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Saturday, December 30, 2023

December 29th, 2023 Weekly Options Expiration Results

The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio had three Covered Calls positions with December 29th, 2023 weekly options expirations.  Fortunately, all three positions closed on their options expiration date yesterday with their equity prices in-the-money, so the Calls expired with no remaining value and the Covered Calls were closed out with the three equities sold at their respective strike prices.  The original position and associated details for each position is as follows:

1. Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) -- +2.0% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +33.4% annualized return-on-investment) for the 22 days of this investment.  This XLE position had a $79.00 strike price and it closed at $83.80 yesterday.  The original position details are here

2. Medtronic PLC (MDT) -- +1.7% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +44.0% annualized return-on-investment) for the 14 days of this investment.  This Medtronic position had a $32.00 strike price and it closed at $32.38 yesterday.  The original position details are here.

3. Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) -- +1.5% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +61.3% annualized return-on-investment) for the 9 days of this investment.  This Microsoft position had a $372.50 strike price and it closed at $376.04 yesterday.  The original position details are here.

I welcome your questions on any topics related to the Covered Calls investing strategy.  My email address is partlow@cox.net.


Best Wishes to All for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!

Jeff Partlow
The Covered Calls Advisor
partlow@cox.net


Friday, December 29, 2023

Covered Calls Position Established in Oracle Corporation

Today a Covered Calls position was established in Oracle Corporation (ticker ORCL) when my buy/write limit order was executed.  My Dividend Capture Strategy (see details here) was used for this position.   

Three hundred shares were purchased at $106.26 and 3 January 19th, 2024 Call options were sold at $3.72 per share at the $103.00 strike price.  This buy/write transaction occurred at a Delta of 69.0 which approximates the probability that the Call options will be in-the-money and therefore assigned on the options expiration date.     

The potential time value profit for this Oracle Covered Calls position is $1.05 per share [$3.72 Call options premium - ($105.67 stock purchase price - $103.00 strike price)].  In addition to this $1.05 per share profit potential, there is an upcoming quarterly ex-dividend income potential per share of $.40 (annual dividend yield of 1.5%) on January 10th, 2024.  So, the two potential return-on-investment results detailed below are: (1) the possibility of early assignment since the January 10th ex-dividend is prior to the January 19th, 2024 options expiration date; and (2) the possibility that this Covered Calls position is in-the-money (and therefore assigned) on the options expiration date.  

As shown in the stock screener chart below, Oracle meets all 14 filters of my stock screener for the Info Tech and Comm Services Sectors and the average Target Price of the analysts that cover Oracle is +20.2% above today's $105.67 stock purchase price. 

Two potential return-on-investment results are: 

  •  +1.0% absolute return (equivalent to +31.1% annualized return for the next 12 days) if the stock is assigned early (on the last business day prior to the January 10th, 2024 ex-dividend date); OR 
  • +1.4% absolute return (equivalent to +24.6% annualized return over the next 21 days) if the stock is assigned on the January 19th options expiration date.
These potential returns are attractive given this is a large-cap company with relatively stable financial performance trends and a Beta (3-year) of .90.  Details of this Oracle Corp. Covered Calls position and two potential return-on-investment results are as follows:


Oracle Corporation (ORCL) -- New Covered Calls Position
The buy/write transaction was:
12/29/2023 Bought 300 Oracle Corporation shares @ $105.67.
12/29/2023 Sold 3 ORCL 1/19/2024 $103.00 Call options @ $3.72 per share.
Note: the Implied Volatility of the Call options was 20.8 when this buy/write transaction was executed.
1/10/2024 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.40 per share

Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Covered Calls position are as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $30,587.01
= ($105.67 - $3.72) * 300 shares + $2.01 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$1,113.99
= ($3.72 * 300 shares) - $2.01 commission
(b) Dividend Income (If option exercised early on January 9th, the last business day prior to the January 10th ex-div date): +$0.00; or
(b) Dividend Income (If ORCL stock assigned at the January 19th, 2024 expiration date): $120.00
= ($.40 dividend per share x 300 shares)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If ORCL Call options assigned early on January 10th): -$801.00
+($103.00 strike price - $105.67 stock price) * 300 shares; or
(c) Capital Appreciation (If shares assigned at $103.00 strike price at the 1/19/2024 options expiration date): -$801.00
+($103.00 - $105.67) * 300 shares

1. Total Net Profit [If option exercised early on the last business day prior to the Jan. 10th ex-dividend date)]: +$312.99
= (+$1,113.99 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$801.00 capital appreciation); or
2. Total Net Profit (If stock shares assigned at $103.00 strike price at the 1/19/2024 expiration): +$432.99
= (+$1,113.99 options income +$120.00 dividend income -$801.00 capital appreciation)

1. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If option exercised early on January 10th): +1.0%
= +$312.99/$30,587.01
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment: +31.1%
= (+$312.99/$30,587.01) * (365/12 days); or
2. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If ORCL shares assigned at $103.00 at the 1/19/2024 options expiration date): +1.4%
= +$432.99/$30,587.01
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If shares assigned at the 10/20/2023 options expiration date): +24.6%
= (+$432.99/$30,587.01) * (365/21 days)

At least eight of the nine metrics used in the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture Strategy spreadsheet must be 'YES' prior to establishing a position.  As shown below with this Oracle Corporation position, all nine criteria were met.


Thursday, December 28, 2023

Early Assignment of Covered Call Position in Deere & Company

This morning I was notified that the one Deere & Company (ticker DE) January 5th, 2024 $375.00 Call option was exercised yesterday which is the last business day prior to Deere's ex-dividend date.  The stock price increased from its $383.21 purchase price on December 15th to $401.64 at yesterday's market close and the original $4.36 time value in the Calls when the position was established had declined to $0.00.  So the owner of this Deere Call exercised their option to buy the 100 shares at the $375.00 strike price in order to receive today's $1.47 per share ex-dividend.  I am pleased for this early assignment despite losing the opportunity to capture the dividend since the +33.0% annualized-return-on-investment (aroi) achieved by early assignment is greater than the +27.3% aroi that might have been achieved if this position was instead assigned on its Jan. 5th, 2024 options expiration date.   

The post when this Deere & Company Covered Call position was originally established is here.  As detailed below, the return-on-investment result for this John Deere Covered Call position was +1.2% absolute return in 13 days (equivalent to a +33.0% annualized return-on-investment).  


Deere & Company (DE) -- Covered Call Position Closed by Early Assignment
The simultaneous buy/write transaction was as follows:
12/15/2023 Bought 100 shares of John Deere & Co. stock @ $383.21 per share.  
12/15/2023 Sold 1 Deere & Co. January 5th, 2024 $375.00 Call option @ $12.57 per share.
12/28/2023 Deere & Co. Call option owner exercised their Call option, so the Covered Call position was closed out early. The one Deere Call option expired worthless and the 100 shares were sold at the $375.00 strike price.

