Options Strategies
Long Butterfly Spread
Strategies Long Butterfly Spread
Component Buy 1 call with lower strike price/level, sell 2 call with middle strike price/level and buy 1 call with higher strike price/level
Potential Profit When the stock price/index level is between the two break-even points
  • When the stock price/index level is between the middle strike price & upper break-even point: equals to upper break-even point minus stock price/index level
  • When the stock price/index level is between the lower break-even point & middle strike price: equals to stock price/index level minus lower break-even point
Maximum Loss Limited to the net premium paid
Time Value Impact Neutral
Break-even
  • The lower break-even point equals to the lowest strike price/level plus net premium paid
  • The upper break-even point equals to the highest strike price/level minus net premium paid
Remarks Compared with a Short Straddle, a Long Butterfly Spread has limited loss when the stock price/index level is outside the break-even range.
Example
  Net Position +1 Jun 180 Call -2 Jun 200 Call
  +1 Jun 220 Call    

Component Buy 1 ABC Jun $180 Call, pay $20 and sell 2 ABC Jun $200 Call each at $10, totally receive $20 and buy 1 ABC Jun $220 Call, pay $5
Net Premium Pay $20-$20+$5=$5
Break-even
  • Lower: $180+$5=$185
  • Upper: $220-$5=$215
Profit when Stock price is between $185 and $215
Potential Profit
  • When the stock price is between $185 & $200, stock price - $185
  • When the stock price is between $200 & $215, $215 - stock price
Potential Loss $5
Time Value Impact Neutral

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