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LEAPS: Definition

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Simple Definition

Long-term options with expirations over 1 year. Stands for Long-term Equity Anticipation Securities.

Why It Matters

LEAPS give you time on your side. Instead of racing against theta decay with 30-day options, you have 1-3 years for your thesis to play out. Deep ITM LEAPS can act as a stock replacement - controlling 100 shares for a fraction of the cost with much less daily time decay.

Key Points

  • LEAPS have minimal daily theta decay - time works more slowly against you
  • Popular for 'stock replacement' strategies using deep ITM calls
  • Higher upfront cost but lower risk of total loss from time decay alone

Learn More

Options Lesson

Strike Price and Expiration

Get a complete explanation with examples, key takeaways, and a quiz to test your knowledge.

Related Terms

Common Questions

Long-term options with expirations over 1 year. Stands for Long-term Equity Anticipation Securities. LEAPS give you time on your side. Instead of racing against theta decay with 30-day options, you have 1-3 years for your thesis to play out.

LEAPS give you time on your side. Instead of racing against theta decay with 30-day options, you have 1-3 years for your thesis to play out. Deep ITM LEAPS can act as a stock replacement - controlling 100 shares for a fraction of the cost with much less daily time decay.

LEAPS have minimal daily theta decay - time works more slowly against you

Popular for 'stock replacement' strategies using deep ITM calls

Higher upfront cost but lower risk of total loss from time decay alone