Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF has a covered call portfolio in U.S. equities, combined with bear put spreads on the S&P 500 Index for downside protection. ACIO's Sharpe ratio is similar to the S&P 500's since inception, and its low current yield is unattractive for income-seeking investors. Compared to peers, ACIO has outperformed JEPI, but WTPI and DIVO are more attractive based on benefit/risk, yields and fees.
The Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF mirrors the S&P 500's total return but with significantly lower drawdowns, making it a robust 'Hold' for conservative equity exposure. ACIO aims to capture 65% of the S&P 500's upside while limiting the downside to 50%, using a basket of options to achieve this. In 2025, ACIO had a maximum drawdown of -12% compared to the S&P 500's -20%, demonstrating its effectiveness in buffering against market downturns.
ACIO's unique strategy of combining a core stock basket, covered calls, and put options provides robust downside protection, making it a standout ETF. Transparency in ACIO's holdings and strategy contrasts sharply with JEPI's opaque equity-linked notes, enhancing investor confidence in understanding risk. But I don't own ACIO because my own self-driven active investment process is similar enough in some aspects that make owning it redundant for me.
| Name | Quantity | Cost | Value | Profit ($) | Gain (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JD Jim Dushek HARBOUR INVESTMENTS Inc. | 3,827 | $148,161.82 | $177,534.53 | $29,372.71 | 19.82% |
| DC Diane Collins Rovin Capital /UT/ /ADV | 17,844 | $591,923.87 | $829,210.68 | $237,286.81 | 40.09% |
Keith Dubauskas One Plus One Wealth Management LLC | 129,564 | $4.19M | $6M | $1.81M | 43.13% |
| XPN XY Planning Network Inc. XY Planning Network Inc. | 7,168 | $302,405 | $333,312 | $30,907 | 10.22% |
| BFI BROGAN FINANCIAL Inc. BROGAN FINANCIAL Inc. | 1.95M | $59.83M | $90.3M | $30.47M | 50.92% |
| BATS Exchange | US Country |
The fund operates as an actively-managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) with a strategic approach that focuses on maximizing investor returns while managing risks. By investing in a diverse portfolio of U.S.-listed equity securities across a wide range of market capitalizations, the fund seeks to offer a balanced and growth-oriented investment option. The distinctive strategy of using options, including both buying put options or using options collars on the equities, ETFs, or indexes it holds, alongside writing call options on its equity positions, allows the fund to navigate market volatilities with a measured approach. These financial instruments are utilized with the aim of protecting the fund’s portfolio from significant downturns and to benefit from the premium income generated, which can enhance returns or provide additional protection.
The fund's investment strategy is executed through a series of carefully selected products and services designed to manage risks and capitalize on market opportunities:
The cornerstone of the fund’s investment strategy is its commitment to U.S.-listed equity securities. The fund selects equities across various market capitalizations, aiming for a diversified investment portfolio that can leverage growth in different sectors and stages of business cycles. This broad approach allows for a flexible adaptation to changing market conditions and opportunities for growth.
As part of its risk management strategy, the fund buys put options on the very equity securities it holds, on a U.S. equity ETF, or on an index that tracks a portfolio of U.S. equity securities. This method serves as an insurance against significant declines in the value of its holdings. Through put options, the fund seeks to limit losses during downturns, thereby offering an added layer of security to its investments.
Utilizing an options collar involves holding the underlying asset while simultaneously buying a put option and writing a call option on that same asset. This strategy is geared toward providing a hedge against potential downward movements in the asset's price while allowing for gains up to the strike price of the call option. It’s a disciplined approach to managing potential volatility and downside risk.
Writing, or selling, call options on up to 100% of the equity positions in the portfolio represents a significant component of the fund’s income-generating strategy. By writing call options, the fund earns premiums from the option buyers. A portion of these premiums is used to purchase put options, creating a balance between potential income and risk mitigation. This sophisticated strategy leverages market mechanics to potentially enhance the fund’s overall returns.