The overall performance results (including commissions) are as follows:
Covered Call Net Investment: $37,064.67
= ($383.21 - $12.57) * 100 shares + $.67 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Call Option Income: +$1,256.33
= ($12.57 * 100 shares) - $.67 commission
(b) Dividend Income (Deere stock assigned on the Dec. 28th ex-dividend date): $0.00
(c) Capital Appreciation (Deere & Co. stock assigned on the Dec. 28th ex-dividend date): -$821.00
= ($375.00 strike price - $383.21 stock purchase price) * 100 shares

Net Profit: +$435.33
= (+$1,256.33 option income +$0.00 dividend income - $821.00 capital appreciation)

Absolute Return-on-Investment: +1.2%
= +$435.33/$37,064.67
Equivalent Annualized Return-on-Investment: +33.0%
= (+$435.33/$37,064.67) * (365/13 days)


Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Established Covered Call Position in Microsoft Corporation

During the final hour of trading today a Covered Call positions was established in Microsoft Corporation (ticker MSFT).  A short-term Microsoft Corporation position was established at the December 29th, 2023 options expiration date and at the $372.50 strike price.  This Covered Calls position was slightly out-of-the-money since 100 MSFT shares were purchased at $371.128 and one 12/29/2023 $372.50 Call option was simultaneously sold at $4.18 per share (a net debit of $366.948 per share).  This strike price is consistent with the guideline of selling Calls between 3.0% below and 2.0% above the strike price when my Overall Market Meter is "Neutral" (as it is now).  

The potential time value profit for this Microsoft position is $5.552 per share if the stock is above the $372.50 strike price on the December 29th options expiration date and is therefore assigned (i.e. sold) at the $372.50 strike price.  The potential return-on-investment results detailed below shows two potential outcomes on the options expiration date: (1) if the stock price is unchanged at $371.128; and (2) if the stock price increases and is in-the-money and is therefore assigned on the Dec. 29th options expiration date. 


Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) -- New Covered Call Position
The net debit buy/write limit order was executed as follows:
12/20/2023 Bought 100 shares of Microsoft stock @ $371.128 per share.  
12/20/2023 Sold 1 MSFT December 29th, 2023 $372.50 Call option @ $4.18 per share.

Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) are as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $36,695.47
= ($371.128 - $4.18) * 100 shares + $.67 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$417.33
= ($4.18 * 100 shares) - $.67 commission
(b) Dividend Income: +$0.00
(c) Capital Appreciation (If Microsoft stock price is unchanged at $371.128 at the December 29th option expiration date): +0.00
= ($371.128 stock price at options expiration - $371.128 stock purchase price) * 100 shares; or
(c) Capital Appreciation: (If MSFT stock price is above the $372.50 strike price at the 12/29/2023 options expiration date): $137.20
= ($372.50 selling price at expiration - $371.128 original stock purchase price) x 100 shares

1. Potential Total Net Profit (If stock price unchanged at expiration): +$417.33
= (+$417.33 option income + $0.00 dividend income + $0.00 capital appreciation); or
2. Potential Total Net Profit (If stock price is in-the-money at the options expiration date and therefore sold at the $372.50 strike price): +$554.53
= (+$417.33 option income + $0.00 dividend income + $137.20 capital appreciation)

1. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If stock price unchanged at $371.128 at expiration): +1.1%
= +$417.33/$36,695.47
Potential Equivalent Annualized-Return-on-Investment (If stock price unchanged): +46.1%
= (+$417.33/$36,695.47) * (365/9 days); or
2. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If stock price is in-the-money at the options expiration date and therefore sold at the $372.50 strike price): +1.5%
= +$554.53/$36,695.47
Potential Equivalent Annualized-Return-on-Investment (If stock price is in-the-money at the options expiration date and therefore sold at the $372.50 strike price): +61.3%
= (+$554.53/$36,695.47) * (365/9 days)


Covered Call Position Established in Humana Inc.

My buy/write net debit limit order was executed and 100 shares of Humana Inc. (ticker symbol HUM) stock were purchased at $456.12 and 1 January 5th, 2024 $445.00 Call option was sold at $15.42 per share -- a net debit of $440.70 per share.   So, the corresponding time value (aka extrinsic value) was $4.30 per share = [$15.42 Call option premium - ($456.12 stock purchase price - $445.00 strike price)].  The Delta was 68.8 which closely approximates a probability of assignment on the options expiration date of 68.8%.  Given the Covered Calls Advisor's current Neutral Overall Market Meter outlook, a slightly in-the-money Covered Calls position was established.  

Humana goes ex-dividend at $.885 per share (a 0.8% annualized dividend yield) on December 28th, 2023.  This dividend is included in the potential return-on-investment results detailed below.   Also, as preferred, there is no earnings report prior to the options expiration date and analysts' current stock target price is $585.28 per share (+28.3% above today's stock purchase price).

As detailed below, a potential outcome for this Humana Inc. investment is +1.2% absolute return-on-investment for the next 16 days (equivalent to +26.8% annualized-return-on-investment) if the stock closes above the $445.00 strike price on the January 5th, 2024 options expiration date.

Humana Inc. (HUM) -- New Covered Call Position
The net debit buy/write limit order was executed as follows:
12/20/2023 Bought 100 shares of Humana Inc. stock @ $456.12 per share.  
12/20/2023 Sold 1 HUM January 5th, 2024 $445.00 Call option @ $15.42 per share.
12/28/2023 Ex-dividend of $.885 per share.

A possible overall performance result (including commissions) if this position is assigned on its 1/5/2024 option expiration date is as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $44,070.67
= ($456.12 - $15.42) * 100 shares + $.67 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Call Option Income: +$1,541.33
= ($15.42 * 100 shares) - $.67 commission
(b) Dividend Income: +$88.50
= $.885 x 100 shares
(c) Capital Appreciation (If Humana stock is above the $445.00 strike price at the January 5th option expiration date): -$1,112.00
= ($445.00 - $456.12) * 100 shares

Potential Total Net Profit (If assigned at expiration): +$517.83
= (+$1,541.33 option income + $88.50 dividend income - $1,112.00 capital appreciation)

Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment: +1.2%
= +$517.83/$44,070.67
Potential Equivalent Annualized-Return-on-Investment: +26.8%
= (+$517.83/$44,070.67) * (365/16 days)

Early Assignment of Covered Calls Position in Philip Morris International

This morning I was notified that the three Philip Morris International (ticker PM) January 5th, 2024 $90.00 Call options were exercised yesterday which is the last business day prior to Philip Morris' ex-dividend date.  The original $.36 time value in the Calls when the position was established had declined on yesterday's market close to $0.00 and the owner of these Philip Morris International Calls exercised their option to buy the 300 shares at the $90.00 strike price in order to receive today's $1.30 per share ex-dividend.  

The post when this Philip Morris International Covered Calls position was originally established is here.  As detailed below, the return-on-investment result for this Philip Morris Covered Calls position was +0.4% absolute return in 7 days (equivalent to a +20.6% annualized return-on-investment).  


Philip Morris International (PM) -- New Covered Calls Position
The simultaneous buy/write transaction today was as follows:
12/13/2023 Bought 300 Philip Morris International shares @ $91.80 per share.
12/13/2023 Sold 3 Philip Morris 1/5/2024 $90.00 Call options @ $2.16 per share.  
12/20/2023 Philip Morris Call options owner exercised their three Call options, so the Covered Calls position was closed out early. The three PM Call options expired worthless and the 300 shares were sold at the $90.00 strike price.

The overall performance results (including commissions) for this Philip Morris International Covered Calls position was as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $26,889.99
= ($91.80 - $2.16) * 300 shares + $2.01 commissions

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$645.99
= ($2.16 * 300 shares) - $2.01 commissions
(b) Dividend Income (Call options exercised on the last business day prior to the Dec. 20th ex-dividend date): +$0.00
(c) Capital Appreciation (Philip Morris shares assigned early): -$540.00
+($90.00 strike price - $91.80 stock purchase price) * 300 shares

Total Net Profit: +$105.99
= (+$645.99 options income +$0.00 dividend income - $540.00 capital appreciation)

Absolute Return-on-Investment: +0.4%
= +$105.99/$26,889.99 
Annualized Return-on-Investment: +20.6%
= (+$105.99/$26,889.99) * (365/7 days)

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Covered Calls Position Closed for Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.

