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Thursday, February 29, 2024

Early Assignment of Covered Calls Position in Genuine Parts Company

This morning I was notified that the two Genuine Parts Company (ticker GPC) March 15th, 2024 $140.00 Call options were exercised yesterday.  Because the Genuine Parts stock price increased from $143.41 when this position was established to $150.75 at yesterday's market close, the original $1.24 time value in the Calls when the position was established had declined on yesterday's market close to $0.00, so the owner of these Genuine Parts Calls exercised their option to buy the 200 shares at the $140.00 strike price in order to receive today's $1.00 per share ex-dividend.  I am pleased for this early assignment despite losing the opportunity to capture the dividend since the +40.5% annualized-return-on-investment (aroi) achieved by early assignment is greater than the +25.5% aroi that might have been achieved if this position was instead assigned on its March 15th options expiration date.   

The post when this Genuine Parts Covered Calls position was originally established is here.  As detailed below, the return-on-investment result for this Genuine Parts Company Covered Calls position was +0.9% absolute return in 8 days (equivalent to a +40.5% annualized return-on-investment).


Genuine Parts Company (GPC) -- Covered Calls Position Closed Out by Early Assignment
The buy/write transaction was:
2/21/2024 Bought 200 Genuine Parts Company shares @ $143.41.
2/21/2024 Sold 2 GPC 3/15/2024 $140.00 Call options @ $4.65 per share.
2/29/2024 Genuine Parts Company Call options owner exercised their two Call options, so the Covered Calls position was closed out early. The two GPC Call options expired worthless and the 200 Genuine Parts shares were sold at the $140.00 strike price.

The overall performance results (including commissions) for this Genuine Parts Company Covered Calls position are as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $27,753.34
= ($143.41 - $4.65) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$928.66
= ($4.65 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
(b) Dividend Income (Genuine Parts Call options exercised early on February 28th, 2024, the last business day prior to the Feb. 29th ex-div date): +$0.00
(c) Capital Appreciation (GPC's Call options assigned early on Feb. 28th): -$682.00
+($140.00 - $143.41) * 200 shares

Total Net Profit [GPC Call options exercised early (business day prior to the Feb. 29th ex-dividend date)]: +$246.66
= (+$928.66 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$682.00 capital appreciation)

Absolute Return-on-Investment: +0.9%
= +$246.66/$27,753.34
Annualized Return-on-Investment: +40.5%
= (+$246.66/$27,753.34) * (365/8 days)

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Established Covered Calls Position in Match Group Inc.

At 2:49pm this afternoon, my buy/write limit order for Match Group Inc. (ticker MTCH) was executed.  My net debit limit price was $34.30 and six hundred shares were purchased at $36.49 and six March 15th, 2024 Call options were sold at $2.19 per share at the $35.00 strike price.  The time value was $.70 per share = [$35.00 strike price - ($36.49 stock purchase price - $2.19 Call options price)].   An in-the-money Covered Calls position was established with a Delta of 69.2 which approximates a 69.2% probability this position will be in-the-money and therefore assigned on the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date.  As desired, there is no earnings report prior to the options expiration date.

Match Group is the leading online dating services company worldwide including several brands that include Tinder, Match, and Hinge.  Match is profitable and their earnings per share and revenues are now achieving regular quarterly revenue and profit increases based on their worldwide presence and their growth opportunities (especially in Asia but also in Europe).  Analysts' Price to Consensus Target is +20.7% above today's $36.49 stock purchase price. 

As detailed below, the potential return-on-investment results for this Match Group Inc. Covered Calls position is +2.0% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +46.1% annualized return-on-investment for the next 16 days) if the stock is assigned on the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date.


Match Group Inc. (MTCH) -- New Covered Calls Position

The buy/write transaction was:
2/28/2024 Bought 600 Match Group Inc. shares @ $36.49.
2/28/2024 Sold 6 MTCH 3/15/2024 $35.00 Call options @ $2.19 per share.

A possible overall performance result (including commissions) for this Match Group Covered Calls position is as follows:
Match Group Covered Calls Net Investment: $20,584.02
= ($36.49 - $2.19) * 600 shares + $4.02 commission

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$1,309.98
= ($2.19 * 600 shares) - $4.02 commission
(b) Dividend Income: +$0.00
= ($0.00 dividends per share x 600 shares)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If MTCH shares assigned at $35.00 strike price at expiration): -$894.00
+($35.00 strike price - $36.49 stock purchase price) * 600 shares

Total Net Profit (If options exercised on the 3/15/2024 options expiration date): +$415.98
= (+$1,309.98 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$894.00 capital appreciation)

Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If the Match Group Inc. shares are assigned at the $35.00 strike price at the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date): +2.0%
= +$415.98/$20,584.02
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If 600 Match Group shares assigned at $35.00 at the 3/15/2024 options expiration date): +46.1%
= (+$415.98/$20,584.02) * (365/16 days)


Established Covered Calls in Newmont Corporation

A buy/write limit order was entered in Newmont Corporation (ticker NEM) to buy 600 shares and simultaneously sell 6 Call options at the March 15th, 2024 monthly options expiration date and at the $28.50 strike price. The net debit limit price for my order was $28.23 and this order was executed at 10:38am when 600 shares were purchased at $29.65 and 6 March 15th, 2024 Call options were sold for $1.42 per share.  Therefore, a maximum potential time value profit of $.27 per share = [$1.42 options premium - ($29.65 stock price - $28.50 strike price)] is available for this position.  

This position uses the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture Strategy since Newmont has an upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.25 per share on March 4th which is prior to the March 15th options expiration date.  This is equivalent to an absolute annual dividend yield of 3.4% and an equivalent annualized dividend yield of 19.2% = [($.25/$29.65) x (365/16 days to expiration)].  This dividend is included in the detailed return-on-investment calculations below.  Either an early assignment this Friday (the last trading day prior to next Monday's ex-dividend date) or on the March 15th options expiration date would be desirable to the Covered Calls Advisor given the potential annualized return on investments for either outcome.  Importantly to the Covered Calls Advisor, there is no quarterly earnings report prior to the options expiration date since the next earnings report on April 25th, 2024 is after the 3/15/2024 options expiration date.

As shown on the table at the bottom of this post, eight of the nine criteria of the Dividend Capture Strategy are met with this position.  Even if Newmont's stock price declines somewhat during the next 16 days until the options expiration date, if the stock closes above the $28.50 strike price, then a very satisfactory annualized-return-on-investment of +41.5% will be achieved.  The Delta for these Call options was approximately 73.5 when this position was established which approximates the probability of 73.5% that the position will be in-the-money at market close on the options expiration date.  

Newmont is the world's largest gold miner.  Its stock price was greatly oversold on a very short-term basis with an RSI(2)=7.5 when this position was established.  I was also encouraged by the +58.9% stock price upside of the 22 Analysts' current average target price of $47.10.  

As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results are: 

  •  +0.9% absolute return (equivalent to +68.1% annualized return-on-investment for the next 5 days) if the stock is assigned early (on the last business day prior to the March 4th ex-dividend date); or  
  • +1.8% absolute return (equivalent to +41.5% annualized return-on-investment over the next 16 days) if the stock is assigned on the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date.

