A calendar spread is a defined risk spread constructed from a long option that is far out in time, with a short option with less time sold against it. Call or put calendar spreads can be constructed based on the traders slight directional assumption. We always purchase calendar spreads that are slightly out of the money (OTM).
Maximum profit happens when the short option expires just OTM, and the overall volatility is higher than what it was when the spread was purchased. This will result in a full profit from the short option, reducing the cost basis of the long option purchased. Additionally, since volatility affects longer dated options more, an increase in volatility will increase the value of the long option that still has time remaining. At that point, the trader can decide whether to close the trade for a profit, or sell another option against the long option to further reduce the cost basis and hope for a repeat of the same scenario.
Earnings setup calendars are a little different than normal calendar spreads because of the expiration cycle of the long option. The days until expiration on the long option is the most important aspect of this trade. To set up this trade, the long option must have low IV, and must expire just after the earnings announcement date. A great way to check IV is to compare it to past earnings announcements. An earnings setup calendar is rare, because you cannot always find this setup due to the fact that earnings announcement dates can change from quarter to quarter.
As earnings announcements near, volatility expands. This is great news for our long option, since we’re looking for a volatility expansion to realize profits. Calendar spreads are viewed as volatility plays at tastylive due to the lack of directional assumption, and the fact that we deploy them in low volatility environments. It may take time for volatility to expand, which is why we sell the short option against our long one. This helps deflect the time value loss in the long option, and helps us turn a profit on this trade more often.
Liz & Jenny show you how we set up these spreads using BA. Calendar spreads are great for beginners because they are defined risk trades. Our maximum loss on the trade is the amount we pay for the spread at order entry.
This video and its content are provided solely by tastylive, Inc. (“tastylive”) and are for informational and educational purposes only. tastylive was previously known as tastytrade, Inc. (“tastytrade”). This video and its content were created prior to the legal name change of tastylive. As a result, this video may reference tastytrade, its prior legal name.