Why not use covered call writing with only dividend-bearing stocks to generate three income streams; option premium, share appreciation to the (out-of-the-money) call strike plus the dividend itself? This article will explore the pros and cons of this approach to covered call writing. Strategy theory We screen for stocks that have ex-dividend dates (also […]
Arbitrage: Part II
In part I of this arbitrage series we defined arbitrage as the simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset to profit from a difference in the price. It is a trade that profits by exploiting the price differences of identical or similar financial instruments on different markets or in different forms. Arbitrage exists because of […]
Should Ex-Dividend Dates Be Treated the Same as Earnings Report Dates?
Covered call writers and put-sellers must be aware of earnings report dates and ex-dividend dates but for different reasons. A golden rule in the BCI methodology is never to sell an option if there is and earnings report date prior to contract expiration. In July 2017, Terry sent me an email asking if ex-dividend dates […]
Executing Trades Based on Ex-Dividend Dates
Early assignment of our covered call positions is rare but possible. When it does occur, it is frequently related to an ex-dividend date. These are dates that we must own the shares in order to be eligible to receive the dividend on the distribution date. Premium members can access ex-dates of the eligible stocks in […]
Why Would a Call Buyer Exercise, Rather than Sell, an In-The-Money Call Option?
When we write a covered call, there is a trader or market-maker buying that call on the other side of the trade. We know that as expiration approaches, the time value of options tends to approach zero (Theta effect). With that in mind I received an email from Marcos in early May 2017 astutely asking […]
Writing Covered Call Options to Compensate for Share Depreciation
Covered call writing generates monthly (or weekly) cash flow but it also reduces our cost basis. The latter result is the reason why covered call writing increases our chances of a successful trade more so than simply owning the stock. Historical data tells us that in the long haul the stock market increases in value. […]
Covered Calls and Dividends: A Proposed Strategy
Covered call writers must factor in dividends into our investment strategies. More specifically, ex-dividend dates for these are the dates shareholders must own the shares to benefit from the dividend distribution. Call buyers must exercise the option prior to the ex-date to capture the forthcoming dividend. This makes our shares subject to early exercise (exercise […]
Over-Trading Our Option Positions: Good for Brokers, Not Good For Us
Exit strategies for covered call writing are essential for achieving the highest levels of success. In the BCI methodology, we have a series of guidelines that assist us in determining which position management techniques should be instituted and when we should consider them. Not taking appropriate action when responses to changes in our stock and option positions […]
Rolling Down with CALM: Turning Losses into Gains
Exit strategies for both covered call writing and selling cash-secured puts is one of the three required skills for maximizing investment returns. Whether we are mitigating losses, turning losses into gains or enhancing winning positions to even higher levels, we must have the capability to take advantage of all position management opportunities. In this week’s […]
Ex-Dividend Dates: Rules for Standard and Special Dividends
Dividends impact option premiums. When a dividend is distributed the cash holdings of a corporation is decreased and therefore the company and its stock are worth less. The eligibility to receive the dividend depends on several factors including the size of the dividend. First, let’s define some terms: Types of dividends Standard dividends: A distribution […]
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Combining Dividend Capture with Covered Call Writing: Pros and Cons
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Ask Alan 147 – “Why is the Ellman Calculator Showing Negative Returns?”
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The Mysteries of a Put Sale
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Technical Analysis Impacting Stock Eligibility for Option-Selling
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Rolling Out-And-Up: Explaining the “Bought-Up” Value of our Stocks
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The New Stock Market- Algorithmic and High Speed Trading
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Options That Expire Weekly and Conventional Expiration Cycles
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Why the 3% Guideline Applies to Puts but Not to Call Options
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Earnings Pre-Announcements Explained and Categorized
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Tax Implications of Writing Covered Calls against Long-Term Holdings
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Jay Thanks for the update, Mario, great results in a d
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Alan Ellman Greg, I am a firm believer in asset allocation.
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Greg Alan, What is your recommendation or best pract
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MarioG Trading Experiences through June 15, 2018 Expirati
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