
11/24/08 Bought 300 MCK @ $30.72
11/24/08 Sold 3 MCK Dec08 $30.00 Calls @ $2.35

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE): +79.9%
Downside Breakeven Protection: 8.0%

The annualized return shown above includes an ex-dividend on Nov. 26th of $.12 per share.

Establish Hewlett Packard Covered Calls

A new covered calls position was established today in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio(CCAP) with the purchase of Hewlett Packard (HPQ).

Hewlett Packard is performing exceedingly well in all divisions, but especially in personal computers, printers, and enterprise storage/servers. And with the recent acquisition of EDS completed, the services division is now set to give IBM a run for its money in that arena. Software is now the only division that could use a revenue boost, but a significant acquisition in that area will likely have to wait a year or more until the complete and successful EDS integration is assured. HPs CEO, Mark Hurd, is a terrific leader, yet the company surprisingly trades at a historically low P/E of 10.8; and likewise a historically low P/Sales of 0.8. Moreover, HP was one of the few technology companies to beat its recently reported 3rd quarter revenue and earnings per share estimates and to maintain its previously stated full year guidance estimates for 2008. Although future revenue growth will likely be limited to 'high single digits', this quality company seems to be a worthwhile purchase in its current $35 price range.

Established Hewlett Packard (HPQ) Covered Calls for Dec08:
11/24/08 Bought 500 HPQ @ $35.18
11/24/08 Sold 5 HPG Dec08 $35.00 Calls @ $2.55

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE): +94.5%
Downside Breakeven Protection: 7.2%

Establish Fluor Corp Covered Calls

A new covered calls position was established today in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio(CCAP) with the purchase of Fluor Corp (FLR).

Fluor is an excellent example of a company whose price has been hit too hard as a result of the overall market decline and the rapid fall in the price of oil from $140+ per barrel to the $50 range. At $50, this advisor believes that oil has the potential for much less downside than upside in its future price; and when the oil price begins to increase again, Flour's stock price will likely move much, much higher. It is a preeminent, quality construction and engineering company with a primary emphasis on oil & gas construction and with the additional advantage of a strong worldwide presence (57% international revenue).
It is also a value-oriented investment; with its current P/E of 7 being only about 1/2 of its potential growth rate for the next few years. And the return-on-equity is good at 35%. Finally, in the most recent quarter, its contract backlog was 28% higher than for the same period last year.

Established Fluor Corp (FLR) Covered Calls for Dec08:
11/24/08 Bought 600 FLR @ $35.35
11/24/08 Sold 6 FLR Dec08 $35.00 Calls @ $3.50

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE): +129.9%
Downside Breakeven Protection: 10.3%

The annualized return shown above includes an ex-dividend on Dec. 3rd of $.125 per share.

Establish Humana Covered Calls

A new covered calls position was established today in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio(CCAP) with the purchase of Humana Inc (HUM):

Humana is a managed healthcare company with nationwide coverage. Its large exposure to government-sponsored programs (primarily medicare) has been a major headwind for its share price because of fears that the Obama administration will accelerate efforts to shrink healthcare costs (and therefore profits for companies like HUM). I believe the punishment the stock has taken over this concern is overdone and that initially, healthcare policy changes will be focused moreso on expanding coverage for the uninsured. A second reason the company's stock has taken a beating this year is because of the earnings misses that resulted directly from the advent of the Medicare Prescription program this year and the Humana's underestimates of prescription reimbursment costs they would incur this year -- this problem will be corrected with the experience gained from reimbursment levels so far this year and the opportunity to revise pricing to profitable levels which will become effective in January 2009. Next year, earnings should increase about 30% above this year's result; and with a currently depressed P/E of only 6, a P/Sales of only 0.2, and a strong cash flow, there is a lot of room for a nice price recovery if my thesis as described above is anywhere close to being accurate.


Established Humana Inc (HUM) Covered Calls for Dec08:
11/24/08 Bought 1000 HUM @ $25.55
11/24/08 Sold 10 HUM Dec08 $25.00 Calls @ $2.90

Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE): +129.0%
Downside Breakeven Protection: 11.4%

Dell, General Electric, Honeywell, and St Jude Medical -- Closed

Four Nov08 covered calls positions that expired with the stock prices out-of-the-money were closed out today by selling the stock. It was decided to sell these four stocks rather than rolling-out to Dec08 covered calls to raise cash in order to invest in covered call opportunites that this advisor believes are more attractive at this time. The detailed results for the completed positions in Dell, GE, Honeywell, and St Jude Medical are as follows:

1. Dell Inc (DELL) -- Closed

The position in Dell (DELL) was closed today by selling the 1200 shares owned.

