Selling ATM Covered Calls: Unlocking Easy Ways to Make Money in the Stock Market

Overview

In this comprehensive overview, we delve into the world of options trading by exploring various strategies centered around selling ATM covered calls, alongside OTM and ITM covered calls. Our analysis includes an in-depth case study that sheds light on the nuances and outcomes of these strategies, providing you with practical insights into their implementation.

Furthermore, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of the covered call strategy, a dynamic approach that combines stock ownership with call options trading. By marrying the potential for income generation through call premiums with the ownership of underlying shares, this strategy presents a unique opportunity for investors to optimize their portfolios.

Whether you’re a seasoned trader seeking to fine-tune your options game or a novice investor looking to grasp the essentials, our exploration of selling ATM covered calls and related strategies, coupled with a comprehensive examination of their advantages and limitations, will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the intricate landscape of options trading effectively.

Pros and Cons of Selling Covered Calls

Pros	Cons	Examples	Considerations
Generates Additional Income Limits Downside Risk Enhances Portfolio Returns Works in Various Market Conditions	Potential for Missed Upside Gains Obligation to Sell Shares Market Volatility Impact Requires Active Management	Example 1: You own shares of XYZ Corp valued at $50. You sell a covered call with a strike price of $55 for a premium of $2. If the stock remains below $55, you keep the premium. If it goes above, you might have to sell at $55. Example 2: In a neutral market, selling covered calls can be a consistent income source, such as regularly selling covered calls on a stock with stable price movement.	Choose a strike price carefully to balance income potential with potential capital gains if the stock rises. Monitor market trends and news that could impact the stock’s performance and the effectiveness of the strategy. Understand the tax implications of selling covered calls, as they can impact your overall gains.

Benefits of the Covered Call Strategy:

• Reduce the cost basis of the stock you purchased.
• It protects against the downside.
• The downside protection provided by an ITM covered call is larger, but the ROI is smaller.
• When compared to OTM covered calls, ATM covered calls offer more downside protection; nevertheless, the return on investment is lower.
• OTM covered calls give a higher ROI but give less downside protection if the price falls.
• Easy to care for
• If the initial covered call is broken, it is rather simple to implement a repair strategy.

Downside of the Covered Call Strategy

• Because the covered call premium should cap the maximum profit, the ROI is limited.
• If the stock falls and you want to sell the stock to avoid further losses, you must first buy back the call options before selling the stock. That is, you must liquidate your entire position.

Covered Call ETF Portfolio and the 3 Best Dividend Stocks for Covered Calls

Selling ATM Covered Calls Strategy

This strategy works quite well in a range-bound market. Your outlook on the market is neutral at the moment. The technique produces a steady stream of income. This strategy should only be applied to stocks that you would be comfortable selling. You run the risk of missing out on significant gains in the stock price. While the monthly profits from option premiums may be larger, the stock’s upside potential is constrained by the close placement of the ATM (at the money) call strike price to the present stock price. However, this approach can result in a sizable profit. When there is nothing obvious that may cause a stock price to rise, this strategy can be useful.

Here we see that Apple stock is trading at $165.20 per share. If we assume that Apple will remain in a tight trading range for the next month, we may sell the $165 at the money (ATM) call expiring in 34 days for $5.63. As long as the price of the stock remains above $159.57 up to the option’s expiration, the trade will be profitable. In addition, we get to keep the shares and sell more calls against them if the price of the underlying stock remains below $165 until expiration.

Risk Management Techniques When Selling ATM Covered Calls

Selling ATM covered calls introduces an opportunity to earn income while efficiently managing potential risks. Whether you’re just starting with options trading or possess ample experience, grasping these risk management techniques can significantly bolster your success within this strategy.

Diversification

Diversification is a cornerstone principle across investment landscapes, and it holds a special place in selling covered calls. Rather than centering your covered call positions solely on one stock, the strategy becomes more robust when applied diversely across multiple stocks from various sectors. This approach minimizes concentration risk and shields against significant vulnerability tied to the performance of a single company.

Example: Suppose you hold shares of both Tech Company A and Consumer Goods Company B. Instead of limiting covered calls to Company A, you expand your approach to encompass both companies. This diversity ensures that downturns in one sector can be balanced by upturns in another, maintaining a more balanced risk profile.

