What Is Synthetic Put?

A comprehensive guide to understanding the synthetic put options strategy, which combines a short stock position with a long call option to mimic a long put option.

A synthetic put is an options trading strategy that combines a short stock position with a long call option to emulate the risk-reward profile of a traditional long put option. This strategy is used by traders to hedge against potential losses in the stock market or to speculate on a decline in the price of the underlying asset.

Components of a Synthetic Put

To create a synthetic put, you need:

• Short Stock Position: Selling shares of the underlying stock that you do not own, with the expectation that the stock price will decline.
• Long Call Option: Buying a call option on the same underlying stock, which gives you the right to purchase the stock at a predetermined price within a specified time period.

Formula Representation

The synthetic put can be mathematically represented using the following equations:

$$ \text{Synthetic Put} = \text{Short Stock Position} + \text{Long Call Option} $$

Alternatively, since the put-call parity theory states:

$$ \text{Put Option} = \text{Call Option} + \text{Present Value of Strike Price} - \text{Stock Price} $$

A synthetic put modifies this equation to instead use an actual short stock position in place of the term involving the stock price.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Cost Efficiency: A synthetic put can be less expensive than buying an actual put option due to lower premiums on call options.
• Flexibility: This strategy allows traders to adjust their positions based on market movements by offsetting the short stock with the call option.
• Hedging: It can serve as a powerful risk management tool to hedge against potential losses in a bear market.

Disadvantages

• Unlimited Risk: The short stock position carries unlimited risk if the stock price rises significantly.
• Complexity: This strategy may require a higher level of expertise and active management to effectively implement and adjust positions.
• Margin Requirements: The need for significant capital to meet margin requirements when holding a short stock position.

Examples of Synthetic Put in Action

Example 1: Hedging a Short Stock Position

Suppose you short sell 100 shares of XYZ Corp at $50 per share, expecting the price to decline. To hedge your position, you buy a call option with a strike price of $50 expiring in three months for a premium of $2 per share. If XYZ Corp’s stock price falls, your short position gains value, and your call option serves as a safety net if the stock price unexpectedly rises.

Example 2: Speculating on Price Decline

You predict that ABC Inc.’s stock, currently trading at $75, will drop. You short sell 50 shares and simultaneously purchase a call option with a strike price of $75, costing $5 per share. If ABC Inc.’s stock drops as expected, you profit from the short sale, while the call option limits your losses in case of an adverse price movement.

Historical Context

Historically, traders have used synthetic instruments to replicate the payoff of standard options due to various market conditions and regulatory environments. The synthetic put strategy has evolved along with the development of options markets, providing more sophisticated tools for risk management and speculative purposes.

Applicability in Modern Markets

In contemporary finance, synthetic put strategies are widely used by institutional investors, hedge funds, and experienced individual traders. They are employed in various market conditions to manage portfolio risk, speculate on downward movements, or capitalize on mispriced options.

Comparisons with Related Terms

Synthetic Call

• Definition: A strategy combining a long stock position and a long put option to mimic a long call option.
• Use Case: Often used when an investor is bullish on a stock and wants to limit potential downside risk.

Protective Put

• Definition: Involves holding a long position in an underlying asset and buying a put option to guard against potential losses.
• Use Case: Commonly used by investors who want to protect their holdings from significant declines while maintaining upside potential.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of a synthetic put?

The primary purpose of a synthetic put is to provide a cost-effective way to hedge against potential declines in a stock’s price or to speculate on such declines.

How does the synthetic put strategy mitigate risk?

By combining a short stock position with a long call option, the strategy limits the potential loss from the short position if the stock price rises, thus providing a hedge.

Are synthetic puts suitable for all investors?

Synthetic puts generally require a higher level of expertise and active management, making them more suitable for experienced traders and institutional investors.

References

1. Hull, J. C. (2018). Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives. Pearson Education Limited.
2. McMillan, L. (2012). Options as a Strategic Investment. New York: NYIF.
3. Bodie, Z., Kane, A., & Marcus, A. J. (2014). Investments. McGraw-Hill Education.

Summary

The synthetic put is a versatile options strategy that effectively mimics the payoff of a traditional long put option by combining a short stock position with a long call option. While offering cost benefits and flexibility, it also involves higher risk and complexity, making it suitable for experienced investors seeking advanced trading strategies for hedging or speculative purposes.