Long-term Equity AnticiPation Securities (LEAPS) are long-term option contracts that allow investors to establish positions that can be maintained for a period of up to three years. CBOE lists LEAPS on Equity and Index products. Please visit the CBOE Symbol Directory for a listing of all CBOE Equity LEAPS and Index LEAPS.

The development and introduction of LEAPS by CBOE in 1990 added a whole new range of options possibilities, many suited for conservative stock investors. Current options investors are using LEAPS, as are stock investors, because of the similarities between LEAPS and shares of stock, and the more conservative nature afforded to LEAPS by their long-term expirations.

Benefits of Equity and Index LEAPS:

Equity LEAPS Benefits:

• Equity LEAPS calls can provide long-term stock market investors an opportunity to benefit from the growth of large capitalization companies without having to make outright stock purchases
• Equity LEAPS puts can provide a hedge for stock investors against substantial declines in underlying equities
• Current equity options users may also find LEAPS appealing if they desire to take a longer term position of up to three years in some of the same options they currently trade

Index LEAPS Benefits

• Index LEAPS let you trade, hedge or invest in the "entire" stock market or select industry sectors for a time that can be measured in years
• Index options let you take a bullish or bearish position on the entire market
• Index options let you hedge your investments against adverse market moves
• Index LEAPS let you do all this over a longer time period

LEAPS Conversion & New Listing Memos:

• 2008 LEAPS Conversion Schedule for all cycles (Acrobat Format)

LEAPS Resources:

• Equity LEAPS Product Specifications
• Index LEAPS Product Specifications (select applicable index)
• Options and LEAPS Delayed Quotes
• Daily Equity and Index LEAPS Volume and Open Interest
• Equity LEAPS Symbol Directory
• Index LEAPS Symbol Directory
• New Equity LEAPS Listing Circulars
• LEAPS and Time Decay
• Java Options Calculator
• Options Toolbox Software Download
• LEAPS FAQ
• CBOE Online Bookstore

Equity LEAPS Strategy Discussions:

• Buying Equity LEAPS Calls to Anticipate a Rally
• Buying Equity LEAPS Puts to Hedge the Value of Stock Owned
• Buying Equity LEAPS calls as a Stock Alternative

Weekly LEAPS Strategy Archive:

• Buying in-the-money LEAPS vs. Purchasing stock on margin
• LEAPS Collar
• LEAPS Covered Write
• Covered call writing using In-the-Money LEAPS
• Bullish Leaps Call Spread
• LEAPS Protective Puts
• LEAPS as a Stock Alternative
• Using LEAPS to reduce the risk of a long stock position
Click here for the complete Weekly Strategy Discussion Archive.

Index LEAPS Strategy Discussions:

• Buy Index LEAPS Call Options to Enhance Portfolio Returns
• Buy Index LEAPS Put Options to Protect the Value of a Matched Portfolio
• Buy a Bull LEAPS Call Spread in Anticipation of a Moderately Rising Market

Ask the Institute LEAPS Q&A:

• What if I buy stock and then write a covered call LEAP option, for example out to 2003, and the company is the target of a takeover bid for cash?
• Will the Stock Repair Strategy work as well with LEAPS as with short-term options, since that would lower my commissions?
• How would you determine the most appropriate strike price for a stock that you wish to purchase an option or LEAPS for?
• If you buy a LEAPS option, can the value increase and actually become profitable before the price of the underlying stock reaches the strike price?
• If a LEAPS option expires, is the owner obligated to purchase the stock?:
• How do you get the theoretical value of an option that expires in 3 or 4 years?
• Why would I want to be long stocks when I could be long LEAPS? What are the disadvantages to owning LEAPS as opposed to the underlying stock?
• If I own a LEAPS option, and I sell a call against it, if the stock is above my strike price, will my option be exercised?
• What publications (available at a well stocked chain bookstore) would you recommend to learn more about the basics of stock options?
• If I own a LEAPS option, and I sell a call against it, if the stock is above my strike price, will my option be exercised?
• I am considering the following strategy: buying a LEAPS put and selling the same strike or different for 1 -3 months.
• I want to hedge a $100,000 portfolio by buying puts on the OEX. How do I calculate how many puts I need to buy?
• Why are there two different LEAPS for a stock with the same expiration and strike?
• What is the tax treatment for LEAPS held for 18 months?
• What is a LEAP? Does it affect the price of the stock? Does it set the price of options?
• Could you please provide a simple definition of expiration months and an example?
• Is it true that by their nature options are short-term instruments and forecasting short-term price movements is nearly impossible?
• Are LEAPS available only on specific equity securities, or can you buy leaps on indices. Where do I find prices on LEAPS?
• Can I sell calls on stocks in my IRA?
Click here for the complete Ask the Institute Q&A Archive.