Newmont Corporation (NEM) -- New Covered Calls Position
The buy/write transaction was:
2/28/2024 Bought 600 Newmont shares @ $29.65.
2/28/2024 Sold 6 NEM 3/15/2024 $28.50 Call options @ $1.42 per share.
Note: Implied Volatility (IV) of the Call options was at 28.7 when this position was transacted which, as I prefer, is above the current VIX of 13.5.   
3/4/2024 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.25 per share.

Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Newmont Corporation Covered Calls position are as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $16,933.98
= ($29.65 - $1.42) * 600 shares + $4.02 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$847.98
= ($1.42 * 600 shares) - $4.02 commission
(b) Dividend Income (If Newmont Call options exercised early on March 1st, 2024, the last business day prior to the March 4th ex-div date): +$0.00; or
(b) Dividend Income (If Newmont stock assigned at the March 15th, 2024 options expiration): +$150.00
= ($.25 dividend per share x 600 shares)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If Newmont's Call options assigned early on March 1st): -$690.00
+($28.50 strike price - $29.65) * 600 shares; or
(c) Capital Appreciation (If shares assigned at $28.50 strike price at the 3/15/2024 options expiration): -$690.00
+($28.50 - $29.65) * 600 shares

1. Total Net Profit [If option exercised early (business day prior to the March 4th ex-dividend date)]: +$157.98
= (+$847.98 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$690.00 capital appreciation); or
2. Total Net Profit (If 600 Newmont shares assigned at the $28.50 strike price at the March 15th, 2024 expiration): +$307.98
= (+$847.98 +$150.00 -$690.00)

1. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment [If option exercised on business day prior to next Monday's ex-dividend date]: +0.9%
= +$157.98/$16,933.98
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If option exercised early): +68.1%
= (+$157.98/$16,933.98) * (365/5 days); or
2. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Newmont's shares assigned on the March 15th options expiration date): +1.8%
= +$307.98/$16,933.98
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If 600 Newmont shares assigned at $28.50 at the March 15th, 2024 expiration): +41.5%
= (+$307.98/$16,933.98) * (365/16 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 Newmont Corporation Covered Calls position.



Monday, February 26, 2024

Established Covered Calls Position in Yum China Holdings Inc.

This morning my buy/write limit order was executed in Yum China Holdings Inc. (ticker YUMC) to buy 500 shares and simultaneously sell 5 Call options at the March 15th, 2024 monthly options expiration date and at the $40.00 strike price. The net debit limit price for my order was $39.58 which was executed when 500 shares were purchased at $42.01 and 5 March 15th, 2024 Call options were sold for $2.43 per share.  Therefore, a maximum potential time value profit of $.42 per share = [$2.43 options premium - ($42.01 stock price - $40.00 strike price)] is available for this position.  

This position uses the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture Strategy since Yum China has an upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.16 per share (a 1.5% annual dividend yield) on Monday March 4th which is prior to the March 15th options expiration date.  This is equivalent to an annualized dividend yield of 7.7% = [($.16/$42.01) x (365/18 days to expiration)].  I am encouraged by the increase in their quarterly dividend from $.13 last year to $.16 now (a 23% increase). This dividend is included in the detailed return-on-investment calculations below.  Either an early assignment this Friday, March 1st (the last trading day prior to next Monday's March 4th ex-dividend date) or on the March 15th options expiration date would be desirable to the Covered Calls Advisor given the potential annualized return on investments for either outcome.  Importantly to the Covered Calls Advisor, there is no quarterly earnings report prior to the options expiration date since the next earnings report on April 30th, 2024 is after the March 15th options expiration date.

As shown on the table at the bottom of this post, eight of the nine criteria of the Dividend Capture Strategy are met with this position.  Even if this Yum China stock price declines somewhat during the next 18 days until the options expiration date, if the stock closes above the $40.00 strike price, then a satisfactory annualized-return-on-investment of +29.4% will be achieved.  The Delta for these Call options was approximately 75.7 when this position was established which approximates the probability of 75.7% that the position will be in-the-money at market close on the options expiration date.  I also have a positive impression since like many of the quick service restaurant companies, Yum China has a relatively low Beta (3-year) of 0.77.    

According to LSEG (Refinitiv), there are 27 Wall Street analysts covering Yum China and their average Target Price is $57.80 which is +37.6% above today's purchase price.  Another reason for establishing this position was that Yum China is highly ranked in my Quality +Value +Growth stock screener since 17 of the 18 filters in that screener are currently achieved (see chart below).  I am not overly concerned about the -2.9% current quarter eps growth estimate given the very positive trailing twelve months eps results as well as analysts' forecasts for an average next year eps growth estimate is at +13.6%.   


 
As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results are: 

  •  +1.0% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +54.4% annualized return-on-investment for the next 7 days) if the stock is assigned early (on the last business day prior to the March 4th ex-dividend date); or  
  • +1.4% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +29.4% annualized return-on-investment over the next 18 days) if the stock is assigned on the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date.

Yum China Holdings Inc. (YUMC) -- New Covered Calls Position
The buy/write transaction was:
2/26/2024 Bought 500 Yum China shares @ $42.01.
2/26/2024 Sold 5 Yum China 3/15/2024 $40.00 Call options @ $2.43 per share.  The Implied Volatility of these Calls was 26.2 when this position was established which, as I prefer, is well above the current 13.8 of the S&P 500 Volatility Index (i.e. VIX).
3/4/2024 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.16 per share.

Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Yum China Holdings Inc. Covered Calls position are as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $19,793.35
= ($42.01 - $2.43) * 500 shares + $3.35 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$1,211.65
= ($2.43 * 500 shares) - $3.35 commission
(b) Dividend Income (If Yum China Call options exercised early on March 1st, 2024, the last business day prior to the March 4th ex-div date): +$0.00; or
(b) Dividend Income (If YUMC stock assigned at the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date): +$80.00
= ($.16 dividend per share x 500 shares)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If YUMC's Call options assigned early on March 1st): -$1,005.00
+($40.00 strike price - $42.01 stock purchase price) * 500 shares; or
(c) Capital Appreciation (If shares assigned at $40.00 strike price at the March 15th options expiration): -$1,005.00
+($40.00 - $42.01) * 500 shares

1. Total Net Profit [If option exercised early (business day prior to the March 4th ex-dividend date)]: +$206.65
= (+$1,211.65 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$1,005.00 capital appreciation); or
2. Total Net Profit (If YUMC's shares assigned at $40.00 at the March 15th, 2024 expiration): +$286.65
= (+$1,211.65 options income +$80.00 dividend income -$1,005.00 capital appreciation)

1. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment [If option exercised on business day prior to the 3/4/2024 ex-dividend date]: +1.0%
= +$206.65/$19,793.35
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If option exercised early): +54.4%
= (+$206.65/$19,793.35) * (365/7 days); or
2. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Yum China's shares assigned on the March 15th options expiration date): +1.4%
= +$286.65/$19,793.35
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If shares are assigned at $40.00 at the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date): +29.4%
= (+$286.65/$19,793.35) * (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, eight of the nine criteria are achieved for this Yum China Holdings Inc. Covered Calls position.


