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Rubric AdvisorsRubric Advisors
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Investment Strategy

Options Overlay Strategy

Selective options positions for income or hedging, used only where suitable.

Overview

We layer selective options positions onto existing portfolios to pursue additional income or hedge downside risk, using them only when they fit a client's situation.

A common use: covered calls on a concentrated position while The Rubric Unwind runs. Covered calls cap gains above the strike price, and an assignment can trigger tax. Start by understanding your risk profile with our free assessment tool.

Important: Options involve significant risk and are not appropriate for all investors. Certain options strategies can result in losses that exceed the amount invested; uncovered (naked) option writing, which our Form ADV discloses we may use, carries potentially unlimited loss. Because of these risks, we offer options overlays only to clients whose financial circumstances, objectives, and risk tolerance can bear the potential loss of capital. We implement an options strategy only when it is suitable for you, and will not do so otherwise. Please discuss your experience and risk tolerance with your advisor before participating in any options strategy.

How we use options

Used selectively, for income or hedging.

Extra Income from Existing Holdings

Writing covered calls on existing holdings can generate premium income, but caps upside above the strike price and assignment can trigger tax.

Downside Hedging

Where suitable, spreads, protective puts, or collars described in our Form ADV can reduce, but not eliminate, losses on a position, at a cost, and may limit gains.

Disciplined Risk Management

Each position is sized and monitored against defined limits, with clear reporting. Some strategies still carry the potential for losses that exceed the amount invested.

Suitability First

Offered only to clients whose objectives and risk tolerance can bear the potential loss of capital. Not suitable for all investors.

Common questions

What is an options overlay?
Writing options, most commonly covered calls, on stocks you already own to collect option premium. Where suitable, we may also use other option-writing strategies described in our Form ADV, such as spreads. Options are used only where suitable for your objectives and risk tolerance.
What are the risks of covered calls?
Covered calls cap your gains above the strike price, and if the stock rises sharply your shares may be called away, which can realize capital gains. The premium offsets only a small part of a decline, so you keep nearly all of the stock's downside risk. Options involve additional risks and are not suitable for all investors.

Next step

Is an options overlay right for you?

Let’s discuss whether an options overlay fits your portfolio and risk profile.