Posts  / SPY  / #POST-001891
REDDIT

Should I start buying call options instead of stocks?

T
Feb 16, 2025 · 10:14

I've never invested in options, so doing the math for the first time. I know I am missing something, which is what I need help figuring out.

I was seeing this call option for SPY (last one in the screenshot) This was my math:

https://preview.redd.it/ji5cucjg7hje1.png?width=2010&format=png&auto=webp&s=fd544f7ee67ebcaf21ccf8602cc65bd8be76c0ac

Q. when does buying the call option make sense?
A. it makes sense when option_return_% > stock_return_%

option_return_% = (final_price - strike_price - option_cost) / option_cost
stock_return_% = (final_price - curr_price) / curr_price

i.e. => (final_price - strike_price - option_cost) * curr_price > (final_price - curr_price) * option_cost

i.e. => final_price > curr_price * strike_price / (curr_price - option_cost)

i.e. => final_price > 609.78 * 210 / (609.78 - 406.06)

i.e. => final_price > 628.58

so as long as SPY grows to $628.58 (3% increase in one year), buying the call option makes more sense

Sorry again for the long and boring math, appreciate advice!