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
09/25/08 Initial Stock Purchase Transaction -- Bought 1200 DELL @ $16.73
09/25/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Sold 12 DELL Oct08 $17.00 Calls @ $.75
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/28/08 Sold 1200 DELL Nov08 $13.00 Calls at $.78
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 1200 DELL @$9.55

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the DELL transactions are as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $20,084.95
($16.73*1200-$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$1,800.10 (1200*($.75+$.78) - $35.90 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: $0
(c) Capital Appreciation: -$8,633.90
= -($16.73-$9.55)*1200 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit: -$6,833.80
= (+$1,800.10 + $0 - $8,633.90)

Annualized Return: -207.0%
(-$6,833.80/$20,084.95)*(365/60 days)


2. General Electric (GE) -- Closed

The position in General Electric (GE) was closed today by selling the 200 shares owned.

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
10/02/08 Initial Stock Purchase Transaction -- Bought 200 GE @ $22.25
10/02/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Sold 2 GE Oct08 $22.00 Calls @ $1.53
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/20/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 2 Nov08 $21.00 Calls @ $.88
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 200 GE @$15.01

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the GE transactions are as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $4,458.95
($22.25*200+$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$461.10 (200*($1.53+$.88) - 2*$10.45 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: $0
(c) Capital Appreciation: -$1,465.90
= ($15.01-$22.25)*200 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit: -$1,004.80
= (+$461.10 + $0 - $1,465.90)

Annualized Return: -155.2%
(-$1,004.80/$4,458.95)*(365/53 days)


3. Honeywell Inc (HON) -- Closed

The position in Honeywell (HON) was closed today by selling the 500 shares owned.

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
05/23/08 Initial Stock Purchase Transaction -- Bought 500 HON @ $58.89
05/23/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Sold 5 HON Jun08 $60 Calls @ $1.20
06/20/08 Jun08 Options Expired
07/02/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- Sold 5 Jul08 $52.50 Calls @ $.85
Note: Price of HON was $50.12 when the calls were sold today.
07/19/08 July08 Options Expired
07/24/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- Sold 5 HON Aug08 $52.50 Calls @ $1.38
Note: Price of HON was $52.02 when the calls were sold today.
08/14/08 $137.50 (Ex-Div of $.275*500 shares)
08/16/08 Aug08 Options Expired
08/18/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 5 Sep08 $52.50 Calls @ $1.00
Note: Price of HON was $50.86 when the calls were sold today.
09/20/08 Sep08 Options Expired
09/23/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 2 Oct08 $40.00 Calls @ $5.45
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/20/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 2 Nov08 $32.50 Calls @ $.95
11/18/08 $137.50 (Ex-Div of $.275*500 shares)
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 500 HON @$25.90

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the HON transactions are as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $29,453.95
($58.89*500-$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$5,351.50 (500*($1.20+$.85+$1.38+$1.00+$5.45+$.95) - 5*$12.70)$35.90 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: $275.00 ($137.50 * 2 Ex-Divs)
(c) Capital Appreciation: -$16,512.90
= ($25.90-$58.89)*500 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit: -$10,886.40
= (+$5,351.50 + $275.00 - $16,512.90)

Annualized Return: -72.9%
(-$10,886.40/$29,453.95)*(365/185 days)


4. St Jude Medical Inc (STJ) -- Closed

The position in St Jude Medical (STJ) was closed today by selling the 400 shares owned.

The Transactions History to date is as follows:
08/18/08 Initial Stock Purchase Transaction -- Bought 400 STJ @ $46.36
08/18/08 Initial Calls Sold Transaction -- Sold 4 STJ Sep08 $45.00 Calls @ $2.40
09/20/08 Sep08 Options Expired
09/25/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- Sold 4 STJ Oct08 $45.00 Calls @ $1.60
10/18/08 Oct08 Options Expired
10/20/08 Covered Calls Continuation Transaction -- STO 4 Nov08 $40.00 Calls @ $1.15
11/22/08 Nov08 Options Expired
11/24/08 Sold 500 STJ @$27.93

The overall performance results(including commissions) for the STJ transactions are as follows:
Stock Purchase Cost: $18,552.95
($46.36*400+$8.95 commission)

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$2,024.15 (400*($2.40+$1.60+$1.15) - 3*$11.95 commissions)
(b) Dividend Income: $0
(c) Capital Appreciation: -$7,389.90
= ($27.93-$46.36)*400 - 2*$8.95 commissions

Total Net Profit: -$5,365.75
= (+$2,024.15 + $0 - $7,389.90)

Annualized Return: -107.7%
(-$5,365.75/$18,552.95)*(365/98 days)

November 2008 Expiration Transactions

The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio (CCAP) contained a total of 10 positions with November 2008 expirations, with the following results:
- All 10 positions (ACN,MO,DELL,GE,HON,EWY,FXI,MSFT,PBR, and STJ)ended out-of-the-money.

