by Sharkwater Trading Analysis Team | April 15, 2025
In volatile markets, opportunities often emerge for options traders willing to strategically position themselves to both manage risk and potentially enhance returns. Today, we examine one such opportunity in e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF), which has seen significant price declines and elevated options volatility, creating an attractive setup for selling cash-secured puts.
ELF's Current Market Position and Volatility
E.l.f. Beauty's stock has experienced substantial volatility in recent months, trading significantly below its 52-week high. The stock is currently hovering around the $63-68 range, having recently found some support after a steep decline following the company's February earnings report.
The high implied volatility in ELF options reflects market uncertainty about the company's near-term prospects, especially given ongoing concerns about slowing growth and potential impacts from tariffs on Chinese imports, where the company manufactures approximately 80% of its products. This heightened volatility has created elevated options premiums that can be advantageous for those implementing income-generating strategies like selling cash-secured puts.
Why Consider Selling the April 25 $52.50 Put?
Several factors make selling the April 25 $52.50 put on ELF particularly intriguing at the current juncture:
1. Substantial Buffer from Current Price
The $52.50 strike price represents a significant buffer from ELF's current trading price, providing approximately 15-20% downside protection. This means the stock would need to decline considerably from current levels before the put seller would face assignment.
2. Attractive Premium Due to Elevated Volatility
Given the heightened implied volatility in ELF options, the premium available for selling this put is notably attractive relative to the risk assumed. The premium effectively reduces your cost basis if assigned and increases your potential return if the option expires worthless.
3. Short-Term Time Horizon
With an April 25 expiration date, this represents a relatively short-term commitment, allowing you to reassess your position in just under two weeks. This limited time frame reduces the opportunity cost of capital while still providing an appealing annualized yield.
4. Fundamental Value at Assignment Price
Should ELF decline below $52.50, causing assignment, you would be purchasing shares at a price that represents an attractive valuation relative to the company's growth profile and market position. With the premium received offsetting a portion of the purchase price, your effective cost basis would be even lower.
Potential Outcomes and Returns
When selling cash-secured puts, two primary scenarios can unfold:
Scenario 1: ELF Remains Above $52.50 at Expiration
If ELF shares remain above the $52.50 strike price at expiration, the put option expires worthless, and you retain the entire premium received. This represents a pure income play with no shares changing hands.
Assuming a hypothetical premium of $2.00 per contract and setting aside $52.50 per share in cash as collateral, your return on capital for this roughly two-week period would be approximately 3.8% ($2.00 ÷ $52.50). Annualized, this translates to a potential return of roughly 99% if similar trades could be repeated throughout the year.
Scenario 2: ELF Falls Below $52.50 at Expiration
If ELF shares decline below $52.50 by expiration, you'll be assigned and purchase shares at the strike price. However, your effective cost basis would be reduced by the premium received.
Continuing with our hypothetical $2.00 premium example, your effective cost basis would be $50.50 per share ($52.50 - $2.00). This represents a 20-25% discount from current levels and would position you as a long-term shareholder in a company with strong growth prospects at what could be an attractive valuation point.
Risk Considerations
While this strategy offers compelling potential returns, it's important to acknowledge the associated risks:
1. Position Sizing
Given the recent volatility in ELF shares and the broader market, appropriate position sizing is crucial. Consider limiting this trade to a small percentage of your overall portfolio to manage risk effectively.
2. Fundamental Deterioration
Should negative developments emerge regarding ELF's business model, growth trajectory, or market position, the stock could decline significantly below the strike price, leading to paper losses on assigned shares. The company faces a class action lawsuit from shareholders and recently saw a board member resign, factors that could create additional volatility.
3. Tariff and Supply Chain Concerns
With approximately 80% of ELF's products manufactured in China, the company remains vulnerable to potential tariff escalations or supply chain disruptions. Recent tariff announcements have already impacted sentiment around the stock.
4. Earnings Event Risk
ELF's next earnings report is scheduled for May 21, 2025, which falls after the option expiration date. However, any pre-announcement guidance or leaks could significantly impact the stock price before expiration.
Implementation Strategy
If this opportunity aligns with your investment objectives and risk tolerance, consider the following implementation approach:
1. Cash Allocation
Ensure you have sufficient cash available to cover the potential purchase of shares at $52.50 per share. For each contract (representing 100 shares), this means setting aside $5,250 minus the premium received.
2. Order Execution
When selling put options, consider using limit orders rather than market orders to ensure you receive your target premium. Given the bid-ask spreads often present in options markets, this approach can help optimize your entry price.
3. Exit Planning
Determine in advance your criteria for potentially closing the position early. For instance, if the premium declines significantly due to an upward move in the stock, you might consider buying back the put to lock in profits and free up capital for other opportunities.
4. Assignment Preparation
Should the put move into the money as expiration approaches, decide whether you want to accept assignment or potentially close the position to avoid taking ownership of the shares. This decision should align with your longer-term view on ELF and your portfolio allocation strategy.
Conclusion: Strategic Income Amidst Volatility
Selling cash-secured puts on quality companies during periods of elevated volatility can be an effective strategy for generating income while potentially acquiring shares at attractive prices. The April 25 $52.50 put on ELF provides an interesting opportunity for traders comfortable with the risks and who maintain a constructive longer-term view on the company.
As with any options strategy, this approach requires careful risk management, position sizing, and alignment with your broader investment objectives. While the elevated premiums currently available make this opportunity particularly intriguing, ensure it complements your overall portfolio strategy and risk tolerance before proceeding.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Options trading involves risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please consult with a financial advisor before implementing any investment strategy. The opinions expressed herein are those of the Sharkwater Trading Analysis Team and are subject to change without notice.
