Collar StrategyXOM · USRisk: Very low

Collar Strategy on Exxon Mobil Corporation

Complete example: Collar Strategy on ExxonMobil (XOM) — including strikes, premium, break-even, and interactive payoff diagram.

Market view

Neutral to defensive

Complexity

Intermediate

Sector

Energy

Typical price

$115

Underlying

Exxon Mobil Corporation for Options Traders

ExxonMobil is the largest US oil company and a reliable dividend aristocrat (~3.3% yield). IV typically ranges 20-34%, heavily influenced by crude oil prices (Brent/WTI) and geopolitical events. ExxonMobil excels for covered calls since the dividend provides additional income alongside option premiums. During energy price cycles, iron condors after strong up or downswings are a good strategy.

Symbol

XOM

Market

IV range

20–34%

Currency

USD

Options note: Good US liquidity; weekly expirations; strikes in $1/$2.50 increments.

Overview

Collar Strategy — Quick Overview

The collar combines an existing stock position with buying a protective put and simultaneously selling an OTM call. The short call partially or fully finances the expensive protective put (zero-cost collar). The result: your downside loss is limited (put protects), but your upside profit is capped (short call). A collar is the strategy of choice for investors who want to protect existing gains in a position.

Advantages

Clearly limited downside loss risk
Often free or cheap to implement (zero-cost collar)
No need to sell the stock position
Dividend rights are maintained (as long as not assigned)

Disadvantages

Upside capped: strong price gains are not captured
More complex than a simple protective put
Early assignment of short call possible with US options (before dividends)
Three positions (stock + put + call) increase management complexity

Example Trade

Collar Strategy on ExxonMobil

Illustrative example based on a typical ExxonMobil price of $115. Strikes and premiums are indicative — actual market prices will vary.

Position	Type	Strike	Action	Premium
100 Shares (held)	Stock position	$115	Long (entry price)	—
Long Put (protection)	Put	$105	Buy (debit)	-$1,74
Short Call (finances put)	Call	$125	Sell (credit)	+$2,32
Net credit received				+$0,58 ($58 per contract)

Max Profit

$1.058

per contract

Max Loss

-$942

per contract

Break-even

$114

Payoff

Payoff Diagram at Expiration

Profit and loss of the Collar Strategy on ExxonMobil depending on the price at expiration. Values per contract (100 shares).

Suitability

Why Collar Strategy for ExxonMobil?

Medium volatility provides enough premiums for attractive collars. You can buy puts with good strikes and sell somewhat more distant calls — preserving upside potential. Particularly after strong rallies (wanting to protect gains) or before uncertain market phases, a collar on this stock is an effective hedging strategy.

When is the right time?

1Protect existing stock gains (e.g., position is significantly up)
2Turbulent market phases or uncertainty before specific events
3Tax optimization: protection without selling the position (controls realization timing)
4Long-term investors seeking temporary hedges
5Hedge equity compensation plans (RSUs, stock options)

FAQ

FAQ: Collar Strategy on ExxonMobil

What is the purpose of a collar strategy?

The collar primarily serves to protect an existing stock position. It limits downside losses (via the long put) at the cost of upside participation (short call caps gains). Typical use case: an investor holds a stock with 50% unrealized gain and wants to protect it without selling — a collar shields against a price decline.

Is a collar the same as a covered call?

No. A covered call consists of stock + short call — no put protection. A collar adds a long put to the covered call, providing downside protection. A covered call generates income with a modestly neutral outlook; a collar offers real protection at the cost of call premium (which is partially used to buy the put). The collar is more expensive to set up but provides significantly more protection.

How do I set up a zero-cost collar?

For a zero-cost collar, choose strikes so that the short call premium exactly covers the long put premium. In practice: buy the put at a specific strike (e.g., 5% below current price) and then find the call strike that generates an identical premium. This call strike often sits 8-12% above the current price — depending on the IV curve (skew). With strong negative skew (puts more expensive than calls), you surrender more upside.

When should I consider a collar on my stock position?

A collar is appropriate when: (a) the position is significantly in profit and you want to protect gains; (b) a turbulent market phase or specific risk event is approaching; (c) you have tax reasons not to sell the position yet; (d) you are long-term bullish but need short-term protection. A collar is less suitable if you have a neutral or bearish view on the stock.

What happens to my collar at expiration?

Three scenarios: (1) Price above short call strike → shares are sold at the call strike (assignment), but you have realized maximum profit. (2) Price between put and call strike → both options expire worthless, you keep the shares, net premium was either credit or debit. (3) Price below put strike → you can sell the shares at the put strike (protection activated), limiting your loss.

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