Final answer:
In a straddle position on Walmart, using September options with a strike price of $88, the maximum loss is the sum of premiums, $1,555. At $94 stock price in September, the loss would be $955. The break-even prices are $72.45 (lower bound) and $103.55 (upper bound).
Step-by-step explanation:
Straddle Position on Walmart Stock
When establishing a straddle position on Walmart using options, two scenarios can occur. One involves the maximum possible loss, and the other involves calculating the profit or loss at a specific stock price at expiration. Furthermore, determining the break-even points for the strategy is key.
Maximum Possible Loss
The most you can lose on this straddle option position is the total amount it cost to enter the trade, which is the sum of both the call and put premiums. Since the call premium is $7.40 and the put premium is $8.15, the total cost (and therefore the maximum loss) is:
Total maximum loss = Call premium + Put premium = $7.40 + $8.15 = $15.55 per share, or $1,555 for one contract representing 100 shares.
Profit/Loss at $94 Stock Price
If Walmart's stock price is $94 at expiration, the put option will expire worthless, and the call option will have an intrinsic value of $6 ($94 stock price - $88 strike price). Since the call premium was $7.40, we incur a loss on the call. The total loss on the position would be the total premium paid minus the value of the call:
Loss = Total premium paid - Intrinsic value of call = $15.55 - $6 = $9.55 per share, or $955 for one contract.
Break-Even Prices
The break-even prices for the straddle are calculated by adding and subtracting the total premium to and from the strike price:
Lower bound break-even price = Strike price - Total premium paid = $88 - $15.55 = $72.45
Upper bound break-even price = Strike price + Total premium paid = $88 + $15.55 = $103.55