Call vs. Put Options Explained (2024)

Key Takeaways:

With a call option, the buyer has the right – but not the obligation – to purchase the underlying asset at a price certain before it expires.

A put option gives the buyer the right to sell an underlying asset at a specified strike price before the option expires. As with call options, the buyer is not obliged to act.

Options trading requires correct prediction of the direction and amount the stock will move, as well as the time period such movement will occur.

The terms “call option” and “put option” are key to options trading and stock market strategy. Thus, it is important to fully understand the chief similarities and differences between the two options. With that said, the following covers call vs. put options.

What is an Options Contract?

A pact between two parties agreeing to conduct a prospective transaction involving an asset at a preset amount and date is referred to as an options contract. The value of such contract is based on the underlying asset, usually a publicly traded financial instrument such as a stock or exchange-traded fund. The two primary types of options are “call” and “put.”

Generally, such an agreement involves a:

Premium. The cost to purchase the right to make the trade.
Expiration date. The last day on which the right to exercise the options contract is valid.
Strike price. The amount the investor pays if they use their option to buy or sell.
Amount. The number of options contracts that are bought or sold.

What is a Call Option?

With a call option, the buyer has the right – but not the obligation – to purchase the underlying asset at a price certain before it expires.

What is a Put Option?

A put option gives the buyer the right to sell an underlying asset at a specified strike price before the option expires. As with call options, the buyer is not obliged to act.

Types of Call Options

The various types of call options include:

Long. This gives the investor the right to buy shares of a certain stock at a later date for a preset price.
Short. This position is taken when a trader thinks the price of the asset underlying the option will fall.
Covered. This is when an investor writes a call option for an asset they already own when they believe the price will remain unchanged or decrease by the expiration date.
Naked. The investor here is obliged to buy shares at the “spot price” – the current marketplace price – when the option is exercised. They then sell the shares to the holder for the strike price.

What are Common Strategies for Puts?

Common investment approaches for puts include:

Protective put. Such a position is established by purchasing stock and buying put options on a share-for-share basis.
Put spread. This entails purchasing a put on a strike, and selling another put on a lower strike with the same expiration date.
Covered put. This is when an option is written against a short position when a share is borrowed then sold.
Naked put. With this strategy, the investor writes put options without holding a short position in the underlying security.

How are the Two Concepts Similar?

Both the call vs put option give investors the right to buy and sell stock shares at a set price during a certain period. With both, investors have rights sans obligations.

How are the Two Options Different?

While call options give the holder the right to buy shares, put options provide the right to sell shares.
With call options, the seller will have unlimited risk while the option seller in put options has limited risk.
The buyer in call options has limited risk. An options buyer in put options has limited risk.

Example of Buying a Call Option

Say an investor thinks the price of ABC stock will increase in a year, but they are uncertain whether the price, currently at $30 per share, will first decrease. Because of their uncertainty, they buy a call option that expires in a year and has a per-share strike price of $32. Because the premium is $0.50, an options contract will cost $50 ($0.50 multiplied by 100 shares).

Example of Buying a Put Option

Say an investor thinks the price of XYZ stock, currently at $20 per share, will fall in a year. Thus, the investor decides to buy a put option at a strike price of $18 per share that expires in a year. Because the premium is $0.45, the investor must pay $45 for one option contract.

While the investor has the right to sell XYZ at $18 per share before it expires, they will only do so if the price reaches $17.54 per share. The breakeven price is $17.55. To make a profit, the price of XYZ must be $17.54 or under. If such pricing does not happen before the stock expires, the $45 premium will be lost.

However, if the stock trades at $15 per before it expires, and the put option to sell XYZ at $18 per share is exercised, the profit would be $18 minus $15 times 100 shares, minus $45. That comes to $255.

What are Risks Associated with Each Option?

Here is a look at risks for call vs. put options.

Call Option Risks

If the stock’s value is unchanged or falls below the stock price, there is no value for the holder.
One’s premium may be lost if their option isn’t exercised.
Stock shares may be lost if a covered call option sold is exercised under the spot price.
Could lose money if a naked call option sold is exercised under the spot price.

Put Option Risks

Expires worthless if the stock does not reach the breakeven point. If it does not, the investor loses their premium.
The potential profit of a put option is limited by how low the price of the underlying asset can go.
Premiums are more than for call options.
Large losses are possible.

Rewards Associated with Each Option

Call Option Rewards

Buying a call option on a stock that increases in value before it expires can yield substantial profits.
The premium for a call is typically less than for a put option.
If a call option is sold, the investor can collect a premium for each share.

Put Option Rewards

One knows from the start the most they can lose.
Can generate profits if market prices go under the strike price.
Can generate income by charging a premium.

When Should You Buy/Sell Puts and Call Options?

Basically, options trading requires correct prediction of the direction and amount the stock will move, as well as the time period such movement will occur.

How to Invest Outside the Stock Market

Given the risks involved with options trading, and a stock market that is intrinsically volatile, it may be wise to explore investments other than stocks and bonds. Investing in “alternatives” such as real estate, art, venture capital, and collectibles can help diversify one’s portfolio while protecting against inflation and generating steady returns.