MRK cash-secured put calculator
Live sub-spot strikes ranked by annualized return on capital for Merck & Co..
Top 10 MRK cash-secured put strikes by annualized ROC
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How a cash-secured put on MRK works
A cash-secured put on MRK means you set aside cash equal to strike × 100 × contracts — the maximum you'd owe if assigned. In exchange you receive premium up front. For the full setup, delta-selection rules, and assignment management, read the complete cash-secured puts guide.
Three outcomes:
- MRK stays above the strike at expiry → the put expires worthless; you keep the premium and your cash.
- MRK closes below the strike at expiry → you buy 100 shares per contract at the strike. Effective cost basis = strike − premium.
- Stock drops well below the strike → you still buy at the strike, taking an unrealized loss equal to (strike − market price) per share, partially offset by the premium received.
Why MRK for a CSP
Modest implied volatility — predictable premiums with manageable risk. MRK pays a 2.9% dividend. Dividend-capture risk on short calls is moderate. Monitor ex-dividend timing when selling near-term calls.
For wheel-strategy traders, MRK is an excellent wheel candidate. The modest implied volatility — predictable premiums with manageable risk means cash-secured puts collect meaningful premium, and the underlying business profile (Healthcare — Pharma) makes it a name many income sellers would be comfortable being assigned at the right strike.
How to use the MRK CSP calculator
- The expiration dropdown loads the MRK live chain when you open the page.
- Pick a strike below the current price — the Top 10 list above ranks them by annualized ROC.
- Pick a delta range that matches your risk preference (0.20–0.30 is the typical income-seller zone).
- Read the results: cash at risk, premium yield, annualized ROC, effective cost basis if assigned, and breakeven.
Related strategies on MRK
- Covered calls on MRK — if you already own shares
- MRK wheel strategy — the full CSP → assignment → CC cycle
- MRK options overview
Related tickers for CSP selling
FAQ
How is annualized ROC calculated for a MRK CSP?
Annualized return on capital = (Premium ÷ Cash secured) × (365 ÷ days to expiration). Cash secured equals strike × 100 × number of contracts.
What's the effective cost basis if my MRK put is assigned?
Effective cost basis = strike − premium received. That's the actual price per share you pay if assigned, usually below the strike and often below the current market price. The CSP cost-basis deep-dive walks through the math with worked examples.
What strike should I sell on MRK?
Pick a sub-spot strike you would genuinely be comfortable owning MRK at. The Top 10 ranking helps surface candidates; ROC alone isn't enough — you need to want the assignment outcome at that price. The CSP delta-selection guide covers the trade-offs.