So we start the first full week of trading with a big down day, closing gaps and testing trend lines. If you are one that believes the end of the trend is here then you are probably pretty happy today. But if you like to get confirmation of a trend change, or believe the longer trend remains higher then there may be some opportunities developing.
I fall into the latter camp, looking at this pullback as a possible opportunity. And one name that I am looking at is Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG). I closed out my position last week in the name after holding it from the run up from the base at 84. But with a strong uptrend and a good dividend it looks really good on this quick $4 pullback.
There are two ways that I look at stocks like this. One is to buy them and immediately protect them with a collar. The second is to get paid a credit to put on a trade with a possible entry at a lower level.
For P&G the chart above shows it testing rising trend support and the momentum indicators mixed. The MACD continues to point lower, while the RSI is in the bullish range and is starting to level. There is also very large open interest in the options contracts for January Expiry at the 90 strike. This could keep it close to 90 for the next two weeks or draw it back at Expiry.
Using the first trade structure, you could look to buy the stock here around 90, and add a January 90/87.5 Put Spread as protection. The put spread, buying the 90 Strike and selling the 87.5 Strike, costs about 70 cents. By also selling a March 95 Strike Covered Call for about 60 cents, you have a collar that protects the downside for 2 weeks while allowing upside to 95, for the cost of 10 cents.
Using the second structure, you might choose a January 23 Expiry 90/89-88 1×2 split Strike Put Spread. Say What???? All the fancy jargon means is that you buy a 90 Strike Put and sell both a 89 and 88 Strike Put. The combination costs nothing but uses margin, or can be done in an IRA if you have cash to cover the short 88 Strike Put. This gives a $1 payout if the stock closes at 89 or lower on January 23rd. And if it closes below 88 you will be put the stock (you will own it) with a basis of $87.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post represents my own opinions and does not contain a recommendation for any particular security or investment. I or my affiliates may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in the Blog, please see my Disclaimer page for my full disclaimer.