Refresh April 25, 2024 5:10 AM ET
Apply for an options account Already a brokerage customer?
|
A Long Butterfly is a multi-legged option strategy consisting of all calls or all puts. There are two short options at the middle strike with one long option at a higher strike and one long option at a lower strike. The interval between the higher strike and middle strike is equal to the interval between the middle strike and lower strike. Expirations for each strike are the same. This trade results in a net premium paid (debit) upon initial order entry.
Uses The option trader who uses this strategy has a neutral outlook and expects the underlying security to close at the middle strike at expiration. Risks This strategy is considered to have limited risk and limited reward. The maximum gain occurs when the stock price closes at the short strike price by expiration. The maximum gain amount is calculated by taking the interval (high strike to middle strike or middle strike to low strike) and subtracting the premium paid upon initial order entry. The maximum loss occurs when the stock price falls below the lower strike or rises above the higher strike by expiration. Maximum loss is equal to the premium paid upon order entry. Steady movement up (or down) causing the underlying stock to trade away from the middle strike will result in a decrease in strategy value. Increasing implied volatility can have a slightly negative impact on this strategy. Option traders electing to close the position before expiration could be impacted by increasing implied volatility. Time decay impact can vary on this strategy depending on where the price of the underlying security is in relation to the short middle strike. The closer the current price of the underlying security is to the short middle strike, the more favorably time decay may impact the strategy. Options traders have assignment and exercise risk on this trade. Early assignment (American Style) is a possibility when the short strikes are in-the-money. Also, the option trader runs the risk of uncertainty on assignment when the underlying security is close to the short middle strike. This situation may also result in the middle strikes still having some time premium on the last day of trading prior to expiration. The option trader should be aware of these risks prior to implementing this strategy.
Important Note: Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. For more information, please read the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. |
Back to Top