Last Friday, the Covered Calls position in Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (ticker HALO) expired out-of-the-money since the closing stock price Friday of $38.55 was below the $40.00 strike price.  Halozyme's stock price increased in early trading today and I decided to close out the position by selling the 400 HALO shares at $39.28.  The resulting return-on-investment results are detailed below.  These results show that attractive results are achievable with in-the-money Covered Calls positions even when the stock price has declined below the original stock purchase price. 

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (HALO) -- Covered Calls Position Closed Out by Decision
The net debit buy/write limit order was executed as follows:
8/25/2023 Bought 400 shares of Halozyme Therapeutics stock @ $42.62 per share.  
8/25/2023 Sold 4 HALO September 15th, 2023 $40.00 Call options @ $3.36 per share.
Note: the Implied Volatility of the Calls was 38.8 when this position was established. 
9/15/2023 Continued this Halozyme Covered Calls position by selling 4 HALO October 20th, 2023 Call options at the $40.00 strike price for $2.00 per share.  The Halozyme share price was $40.22 when these Calls were sold and their Implied Volatility was 37.6.
10/20/2023 Four Calls expired out-of-the-money with the stock price below the $40.00 strike price, so 400 HALO shares remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.
11/7/2023 Continued this Halozyme Covered Calls position by selling 4 HALO December 15th, 2023 Call options at the $40.00 strike price for $1.72 per share.  The Halozyme share price was $39.14 when these Calls were sold and their Implied Volatility was 41.0.
12/15/2023 4 HALO $40.00 Call options expired out-of-the-money and the 400 Halozyme shares remained in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio. 
12/19/2023 This Halozyme Covered Calls position was closed out by selling 400 shares at $39.28 per share.

The overall performance result (including commissions) if this position is as follows:
Halozyme Covered Calls Net Investment: $15,706.68
= ($42.62 - $3.36) * 400 shares + $2.68 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$2,823.96
= ($3.36 + $2.00 + $1.72) * 400 shares - $8.04 commission
(b) Dividend Income: +$0.00
(c) Capital Appreciation (Halozyme stock sold at $39.28 per share): -$1,336.00
= ($39.28 - $42.62) * 400 shares

Potential Total Net Profit (If assigned at expiration): +$1,487.96
= (+$2,823.96 options income + $0.00 dividend income - $1,336.00 capital appreciation)

Absolute Return-on-Investment: +9.5%
= +$1,487.96/$15,706.68
Equivalent Annualized-Return-on-Investment: +29.8%
= (+$1,487.96/$15,706.68) * (365/116 days)

Monday, December 18, 2023

Continuation of Covered Calls Position in Halliburton Company

The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio has a Covered Calls position in Halliburton Company (ticker HAL) which expired out-of-the-money at last Friday's options expiration.  Today this position was continued by rolling out to the January 5th, 2024 weekly options expiration at the $36.00 strike price by selling-to-open five Calls at $1.23 per share when the price of Halliburton was $36.355.  The Implied Volatility of the Call options was 31.3 when this transaction was executed and the stock price was $36.355 (which is slightly in-the-money compared with the $36.00 strike price).  

As detailed below, a potential outcome for this Halliburton Company investment is +5.1% absolute return-on-investment over 37 days (equivalent to +50.7% annualized-return-on-investment) if the stock closes above the $36.00 strike price on the January 5th, 2024 options expiration date.  The transactions history of this Halliburton Covered Calls position so far along with a potential return-on-investment result if the stock is assigned on the Jan. 5th, 2024 options expiration date is as follows:


Halliburton Company (HAL) -- Continuation of Covered Calls Position
The original buy/write transaction was:
11/29/2023 Bought 500 Halliburton Co. shares @ $37.19
11/29/2023 Sold 5 HAL 12/15/2023 $36.00 Call options @ $1.64
12/6/2023 Quarterly ex-dividend of $.16 per share
12/15/2023 5 HAL $36.00 Call options expired out-of-the-money and 500 Halliburton shares remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio
12/18/2023 Continued this HAL Covered Calls position by selling 5 January 5th, 2024 Call options at $1.23 per share.

A possible overall performance result (including commissions) for this Halliburton Co. Covered Calls position is as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $17,778.35
= ($37.19 - $1.64) * 500 shares + $3.35 commissions

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$1,428.30
= ($1.64 + $1.23) * 500 shares - $6.70 commissions
(b) Dividend Income (12/6/2023 ex-dividend): +$80.00
= ($.16 dividend per share x 500 shares)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If HAL assigned at the $36.00 strike price at the 1/5/2024 options expiration date): -$595.00
+($36.00 -$37.19) * 500 shares

Total Net Profit (If Halliburton shares assigned at $36.00 strike price at its Jan. 5th, 2024 options expiration date): +$913.30
= (+$1,428.30 options income + $80.00 dividend income - $595.00 capital appreciation)

Absolute Return-on-Investment (If HAL shares assigned at $36.00 at the January 5th, 2024 options expiration): +5.1%
= +$913.30/$17,778.35
Annualized Return-on-Investment (If Halliburton stock assigned at $36.00 strike price at the Jan. 5th, 2024 expiration date): +50.7%
= (+$913.30/$17,778.35) * (365/37 days)


Saturday, December 16, 2023

Monthly Options Expiration Results through December 15th, 2023

Each month after the monthly options expiration date, this summary report provides the results on all positions that have been closed out during the past month (i.e. since the prior month's options expiration date). So this post covers the period from the day after last month's November 17th, 2023 options expiration through yesterday's December 15th, 2023 monthly options expiration date.  

During this past month, the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio held a total of thirteen positions.  Nine positions were closed out at a profit, two positions were closed out at a loss, and two positions expired out-of-the-money on yesterday's monthly options expiration date (so those shares currently remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio).   

The specific results for each position are summarized as follows: 

  • Five Covered Calls positions expired in-the-money (stock price above the strike price) on yesterday's December 15th, 2023 monthly options expiration date: as follows:
  1.  Cigna Group -- +3.5% absolute return-on-investment in 16 days (equivalent to a +79.6% annualized return-on-investment). 
  2.  Match Group Inc. -- -8.8% absolute return-on-investment in 88 days (equivalent to a -36.4% annualized return-on-investment). 
  3. Microsoft Corporation -- +0.8% absolute return-on-investment in 9 days (equivalent to a +32.9% annualized return-on-investment). 
  4. Shutterstock Inc. -- +5.2% absolute return-on-investment in 30 days (equivalent to a +63.4% annualized return-on-investment). 
  5. Walmart Inc. -- +1.2% absolute return-on-investment in 14 days (equivalent to a +30.4% annualized return-on-investment). 

  • Three Covered Calls positions expired in-the-money on their respective Weekly options expiration dates during the past month as follows:
  1. Amazon.com Inc. -- +1.7% absolute return-on-investment in 15 days (equivalent to a +41.5% annualized return-on-investment).
  2. iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF -- +1.1% absolute return-on-investment in 14 days (equivalent to a +28.4% annualized return-on-investment).
  3. NVIDIA Corporation -- +1.7% absolute return-on-investment in 16 days (equivalent to a +38.8% annualized return-on-investment).

