Schaeffer's Top Stock Picks for '25

Long Put vs. Long Put Spread: Which Should You Play?

How to determine whether you should use a long put or a long put spread

Oct 1, 2015 at 12:03 PM
    facebook X logo linkedin


    The long put and long put spread are both bearish options strategies that profit when the underlying stock declines. So, why would a trader opt to play a long put spread instead of a long put -- or vice versa? Let's look at the pros and cons of each approach.

    When buying a long put, there's only one option involved. You buy a put, and then collect your profit if the underlying security falls below the strike price prior to expiration. The initial cost to purchase the put is your maximum potential loss, while gains are equivalent to the strike price of the option, less the net debit. Likewise, the at-expiration breakeven point can be calculated by subtracting the net debit from the strike price of the option.

    On the plus side, there's only one leg of the trade to manage, which simplifies your strategy and keeps brokerage costs to a minimum. Plus, profits on a purchased put are limited only by theoretical "support at zero" -- as long as the stock keeps falling, you can keep profiting.

    A long put spread, meanwhile, involves the sale of an additional put option at a lower strike. By selling this option, you'll receive a premium upfront, which should offset a portion of the cost of your purchased put option. This effectively lowers your initial net debit -- and, by extension, your maximum possible risk and breakeven point on the play.

    On the other hand, the fact that you're playing a two-legged spread may result in additional brokerage fees. Plus, your maximum potential profit on a long put spread is limited to the difference between the two strike prices, less the initial net debit.

    In summary: A long put offers a greater profit potential, but carries a higher risk and breakeven point. On the other hand, a long put spread reduces your net debit and breakeven, but also caps your potential gains.

    If you have a specific downside target in mind for the stock -- perhaps a historically supportive level on the charts -- you might prefer to implement a long put spread, wherein your sold strike aligns with this expected floor. On the other hand, if you're anticipating an extended decline or a particularly dramatic sell-off, you could opt to ramp up your profit potential by rolling with a solitary long put.

     
     

    You have the chance to join one of Bernie's most exclusive programs, complete access at HUGE savings!

    As we prepare for a new administration to take the reins in Washington, the near-term market landscape is rife with uncertainty.

    The Federal Reserve has already hinted at the turbulence ahead, lowering its interest rate outlook for 2025.

    Meanwhile, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other transformative sectors have unlocked incredible profit potential.

    But these opportunities are fleeting, and timing is everything. That's where Quick-Hit Trader comes in.

    Quick-Hit Trader is designed for precision and speed, getting you in and out of the market in a flash. While other investors scramble to navigate volatile conditions, you'll have access to expertly curated trades that leverage these rapid shifts to deliver explosive profits in short order.

    This is your chance to capitalize on the fast-moving market like never before. Are you ready to make your move?