Decisions will be made to either sell the stock, or to keep the stock and sell calls to establish Dec08 covered call positions. The related transactions will be made today and tomorrow and the actual transactions will be posted on this blog site on the same day they occur.

Market Meter Changes From Neutral to Slightly Bullish

The Covered Calls Advisor conducts monthly reviews of the six key metrics used to determine its U.S. Market Meter Indicator. Today the indicator has changed from its prior Neutral rating to a current rating of Slightly Bullish.

The current readings for each of the six metrics are:

1. U.S. Earnings Yield and Bond Yield Spread:
7.71%-3.69%=+4.02% is Very Bullish.

2. Rest-of-World Earnings Yield and Bond Yield Spread:
8.81%-3.40%=+5.41% is Very Bullish.

3. Real U.S. Earnings & GDP Growth:
a. U.S. Actual Earnings Growth (Year-Over-Year) for Latest 2 Quarters:
-27.6% is Very Bearish
b. U.S. Estimated GDP Growth: Year-Over-Year GDP Growth for Next 2 Qtrs Minus Projected Inflation Rate
(-1.5% GDP Growth - 2.0% Inflation)= -3.5% which is Bearish.

4. Current Vs. Expected P/E Ratios:
Current trailing 12-months P/E for S&P 500 is 13.0 and the expected P/E with trailing 12-mos. inflation at 2.7% is 17.6:
(17.6-13.0)/13.0 = +35.6% is Very Bullish.

5. Market Sentiment:
a. Longer-Term (Price Change vs. 9 months ago for Russell 3000):
(52.21-76.50)/76.50=-31.8% is Very Bearish.
b. Shorter-Term (using NYSE & NASDAQ Avg. 30-Day Advance/Decline Oscillators):
Very Bullish.
c. Shorter-Term (Equity-Only Put/Call Ratio):
Average of Most Recent 21-Day Ratio and Yesterday's Ratio is Bullish.

The average of the longer-term and the two shorter term sentiment indicators provides the result for this metric. Thus, since the first metric is 'very bearish', the second is 'very bullish' and the third is 'bullish', the overall Market Sentiment rating averages as Slightly Bullish.

6. Covered Calls Advisor's Gut Feeling: Neutral


The composite overall average outlook for the six indicators above is SLIGHTLY BULLISH, which is now reflected on the 'U.S. Market Meter' Indicator at the top of the sidebar column of this blog. The meter also states the recommended covered calls investing strategy that corresponds with this assessment: "The Covered Calls Advisor says: The Current Overall Stock Market Outlook is: SLIGHTLY BULLISH. The Corresponding Investing Strategy is: "SELL SLIGHTLY OUT-OF-THE-MONEY COVERED CALLS."

By 'out-of-the-money', this advisor means that the covered call positions in a portfolio of near-month covered calls should now be established on-average with the stock price between 1.0% and 2.0% below the options strike price.

Establish Gushan Environmental ADR Covered Calls

A new covered calls position was established today in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio(CCAP) as follows:

Established Gushan Environmental ADR (GU) Covered Calls for Dec08. Gushan is the leading biofuel products producer in China. This is an admittedly speculative, but potentially very profitable, investment. Gushan has a relatively small (currently slightly below $300 million) market cap, but both its valuation and growth prospects are very attractive. From a value perspective, the company trades at a P/E on current year expected earnings of less than 5, has cash of more than 50% of market cap, low debt, and expected production growth of approximately 50% over the next year. In addition, while listening to the latest quarterly earnings conference call, I was impressed by the apparent capabilities, clarity, and vision of Gushan's senior management team.

The overwhelming majority of positions in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio (CCAP) are invested in well-established, high quality companies. But the CCAP investing guidelines allow for one speculative position (not exceeding 5% of total assets) at any given time -- Gushan is it!

11/05/08 Bought 2000 GU @ $3.44
11/05/08 Sold 20 GU Dec08 $5.00 Calls @ $.36

Annualized Return If Stock Price Unchanged (ARIU): +84.1%
Annualized Return If Exercised (ARIE): +452.7%
Downside Breakeven Protection: 10.5%