  • Two Covered Calls positions were closed out by early assignment on the last trading day prior to their ex-dividend dates as follows: 
    1. Suncor Energy Inc. -- +1.0% absolute return-on-investment in 9 days (equivalent to a +40.1% annualized return-on-investment).
    2. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. -- +0.9% absolute return-on-investment in 10 days (equivalent to a +34.1% annualized return-on-investment).

        • One Covered Calls position was closed out by early decision at a loss: iShares China Large-Cap ETF -- -5.4% absolute return-on-investment in 94 days (equivalent to a -20.8% annualized return-on-investment).  

        • Two Covered Calls positions closed out-of-the-money yesterday on their December 15th, 2023 monthly options expiration date, so the Call options expired and the shares now remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.  Five hundred shares of Halliburton Company closed at $35.82 per share, just below the $36.00 strike price and 400 shares of Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. closed at $38.55 which was below its $40.00 strike price.  Early next week, decisions will be made to either close out the positions by selling the shares or to continue the Covered Calls positions by selling future Call options against the shares currently held.  As always, the details of all transactions-to-date will be posted on this blog site on the same day the transactions occur.

        During the past year (last 12 months) 115 of 130 positions (88.5%) in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio (CCAP) were closed out at a profit.  The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio weighted average annualized-return-on-investment (aroi) was +11.8% during the past year and the average holding period for these 130 closed positions was 19.1 days.  In comparison, the benchmark S&P 500 has returned +17.5% during the same prior one-year period.  The primary reason the CCAP underperformed the S&P 500 benchmark this year is because of CCAP's significant underweighting of the so-called "magnificent seven" mega-cap tech companies compared with their market-cap weighting in the S&P 500 (SPY) index.  The results for my Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio (since I began tracking performance in 2021) in comparison with the S&P 500 has been as follows:

        2021 -- SPY was +27.6% and the CCAP was +39.6%

        2022 -- SPY was -15.8% and the CCAP was +19.2%    

          

        I am looking forward to continuing this Covered Calls Advisor blog during 2024.  Covered Calls investing has been very good to me (and therefore also for my family) over the past 30+ years -- so I will continue to make this blog freely available to anyone interested in learning about implementing a successful Covered Calls investing strategy.  As always, I look forward to replying to your emails at partlow@cox.net any time you would like my feedback on anything related to the Covered Calls investing strategy. 

         

        Best Regards (and Happy Holidays to All),

        Jeff Partlow
        Covered Calls Advisor
        partlow@cox.net

        Friday, December 15, 2023

        Established Covered Call Position in Deere & Company

        This afternoon, my net debit limit order was executed and a Covered Call position was established in Deere & Company (ticker DE) when the Covered Calls Advisor's buy/write limit order for the January 5th, 2023 $375.00 executed at a net debit price of $370.64.  One hundred John Deere shares were purchased at $383.21 and 1 January 5th, 2024 $375.00 Call was sold at $12.57 per share.  So, the corresponding time value (aka extrinsic value) was $4.36 per share = [$12.57 Call option premium - ($383.21 stock purchase price - $375.00 strike price)].  Given the Covered Calls Advisor's current Neutral Overall Market Meter outlook, a slightly in-the-money Covered Calls position was established.  

        Deere goes ex-dividend at $1.47 (a 1.5% annualized dividend yield) on December 28th, 2023.  This dividend is included in the potential return-on-investment results detailed below.   Also, as preferred, there is no earnings report prior to the options expiration date and analysts' current stock target price is $423.00 per share (+10.4% above today's stock purchase price).

        As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results for this Deere & Company Covered Call position are: (a) +1.2% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +33.0% annualized return-on-investment for the next 13 days) if the stock is assigned early [i.e. on Dec. 27th which is the last trading day prior to the Dec. 28th ex-dividend date]; OR (b) +1.6% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +27.3% annualized return-on-investment over the next 21 days) if the stock is assigned on the January 5th, 2024 options expiration date. 

        Deere & Company (DE) -- New Covered Call Position
        The simultaneous buy/write transaction was as follows:
        12/15/2023 Bought 100 shares of John Deere & Co. stock @ $383.21 per share.  
        12/15/2023 Sold 1 Deere & Co. January 5th, 2024 $375.00 Call option @ $12.57 per share.
        12/28/2023 Upcoming ex-dividend at $1.47 per share.

        The overall performance results (including commissions) would be as follows:
        Covered Call Net Investment: $37,064.67
        = ($383.21 - $12.57) * 100 shares + $.67 commission

        Net Profit Components:
        (a) Options Income: +$1,256.33
        = ($12.57 * 100 shares) - $.67 commission
        (b) Dividend Income (If Deere stock assigned on the Dec. 28th ex-dividend date): $0.00
        (b) Dividend Income (If Deere stock assigned on the Jan. 5th, 2024 options expiration date): +$147.00
        = $1.47 dividends per share x 100 shares
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If Deere & Co. stock assigned on the Dec. 28th ex-dividend date): -$821.00
        = ($375.00 strike price - $383.21 stock purchase price) * 100 shares
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If John Deere stock is above $375.00 strike price and therefore assigned at the Jan. 5th, 2024 options expiration date): -$821.00
        = ($375.00 - $383.21) * 100 shares


        1. Potential Net Profit (If Deere shares assigned on 12/27/2023, the day prior to the Dec. 28th ex-dividend date): +$435.33
        = (+$1,256.33 options income +$0.00 dividend income - $821.00 capital appreciation)
        2. Potential Net Profit (If stock price is above $375.00 strike price at the Jan. 5th, 2024 options expiration date): +$582.33
        = (+$1,256.33 options income +$147.00 dividend income - $821.00 capital appreciation)

        1. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Deere shares assigned on 12/27/2023, the day prior to the 12/28/2023 ex-dividend date): +1.2%
        = +$435.33/$37,064.67
        Equivalent Annualized Return-on-Investment (If assigned early on day prior to ex-div date): +33.0%
        = (+$435.33/$37,064.67) * (365/13 days)

        2. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If John Deere stock price is above $375.00 strike price and therefore assigned at the January 5th, 2024 options expiration date): +1.6%
        = +$582.33/$37,064.67
        Equivalent Annualized Return-on-Investment (If assigned on the 1/5/2024 options expiration date): +27.3%
        = (+$582.33/$37,064.67) * (365/21 days)


        At least eight of the nine metrics used in the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture Strategy spreadsheet (see below) must be 'YES' prior to establishing a new Covered Calls position using the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture strategy.  As shown below, all nine criteria are achieved for this Deere & Company Covered Call position.



        Established Covered Calls Position in Medtronic PLC

        Today a Covered Calls position was established in Medtronic PLC (ticker symbol MDT) when the Covered Calls Advisor's buy/write limit order was executed -- 200 shares were purchased at $82.97 and 2 December 29th, 2023 Call options were sold at $1.41 at the $82.00 strike price.   Given the Covered Calls Advisor's current "Neutral" Overall Market Meter outlook, a slightly in-the-money Covered Calls position was established -- the Delta was 65.9 which closely approximates the probability that the Call options will be in-the-money on the options expiration date. In addition, there is an upcoming ex-dividend of $.69 per share next week on December 19th which provides an annual dividend yield of 3.3% at today's stock purchase price.  Potential results for this Covered Calls position, as detailed below, includes the possibility of early exercise since the ex-dividend is prior to the Dec. 29th options expiration date.

        As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results are: 
        •  +0.6% absolute return (equivalent to +54.1% annualized return-on-investment for the next 4 days) if the stock is assigned early (business day prior to the December 19th ex-dividend date); OR 
        • +1.7% absolute return (equivalent to +44.0% annualized return over the next 14 days) if the stock is assigned on the December 29th, 2023 options expiration date. 