Friday, February 23, 2024

Covered Call Established in FedEx Corporation

At 9:53am ET this morning, a Covered Call position was established in FedEx Corporation (ticker symbol FDX) when the Covered Calls Advisor's buy/write limit order was executed. One hundred shares were purchased at $243.00 and 1 March 15th, 2024 monthly Call option was sold at $8.10 at the $237.50 strike price--so, the corresponding potential time value profit is $2.60 per share [$8.10 Call option premium - ($243.00 stock purchase price - $237.50 strike price)].  Given the Covered Calls Advisor's current "Neutral" Overall Market Meter outlook, a slightly in-the-money Covered Call position was established -- the Delta was 67.2 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 21.0 which (as I prefer) is significantly higher than the current 14.1 of the S&P 500 volatility index (i.e. VIX).  There is an upcoming ex-dividend on March 8th of $1.26 per share (2.1% annual dividend yield), which is included in the potential return-on-investment results shown below.  

FedEx stock price has declined by 13.2% since its last quarterly eps result was below analysts' average expectation.  However, year-over-year eps results are expected to resume an increase above their prior year results beginning with the current quarter report upcoming on March 21st.  As I prefer, this report will be after the March 15th options expiration date for this FedEx Covered Call position.  In addition the Wall Street analysts' current average target price being +22.3% above today's purchase price, I was also impressed when reviewing the Refinitiv Stocks Reports current Average Score for FedEx garnered its highest rating of 10 (on their scale of 1 to 10).

As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results for this FedEx Corporation Covered Call position are: (a) +1.1% absolute return (equivalent to +28.8% annualized return-on-investment for the next 14 days) if the stock is assigned early [on the last trading day prior to the ex-dividend date]; OR (b) +1.6% absolute return (equivalent to +28.5% annualized return over the next 21 days) if the stock is assigned on the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date. 

FedEx Corporation (FDX) -- New Covered Call Position
The buy/write transaction was:
2/23/2024 Bought 100 FedEx shares @ $243.00.
2/23/2024 Sold 1 FedEx 3/15/2024 $237.50 Call option @ $8.10 per share.
3/8/2024 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $1.26 per share

Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this FedEx Covered Call position are as follows:
Covered Call Net Investment: $23,490.67
= ($243.00 - $8.10) * 100 shares + $.67 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$809.33
= ($8.10 * 100 shares) - $.67 commission
(b) Dividend Income (If option exercised early on the business day prior to the ex-div date): +$0.00; or
(b) Dividend Income (If FedEx shares assigned at the March 15th, 2024 options expiration): +$126.00
= ($1.26 dividend per share x 100 shares)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If FedEx shares assigned early): -$550.00
+($237.50 strike price -$243.00 stock purchase cost) * 100 shares; or
(c) Capital Appreciation (If FedEx shares assigned at $237.50 strike price at options expiration): -$550.00
+($237.50 - $243.00) * 100 shares


1. Total Net Profit [If option exercised on March 7th, 2024 (last business day prior to the March 8th ex-dividend date)]: +$259.33
= (+$809.33 option income +$0.00 dividend income -$550.00 capital appreciation); or
2. Total Net Profit (If FedEx shares assigned at $237.50 at the March 15th, 2024 options expiration): +$385.33
= (+$809.33 option income +$126.00 dividend income -$550.00 capital appreciation)

1. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If FedEx option exercised early on the business day prior to the expiration date): +1.1%
= +$259.33/$23,490.67
Annualized Return-on-Investment (If option exercised early): +28.8%
= (+$259.33/$23,490.67) * (365/14 days); or
2. Absolute Return-on-Investment (If FedEx shares assigned at the $237.50 strike price at the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date): +1.6%
= +$385.33/$23,490.67
Annualized Return-on-Investment (If FedEx stock assigned at the $237.50 strike price at the March 15th expiration date): +28.5%
= (+$385.33/$23,490.67) * (365/21 days)

Either outcome would provide a satisfactory return-on-investment result.  These returns will be achieved as long as the stock is above the $237.50 strike price at assignment.  If the stock declines below the strike price, the breakeven price of $233.64 ($243.00 -$8.10 -$1.26) provides 3.9% downside protection below today's purchase price.

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 in the chart below, all nine criteria are achieved for this FedEx Covered Call position.


As always, I encourage your email questions related to Covered Calls at any time.  My email address is partlow@cox.net.

Best Wishes,

Jeff Partlow (The Covered Calls Advisor)

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Established Covered Calls Position in Genuine Parts Company

This afternoon at 3:16pm ET, my buy/write limit order was executed in the Genuine Parts Company (ticker GPC) to buy 200 shares and simultaneously sell 2 Call options at the March 15th, 2024 monthly options expiration date and at the $140.00 strike price. The net debit limit price for my order was $138.76 which was executed when 200 shares were purchased at $143.41 and 2 March 15th, 2024 Call options were sold for $4.65 per share.  Therefore, a maximum potential time value profit of $1.24 per share = [$4.65 options premium - ($143.41 stock price - $140.00 strike price)] is available for this position.  

This position uses the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture Strategy (see here) since Genuine Parts has an upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $1.00 per share (a 2.8% annual dividend yield) on February 29th which is prior to the March 15th options expiration date.  This is equivalent to an annualized dividend yield of 11.1% = [($1.00/$143.41) x (365/23 days to expiration)].  This dividend is included in the detailed return-on-investment calculations below.  Either an early assignment on the last trading day prior to the ex-dividend date or on the March 15th options expiration date would be desirable to the Covered Calls Advisor given the potential annualized return on investments for either outcome.  Importantly to the Covered Calls Advisor, there is no quarterly earnings report prior to the options expiration date since the next earnings report on April 18th, 2024 is after the March 15th options expiration date.

The Genuine Parts Company is based in Atlanta and is a distributor of automotive replacement parts under the NAPA brand (about 60% of sales) and also an industrial parts distributor (about 40% of sales).  It has about 6,600 stores in North America and also has a growing presence internationally with an additional 3,000 locations in Europe and Asia that services maintenance, repair, and original equipment manufacturers.  Some potential catalysts for the company include: (1) consistent quarterly EPS beat and at a rate faster than the typical mid-single digits revenue growth; (2) plans to continue increasing operating margins; (3) continued global expansion; and (4) confidence of management as demonstrated by the recent 5.3% quarterly dividend increase.  Their stock valuation is also attractive with a 2023 actual P/E ratio of 15.3 compared to their prior 5-year average forward P/E of 18.8.  

As shown on the table at the bottom of this post, all nine criteria of the Dividend Capture Strategy are met with this position.  Even if the Genuine Parts stock price declines somewhat during the next 23 days until the options expiration date, if the stock closes above the $140.00 strike price, then a satisfactory annualized-return-on-investment of +25.5% will be achieved.  The Delta for these Call options was approximately 68.5 when this position was established which approximates the probability of 68.5% that the position will be in-the-money at market close on the options expiration date. 

