So let's look at selling a cash-secured put to take advantage of the high implied volatility around the earnings announcement. A cash-secured put involves selling an at-the-money or out-of-the-money put option and simultaneously setting aside enough cash to buy the stock. The goal is to either have the put expire worthless and keep the premium, or to take assignment and acquire the stock below the current price. They are very similar to a covered call and are quite easy to understand once you know the bas ...