Options Basics

Real-World Covered Call Examples on Walmart (WMT)

Three ways to structure the same trade — monthly, medium, or set-and-forget.

WMT sample — I change and update this section periodically, but the basic theory is the same regardless of the stock or ETF you trade.

Current stock price: ~$128 per share (as of May 2026). You own 5,000 shares of WMT (total value ~$640,000). For these examples we sell covered calls against only 1,000 shares (10 contracts). This is conservative sizing — you can scale up responsibly as you gain experience. All examples target ~10–15 Delta calls (roughly 85–90% probability of expiring worthless) in an IVR range of 60–70. In a lower IVR range (learn about IVR and IV here) these numbers can change quite a bit. I will teach you exactly how to find these in our coaching.

1 · Short-term / monthly style (38 days)

ExpirationJune 18, 2026 (38 DTE)
Call strike (≈10–12 Delta)$150–$155 range (well above current price)
Realistic premium≈ $0.60 – $0.90 per share (midpoint ~$0.75)
Cash collected today (10 contracts)$750
Expected monthly income (with rolling)$600 – $900 per cycle

Best for: investors who want regular monthly income and are willing to manage/roll more frequently.

2 · Medium-term (6–7 months)

ExpirationNovember 20, 2026 (193 DTE)
Call strike (≈10–12 Delta)$170
Realistic premium≈ $1.05 – $1.35 per share (mid ≈ $1.20)
Cash collected today (10 contracts)$1,200
Expected monthly income (with rolling)$180 – $250 (roll or sell new calls after expiry)

Key advantage: a much higher strike gives your shares significant room to appreciate before being called away, with lower management frequency.

3 · Long-term / dividend-style (10–11 months)

ExpirationMarch 19, 2027 (312 DTE)
Call strike (≈8–10 Delta)$190
Realistic premium≈ $0.90 – $1.30 per share (mid ≈ $1.10)
Cash collected today (10 contracts)$1,100
Expected monthly income (with rolling)$90 – $140

Key advantage: a true "set it and forget it" approach — lowest management, maximum realistic upside room, while still collecting a premium upfront.

Important reality notes

Many people run a mix — some short-term calls for income on part of their shares, and longer-dated calls on the rest for growth plus steady premium. This probability-based, calm approach follows Tastytrade principles: sell high-probability premium, manage winners early (50% profit target, standard Tastytrade mechanics), and roll when necessary.

In our coaching sessions, I'll show you live option chains, exactly how to choose delta and IVR, when to roll, position sizing rules, and how to build a portfolio that matches your income vs. growth goals.

Please note

This example is for educational purposes only. Actual premiums, strikes, and probabilities will vary with market conditions. Trading options involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. This is not financial advice.

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Disclaimer

This site is for educational purposes only. I won't tell you how to trade — that decision is up to you. I am not a financial advisor or a registered investment adviser. Trading options is about probabilities, and this is what you will learn. Actual premiums, strikes, and probabilities will vary with market conditions. Options trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. This is not financial advice.