Cocoa put options give a buyer exposure to falling futures prices. Follow one contract from premium paid to its result at expiration.
How cocoa options work
The examples use options on US cocoa futures. A call gives the right to enter a long futures position at the strike price. A put gives the right to enter a short futures position at that price.
A chocolate manufacturer may use cocoa calls against rising bean costs. US cocoa and London cocoa are separate contracts with different currencies and delivery terms.
The cost of one option
One ICE Futures U.S. contract represents 10 tonnes. At a premium of $200 per tonne, one option costs $2,000 ($200 × 10).
Assume the futures price and strike are both $4,000 per tonne. The call and put premiums are each $200 for comparison, not current quotes. Results below are at expiration, before fees, with any futures position from exercise immediately closed at the stated price.
Buying cocoa puts
If you expect prices to fall instead, buying one $4,000 put costs $2,000 in this example.
At a futures price of $3,400 per tonne, selling at the strike gives an advantage of $600 per tonne. The option is worth $6,000 at expiration, leaving a $4,000 net profit after the premium.
At $4,000 or above, the put expires worthless. Breakeven is $3,800 per tonne. At $3,900, the price has fallen, but the put still loses $1,000: the move has not covered its premium.
Before expiration
An option can be sold to close before expiration when a market is available. Its price then includes the effect of remaining time and implied volatility, so an earlier trade need not break even at the expiration price calculated above.
The purchased option can lose its whole premium. Exercise can create a futures position requiring margin and exposing you to further gains or losses. An uncovered seller can lose more than the premium received.
Cocoa price chart
Capital.com US Cocoa CFD reference price. This broker CFD (contract for difference) is a market reference, not a spot price or an exchange futures contract. This is the US cocoa reference, not London cocoa quoted in pounds. Prices and quoting units may differ from the contracts described in this guide. Check the widget timestamp and market status; prices may be delayed.