Selecting the Right Strike Price

Precision in selecting the strike price is paramount when engaging in selling covered calls. Striking too high may result in your shares being called away prematurely, possibly forfeiting future gains. Conversely, aiming too low could limit your premium earnings and potential profitability. Strive for a middle ground that encapsulates your expectations for the stock’s movements.

Example: Imagine you possess shares of XYZ Corp priced at $50. Opting for a covered call with a $55 strike may yield an attractive premium, but it risks missing out if the stock surpasses $55. On the flip side, a $52 strike could maintain premium income and enable you to capture moderate upward movements.

Establishing Exit Strategies

Predetermined exit strategies serve as the backbone of prudent risk management. Clearly outlining conditions for closing or rolling covered call positions is essential. When the stock price nears the strike price, evaluate whether securing gains by closing the position or rolling the call to a higher strike would be more beneficial.

Example: You’ve executed an ATM covered call, and the stock’s price has seen substantial appreciation. This juncture might prompt you to close the position early to capture accrued gains. Alternatively, you might roll the call to a higher strike, positioning yourself for further potential profits while securing a new premium.

Monitoring Volatility

Vigilantly monitor the stock’s volatility levels. Elevated volatility can translate to heightened price swings, influencing the effectiveness of your covered call strategy. If volatility spikes, consider adjusting strike prices or expiration dates to align with the stock’s evolving behavior.

Example: Should you engage in selling covered calls for a stock entrenched in a volatile industry, like a biotech company awaiting regulatory approvals, increased volatility could lead to pronounced price fluctuations. Navigating such scenarios might necessitate recalibrating your strategy to accommodate this enhanced volatility.

By incorporating these risk management techniques—tailored for both beginners and seasoned traders—you can amplify your achievements in selling ATM covered calls. Striking a balance between generating income and mitigating potential risks lies at the core of this strategy’s efficacy.

The Pros and Cons of Selling ATM Covered Calls or OTM Covered Calls

	Selling ATM Covered Calls	Selling ITM Covered Calls	Selling OTM Covered Calls
Strike Price	Strike price is approximately equal to the current stock price.	Strike price is below the current stock price.	Strike price is above the current stock price.
Premium	Lower premium compared to ITM and OTM options.	Higher premium due to intrinsic value.	Lower premium, mainly composed of time value.
Risk and Reward	Moderate risk and reward potential.	Lower risk due to premium received, potential for moderate gains.	Higher risk due to potential for larger stock price movement, potential for higher gains.
Break-Even	Stock price needs to rise to cover premium and potential transaction costs.	Stock price needs to rise above the strike price minus premium and transaction costs.	Stock price needs to rise above the strike price plus premium and transaction costs.
Examples	Selling an ATM covered call for XYZ stock at $50 with a strike of $50.	Selling an ITM covered call for XYZ stock at $50 with a strike of $45.	Selling an OTM covered call for XYZ stock at $50 with a strike of $55.

Benefits of Selling ATM Covered Calls or OTM Covered Calls

• Profitability increased when the covered call expired worthless, and the stock was trading above the purchase price at the time of expiration.
• It works effectively in a market that is either neutral or rising.

Downside of Selling ATM Covered Calls or OTM Covered Calls

• It is best to avoid using the covered call strategy during earnings announcements if the stock drops abruptly due to weak earnings or future guidance.
• The OTM or ATM covered calls provide less downside protection in comparison to the ITM.

The Pros and Cons of Selling ITM Covered Calls

Benefits of the ITM (In the Money) Covered Calls

• Capture at least 10% of the downside risk.
• It provides the highest premium and the most downside protection in the event of a stock decline or a declining market.
• Because the calls are ITM, they are more likely to be assigned. You may take your profit and move on.
• Very little maintenance

Downside of the ITM Covered Calls

• When volatility is low in an uptrend market, profit margins are reduced.
• The ROI is lower than other covered call strategies because the option premium received is mostly intrinsic value. Your profit is the premium’s time value. For example, BP stock is $27.98. You’re uncertain about the oil market in the coming months. You decided to sell an In-the-Money $27 call for $1.39. Your net profit is $0.41.

