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HTQHow To Quant
Problem

An investor expects a major move in a stock currently trading at S_0 = K = \100$ but has no view on direction. They buy an at-the-money straddle:

  • Long 1 call with K = \100C = $5$
  • Long 1 put with K = \100P = $4$

Both options share the same expiry; each contract covers 100 shares.

Questions

  1. What is the total cost per share?
  2. What is the maximum loss, and when does it occur?
  3. What are the two breakeven stock prices at expiry?
  4. What is the profit per share if S_T = \115S_T = $88$?