There are 10 Wall Street analysts covering the Genuine Parts Company and their average Target Price is $158.90 which is +10.8% above today's purchase price.  Another reason for establishing this position was that Genuine Parts was highly ranked in my Quality +Value +Growth stock screener since all 18 filters in that screener are currently achieved (see chart below):  


 

As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results are: 

  •  +0.9% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +40.5% annualized return-on-investment for the next 8 days) if the stock is assigned early (on the last business day prior to the February 29th ex-dividend date); or  
  • +1.6% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +25.5% annualized return-on-investment over the next 23 days) if the stock is assigned on the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date.

Genuine Parts Company (GPC) -- New Covered Calls Position
The buy/write transaction was:
2/21/2024 Bought 200 Genuine Parts Company shares @ $143.41.
2/21/2024 Sold 2 GPC 3/15/2024 $140.00 Call options @ $4.65 per share.
2/29/2024 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $1.00 per share.

Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Genuine Parts Company Covered Calls position are as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $27,753.34
= ($143.41 - $4.65) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$928.66
= ($4.65 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
(b) Dividend Income (If Genuine Parts Call options exercised early on February 28th, 2024, the last business day prior to the Feb. 29th ex-div date): +$0.00; or
(b) Dividend Income (If GPC stock assigned at the March 15th, 2024 options expiration date): +$200.00
= ($1.00 dividend per share x 200 shares)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If GPC's Call options assigned early on Feb. 28th): -$682.00
+($140.00 - $143.41) * 200 shares; or
(c) Capital Appreciation (If shares assigned at $140.00 strike price at the March 15th options expiration): -$682.00
+($140.00 - $143.41) * 200 shares

1. Total Net Profit [If option exercised early (business day prior to the Feb. 29th ex-dividend date)]: +$246.66
= (+$928.66 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$682.00 capital appreciation); or
2. Total Net Profit (If GPC's shares assigned at $140.00 at the March 15th, 2024 expiration): +$446.66
= (+$928.66 options income +$200.00 dividend income -$682.00 capital appreciation)

1. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment [If option exercised on business day prior to ex-dividend date]: +0.9%
= +$246.66/$27,753.34
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If option exercised early): +40.5%
= (+$246.66/$27,753.34) * (365/8 days); or
2. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Genuine Parts' shares assigned on March 15th options expiration date): +1.6%
= +$446.66/$27,753.34
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If shares are assigned at $140.00 at the March 15th, 2024 expiration): +25.5%
= (+$446.66/$27,753.34) * (365/23 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 Genuine Parts Company Covered Calls position.


Covered Calls Position Closed for Oshkosh Corporation

Last Friday, the Covered Calls position in Oshkosh Corporation (ticker OSK) expired out-of-the-money since the closing stock price Friday of $108.65 was below the $110.00 strike price.  Oshkosh's stock price increased in early trading today and I decided to close out the position by selling the 200 Oshkosh shares at $109.08.  The resulting return-on-investment results are detailed below.  These results show that despite the stock declining from its original $112.80 purchase price to $109.08 when it was closed out today, a small but positive return-on-investment profit can still be achieved.  This outcome demonstrates the advantage of hedging a long stock position by selling Call options against the stock (i.e. our Covered Calls strategy) which provides good downside breakeven protection below the original purchase price.  Using my Dividend Capture Strategy also added to the downside protection for this position.

Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) -- Covered Calls Position Closed Out by Decision
The buy/write transaction was:
2/8/2024 Bought 200 Oshkosh Corporation shares @ $112.80.
2/8/2024 Sold 2 OSK 2/16/2024 $110.00 Call options @ $3.40 per share.
Note: Implied Volatility (IV) of the Call options was at 22.6 when this position was transacted which, as preferred, is above the current VIX of 12.9.   
2/14/2024 Ex-dividend of $.46 per share.  The Delta of these Calls was 72.3.
2/16/2024 Two OSK Calls closed below the $110.00 strike price @ $108.65 per share, so the 2 Oshkosh Call options expired and 200 Oshkosh Corp. shares remained in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.
2/21/2024 Closed out this Oshkosh Covered Calls position by selling 200 shares @ $109.08 per share.

The overall performance results (including commissions) for this Oshkosh Covered Calls position are as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $21,881.34
= ($112.80 - $3.40) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$678.66
= ($3.40 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
(b) Dividend Income: +$92.00
= ($.46 dividend per share x 200 shares)
(c) Capital Appreciation: -$744.00
+($109.08 stock selling price per share - $112.80 stock purchase price) * 200 shares

Total Net Profit: +$26.66
= (+$678.66 options income +$92.00 dividend income -$744.00 capital appreciation)

Absolute Return-on-Investment: +0.1%
= +$26.66/$21,881.34
Annualized Return-on-Investment: +0.3%
= (+$210.66/$21,881.34) * (365/13 days)

Continuation of Covered Calls Position in KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF

The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio has a Covered Calls position in the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (ticker KWEB) which expired out-of-the-money last Friday on its February 16th, 2024 options expiration date.  Today this position was continued by rolling out to the March 1st, 2024 weekly options expiration at the same $25.50 strike price by selling-to-open ten Calls at $0.75 per share.  The Implied Volatility of the Call options was 40.9 when this transaction was executed and the stock price was $25.59, which is slightly in-the-money compared with the $25.50 strike price.  

As detailed below, a potential outcome for this KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF is +6.4% absolute return-on-investment over 57 days (equivalent to +41.1% annualized-return-on-investment).  The transactions history of this KWEB Covered Calls position so far along with a potential return-on-investment result if the stock is assigned on the 3/1/2024 options expiration date is as follows:

 
KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB) -- New Covered Calls Position
 
The Buy/Write transaction was as follows:
1/4/2024 Bought 1,000 shares of CSI China Internet ETF @ $26.22 per share.  
1/4/2024 Sold 10 KWEB Jan. 19th, 2024 $25.50 Call options @ $1.14 per share. 
1/19/2024 KWEB price closed below the $25.50 strike price so the ten Call options expired and 1,000 KWEB shares remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.
2/6/2024 Continued this KWEB Covered Calls position by selling 10 KWEB February 16th, 2024 $25.50 Call options @ $.46 per share.
2/16/2024 KWEB price closed below the $25.50 strike price so the ten Call options expired and 1,000 KWEB shares remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.
2/21/2024 Continued this KWEB Covered Calls position by selling 10 KWEB March 1st, 2024 $25.50 Call options @ $.75 per share. 

A possible overall performance result (including commissions) for this CSI China Internet ETF Covered Calls position is as follows:
KWEB Covered Calls Net Investment: $25,086.70
= ($26.22 - $1.14) * 1,000 shares + $6.70 commission

Net Profit:
(a) Options Income: +$2,329.90
= ($1.14 + $.46 + $.75) * 1,000 shares - $20.10 commissions
(b) Dividend Income: +$0.00
(c) Capital Appreciation (If 1,000 CSI China Internet ETF shares assigned at $25.50 strike price at the 3/1/2024 options expiration): -$720.00
+($25.50 - $26.22) * 1,000 shares

Total Net Profit Potential (If 1,000 CSI China Internet ETF shares assigned at $25.50 strike price on the 3/1/2024 options expiration date): +$1,609.90
= (+$2,329.90 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$720.00 capital appreciation)

Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment: +6.4%
= +$1,609.90/$25,086.70
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment: +41.1%
= (+$1,609.90/$25,086.70) * (365/57 days)

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Continuation of Covered Calls Position in Schlumberger Ltd

The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio has a Covered Calls position in Schlumberger Ltd. (now SLB) which expired out-of-the-money at last Friday's options expiration.  Today this position was continued by rolling out to the March 1st, 2024 weekly options expiration at the $50.00 strike price by selling-to-open three Calls at $.56 per share when the price of SLB stock was $48.87.  

