AMD Stock Option Trade Could Return 37% If Stock Doesn’t Go Wild

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is currently showing elevated implied volatility with an I.V. reading of 56%. This compares with a 12-month low of 28% and a 12-month high of 73%.

X

Traders thinking that volatility might drop while prices stabilize could look at an iron condor.

When volatility is high, the iron condor can be placed further out-of-the-money, giving the trade a decent chance at success. 

Let’s look at an example using AMD stock. 

As a reminder, an iron condor is a combination of a bull put spread and a bear call spread. 

Trade Works If Stock Doesn’t Move Much

The idea with the trade is to profit from time decay while expecting that the stock will not move too much in either direction. 

First, we take the bull put spread. Using the April 29 expiry, we could sell the 95 put and buy the 90 put. That spread could be sold on Friday for around $0.80. 

Then the bear call spread could be placed by selling the 125 call and buying the 130 call. This spread could be sold on Friday for around $0.55. 

In total the iron condor will generate around $1.35 in premium. 

The profit zone ranges between 93.65 and 126.35. This can calculated by taking the short strikes and adding or subtracting the premium received. 

Because both spreads are $5 wide, the maximum risk in the trade is 5-1.35 x 100 = $365. 

Potential Return Of 37% On AMD Stock

Therefore, if we take the premium ($135) divided by the maximum risk ($365), this iron condor trade has the potential to return 37%. 

If price action stabilizes then iron condors will work well. However, if AMD stock continues to bounce around, the trade will suffer losses. 

One way to set a stop loss for an iron condor is based on the premium received. In this case, we received $135 so could set a stop loss at 1.5 times the premium or around $190. 

According to the IBD Stock Checkup, AMD stock is ranked No. 7 in its group and has a Composite Rating of 93, an EPS Rating of 99 and a Relative Strength Rating of 71. 

Please remember that options are risky, and investors can lose 100% of their investment.

This article is for education purposes only and not a trade recommendation. Remember to always do your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions. 

Gavin McMaster has a Masters in Applied Finance and Investment. He specializes in income trading using options, is very conservative in his style and believes patience in waiting for the best setups is the key to successful trading. Follow him on Twitter at @OptiontradinIQ 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 

C Stock Looks Weak, This Option Strategy Takes Advantage 

Is Tesla Stock Due For A Pause? This Iron Condor Could Return 59% 

High-Risk Trade On MU Stock Ahead Of Earnings Offers 15% Return 

As Eli Lilly Holds Above Breakout Level, Here Are Two Option Trade Ideas