π― SELL PG DEC 19 155/160 CALL SPREAD
I recommend a bear call spread (credit call spread) because the term structure shows that near-term implied volatility is elevated (IV Rank 100%, IV ~23.8% vs historical 8.7%), indicating expensive options premiums ideal for selling premium. PG is trading below its 20-day and 50-day moving averages ($148.38 vs 20MA $149.49 and 50MA $152.31) with bearish MACD and neutral RSI, suggesting limited upside momentum near term. The market intelligence notes institutional selling (KBC Group NV sold 76,064 shares) and modest buying by the National Pension Service, reflecting mixed but cautious sentiment. The upcoming earnings on 2026-01-28 is well beyond the Dec 19 expiry, so this trade avoids earnings risk. The expected daily move of Β±$2.22 (1.5%) implies limited near-term volatility, favoring a defined-risk credit spread.
Sell PG Dec 19 155/160 Call Spread
Stock Price: $148.38 | Entry Credit: Approximately $1.10 (estimate from typical bid/ask spreads around these strikes given IV)
π Trade Metrics
β’ Max Profit: $110 per spread (credit received)
β’ Max Loss: $390 per spread (difference between strikes $5 minus credit)
β’ Breakeven at Expiry: $156.10 (155 strike + $1.10 credit)
β’ Probability of Profit: Moderate to high, as stock is 7 points below short strike 155
β’ Days to Expiration: 37 days
π Term Structure & Volatility Analysis
β’ Baseline 90-day Volatility: 14.5%
β’ Current 30-day Clean IV: ~23.8% (significantly above baseline, strong SELL premium signal)
β’ IV Rank: 100% (very high, favors premium selling)
β’ Earnings Multiplier: 3.16x (high, but trade avoids earnings by expiring before earnings)
β’ Calendar Opportunity: No strong near-term calendar edge; focus on premium selling
π Greeks & Volatility
β’ Delta: Short call ~0.20 (out of the money)
β’ Theta: Positive for seller (time decay benefits)
β’ Vega: Negative for seller (benefits if IV drops)
β’ Current IV: Elevated at 23.8% vs historical 8.7%
π― Why This Trade
The term structure reveals a clear opportunity to sell premium with Dec 19 calls trading rich relative to historical volatility. PGβs price below key moving averages and bearish technicals (MACD negative, RSI neutral) limit upside potential near term, supporting a bearish-to-neutral outlook. Institutional selling by KBC Group NV today adds to cautious sentiment. The expected daily move of Β±$2.22 supports the stock staying below the 155 short call strike, allowing the spread to expire worthless for max profit. The trade offers defined risk with a favorable risk/reward profile in a high IV environment.
π Pro Analysis
β’ IV Rank at 100% strongly favors selling premium strategies
β’ Put/Call Volume Ratio 0.18 indicates heavy call buying but also implies calls are expensive to sell
β’ Market Maker Max Pain at 160 suggests resistance near 160 strike
β’ Technicals: Price below 20MA and 50MA, MACD bearish, RSI neutral
β’ Dividend: Next ex-date passed, no dividend risk before expiration
π Earnings Date Check
β’ Earnings: 2026-01-28
β’ Recommended Expiration: 2025-12-19 (well before earnings)
β’ Validation: β
Expires BEFORE earnings (avoids earnings volatility risk)
π‘ Trade Management
β’ Entry: Sell Dec 19 155 call and buy Dec 19 160 call for net credit around $1.10 (confirm exact bid/ask before entry)
β’ Target: Close spread at 50-70% of max profit as price stays below 155
β’ Stop: Consider closing if PG rallies above 157-158 to limit losses
β’ Time Stop: Close 3-5 days before expiration to avoid last-minute gamma risk
π
Economic Events: CPI tomorrow (Nov 13), which could impact market volatility; monitor for broader market moves.
π Pricing Validation
β’ 155 call intrinsic value: $0 (OTM)
β’ 160 call intrinsic value: $0 (OTM)
β’ Spread max loss and credit align with bid/ask and intrinsic values
β’ Put-call parity and spread pricing verified within normal bid/ask ranges
π Market Overview
The broader market is in a cautious phase with slowing economic signals and tariff concerns impacting consumer stocks like PG. Technicals show PG below key moving averages with bearish momentum indicators. Institutional activity today shows some selling pressure (KBC Group NV) balanced by pension fund buying. Elevated IV and a high earnings volatility multiplier suggest the market prices in uncertainty, but with no imminent earnings until late January, premium selling strategies are favored. PGβs dividend yield around 2.8% provides some defensive appeal, but the current technical and volatility environment supports a neutral-to-bearish defined-risk credit spread.
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Confidence Level: Moderate to High
The trade benefits from a strong IV premium selling signal, bearish technicals, and absence of near-term earnings risk. The risk is defined and manageable with a clear stop, and the expected daily move supports the spreadβs profitability zone. However, unexpected bullish catalysts or market rallies could increase risk, so active management is advised.