As detailed below, a potential outcome for this SLB investment if the stock is in-the-money and therefore assigned on the options expiration date is +1.0% absolute return-on-investment over 32 days (equivalent to +10.9% annualized-return-on-investment) if the stock closes above the $50.00 strike price on the March 1st, 2024 options expiration date.  The transactions history of this SLB Covered Calls position so far along with a potential return-on-investment result if the stock is assigned on the March 1st, 2024 options expiration date is as follows:


Schlumberger Ltd. (SLB) -- Continuation of Covered Calls Position
The buy/write transaction was:
01/29/2024 Bought 300 Schlumberger shares @ $52.43
01/29/2024 Sold 3 Schlumberger 2/16/2024 $51.00 Call options @ $2.09
Note: the Time Value (aka Extrinsic Value) in the Call options was $.66 per share = [$2.09 Call options premium - ($52.43 stock price - $51.00 strike price)]
02/06/2024 Quarterly ex-dividend of $.275 per share
2/16/2024 SLB stock price was below the $51.00 strike price, so the Calls expired and the 300 SLB shares remained in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio. 
2/20/2024 Continued this SLB Covered Calls position by selling three March 1st, 2024 $50.00 Call options @ $.56 per share when the stock was trading at $48.87.  The Delta for these Calls was 33.8 when this transaction was executed.

A possible overall performance result (including commissions) for this SLB Covered Calls position if assigned on the March 1st expiration date is as follows:
Covered Calls Net Investment: $15,104.01
= ($52.43 - $2.09) * 300 shares + $2.01 commission

Net Profit Components:
(a) Options Income: +$790.98
= ($2.09 + $.56) * 300 shares - $4.02 commissions
(b) Dividend Income: +$82.50
= ($.275 dividend per share x 300 shares)
(c) Capital Appreciation (If SLB shares assigned at $50.00 strike price at the March 1st options expiration): -$729.00
+($50.00 strike price - $52.43 stock purchase price) * 300 shares

Total Net Profit (If SLB shares assigned at $50.00 strike price at the March 1st, 2024 expiration): +$144.48
= (+$790.98 options income +$82.50 dividend income -$729.00 capital appreciation)

Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If SLB shares assigned at $50.00 at the March 1st, 2024 options expiration): +1.0%
= +$144.48/$15,104.01
Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment: +10.9%
= (+$144.48/$15,104.01) * (365/32 days)

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Monthly Options Expiration Results through February 16th, 2024

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 January 19th, 2024 options expiration through yesterday's February 16th, 2024 monthly options expiration date.  

During this past month, the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio closed a total of fourteen positions.  Twelve positions were closed out at a profit and two positions were closed out at a loss.  In addition, three Covered Calls 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 were closed out when their Call options expired in-the-money (stock price above the strike price) on yesterday's February 16th, 2024 monthly options expiration date as follows:
  1. Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. -- +7.0% absolute return-on-investment in 44 days (equivalent to a +57.7% annualized return-on-investment). 
  2. United Therapeutics Corporation -- +1.4% absolute return-on-investment in 21 days (equivalent to a +24.6% annualized return-on-investment). 
  3. Match Group Inc. -- +1.7% absolute return-on-investment in 16 days (equivalent to a +37.8% annualized return-on-investment).
  4. Wells Fargo Bank N.A. -- +2.1% absolute return-on-investment in 21 days (equivalent to a +36.6% annualized return-on-investment).
  5. Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. -- +1.4% absolute return-on-investment in 21 days (equivalent to a +24.6% annualized return-on-investment).

  • Five Covered Calls positions were closed out by early decision as follows:
  1. Aptiv Corporation -- +3.3% absolute return-on-investment in 18 days (equivalent to a +66.7% annualized return-on-investment).
  2. Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc. -- -1.6% absolute return-on-investment in 19 days (equivalent to a -31.3% annualized return-on-investment).
  3. APA Corporation -- +0.0% absolute return-on-investment in 21 days (equivalent to a +0.7% annualized return-on-investment).
  4. CVS Health Corporation -- -4.8% absolute return-on-investment in 15 days (equivalent to a -117.7% annualized return-on-investment).
  5. Las Vegas Sands Corporation -- +1.3% absolute return-on-investment in 11 days (equivalent to a +41.8% annualized return-on-investment).

  • Three Covered Calls positions were closed out early when the Call owners decided to exercise their right to close out their options prior to these companies' ex-dividend date.  So, the three Covered Calls positions were closed out. The Calls expired and the shares were sold at their respective strike prices with the following results: 
  1. D.R. Horton Inc. -- +0.8% absolute return-on-investment in 7 days (equivalent to a +40.6% annualized return-on-investment).
  2. TJX Companies Inc. -- +0.7% absolute return-on-investment in 9 days (equivalent to a +29.3% annualized return-on-investment).
  3. Aflac Inc. -- +0.6% absolute return-on-investment in 6 days (equivalent to a +34.9% annualized return-on-investment).

      • One Covered Calls position was closed out in-the-money on its weekly options expiration date during the past month as follows:  EOG Resources Inc. -- +1.7% absolute return-on-investment in 17 days (equivalent to a +37.3% annualized return-on-investment).

      • Three Covered Calls positions closed out-of-the-money yesterday on their February 16th, 2024 monthly options expiration date, so the Call options expired and the shares now remain in the Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio.  Three hundred shares of Schlumberger Ltd. closed at $48.57 per share which was below its $51.00 strike price.  Two hundred shares of Oshkosh Corporation closed at $108.65 which was below its $110.00 strike price.  One thousand shares of KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF shares closed at $25.41 which was below its $25.50 strike price. 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) 114 of 127 positions (89.8%) 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 +14.3% during the past year and the average holding period for these 127 closed positions was 19.9 days.  In comparison, the benchmark S&P 500 has returned +20.7% during the same prior one-year period. 

      This Covered Calls Advisor blog is available to anyone interested in learning about implementing a successful Covered Calls investing strategy.  As always, I also encourage you to email me at partlow@cox.net any time you would like my feedback on your Covered Call position ideas or your questions on anything related to the Covered Calls investing strategy.

       

      Best Wishes,

      Jeff Partlow
      Covered Calls Advisor
      partlow@cox.net

      Friday, February 16, 2024

      Covered Calls Position Established in Target Corporation

      Today a Covered Calls position was established in Target Corporation (ticker TGT) when my buy/write limit order was executed.  Two hundred shares were purchased at $145.33 and 2 March 1st, 2024 Call options were sold at $4.43 per share at the $142.00 strike price.  So, the potential time value profit for this Target Covered Calls position is $1.10 per share [$4.43 Call options premium - ($145.33 stock purchase price - $142.00 strike price)].  There is also a $1.10 ex-dividend next Tuesday (February 20th) prior to the March 1st options expiration date, so this dividend is included in the potential return-on-investment result shown below. 