Cost of the stock           $27.98
- Option Premium Received    $1.39
Adjusted cost basis         $26.59

Agreed to Sell Stock at     $27.00
- Adjusted cost basis       $26.59
Profit                      $ 0.41

Putting It All Together

Selling ATM Covered Calls, ITM Calls, and OTM Calls on Shares of Chemours Company

In this real-life example, we hopped into the world of The Chemours Company (CC) stock back on June 23, 2021. We snagged it at $34.34 per share. And, not just content with that, we also put on our trading hat and sold the July $36 monthly call at $0.63 per share at the very same moment. Can you say multitasking?

As the stock took a bit of a dip, we didn’t just stand still. Nope, we smartly adjusted our covered call game by rolling them out and kind of downward.

Then, around October 11, with the stock wobbling around $31 to $32 per share, we decided to kick things up a notch. We did a little twist by rolling out and upward with the covered calls. This fancy footwork changed the game a bit, making the stock’s cost basis climb from $29.16 to $31.12. And as of right now, it sits at $30.43.

How to Roll a Covered Call: The Best Strategy

Fast forward to December 17, 2021: Let’s say we just sat back, did nada, and the stock soared past $32 per share. Well, guess what? We’d be celebrating a cool profit of $1.57 per share. That’s like a sweet 5 percent gain in just half a year. Not too shabby, right?

Now, let’s do a little comparison dance. If we take the classic buy-and-hold approach and the stock’s hanging out at $32 per share, we’re still looking at a not-so-happy scenario. We’d be staring at a loss of $2.34 per share, which is about 7 percent down. So, you see, there’s something pretty neat about this covered call strategy that keeps our risks in check and opens up chances to ride market waves.

Selling ATM Covered Calls in Different Market Scenarios

When it comes to selling ATM covered calls, one of the exciting aspects is its adaptability to various market conditions. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into options trading or an experienced trader looking to fine-tune your strategy, understanding how to navigate both sideways and bearish markets with this approach can be incredibly beneficial.

Sideways Markets: Profiting from Stability

Imagine the stock market as a calm river, meandering without strong upward or downward trends. This scenario is known as a sideways or range-bound market. During these phases, stocks tend to trade within a specific price range, making it an excellent opportunity for selling ATM covered calls.

How it Works:
In a sideways market, the stock’s price movement remains relatively stable. By selling ATM covered calls, you’re effectively leveraging the stock’s lack of substantial movement. You receive the premium from selling the call options, which can provide a consistent source of income. As long as the stock remains within the range, the options are less likely to be exercised, allowing you to keep the premium while retaining ownership of the stock.

Example:
Let’s say you own shares of Company ABC trading at $50, and you decide to sell an ATM covered call with a strike price of $52. If the stock price stays between $50 and $52 by the option’s expiration, you keep the premium, and the options expire worthless.

Bearish Markets: Hedging Against Declines

A bearish market is marked by a prolonged period of declining stock prices. During these times, investors often worry about potential losses. Selling ATM covered calls can serve as a protective strategy to help mitigate these losses.

How it Works:
When the market is bearish, you can use the strategy of selling ATM covered calls to offset potential losses. By selling call options against your existing stock positions, you receive premiums that act as a cushion against declining stock prices. If the stock’s price drops, the premium received from selling the calls can help offset the losses, providing a degree of downside protection.

Example:
Suppose you own shares of Company XYZ trading at $60, and you’re concerned about a potential decline. You decide to sell an ATM covered call with a strike price of $62. If the stock’s price drops to $58 by the option’s expiration, the premium you received from the call sale can help reduce the impact of the decline.

Covered Call Comparisons in a Falling Market

Strategy	Call Type	Strike Price	Premium Received	Profit Potential	Risk Mitigation		Example
					Market Risk	Downside Protection
Covered Call	ATM	Equal to Current Stock Price	Medium	Limited	Medium	Medium	Stock Price: $50 Sell Call with $50 Strike Premium: $3
	OTM	Above Current Stock Price	Low	Limited	High	Low	Stock Price: $50 Sell Call with $55 Strike Premium: $1
	ITM	Below Current Stock Price	High	Potential to Breakeven	Low	High	Stock Price: $50 Sell Call with $45 Strike Premium: $7

Note:

ATM: At-The-Money, OTM: Out-of-The-Money, ITM: In-The-Money

Flexibility and Strategy Adjustment

One of the significant advantages of selling ATM covered calls is its flexibility. In both sideways and bearish markets, you can adjust your strategy to match the prevailing conditions. For instance, in a sideways market, you might focus on selling calls with shorter expiration dates to capture premiums more frequently. In a bearish market, you can choose lower strike prices to enhance downside protection.

