The special dividend wasn’t accounted for, before those options were written, so Theta was already priced in. Short sellers have to pay the DIV on shares shorted, so they took a hit on the strike price they borrowed at, if not hedged

So so true, $DIS was a prime example of this. Had 105 Feb monthlies, thing goes to $123 AH earnings day, nothing but a stone afterwards. It actually finished ITM on OE, stock didn’t get called away. One of the few times I’ve had them finish ITM and not get exercised.

I think that has a lot to do with what options you’re selling. I do low IV, low Delta options, high volume on stuff I don’t mind owning. I think where many Theta gang guys go wrong is chasing theta, without looking at the underlying.

I’d love if someone would exercise early, free money.

You must of missed when $F announced the DIV. Lotta guys got exercised early for ex-div

I like to think of myself as providing a service, much like a title loan office would.