      Given my current "Neutral" stock market outlook, a slightly in-the-money Covered Call position was established with a Delta of 69.9 which approximates a 69.9% probability this position will be in-the-money and therefore assigned on the March 1st, 2024 options expiration date. I identified Target since it appeared in my Quality+ Value+ Growth stock screener and as shown in the table below it meets all 18 filter criteria.  Also as preferred, the next quarterly earnings report on March 5th, 2024 is after the March 1st options expiration date.

      As detailed below, a potential return-on-investment result if the stock is above the $142.00 strike price on the options expiration date is +1.6% absolute return-on-investment (equivalent to +40.6% annualized return-on-investment for the next 14 days).



      Target Corporation (TGT) -- New Covered Calls Position
      The buy/write transaction was:
      2/16/2024 Bought 200 Target Corporation shares @ $145.33.
      2/16/2024 Sold 2 TGT 3/1/2024 $142.00 Call options @ $4.43 per share.
      Note: The Implied Volatility of the Call options was 17.8 when this buy/write transaction was executed.
      2/20/2024 Ex-dividend of $220.00 ($1.10 per share)

      A possible overall performance result (including commission) for this Covered Call position is as follows:
      Covered Calls Net Investment: $28,181.34
      = ($145.33 - $4.43) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

      Net Profit Components:
      (a) Options Income: +$884.66
      = ($4.43 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
      (b) Dividend Income: $220.00
      = ($1.10 per share x 200 shares)
      (c) Capital Appreciation (If shares assigned at $142.00 strike price at the 3/1/2024 options expiration date): -$666.00
      +($142.00 - $145.33) * 100 shares

      Total Net Profit (If stock shares assigned at $142.00 strike price at the 3/1/2024 expiration): +$438.66
      = (+$884.66 options income +$220.00 dividend income -$666.00 capital appreciation)

      Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment: +1.6%
      = +$438.66/$28,181.34
      Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment: +40.6%
      = (+$438.66/$28,181.34) * (365/14 days)


      Thursday, February 15, 2024

      Established Covered Calls in Delta Air Lines Inc.

      Today, a buy/write limit order was entered in Delta Air Lines Inc. (ticker DAL) to buy 400 shares and simultaneously sell 4 Call options at the March 1st, 2024 weekly options expiration date and at the $39.50 strike price. The net debit limit price for my order was $39.12 and this order was executed at 2:39PM ET when 400 shares were purchased at $40.93 and 4 March 1st, 2024 Call options were sold for $1.81 per share.  Therefore, a maximum potential time value profit of $.38 per share = [$1.81 options premium - ($40.93 stock price - $39.50 strike price)] is available for this position.  

      This position uses the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture Strategy (see here) since Delta has an upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.10 per share (a 1.0% annual dividend yield) on February 23rd which is prior to the March 1st options expiration date.  This is equivalent to an annualized dividend yield of 5.9% = [($.10/$40.93) x (365/15 days to expiration)].  This dividend is included in the detailed return-on-investment calculations below.  Either an early assignment on the last trading day prior to the ex-dividend date or on the March 1st options expiration date would be desirable to the Covered Calls Advisor given the potential annualized return on investments for either outcome.  Importantly to the Covered Calls Advisor, there is no quarterly earnings report prior to the options expiration date since the next earnings report on April 11th, 2024 is after the March 1st, 2024 options expiration date.

      As shown on the table at the bottom of this post, eight of the nine criteria of the Dividend Capture Strategy are met with this position.  Even if the Delta Air Lines Inc. stock price declines somewhat during the next 15 days until the options expiration date, if the stock closes above the $39.50 strike price, then a satisfactory annualized-return-on-investment of +29.4% will be achieved.  The Delta for these Call options was approximately 73.4 when this position was established which approximates the probability of 73.4% that the position will be in-the-money at market close on the options expiration date. 

      There are 20 Wall Street analysts covering Delta Air Lines and their average Target Price is $54.40 which is +32.9% above today's purchase price.  A primary reason for establishing this position was that Delta was highly ranked in my Quality +Value +Growth stock screener since all 18 criteria in that screener are currently achieved by Delta (see chart below):  


       

      As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results are: 

      •  +1.0% absolute return (equivalent to +43.5% annualized return-on-investment for the next 8 days) if the stock is assigned early (on the last business day prior to the February 23rd ex-dividend date); or  
      • +1.2% absolute return (equivalent to +29.4% annualized return-on-investment over the next 15 days) if the stock is assigned on the March 1st, 2024 options expiration date.

      Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) -- New Covered Calls Position
      The buy/write transaction was:
      2/15/2024 Bought 400 Delta Air Lines Inc. shares @ $40.93.
      2/15/2024 Sold 4 Delta 3/1/2024 $39.50 Call options @ $1.81 per share.
      2/23/2024 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.10 per share.

      Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Delta Air Lines Inc. Covered Calls position are as follows:
      Covered Calls Net Investment: $15,650.68
      = ($40.93 - $1.81) * 400 shares + $2.68 commission

      Net Profit Components:
      (a) Options Income: +$721.32
      = ($1.81 * 400 shares) - $2.68 commission
      (b) Dividend Income (If Delta Air Lines Call options exercised early on February 22nd, 2024, the last business day prior to the Feb. 23rd ex-div date): +$0.00; or
      (b) Dividend Income (If Delta stock assigned at the March 1st, 2024 options expiration date): +$40.00
      = ($.10 dividend per share x 400 shares)
      (c) Capital Appreciation (If  Delta's Call options assigned early on Feb. 22nd): -$572.00
      +($39.50 - $40.93) * 400 shares; or
      (c) Capital Appreciation (If shares assigned at $39.50 strike price at the March 1st options expiration): -$572.00
      +($39.50 - $40.93) * 400 shares

      1. Total Net Profit [If option exercised early (business day prior to the Feb. 23rd ex-dividend date)]: +$149.32
      = (+$721.32 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$572.00 capital appreciation); or
      2. Total Net Profit (If Delta's shares assigned at $39.50 at the March 1st, 2024 expiration): +$189.32
      = (+$721.32 options income +$40.00 dividend income -$572.00 capital appreciation)

      1. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment [If option exercised on business day prior to ex-dividend date]: +1.0%
      = +$149.32/$15,650.68
      Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If option exercised early): +43.5%
      = (+$149.32/$15,650.68) * (365/8 days); or
      2. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Delta's shares assigned on March 1st options expiration date): +1.2%
      = +$189.32/$15,650.68
      Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If Delta's shares assigned at $39.50 at the March 1st, 2024 expiration): +29.4%
      = (+$189.32/$15,650.68) * (365/15 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 Delta Air Lines Inc. Covered Calls position.


      Wednesday, February 14, 2024

      Early Assignment of Covered Calls Position in TJX Companies Inc.