        Medtronic PLC (MDT) -- New Covered Calls Position
        The buy/write transaction was:
        12/15/2023 Bought 200 Medtronic PLC shares @ $82.97
        12/15/2022 Sold 2 MDT 12/29/2023 $82.00 Call options @ $1.41
        Note 1: the Implied Volatility of the Calls was 13.7 when this transaction executed.
        Note 2: the Time Value (aka Extrinsic Value) in the Call options was $.44 per share = [$1.41 Call options premium - ($82.97 stock price - $82.00 strike price)]
        12/19/2023 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.69 per share

        Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Medtronic Covered Calls position are as follows:
        Covered Calls Net Investment: $16,313.34
        = ($82.97 - $1.41) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

        Net Profit Components:
        (a) Options Income: +$280.66
        = ($1.41 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
        (b) Dividend Income (If option exercised early on Dec. 18th, the business day prior to the Dec. 19th ex-div date): +$0.00; or
        (b) Dividend Income (If Medtronic stock assigned at the December 29th, 2023 options expiration date): +$138.00
        = ($.69 dividend per share x 200 shares)
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If Medtronic Call options assigned early on Dec. 19th): -$194.00
        +($82.00 - $82.97) * 200 shares; or
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If MDT shares assigned at $82.00 strike price at options expiration): -$194.00
        +($82.00 - $82.97) * 200 shares

        1. Total Net Profit (If option exercised early): +$86.66
        = (+$280.66 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$194.00 capital appreciation); or
        2. Total Net Profit (If Medtronic shares assigned at $82.00 strike price at the Dec. 29th, 2023 options expiration date): +$224.66
        = (+$280.66 options income +$138.00 dividend income -$194.00 capital appreciation)

        1. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If two MDT Call options exercised early on December 19th): +0.6%
        = +$96.66/$16,313.34
        Annualized Return-on-Investment (If options assigned early): +54.1%
        = (+$96.66/$16,313.34) * (365/4 days); or
        2. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Medtronic shares assigned at $82.00 at Dec. 29th options expiration): +1.7%
        = +$224.66/$16,313.34
        Annualized Return-on-Investment (If MDT shares assigned at $82.00 at the Dec. 29th, 2023 options expiration): +44.0%
        = (+$224.66/$16,313.34) * (365/14 days)

        Either outcome provides an attractive return-on-investment result for this Medtronic investment.  These returns will be achieved as long as the stock is above the $82.00 strike price at assignment.  If the stock declines below the strike price, the breakeven price of $80.87 ($82.97 -$1.41 -$.69) provides 2.5% downside protection below today's stock purchase price.


        Thursday, December 14, 2023

        Early Assignment of Covered Calls Position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.

        This morning I was notified that the two Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (ticker TSM) December 22nd, 2023 $93.00 Call options were exercised yesterday which is the last business day prior to Taiwan Semi's ex-dividend date.  The original $.87 time value in the Calls when the position was established had declined on yesterday's market close to $0.00 and the owner of these Taiwan Semi Calls exercised their option to buy the 200 shares at the $93.00 strike price in order to receive today's $.4724 per share ex-dividend.  I am pleased for this early assignment despite losing the opportunity to capture the dividend since the +34.2% annualized-return-on-investment (aroi) achieved by early assignment is greater than the +29.4% aroi that might have been achieved if this position was instead assigned on its Dec. 22nd, 2023 options expiration date.   

        The post when this Taiwan Semi Covered Calls position was originally established is here.  As detailed below, the return-on-investment result for this Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. Covered Calls position was +0.9% absolute return in 10 days (equivalent to a +34.2% annualized return-on-investment).  

        Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSM) -- Covered Calls Position Closed by Early Assignment
        The simultaneous buy/write transactions was as follows:
        12/4/2023 Bought 200 shares of Taiwan Semiconductor stock @ $96.23 per share 
        12/4/2023 Sold 2 Taiwan Semi December 22nd, 2023 $93.00 Call options @ $4.10 per share
        12/14/2023 Taiwan Semi Call options owner exercised their two Call options, so the Covered Calls position was closed out early. The two TSM Call options expired worthless and the 200 shares were sold at the $93.00 strike price.

        The overall performance results (including commissions) are as follows:
        Covered Calls Cost Basis: $18,427.34
        = ($96.23 - $4.10) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

        Net Profit Components:
        (a) Options Income: +$818.66
        = ($4.10 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
        (b) Dividend Income (Taiwan Semi stock assigned on the Dec. 14th ex-dividend date): $0.00
        (c) Capital Appreciation: -$646.00
        = ($93.00 - $96.23) * 200 shares

        Net Profit: +$172.66
        = (+$818.66 options income +$0.00 dividend income - $646.00 capital appreciation)

        Absolute Return-on-Investment: +0.9%
        = +$172.66/$18,427.34
        Equivalent Annualized Return-on-Investment: +34.2%
        = (+$172.66/$18,427.34) * (365/10 days)


        Wednesday, December 13, 2023

        Covered Calls Established in Philip Morris International

        A Covered Calls position was established early this afternoon in Philip Morris International (ticker PM), with a January 5th, 2024 options expiration date. Three hundred Philip Morris shares were purchased at $91.80 and three 1/5/2024 Call options were sold at $2.16 per share at the $90.00 strike price.  The Implied Volatility of these Call options was 13.4 when this position was transacted which, as preferred by the Covered Calls Advisor, is above that of the S&P 500 Volatility Index (i.e. VIX) which is currently at only 12.3.

        The time value was $.36 per share [$90.00 strike price - ($91.80 share price - $2.16 options premium)] when this net debit buy/write limit order transaction was executed.  Philip Morris goes ex-dividiend a week from today on December 20th, 2023 at $1.30 per share (a 5.7% annualized dividend yield).  

        Given my current "Neutral" Overall Market Meter rating, the current strategy is to establish Covered Calls between 3.0% in-the-money and 2.0% out-of-the-money.  The Delta was 68.4 when this position was established, which is a good approximation of the probability that Philip Morris will close in-the-money (and therefore be assigned at the strike price) on the Jan. 5th, 2024 options expiration date.  This corresponds to a 2.0% [($91.80 stock purchase price - $90.00 strike price)/$90 .00 strike price] in-the-money position which is within the desired range given my current Neutral overall market sentiment.  Also important to me, the next quarterly earnings report on February 8th, 2024 is after the January 5th options expiration date.

        Philip Morris is the only company in the Consumer Staples sector that met all 12 filters in my "Basic Filters" stock screener.  Also, analysts' average target price is $109.47 (+19.2% above today's stock purchase price). 

        As detailed below, a potential return-on-investment result is +0.4% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to a +20.6% annualized return for the next 7 days) if the stock is assigned early on the last day prior to the December 20th ex-dividend date; OR +1.8% absolute return (equivalent to +29.3% annualized return over the next 23 days) if the stock is instead assigned on the January 5th, 2024 options expiration date.

        Philip Morris International (PM) -- New Covered Calls Position
        The simultaneous buy/write transaction today was as follows:
        12/13/2023 Bought 300 Philip Morris International shares @ $91.80 per share.
        12/13/2023 Sold 3 Philip Morris 1/5/2024 $90.00 Call options @ $2.16 per share.  
        12/20/2023 Upcoming quarterly PM ex-dividend of $1.30 per share.

        Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Philip Morris International Covered Calls position are as follows:
        Covered Calls Net Investment: $26,889.99
        = ($91.80 - $2.16) * 300 shares + $2.01 commissions

        Net Profit Components:
        (a) Options Income: +$645.99
        = ($2.16 * 300 shares) - $2.01 commissions
        (b) Dividend Income (If option exercised on the last business day prior to the Dec. 20th ex-dividend date): +$0.00; or
        (b) Dividend Income (If PM shares assigned at the Jan. 5th, 2024 options expiration): +$390.00
        = ($1.30 per share x 300 shares)
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If Philip Morris shares assigned early): -$540.00
        +($90.00 - $91.80) * 300 shares ;or
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If shares are in-the-money and therefore assigned at the $90.00 strike price at options expiration): -$540.00
        +($90.00 - $91.80) * 300 shares

        1. Total Net Profit [If options exercised on Dec. 19th (last business day prior to the Dec. 20th ex-dividend date)]: +$105.99
        = (+$645.99 options income +$0.00 dividend income - $540.00 capital appreciation); or
        2. Total Net Profit (If PM shares assigned at $90.00 strike price at the Jan. 5th, 2024 expiration): +$495.99
        = (+$645.99 options income + $390.00 dividend income - $540.00 capital appreciation)

        1. Absolute Return-on-Investment [If PM Call options exercised on final business day prior to the 12/20/2023 ex-dividend date]: +0.4%
        = +$105.99/$26,889.99 
        Annualized Return-on-Investment (If options exercised early): +20.6%
        = (+$105.99/$26,889.99) * (365/7 days); or
        2. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Philip Morris shares assigned at the $90.00 strike price on the January 5th, 2024 options expiration date): +1.8%
        = +$495.99/$26,889.99
        Annualized Return-on-Investment (If PM shares assigned at $90.00 at the Jan. 5th, 2024 expiration): +29.3%
        = (+$495.99/$26,889.99) * (365/23 days)

        These returns will be achieved as long as the Philip Morris price is above the $90.00 strike price at assignment.  If the stock declines below the strike price, the breakeven price of $88.34 ($91.80 -$2.16 -$1.30) provides 3.8% downside protection below today's purchase price.

        Saturday, December 9, 2023

        December 8th, 2023 Options Expiration Results

        The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio had two Covered Calls positions with December 8th, 2023 weekly options expirations.  Fortunately, both positions closed in-the-money on their options expiration date yesterday with their equity prices in-the-money, so the Calls expired with no remaining time value and the Covered Calls were closed out with both equities sold at their respective strike prices.  A summary result for each position is as follows:

        1. iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) -- +1.1% absolute return (equivalent to +28.4% annualized return-on-investment) for the 14 days of this investment.  The original blog post when this position was established is here

        2. NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) -- +1.7% absolute return (equivalent to +38.8% annualized return-on-investment) for the 16 days of this investment.  The original blog post when this position was established is here.

        I welcome your feedback and questions on any topics related to the Covered Calls investing strategy.  My email address is partlow@cox.net.

        Jeff Partlow
        The Covered Calls Advisor


        Thursday, December 7, 2023

        Covered Calls Established in Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF

        A Covered Calls position was established this afternoon in the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF (ticker XLE), with a December 29th, 2023 quarterly options expiration date. Three hundred shares of the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund were purchased at $81.08 and three 12/29/2023 Call options were sold at $2.86 per share at the $79.00 strike price.  It is difficult to establish positions when WTI oil spot prices are declining, but often these are opportune times to buy into positions that we believe have become undervalued (at least temporarily).  The Implied Volatility of these Call options was 21.7 when this position was transacted which, as preferred by the Covered Calls Advisor, is above that of the S&P 500 Volatility Index (i.e. VIX) which is currently at only 13.0.

        The time value was $.78 per share [$79.00 strike price - ($81.08 share price - $2.86 options premium)] when this net debit buy/write limit order transaction was executed.  XLE also goes ex-distribution in eleven days on December 18th, 2023.  The exact amount of the XLE distribution is not pre-announced, but based on prior quarterly distributions, I estimate it will be approximately $.675 per share (3.3% annualized dividend yield).  

        Given my current "Neutral" Overall Market Meter rating, the current strategy is to establish Covered Calls between 3.0% in-the-money and 2.0% out-of-the-money.  The Delta was 68.4 when this position was established, which is a good approximation of the probability that XLE will close in-the-money (and therefore be assigned at the strike price) on the Dec. 29th options expiration date.  This corresponds to a 2.6% [($81.08 stock purchase price - $79.00 strike price)/$79 .00 strike price] in-the-money position which is within the desired range given my current Neutral overall market sentiment.

        As detailed below, a potential return-on-investment result is +1.0% absolute return (equivalent to +32.8% annualized return for the next 11 days) if the XLE equity is assigned early on Friday, Dec. 15th (the last business day prior to the Dec. 18th ex-distribution date); OR +2.0% absolute return (equivalent to +33.4% annualized return over the next 22 days) if the stock is assigned on the December 29th, 2023 options expiration date.

        Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF (XLE) -- New Covered Calls Position
        The simultaneous buy/write transaction today was as follows:
        12/7/2023 Bought 300 Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF shares @ $81.08 per share.
        12/7/2022 Sold 3 XLE 12/29/2023 $79.00 Call options @ $2.86 per share.  The Delta for these Calls was 68.4 when this buy/write position was established.
        12/18/2023 Upcoming quarterly XLE ex-distribution of $.8021 per share.

        Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF Covered Calls position are as follows:
        Covered Calls Net Investment: $23,468.01
        = ($81.08 - $2.86) * 300 shares + $2.01 commissions

        Net Profit Components:
        (a) Options Income: +$855.99
        = ($2.86 * 300 shares) - $2.01 commissions
        (b) Distribution Income (If option exercised on the last business day prior to the Dec. 18th ex-distribution date): +$0.00; or
        (b) Distribution Income (If XLE shares assigned at the Dec. 29th, 2023 options expiration): +$240.63
        = ($.8021 distribution per share x 300 shares)
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If XLE shares assigned early): -$624.00
        +($79.00 - $81.08) * 300 shares ;or
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If shares are in-the-money and therefore assigned at the $79.00 strike price at options expiration): -$624.00
        +($79.00 - $81.08) * 300 shares

        1. Total Net Profit [If options exercised on Dec. 18th (last business day prior to the Dec. 19th ex-distribution date)]: +$231.99
        = (+$855.99 options income +$0.00 distribution income - $624.00 capital appreciation); or
        2. Total Net Profit (If XLE shares assigned at $79.00 strike price at the Dec. 29th, 2023 expiration): +$472.62
        = (+$855.99 options income + $240.63 distribution income - $624.00 capital appreciation)

        1. Absolute Return-on-Investment [If XLE Call options exercised on final business day prior to ex-distribution date]: +1.0%
        = +$231.99/$23,468.01 
        Annualized Return-on-Investment (If options exercised early): +32.8%
        = (+$231.99/$23,468.01) * (365/11 days); or
        2. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If XLE shares assigned at $79.00 strike price on the Dec. 29th, 2023 options expiration date): +2.0%
        = +$472.62/$23,468.01
        Annualized Return-on-Investment (If XLE shares assigned at $79.00 at the Dec. 29th, 2023 expiration): +33.4%
        = (+$472.62/$23,468.01) * (365/22 days)

        These returns will be achieved as long as the XLE price is above the $79.00 strike price at assignment.  If the stock declines below the strike price, the breakeven price of $77.4179 ($81.08 -$2.86 -$.8021) provides 4.5% downside protection below today's purchase price.

