9/17/09 Emmys Edition

Here's a way to make a quick $3900 (hey, every bit helps).

In the Emmy derivatives category, under Best Drama, short every single option. No matter who wins, you will make money.

If Mad Men wins, you will be out $13.06 per share. You will, however, gain $13.19 per share, for a net of $0.13 per share.

If LOST wins, you will be out $16.05 per share. You will gain $16.18 per share, for a net of $0.13 per share.

If Damages takes home the trophy, the damages are $20.47 per share. The gain will be $20.60. Once again $0.13 per share.

If it's Dexter, you're out $19.82, but you're up $19.95. Still $0.13.

For Breaking Bad, the bad news amounts to $16.96, but the good news is $17.09. Yup, $0.13.

Big Love will cost you $19.30 but bring in a dowry of $1943. $0.13.

Finally, House will cost $20.21, but bring in $20.34.

So, as you see, no matter what you choose, you can gain $0.13 per share. So, if you max out on shares, you can take in a quick $1300.


However, I promised a quick $3900, so we still have $2600 to go. To do this, buy every contender for Best Comedy.

If it's 30 Rock, you gain 12.02 per share, while losing $11.76. $0.26 per share.

If it's Entourage, you gain $19.56 per share, while dropping $19.30. $0.26.

Family Guy will bring in $20.34, losing $20.08. $0.26.

Flight of the Conchords takes in $19.30, losing $19.04, for $0.26.

How I Met Your Mother brings $19.43, losing $19.17, $0.26.

Weeds brings you $19.04, losing $18.78, for $0.26.

Finally, The Office would take in $16.57, dropping $16.31, still $0.26.

So, if you buy all shares of Best Comedy and short all shares of Best Drama, you gain a quick and easy $3900 that will be repaid Monday, September 21st. However, if you want to make your profit, make your purchases during this coming weekend so you don't pay brokerage fees, or you will lose your profit.

Finally, if you want to try to make a little extra to make it worth your while, you can take a risk and leave out a few shows in your purchase (for example, when buying all comedies, if you think Flight of the Conchords has no chance and want to leave it out, you can leave that out (or take a bigger risk and short it). This could earn you a bigger reward, but if you're wrong and it pulls an upset, you will be taking a big hit.

Happy trading.