      This morning I was notified that the two TJX Companies Inc. (ticker TJX) February 16th, 2024 $94.00 Call options were exercised yesterday which is the last business day prior to their ex-dividend date today.  The stock price increased from its $95.27 purchase price on February 5th to $97.6275 at yesterday's market close and the original $.68 time value in the Calls when the position was established had declined to close to $0.00.  So understandably, the owner of these Calls exercised their option to buy the 200 shares at the $94.00 strike price in order to receive today's $.33 per share ex-dividend.  

      As detailed below, the return-on-investment result for this TJX Companies Inc. Covered Calls position was +0.7% absolute return in 9 days (equivalent to a +29.3% annualized return-on-investment).  


      TJX Companies Inc. (TJX) -- Covered Calls Position Closed Out by Early Assignment
      The buy/write transaction was:
      2/5/2024 Bought 200 TJX Companies Inc. shares @ $95.27.
      2/5/2024 Sold 2 TJX 2/16/2024 $94.00 Call options @ $1.95 per share.
      Note: Implied Volatility (IV) of the Call options was at 17.7 when this position was transacted which, as preferred, is above the current VIX of 13.8.   
      2/14/2024 TJX Call options owner exercised their two Call options, so the Covered Calls position was closed out early. The two TJX Call options expired worthless and the 200 shares were sold at the $94.00 strike price. 

      Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this TJX Companies Inc. Covered Calls position are as follows:
      Covered Calls Net Investment: $18,665.34
      = ($95.27 - $1.95) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

      Net Profit Components:
      (a) Options Income: +$388.66
      = ($1.95 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
      (b) Dividend Income (TJX stock assigned early at $94.00 per share): +$0.00
      (c) Capital Appreciation (TJX's Call options assigned early): -$254.00
      +($94.00 strike price - $95.27 stock purchase price) * 200 shares

      Total Net Profit: +$134.66
      = (+$388.66 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$254.00 capital appreciation)

      Absolute Return-on-Investment: +0.7%
      = +$134.66/$18,665.34
      Annualized Return-on-Investment: +29.3%
      = (+$134.66/$18,665.34) * (365/9 days)

      Tuesday, February 13, 2024

      Established Covered Calls in Aflac Inc.

      Today, a buy/write limit order was entered in Aflac Inc. (ticker AFL) to buy 200 shares and simultaneously sell 2 Call options at the March 1st, 2024 weekly options expiration date and at the $76.00 strike price. The net debit limit price for my order was $75.56 and this order was executed at 10:39AM ET when 200 shares were purchased at $77.49 and 2 March 1st, 2024 Call options were sold for $1.93 per share -- Note: the Dow Jones average was down about 480 points at that time.  Therefore, a maximum potential time value profit of $.44 per share = [$1.93 options premium - ($77.49 stock price - $76.00 strike price)] is available for this position.  

      This position uses the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture Strategy (see here) since AFL has an upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.50 per share (+19.0% above the prior year's quarterly dividend rate and a 2.6% annual dividend yield) on February 20th which is prior to the March 1st options expiration date.  This is equivalent to an annualized dividend yield of 13.9% = [($.50/$77.49) x (365/17 days to expiration)].  This dividend is included in the detailed return-on-investment calculations below.  Either an early assignment on the last trading day prior to the ex-dividend date or on the March 1st options expiration date would be desirable to the Covered Calls Advisor given the potential annualized return on investments for either outcome.  Importantly to the Covered Calls Advisor, there is no quarterly earnings report prior to the options expiration date since the next earnings report on May 1st, 2024 is after the 3/1/2024 options expiration date.

      As shown on the table at the bottom of this post, eight of the nine criteria of the Dividend Capture Strategy are met with this position.  Even if the Aflac stock price declines somewhat during the next 17 days until the options expiration date, if the stock closes above the $76.00 strike price, then a satisfactory annualized-return-on-investment of +26.5% will be achieved.  The Delta for these Call options was approximately 70.0 when this position was established which approximates the probability of 70.0% that the position will be in-the-money at market close on the options expiration date.  

      As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results are: 

      •  +0.6% absolute return (equivalent to +29.9% annualized return-on-investment for the next 7 days) if the stock is assigned early (on the last business day prior to the February 20th ex-dividend date); or  
      • +1.2% absolute return (equivalent to +26.5% annualized return-on-investment over the next 17 days) if the stock is assigned on the March 1st, 2024 options expiration date.

      Aflac Inc. (AFL) -- New Covered Calls Position
      The buy/write transaction was:
      2/13/2024 Bought 200 Aflac Inc. shares @ $77.49.
      2/13/2024 Sold 2 AFL 3/1/2024 $76.00 Call options @ $1.93 per share.
      2/20/2024 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.50 per share.

      Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Aflac Inc. Covered Calls position are as follows:
      Covered Calls Net Investment: $15,113.34
      = ($77.49 - $1.93) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

      Net Profit Components:
      (a) Options Income: +$384.66
      = ($1.93 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
      (b) Dividend Income (If Aflac Call options exercised early on February 19th, 2024, the last business day prior to the Feb. 20th ex-div date): +$0.00; or
      (b) Dividend Income (If Aflac stock assigned at the March 1st, 2024 options expiration date): +$100.00
      = ($.50 dividend per share x 200 shares)
      (c) Capital Appreciation (If AFL's Call options assigned early on Feb. 19th): -$298.00
      +($76.00 - $77.49) * 200 shares; or
      (c) Capital Appreciation (If shares assigned at $76.00 strike price at the March 1st options expiration): -$298.00
      +($76.00 - $77.49) * 200 shares

      1. Total Net Profit [If option exercised early (business day prior to the Feb. 20th ex-dividend date)]: +$86.66
      = (+$384.66 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$298.00 capital appreciation); or
      2. Total Net Profit (If Aflac's shares assigned at $76.00 at the March 1st, 2024 expiration): +$186.66
      = (+$384.66 options income +$100.00 dividend income -$298.00 capital appreciation)

      1. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment [If option exercised on business day prior to ex-dividend date]: +0.6%
      = +$86.66/$15,113.34
      Potential Annualized Return (If option exercised early): +29.9%
      = (+$86.66/$15,113.34) * (365/7 days); or
      2. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Aflac's shares assigned on March 1st options expiration date): +1.2%
      = +$186.66/$15,113.34
      Potential Annualized Return (If Aflac's shares assigned at $76.00 at the March 1st, 2024 expiration): +26.5%
      = (+$186.66/$15,113.34) * (365/17 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, only seven criteria are achieved for this Aflac Inc. Covered Calls position, but the two misses were close to their respective thresholds, so I decided to go forward with establishing this position.  


      Monday, February 12, 2024

      Continuation of Covered Calls Position in Wells Fargo & Company

      The Covered Calls Advisor Portfolio has a Covered Calls position in Wells Fargo & Company (ticker WFC) which expired out-of-the-money at last Friday's options expiration.  Today this position was continued by rolling out to this Friday's February 16th, 2024 monthly options expiration at the same $49.00 strike price by selling-to-open four Calls at $.41 per share when the price of Wells Fargo stock was $48.57.  

