Options Corner: Visa Ahead of Earnings

Core Viewpoint - Visa has underperformed recently, down approximately 7% from its all-time high of $375 in June, but is still up about 10% year-to-date, indicating its role as a barometer for consumer spending and overall economic health [1][2]. Options Market Analysis - The options market is pricing in a plus or minus 3% move for Visa, with implied volatility levels being relatively muted ahead of earnings [3]. - Two bullish trading strategies are discussed: a call diagonal and a put vertical, with the former being more aggressive and the latter more conservative [4][8]. Call Diagonal Strategy - The call diagonal involves buying a slightly in-the-money call at a strike price of 347.5 and selling a higher strike call at 360, with a total cost of approximately $610 if the stock opens around $349 [5][6]. - This strategy requires the stock to move above the break-even point of about $350 to be profitable, with the implied volatility for the bought call at 34% and the sold call at 47% [7]. Put Vertical Strategy - The put vertical strategy is more conservative, involving selling a 342.5 strike put and buying a 332.5 strike put, with a potential credit of about $220 and a risk of $780 [9][10]. - This strategy has a 65% probability of being out of the money at expiration, requiring the stock to remain above a break-even point of approximately $340.30, which is about 2.5% below the current share price [11][12].