Duration: 1:39
Level: Intermediate

When neutral on the outlook for a stock, an investor might wish to generate income by selling different strike call and put options hoping that the stock will remain stuck in a defined range. Because implied volatility is a significant determinant of an option’s premium, investors also try to take advantage of diminishing volatility ahead to sell strangles.

Study Notes:

The short strangle is similar to the short straddle, though the strikes of the options differ. This is also a trade that benefits from decay and decreased volatility regardless of direction.  Because the strike prices involved are further apart than a short straddle, there is a lower risk that this trade will cause the investor to face a loss. The lower associated risk means that the investor receives a lower premium at the outset for making the trade.  As with a short straddle, profit is capped to the initial premium while loss is potentially unlimited.  The short strangle makes maximum profits between the two strike prices and has two breakeven points. To the downside, the trade makes money if the stock stays above the lower strike price of the put minus the sum of the two premiums paid.  To the upside the trade makes money if the stock stays below the upper strike price for the call plus the sum of the two premiums paid. Outside of these breakeven points the trade has unlimited loss potential in the event that the share price continues to increase or decrease, though the downside potential loss is limited by the fact that the share price could only fall to a minimum of zero.

Short Strangle example –

  • Underlying XYZ stock price: $80.00
  • Call strike price:85.00
  • Call option premium:$3.00
  • Put strike price:75.00
  • Put option premium: $2.50
  • Days to expiration:90
  • Upside Breakeven: $85.00+$3.00+$2.50 = $92.50 (Call strike price plus premium received for call plus premium received for put option)
  • Downside Breakeven: $75.00-$3.00-$2.50 = $69.50 (Put strike price minus premium received for call minus premium received for put option)
  • Profit potential: Limited to the combined premiums from both call and put or $5.50 and occurs at all points between the $75.00 and $85.00 strike prices. Until the upper strike price neither the call nor put has zero intrinsic value. And so, between the strikes, the investor retains both premiums. Below the strike price of the put the value of the combined premium is eaten away, as the intrinsic value of the put option increases. Conversely, above the strike price of the call, that combined premium begins to diminish as the intrinsic value of the call increases.
  • Potential profit: @$80.00 – Both put and call options are out-the-money and each has zero value. The investor gets to keep the entire $5.50 premium collected from the sale of each option.
  • @$60.00 – The out-the-money call option now has zero intrinsic value. However, the put option is now in-the-money by $15.00 ($75.00 minus $60.00) and this must be subtracted from the combined $5.50 premium, which leaves the investor at a total loss of $9.50 ($15.00 – $5.50 = $9.50).
  • Maximum loss: Just like with a short straddle strategy, the short strangle seller faces potentially unlimited losses to the upside, since the intrinsic call value keeps up with the rising share price penny-for-penny. Losses to the downside can be significant as the intrinsic nature of the put option matches the downside performance of the stock penny-for-penny, limited only by a zero value for the underlying share price.

Market Outlook – Neutral

Volatility View – Decreases premium

Time Erosion – Reduces premium

Dividends – Neutral

Interest Rate – Neutral

Profit Potential – Limited

Loss Potential – Substantial from short put/ unlimited from short call

Components – Sell lower strike put and higher strike call option with same expiration

Underlying Stock  $   80.00 Underlying Stock Call P&L Put P&L Total P&L
Call Strike  $   85.00  $                 10.00  $               300  $        (6,250)  $      (5,950)
Premium  $     3.00  $                 15.00  $               300  $        (5,750)  $      (5,450)
Put Strikes  $   75.00  $                 20.00  $               300  $        (5,250)  $      (4,950)
Premium  $     2.50  $                 25.00  $               300  $        (4,750)  $      (4,450)
Net Premium  $     5.50  $                 30.00  $               300  $        (4,250)  $      (3,950)
 $                 35.00  $               300  $        (3,750)  $      (3,450)
 $                 40.00  $               300  $        (3,250)  $      (2,950)
 $                 45.00  $               300  $        (2,750)  $      (2,450)
 $                 50.00  $               300  $        (2,250)  $      (1,950)
 $                 55.00  $               300  $        (1,750)  $      (1,450)
 $                 60.00  $               300  $        (1,250)  $         (950)
 $                 65.00  $               300  $           (750)  $         (450)
 $                 70.00  $               300  $           (250)  $             50
 $                 75.00  $               300  $             250  $           550
 $                 80.00  $               300  $             250  $           550
 $                 85.00  $               300  $             250  $           550
 $                 90.00  $              (200)  $             250  $             50
 $                 95.00  $              (700)  $             250  $         (450)
 $               100.00  $          (1,200)  $             250  $         (950)
 $               105.00  $          (1,700)  $             250  $      (1,450)
 $               110.00  $          (2,200)  $             250  $      (1,950)
 $               115.00  $          (2,700)  $             250  $      (2,450)
 $               120.00  $          (3,200)  $             250  $      (2,950)

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The analysis in this material is provided for information only and is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. To the extent that this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions, it should not be construed as research or investment advice. To the extent that it includes references to specific securities, commodities, currencies, or other instruments, those references do not constitute a recommendation by IBKR to buy, sell or hold such investments. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

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Disclosure: Options Trading

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Multiple leg strategies, including spreads, will incur multiple commission charges. For more information read the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options” also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) or visit ibkr.com/occ

Disclosure: Multiple Leg Strategies

Multiple leg strategies, including spreads and straddles, will incur multiple commission charges.

Disclosure: Margin Trading

Trading on margin is only for sophisticated investors with high risk tolerance. You may lose more than your initial investment.

For additional information regarding margin loan rates, see ibkr.com/interest