      As detailed below, a potential outcome for this Wells Fargo investment if the stock is in-the-money and therefore assigned on the options expiration date is +2.1% absolute return-on-investment over 21days (equivalent to +36.6% annualized-return-on-investment) if the stock closes above the $49.00 strike price on the Feb. 16th, 2024 options expiration date.  The transactions history of this Wells Fargo Covered Calls position so far along with a potential return-on-investment result if the stock is assigned on the February 16th, 2024 options expiration date is as follows:


      Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) -- Continuation of Covered Calls Position
      The buy/write transaction was:
      1/26/2024 Bought 400 Wells Fargo shares @ $50.06
      1/26/2024 Sold 4 Wells Fargo 2/9/2024 $49.00 Call options @ $1.34
      2/1/2024 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.35 per share.
      2/9/2024 Four WFC $49.00 Calls expired with the stock was out-of-the-money at $48.06.
      2/12/2024 Sold 4 February 16th, 2024 $49.00 Calls at $.41 per share when the WFC stock price was $48.57.

      A possible overall performance result (including commissions) for this Wells Fargo Covered Calls position is as follows:
      Covered Calls Net Investment: $19,490.68
      = ($50.06 - $1.34) * 400 shares + $2.68 commission

      Net Profit Components:
      (a) Options Income: +$694.64
      = ($1.34 + $.41) * 400 shares - $5.36 commissions
      (b) Dividend Income: +$140.00
      = ($.35 dividend per share x 400 shares)
      (c) Capital Appreciation (If shares assigned at $49.00 strike price at the 2/16/2024 options expiration): -$424.00
      +($49.00 - $50.06) * 400 shares

      Total Net Profit (If Wells Fargo shares assigned at $49.00 at the February 16th, 2024 expiration): +$410.64
      = (+$694.64 options income +$140.00 dividend income -$424.00 capital appreciation)

      Absolute Return-on-Investment (If Wells Fargo shares assigned at $49.00 at the 2/16/2024 options expiration): +2.1%
      = +$410.64/$19,490.68
      Annualized Return-on-Investment (If Wells Fargo shares assigned at $49.00 at the 2/16/2024 expiration): +36.6%
      = (+$410.64/$19,490.68) * (365/21 days)

      Thursday, February 8, 2024

      Established Covered Calls Position in Oshkosh Corporation

      Today, a short-term Covered Calls position was established in Oshkosk Corporation (ticker OSK).  I bought 200 shares and simultaneously sold 2 Call options at the February 16th, 2024 monthly options expiration date and at the $110.00 strike price. The net debit limit price for my order was $109.40 and the 200 shares were purchased at $112.80 and 2 February 16th, 2024 Call options were sold for $3.40 per share.  Therefore, a maximum potential time value profit of $.60 per share = [$3.40 options premium - ($112.80 stock price - $110.00 strike price)] is available for this position.  

      This Oshkosh position uses the Covered Calls Advisor's Dividend Capture Strategy since it has an upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.46 per share on February 14th which is two days prior to the February 16th options expiration date.  This is equivalent to an absolute annual dividend yield of 1.6% and an equivalent annualized dividend yield of 18.6% = [($.46/$112.80) x (365/8 days to expiration)].  This dividend is included in the detailed return-on-investment calculations below.  Either an early assignment on the last trading day prior to the ex-dividend date or on the February 16th options expiration date would be desirable to the Covered Calls Advisor given the potential annualized return on investments for either outcome.  Importantly to the Covered Calls Advisor, there is no quarterly earnings report prior to the options expiration date since the next quarterly earnings report will not occur until the end of April.

      As shown on the table at the bottom of this post, seven of the nine criteria of the Dividend Capture Strategy are met with this position.  Even if the Oshkosh Corp. stock price declines somewhat during the next 8 days until the options expiration date, if the stock closes above the $110.00 strike price, then a very satisfactory annualized-return-on-investment of +43.9% will be achieved.  The Delta for these Call options was approximately 72.3 when this position was established which approximates the probability of 72.3% that the position will be in-the-money at market close on the options expiration date.  

      Oshkosh Corporation is an Industrial sector company headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  They manufacture purpose-built equipment for the access, Defense, fire and emergency, refuse collection, and concrete placement markets.  I am impressed with their CEO and the company was identified in my "Future 5-Year PEG Ratios" stock screener (shown below) where all 14 filters of this screener were met by Oshkosh.


      As detailed below, two potential return-on-investment results are: 

      •  +0.5% absolute return (equivalent to +33.0% annualized return-on-investment for the next 6 days) if the stock is assigned early (on the last business day prior to the February 14th ex-dividend date); or  
      • +1.0% absolute return (equivalent to +43.9% annualized return-on-investment over the next 8 days) if the stock is assigned on the February 16th, 2024 options expiration date.

      Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) -- New Covered Calls Position
      The buy/write transaction was:
      2/8/2024 Bought 200 Oshkosh Corporation shares @ $112.80.
      2/8/2024 Sold 2 OSK 2/16/2024 $110.00 Call options @ $3.40 per share.
      Note: Implied Volatility (IV) of the Call options was at 22.6 when this position was transacted which, as preferred, is above the current VIX of 12.9.   
      2/14/2024 Upcoming quarterly ex-dividend of $.46 per share.  The Delta of these Calls was 72.3.

      Two possible overall performance results (including commissions) for this Oshkosh Covered Calls position are as follows:
      Covered Calls Net Investment: $21,881.34
      = ($112.80 - $3.40) * 200 shares + $1.34 commission

      Net Profit Components:
      (a) Options Income: +$678.66
      = ($3.40 * 200 shares) - $1.34 commission
      (b) Dividend Income (If OSK Call options exercised early on February 13th, 2024, the last business day prior to the Feb. 14th ex-div date): +$0.00; or
      (b) Dividend Income (If Oshkosh stock assigned at the February 16th, 2024 options expiration): +$92.00
      = ($.46 dividend per share x 200 shares)
      (c) Capital Appreciation (If OSK's Call options assigned early on Feb. 13th): -$560.00
      +($110.00 - $112.80) * 200 shares; or
      (c) Capital Appreciation (If shares assigned at $110.00 strike price at the 2/16/2024 options expiration): -$560.00
      +($110.00 - $112.80) * 200 shares

      1. Total Net Profit [If option exercised early (business day prior to the Feb. 14th ex-dividend date)]: +$118.66
      = (+$678.66 options income +$0.00 dividend income -$560.00 capital appreciation); or
      2. Total Net Profit (If Oshkosh's shares assigned at $110.00 at the February 16th, 2024 expiration): +$210.66
      = (+$678.66 options income +$92.00 dividend income -$560.00 capital appreciation)

      1. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment [If option exercised on business day prior to ex-dividend date]: +0.5%
      = +$118.66/$21,881.34
      Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If option exercised early): +33.0%
      = (+$118.66/$21,881.34) * (365/6 days); or
      2. Potential Absolute Return-on-Investment (If shares assigned on February 16th options expiration date): +1.0%
      = +$210.66/$21,881.34
      Potential Annualized Return-on-Investment (If Oshkosh Corporation's shares assigned at $110.00 at the Feb. 16th, 2024 expiration): +43.9%
      = (+$210.66/$21,881.34) * (365/8 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, only seven criteria are achieved for this Oshkosh Corp. Covered Calls position, but the two misses were relatively close to the threshold, so I decided to go forward with establishing this position.