By understanding how to adapt selling ATM covered calls to different market scenarios, you gain a powerful tool that can enhance your trading arsenal. Remember, while the strategy offers potential benefits, it’s essential to keep monitoring the market and your positions to make informed decisions based on current conditions.

Enhancing Your Selling ATM Covered Calls Strategy with Technical Analysis

When it comes to trading and investing, knowledge truly is power. Selling ATM covered calls offers a smart way to generate income from your stock holdings, but when combined with the insights of technical analysis, it becomes an even more potent tool in your trading arsenal.

Understanding Technical Analysis

Technical analysis involves studying historical price and volume data to predict future price movements. While it might sound complex, even beginners can grasp its core concepts to make informed decisions. This approach can help you time your covered call transactions more effectively, leading to improved results.

Using Key Technical Indicators

Let’s dive into a couple of key technical indicators that can work hand in hand with your selling ATM covered calls strategy:

1. Moving Averages:
   Moving averages smooth out price fluctuations over a specific period, helping you identify trends. The simple moving average (SMA) and the exponential moving average (EMA) are commonly used. When the stock price crosses above a moving average, it might indicate an uptrend, making it a potential opportune time to sell covered calls. Example: If the stock’s price crosses above its 50-day moving average, it could signal upward momentum. This might be an ideal time to execute a covered call trade.
2. Relative Strength Index (RSI):
   The RSI measures the speed and change of price movements. It ranges from 0 to 100, with values above 70 indicating potential overbought conditions and values below 30 indicating potential oversold conditions. Combining RSI with your covered call strategy can help you identify when a stock might be due for a price correction. Example: If the RSI is above 70, suggesting overbought conditions, you might consider executing a covered call trade, as the stock might be poised for a short-term decline.

Mastering Renko Charts Technical Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide

Real-Life Application

Let’s put this into perspective with a real-life example:

Suppose you own shares of Tech Inc., and you notice its stock has crossed above its 50-day moving average. This suggests a potential uptrend. You decide to capitalize on this by selling ATM covered calls on your Tech Inc. holdings. Additionally, you check the RSI, and it indicates that the stock is overbought. This aligns with your strategy to generate income through covered calls while potentially benefiting from a short-term correction in the stock price.

Balancing Art and Science

Remember that while technical analysis provides valuable insights, no approach is foolproof. It’s a tool to help guide your decisions, but it’s essential to combine it with your understanding of market conditions, news, and other factors. This balance between technical analysis and fundamental analysis is where the art of trading comes into play.

Incorporating technical analysis into your selling ATM covered calls strategy can give you an edge in timing your trades, managing risk, and optimizing your returns. As you gain experience, you’ll refine your skills and find what works best for your trading style.

Boosting Income with Dividend Stocks and Selling ATM Covered Calls

When you’re looking to make the most of your investments, combining dividend stocks with the strategy of selling ATM covered calls can be a smart move. This approach not only offers the potential for regular income from dividends but also enhances your returns through premiums from covered calls.

Understanding Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks are shares of companies that distribute a portion of their earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends. These dividends are typically paid out on a regular basis, providing investors with a consistent income stream. Dividend stocks are popular choices for long-term investors seeking stability and income.

The Synergy: Dividends and Covered Calls

Integrating selling ATM covered calls with dividend stocks creates a dynamic synergy. Let’s break down how this combination works:

1. Regular Dividend Income:
   When you own dividend stocks, you already receive periodic dividend payments. These payments contribute to your income and help stabilize your investment portfolio.
2. Premiums from Covered Calls:
   By selling ATM covered calls on your dividend stocks, you can generate additional income. The premiums you receive from selling the call options complement your dividend earnings, effectively boosting your overall income potential.

Example:
Imagine you own shares of Dividend Corp, which pays an annual dividend of $2 per share. The stock is currently trading at $50 per share. You decide to sell an ATM covered call with a strike price of $52 for a premium of $1 per share.

• Scenario 1: The stock remains below $52 by the option’s expiration. You keep the premium, which effectively increases your annual dividend income to $3 per share ($2 from dividends + $1 from the covered call premium).
• Scenario 2: The stock’s price rises above $52, and your shares are called away. In addition to the premium, you also profit from the stock’s price appreciation.

