Buffett Partnership Strategy Still Applicable Today is a testament to Warren Buffett's enduring investment wisdom. But have you ever wondered; what option strategy does Warren Buffett use? How does his approach align with his value investing principles? Discover the timeless strategies behind Buffett's success.
What Option Strategy Does Warren Buffett Use?
Warren Buffett’s option strategy is selling (writing) put options. Buffett is a legendary investor and the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. The once textile manufacturing company, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, has evolved into a diverse multinational conglomerate owning businesses across various industries, including insurance, utilities, railroads, and consumer goods.
Buffett is renowned for his value investing approach, which focuses on buying high-quality companies at fair prices and holding them long-term. What option strategy does Warren Buffett use? Selling put option is his strategy of choice and here’s how it works:
Selling Put Options
What Selling Put Options Means - When Buffett sells put options, he is selling the right, but not the obligation, to the buyer to sell him a stock at a specific price, the strike price, by a specific date, the exercise date. Selling a put option is, at times, referred to as writing a put. When Buffett sells options, he receives upfront funds from the option buyer called a premium, and option buyer receives Buffett’s commitment to purchase the underlying stock at the strike price on or before the exercise date. The option must be exercised, acted upon, on or prior to the exercise date or it expires worthless.
The Buffett Approach – Buffett’s strategy is to potentially acquire stocks at a lower price than the current market price. If the stock price falls below the strike price, Buffett buys the stock at the strike price. This is known as exercising the option to buy or exercising the option. If the stock doesn't fall to the strike price, he keeps the premium paid by the option buyer.
Heads Buffett Wins, Tails Buffett Wins - Buffett sells put options on a stock he wants to own but feels it’s currently overpriced. If the stock price drops, he’ll buy the stock at a discount. If it doesn’t drop, he still benefits from the upfront premium he received for selling the put options.
What option strategy does Warren Buffett use? Buffett’s put option selling has multiple profit avenues for an investor, but what are some key points to consider?
Key Points
Income Generation - Selling put options generate immediate income through the premiums received.
Strategic Stock Acquisition - This strategy aligns with Buffett's long-term investment philosophy, as it allows him to potentially acquire high-quality companies at attractive prices and under their intrinsic value.
Risk - The primary risk is that if the stock price falls significantly below the strike price, Buffett could be forced to buy the stock at a higher price than the current market value. However, since Buffett only uses this strategy on stocks he’s willing to own, this risk is mitigated by his confidence in the long-term value of the stocks.
What option strategy does Warren Buffett use? Buffett’s use of selling put options is consistent with his value investing principles, focusing on buying strong companies at favorable prices and generating income in the process.
