Derivatives

Understanding the Long Call Butterfly Spread Strategy with Nvidia (NVDA)

Published January 6, 2024

Investors and traders looking for a non-directional option strategy that offers the potential for substantial returns with limited risk may find the Long Call Butterfly Spread an intriguing possibility, especially in the context of Nvidia Corporation NVDA, a leading company in the design of graphics processing units (GPUs) and system on chip units (SoCs). The Long Call Butterfly Spread is specifically designed for markets where significant price movement is not expected, making it an attractive strategy for periods of low volatility or when a stock is expected to stay within a certain range.

What is a Long Call Butterfly Spread?

A Long Call Butterfly Spread involves the purchase and sale of multiple call options at different strike prices but with the same expiration date. The setup typically consists of buying one in-the-money (ITM) call, selling two at-the-money (ATM) calls, and buying one out-of-the-money (OTM) call. This configuration creates a 'body' (the short ATM calls) and 'wings' (the long ITM and OTM calls). The maximum profit of this strategy is achieved when the stock price is at the middle strike price at expiration.

Setting Up the Strategy with Nvidia NVDA

For a stock like Nvidia NVDA, which operates in industries that can see periods of consolidation following robust growth phases, a Long Call Butterfly could capitalize on its price stability. In setting up this options strategy with NVDA, investors should identify three strike prices where they believe the stock will remain close to the middle strike by expiration. The profitability of this trade is contingent upon NVDA's stock price landing near the middle strike, allowing the investor to potentially benefit from the expiration of the two short calls while retaining value in the long positions.

Risks and Reward Potential

As with all options strategies, the Long Call Butterfly Spread isn't without risk. The maximum loss is limited to the net premium paid to establish the spread, while the maximum profit is realized if NVDA's price is exactly at the middle strike at expiration. Investors must also consider that commissions can erode potential profits due to the multiple transactions involved. Conversely, if the forecast is accurate, and NVDA remains range-bound, this strategy could take flight, yielding a handsome return relative to the risk undertaken.

Nvidia, Options, Strategy