Factors to Consider

While the combination of dividend stocks and selling ATM covered calls offers several benefits, there are factors to keep in mind:

• Stock Selection: Choose dividend stocks with a stable history of dividend payments. High-quality, well-established companies often make ideal choices.
• Ex-Dividend Dates: Be aware of ex-dividend dates. If you sell covered calls near these dates, you may risk losing out on dividend payments if your shares are called away.
• Strike Price Selection: Opt for strike prices that allow you to capture attractive premiums while still providing room for potential stock price appreciation.

Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs): How to Grow Your Investment Portfolio

Balancing Risk and Reward

	Selling ATM Covered Calls	Dividend Stocks with DRIPs
Income Generation	Additional income from premiums of covered calls.	Regular income from dividend payments.
Capital Appreciation	Potential for additional gains if stock prices rise above strike prices.	Focus on capital growth through price appreciation.
Strategy Impact	Strategy involves options trading and risk management.	Long-term investment approach with focus on dividend income.
Risk Considerations	Risk management required to avoid potential losses.	Market fluctuations may impact stock prices.
Active Management	Regular monitoring and adjustment of covered call positions.	May require periodic portfolio rebalancing.
Dividend Reinvestment	N/A	Option to reinvest dividends to acquire more shares.
Example	Selling ATM covered calls on Dividend Corp stock to enhance income.	Investing in Dividend Corp with DRIPs to accumulate more shares.

The synergy between dividend stocks and selling ATM covered calls can help you strike a balance between income generation and capital growth. While the strategy provides an additional income stream, it’s essential to consider your risk tolerance, investment goals, and market conditions.

By effectively combining dividend stocks with the strategy of selling ATM covered calls, you position yourself to achieve both steady income and potential gains from options premiums, providing a well-rounded approach to building and managing your investment portfolio.

Conclusion

	Selling ATM Covered Calls
Income Generation	Generate additional income through option premiums.
Adaptability to Market Conditions	Effective in both sideways and bearish markets.
Synergy with Dividend Stocks	Combine with dividend stocks for dual income streams.
Risk Management and Flexibility	Active monitoring and adjustments for risk mitigation.
Education and Practicality	Applicable for beginners and experienced traders.
Key Takeaway	Strategic approach for income, growth, and risk management.

The strategy of selling ATM covered calls emerges as a versatile and potentially rewarding approach for both novice investors and seasoned traders in the dynamic world of options trading. This strategy not only allows you to tap into the potential for generating additional income but also offers a unique avenue to navigate diverse market scenarios and manage risk effectively.

Through the exploration of various facets, we’ve uncovered the foundational concepts, advantages, and considerations that underpin the strategy. By delving into the realm of selling ATM covered calls, we’ve illuminated the following key takeaways:

1. Income Generation and Capital Growth: Selling ATM covered calls provides an avenue to enhance returns through the collection of premiums, effectively boosting income potential. Moreover, the strategy can be tailored to capture gains if the stock price rises above the strike price.
2. Adaptability to Market Conditions: Whether facing sideways or bearish market trends, this approach proves its mettle. In a range-bound market, the strategy leverages stability, while in a bearish scenario, it can serve as a protective mechanism against potential losses.
3. Synergy with Dividend Stocks: For those eyeing dividend stocks, integrating the strategy with regular dividends offers a twofold income stream—dividend payments and options premiums. This combination strikes a balance between consistent income and potential capital appreciation.
4. Risk Management and Flexibility: As with any investment strategy, risk management remains pivotal. By actively monitoring positions and employing adjustments, you can navigate changing market conditions and optimize outcomes.
5. Education and Practicality: Whether you’re a newcomer seeking an introduction to options trading or an experienced trader fine-tuning your approach, the strategy’s underlying principles cater to a wide spectrum of skill levels. Real-life examples and use cases illuminate its practical application.

In essence, the world of options trading presents a vast canvas for exploration, and selling ATM covered calls serves as a brush to paint a balanced picture of income generation, capital growth, and risk management. As you embark on your investment journey, armed with newfound insights and knowledge, consider integrating this strategy into your toolkit, allowing it to complement your financial goals and aspirations.

Remember, while opportunities abound, diligence and a clear understanding of your investment objectives remain essential companions. By embracing the intricacies of selling ATM covered calls, you position yourself to navigate the ebbs and flows of the market with increased confidence and purpose, setting your sights on a path that merges financial prudence with the potential for growth.