FINRA Series 7Investment Information and Suitable RecommendationsMedium

A client establishes a credit call spread by selling 1 XYZ 60 Call for a premium of $5 and buying 1 XYZ 65 Call for a premium of $2. What is the maximum profit this client can realize on this strategy?

  1. A$500
  2. B$200
  3. C$50
  4. D$300
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. $300

A credit call spread is established by selling a call with a lower strike price and buying a call with a higher strike price, both for the same underlying asset and expiration. The maximum profit is the net premium received. In this case, the client receives $500 for selling the 60 Call and pays $200 for buying the 65 Call. The net premium received is $500 - $200 = $300.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This is just the premium received from selling the short call, not accounting for the cost of the long call.
  • B. This is the maximum loss, not the maximum profit.
  • C. This calculation is incorrect and does not represent a valid profit or loss for this strategy.

Credit Call Spread Maximum Profit

The highest possible profit from a credit call spread, which is equal to the net premium received when establishing the spread.

  • Involves selling a call with a lower strike and buying a call with a higher strike.
  • The investor receives a net premium upfront.
  • Maximum profit occurs if both options expire worthless (stock price below lower strike).

Memory trick: Credit spreads collect cash, max profit is the net.

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