Price is 66% above our fair value of $119 (range $114–$123, 4 of 4 models). Being this far above our estimate has had no bearing on what the shares did next, 2022–2026.
Prices as of 2:49 PM ET, Sep 17. Check the live quote before you send an order.
The put
Skip
Skip the put. It pays a lot because NTAP can drop a lot. Wait, or buy shares.
If it goes against you: you buy 100 shares at $195, which after the $860 you keep works out to $186.40 a share. Below $186.40 you are down on the trade. From that day the shares take above is the one that applies.
The order, if you sell it anyway
You get$860 (limit about $8.60)
If it fallsBuy 100 shares at $195
Cash to hold$19,500
Close earlyBuy back at about $5.16 ($516)
Chance you buy the sharesabout 43 in 100
ContractNTAP Oct 16 $195 put
ActionSell to open
In your broker app: open the stock → Trade → Options → Sell to open → pick the contract shown here.
Why skip
The put: Oct 16, $195 strike, 29 days out. Pays $860. Roughly a 43-in-100 chance you end up buying the shares.
On paper: 56% a year. That number assumes NTAP keeps moving like it did the past two years. Take that away and it is -3% a year. That is why we say skip.
Next earnings Dec 1, after this put ends. We never sell a put across a report.
If you already own 100 shares
Income call
For income on NTAP you already hold: sell the Oct 16 $230 call and take $150 now. If NTAP climbs to $230 by Oct 16, your 100 shares are sold at $230, so only do it if you're happy selling there.
If it climbs past $230 your 100 shares are sold at $230 and you keep the $150. That is the trade working, not a loss.