OptionsPlay DailyPlay Ideas Menu – Jan 9, 2026

💰 The Income Generators (High Probability, Cash Flow)

• UNH: Credit Put Spread utilizing the “transition year” turnaround thesis and stabilizing medical costs.
• ZM: Credit Put Spread betting on the “Platform 2.0” AI pivot improving enterprise retention rates.

🚀 The Growth Seekers (Higher Risk, Max Reward)

• XOM: Debit Call Spread riding the energy breakout driven by production growth in the Permian and Guyana.

🛡️ The Portfolio Protectors (Hedges & Bearish Bets)

• UBER: Covered Call generating income against valuation headwinds and regulatory uncertainty.

1. UNH ($346.56) – The Defensive Turnaround

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• The Trade: Sell to Open the UNH Feb 20, 2026 340/330 Put Vertical @ $4.00 Credit.
• Trade Metrics: POP: 57.16% | Collect $400.00 per contract vs. a Max Risk of $600.00 (1.5:1).
• The Why: Analysts view 2026 as a pivotal transition year for UnitedHealth, expecting operational improvements and stabilizing medical cost trends to drive a recovery.
• The Technicals: The stock is in a confirmed Bullish Trend (1M & 6M) with a Relative Strength of 8/10. It is currently testing Resistance at $382, while major Support sits at $252.
• Management:
  • ⚠️ Warning: Earnings is scheduled for Jan 27, which may require active management.
  • Stop Loss: Buy back the spread at $8.00 (100% of max gain).
  • Take Profit: Buy back the spread at $2.00 (50% of max gain).

2. ZM ($85.65) – AI-Driven Retention

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• The Trade: Sell to Open the ZM Feb 20, 2026 85/80 Put Vertical @ $1.68 Credit.
• Trade Metrics: POP: 59.45% | Collect $168.00 per contract vs. a Max Risk of $332.00 (2.0:1).
• The Why: Zoom’s aggressive integration of “AI Companion” features is successfully driving enterprise renewal rates, supporting a bullish floor despite macro noise.
• The Technicals: The stock is in a Mildly Bearish Trend (1M) but retains a Bullish Trend (6M) with a Relative Strength of 7/10. It is currently testing Resistance at $91, while major Support sits at $74.
• Management:
  • Stop Loss: Buy back the spread at $3.36 (100% of max gain).
  • Take Profit: Buy back the spread at $0.84 (50% of max gain).

3. XOM ($122.91) – Energy Supercycle Breakout

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• The Trade: Buy to Open the XOM Mar 20, 2026 120/135 Call Vertical @ $5.32 Debit.
• Trade Metrics: POP: 41.89% | Pay $532.00 per contract vs. a Max Reward of $968.00 (1.8:1).
• The Why: XOM is positioned as a top energy compounder for 2026, with production ramping in Guyana and the Permian Basin driving earnings power higher.
• The Technicals: The stock is in a confirmed Bullish Trend (1M & 6M) with a Relative Strength of 7/10. It is currently testing Resistance at $126, while major Support sits at $122.
• Management:
  • ⚠️ Warning: Earnings is scheduled for Jan 30, which may require active management.
  • Stop Loss: Sell the spread at $2.66 (50% loss on premium).
  • Take Profit: Sell the spread at $9.31 (75% gain on premium).

4. UBER ($87.57) – Hedging the Downside

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• The Trade: Sell 1 Jan 30, 2026 93 Covered Call @ $0.97 Credit.
• Trade Metrics: POW: 78.78% | Collect $97.00 per contract (20.30% Annualized Yield or 1.12% in 22 Days).
• The Why: While long-term growth remains, we are using this covered call to generate income as the stock faces near-term consolidation and regulatory headwinds.
• The Technicals: The stock is in a Bullish Trend (1M) but a Neutral Trend (6M) with a weak Relative Strength of 3/10. It is currently testing Resistance at $102, while major Support sits at $82.
• Management:
  • Note: These management rules are optional. You may choose to hold to expiration if you are comfortable with the obligation to sell shares at the strike price.
  • Stop Loss: Buy back the call at $1.94 (100% of max gain).