        Wednesday, December 6, 2023

        Covered Call Position Established in Microsoft Corporation

        Today a short-term Covered Calls position was establised in Microsoft Corporation (ticker MSFT).  MY buy/write net debit limit order was executed and 100 Microsoft shares were purchased at $369.35 and 1 December 15th, 2023 $362.50 Call option was sold at $9.77 per share -- a net debit of $359.58 per share.  So, the potential time value profit if the stock is in-the-money and therefore closed out by assignment at expiration is $2.92 per share [$9.77 Call option premium - ($369.35 stock purchase price - $362.50 strike price)].  The Delta was 68.8 which closely approximates a probability of assignment on the options expiration date of 68.8%.  Microsoft achieved seventeen of the nineteen filters in my Earnings Growers stock screener.  

        As detailed below, a potential outcome for this Microsoft Corporation investment is +0.8% absolute return-on-investment for the next 9 days (equivalent to +32.9 % annualized-return-on-investment) if the stock closes above the $362.50 strike price on the December 15th, 2023 options expiration date.

        Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) -- New Covered Call Position
        The net debit buy/write limit order was executed as follows:
        12/6/2023 Bought 100 shares of Microsoft stock @ $369.35 per share.  
        12/6/2023 Sold 1 MSFT December 15th, 2023 $362.50 Call option @ $9.77 per share.

        A possible overall performance result (including commissions) if this position is assigned on its 12/15/2023 option expiration date is as follows:
        Covered Calls Net Investment: $35,958.67
        = ($369.35 - $9.77) * 100 shares + $.67 commission

        Net Profit Components:
        (a) Options Income: +$976.33
        = ($9.77 * 100 shares) - $.67 commission
        (b) Dividend Income: +$0.00
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If Microsoft stock is above the $362.50 strike price at the December 15th option expiration date): -$685.00
        = ($362.50 - $369.35) * 100 shares

        Potential Total Net Profit (If assigned at expiration): +$291.33
        = (+$976.33 option income + $0.00 dividend income - $685.00 capital appreciation)

        Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment: +0.8%
        = +$291.33/$35,958.67
        Potential Equivalent Annualized-Return-on-Investment: +32.9%
        = (+$291.33/$35,958.67) * (365/9 days)

        Monday, December 4, 2023

        Established Covered Calls in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.

        This afternoon, my net debit limit order was executed and a Covered Calls position was established in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (ticker TSM) when the Covered Calls Advisor's buy/write limit order for the December 22nd, 2023 $93.00s executed at a net debit price of $92.13.  Two hundred Taiwan Semi shares were purchased at $96.23 and 2 December 22nd, 2023 $93.00 Calls were sold at $4.10 per share.  So, the corresponding time value (aka extrinsic value) was $.87 per share = [$4.10 Call options premium - ($96.23 stock purchase price - $93.00 strike price)].  Given the Covered Calls Advisor's current Neutral Overall Market Meter outlook, a slightly in-the-money Covered Calls position was established--the Delta was 72.9 which closely approximates the probability that the Call options will be in-the-money on the options expiration date.  In addition, the Implied Volatility of the Calls was 24.7 when the position was established which, as desired, was above the VIX which is now only 13.2. 

        Taiwan Semi goes ex-dividend at $.4724 -- a 2.0% annualized dividend yield at today's stock purchase price.  This dividend is included in the potential return-on-investment results shown below.   Also, as preferred, there is no earnings report prior to the options expiration date and analysts' current stock target price is $113.36 per share (+17.8% above today's purchase price).

        As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results for this Taiwan Semi Covered Calls position are: (a) +0.9% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +34.1% annualized return-on-investment for the next 10 days) if the stock is assigned early [i.e. on Dec. 13th which is the last trading day prior to the Dec. 14th ex-dividend date]; OR (b) +1.4% absolute return (equivalent to +29.4% annualized return over the next 18 days) if the stock is assigned on the December 22nd, 2023 options expiration date. 

        Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSM) -- New Covered Calls Position
        The simultaneous buy/write transactions was as follows:
        12/4/2023 Bought 200 shares of Taiwan Semiconductor stock @ $96.23 per share 
        12/4/2023 Sold 2 Taiwan Semi December 22nd, 2023 $93.00 Call options @ $4.10 per share
        12/14/2023 Upcoming ex-dividend at $.4724 per share

        The overall performance results (including commissions) would be as follows:
        Covered Calls Cost Basis: $18,427.34
        = ($96.23 - $4.10) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

        Net Profit Components:
        (a) Options Income: +$818.66
        = ($4.10 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
        (b) Dividend Income (If Taiwan Semi stock assigned on the Dec. 14th ex-dividend date): $0.00
        (b) Dividend Income (If TSM stock assigned on the Dec. 22nd options expiration date): +$94.48
        = $.4724 dividend per share x 200 shares
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If Taiwan Semi stock assigned on the Dec. 14th ex-dividend date): -$646.00
        = ($93.00 - $96.23) * 200 shares
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If TSM stock is above $93.00 strike price and therefore assigned at the Dec. 22nd expiration): -$646.00
        = ($93.00 - $96.23) * 200 shares


        1. Potential Net Profit (If TSM shares assigned on 12/13/2023, the day prior to the Dec. 14th ex-dividend date): +$172.66
        = (+$818.66 options income +$0.00 dividend income - $646.00 capital appreciation)
        2. Potential Net Profit (If stock price is above $93.00 strike price at the Dec. 22nd options expiration): +$267.14
        = (+$818.66 options income +$94.48 dividend income - $646.00 capital appreciation)

        1. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Taiwan Semi shares assigned on 12/13/2023, the day prior to the 12/14/2023 ex-dividend date): +0.9%
        = +$172.66/$18,427.34
        Equivalent Annualized Return-on-Investment (If assigned early on day prior to ex-div date): +34.2%
        = (+$172.66/$18,427.34) * (365/10 days)

        2. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Taiwan Semi price is above $93.00 strike price and therefore assigned at the Dec. 22nd options expiration): +1.4%
        = +$267.14/$18,427.34
        Equivalent Annualized Return-on-Investment (If assigned on the 12/22/2023 options expiration date): +29.4%
        = (+$267.14/$18,427.34) * (365/18 days)


        At least eight of the nine metrics used in the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture Strategy spreadsheet (see below) must be 'YES' prior to establishing a new Covered Calls position using the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture strategy.  As shown below, all nine criteria are achieved for this Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg. Co. Ltd. Covered Calls position.



        Closed Out Covered Calls Positions in iShares China Large-Cap ETF

        Today the Covered Calls position in iShares China Large-Cap ETF (ticker FXI) was closed out by selling 1,000 shares at $24.48.  This China ETF has declined substantially since this Covered Calls position was originally established on September 1st, 2023.  My thesis that China's economy would experience a strong rebound from their Covid lockdowns was simply wrong.  Their economy continues to struggle from their central government policies that do more to inhibit rather than support their economic growth potential. So I decided to close out this losing position now rather than try to repair it back closer to breakeven.  The transactions history for this position is detailed below.

        iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI) -- Continuation of Covered Calls Position
        The original Buy/Write transaction was as follows:
        9/1/2023 Bought 1,000 shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF @ $27.99 per share.  
        9/1/2023 Sold 10 FXI Sept. 15th, 2023 $28.00 Call options @ $.63 per share.
        9/15/2023 Ten FXI Call options closed out-of-the-money, so these options expired and 1,000 shares remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.
        9/22/2023 Continued this iShares China Large-Cap ETF Covered Calls position by selling 10 FXI October 13th, 2023 Call options at the $27.50 strike price for $.60 per share.  The iShares China Large-Cap ETF share price was $27.21 when these Calls were sold and their Implied Volatility was 27.7.
        10/13/2023 Ten FXI Call options closed out-of-the-money, so these options expired and 1,000 shares remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.
        10/16/2023 Continued this iShares China Large-Cap ETF Covered Calls position by selling 10 FXI November 3rd, 2023 Call options at the $27.00 strike price for $.49 per share.  The iShares China Large-Cap ETF share price was $26.49 when these Calls were sold and their Implied Volatility was 29.4.
        11/3/2023 Ten FXI Call options closed out-of-the-money, so these options expired and 1,000 shares remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.
        11/14/2023 Continued this iShares China Large-Cap ETF Covered Calls position by selling 10 FXI December 1st, 2023 Call options at the $27.00 strike price for $.35 per share.  The iShares China Large-Cap ETF share price was $26.30 when these Calls were sold and their Implied Volatility was 27.2 and the Delta was 34.1.
        12/1/2023 Ten FXI Calls closed below the $27.00 strike price @ $24.89 per share, so the 10 FXI Call options expired and 1,000 iShares China Large-Cap ETF shares remained in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.
        12/4/2023 Closed out this FXI Covered Calls position by selling 1,000 shares @ $24.48 per share.

        The overall performance result (including commissions) for this iShares China Large-Cap ETF Covered Calls position is as follows:
        FXI Covered Calls Net Investment: $27,366.70
        = ($27.99 - $.63) * 1,000 shares + $6.70 commission

        Net Profit:
        (a) Options Income: +$2,043.20
        = ($.63 + $.60 + $.49 + $.35) * 1,000 shares - $26.80 commissions
        (b) Dividend Income: +$0.00
        (c) Capital Appreciation: -$3,510.00
        +($24.48 - $27.99) * 1,000 shares

        Total Net Profit: -$1,466.80
        = (+$2,043.20 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$990.00 capital appreciation)

        Absolute Return-on-Investment: -5.4%
        = -$1,466.80/$27,366.70
        Annualized Return-on-Investment: -20.8%
        = (-$1,466.80/$27,366.70) * (365/94 days)

        Saturday, December 2, 2023

        December 1st, 2023 Options Expiration Results

        The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio had two Covered Calls positions with December 1st, 2023 options expirations.  The position containing 200 shares in Amazon.com Inc. $138.00 strike price position closed in-the-money at $147.03 on yesterday's options expiration date, so the two Calls expired and the shares were called away (i.e. sold) at the $138.00 strike price.  The second position in iShares China Large-Cap ETF closed out-of-the-money yesterday, so the Calls expired and the 1,000 FXI shares remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.  A summary of the results for both positions is as follows:

        1. Amazon.com Inc. -- +1.7% absolute return (equivalent to +41.5% annualized return-on-investment) for the 15 days of this investment.  The original post detailing this Covered Calls position is here

        2. iShares China Large-Cap ETF -- The ETF price closed out-of-the-money yesterday at $24.89 which was below its $27.00 strike price, so the ten 12/1/2023 Call options expired and 1,000 iShares China Large-Cap ETF shares now remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.  Early next week a decision will be made to either close out the position by selling the shares or continuing with this Covered Calls position by selling ten FXI Calls against the 1,000 shares currently owned.  The most recent post detailing this Covered Calls position is here.  

        Jeff Partlow

        The Covered Calls Advisor
        partlow@cox.net

        Friday, December 1, 2023

        Established Covered Calls in Walmart Inc.

        Today I established a short-term Covered Calls position in Walmart Inc. (ticker WMT) when my buy/write limit order for the December 15th, 2023 $152.50s executed at a net debit price of $151.30. Two hundred Walmart shares were purchased at $153.61 and 2 December 15th, 2023 $152.50 Calls were sold at $2.31 per share.  So, the corresponding time value (aka extrinsic value) was $1.20 per share = [$2.31 Call options premium - ($153.61 stock purchase price - $152.50 strike price)].  Given the Covered Calls Advisor's current Neutral Overall Market Meter outlook, a slightly in-the-money Covered Calls position was established--the Delta was 59.6 which closely approximates the probability that the Call options will be in-the-money on the options expiration date.  In addition, the Implied Volatility of the Calls was 14.1 when the position was established which, as desired, was above the VIX which is now only 12.6. 

        Walmart goes ex-dividend at $.57 next Friday (12/8/2023) which is equivalent to a 1.5% annualized dividend yield at today's stock purchase price.  This dividend is included in the potential return-on-investment results shown below. This Covered Calls position uses my Dividend Capture Strategy, which is my preferred strategy for companies in low growth Sectors (such as this Walmart position which is in the Consumer Staples Sector).  Also, as preferred, there is no earnings report prior to the options expiration date and analysts' current stock target price is $179.74 per share (+17.0% above today's purchase price).

        As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results for this Walmart Covered Calls position are: (a) +0.8% absolute return (equivalent to +41.1% annualized return for the next 7 days) if the stock is assigned early [i.e. on December 7th which is the last trading day prior to the Dec. 8th ex-dividend date]; OR (b) +1.2% absolute return (equivalent to +30.4% annualized return over the next 14 days) if the stock is assigned on the December 15th, 2023 options expiration date. 

        Walmart Inc. (WMT) -- New Covered Calls Position
        The simultaneous buy/write transactions was as follows:
        12/1/2023 Bought 200 shares of Walmart Inc. stock @ $153.61 per share 
        12/1/2023 Sold 2 Walmart December 15th, 2023 $152.50 Call options @ $2.31 per share
        12/8/2023 Upcoming ex-dividend at $.57 per share

        The overall performance results (including commissions) would be as follows:
        Covered Calls Cost Basis: $30,261.34
        = ($153.61 - $2.31) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

        Net Profit Components:
        (a) Options Income: +$460.66
        = ($2.31 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
        (b) Dividend Income (If Walmart stock assigned on the Dec. 8th ex-dividend date): $0.00
        (b) Dividend Income (If Walmart stock assigned on the Dec. 15th options expiration date): +$114.00
        = $.57 dividend per share x 200 shares
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If Walmart stock assigned on the Dec. 8th ex-dividend date): -$222.00
        = ($152.50 - $153.61) * 200 shares
        (c) Capital Appreciation (If Walmart's stock price is above $152.50 strike price and therefore assigned at the Dec. 15th expiration): -$222.00
        = ($152.50 - $153.61) * 200 shares


        1. Potential Net Profit (If Walmart shares assigned on 12/7/2023, the day prior to the Dec. 8th ex-dividend date): +$238.66
        = (+$460.66 options income +$0.00 dividend income - $222.00 capital appreciation)
        2. Potential Net Profit (If Walmart price is above $152.50 strike price at the Dec. 15th options expiration): +$352.66
        = (+$460.66 options income +$114.00 dividend income - $222.00 capital appreciation)

        1. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If WMT shares assigned on 12/7/2023, the day prior to the 12/8/2023 ex-dividend date): +0.8%
        = +$238.66/$30,261.34
        Equivalent Annualized Return-on-Investment (If assigned early on day prior to ex-div date): +41.1%
        = (+$238.66/$30,261.34) * (365/7 days)

        2. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Walmart stock price is above $152.50 strike price and therefore assigned at the Dec. 15th options expiration): +1.2%
        = +$352.66/$30,261.34
        Equivalent Annualized Return-on-Investment (If assigned on the 12/15/2023 options expiration date): +30.4%
        = (+$352.66/$30,261.34) * (365/14 days)