Top 5 Canadian Monthly Covered Calls for December 2025
Top 5 Canadian Covered Calls — December 2025 (Expires Fri, Dec 19)
For the December 19, 2025 expiry, we screened all TSX-listed optionable stocks using ROO %, delta, Scouter Score, liquidity, sentiment, and seasonality. Below are the 5 strongest setups today: AQN, IMO, K, CNQ, and ABX.
What the Metrics Mean
- ROO % (Return on Option): premium yield for this expiry window (not annualized).
- Δ (Delta): proxy for assignment odds and price sensitivity (−1 to +1).
- OI (Open Interest): number of active contracts at the chosen strike — higher values suggest stronger liquidity and easier trade execution.
- Scouter Score (1–10): composite rank blending fundamentals, technicals, liquidity, and stability.
- News Sentiment (−1 to +1): recent media tone.
- Seasonality: December win rate and average return to the same 3rd-Friday expiry historically.
December 2025 Top 5 (Snapshot)
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#1AQN.TO – Algonquin Power & Utilities
Snapshot: Price 8.40 · ROO 2.00% · Strike 8.50 · OI 224 · Δ 0.47 · Scouter 5 · Sentiment 0.55
Seasonality (Dec): Win Rate 63.6% · Avg Return 1.99% · Samples 22
Positive: Rate-sensitive utility with predictable cashflows; decent delta for controlled assignment.
Negative: Leverage and rate policy remain key risks. -
#2IMO.TO – Imperial Oil
Snapshot: Price 137.58 · ROO 2.07% · Strike 140 · OI 130 · Δ 0.43 · Scouter 6 · Sentiment 0.31
Seasonality (Dec): Win Rate 58.6% · Avg Return 0.21% · Samples 29
Positive: Integrated oil exposure smooths earnings; good liquidity for rolling.
Negative: Highly sensitive to crude price swings and macro sentiment. -
#3K.TO – Kinross Gold
Snapshot: Price 34.46 · ROO 3.68% · Strike 36 · OI 689 · Δ 0.39 · Scouter 5 · Sentiment 0.58
Seasonality (Dec): Win Rate 56.5% · Avg Return 1.19% · Samples 23
Positive: Strong premium yield and sentiment; excellent liquidity.
Negative: Gold-miner volatility can easily push the stock beyond your strike. -
#4CNQ.TO – Canadian Natural Resources
Snapshot: Price 47.225 · ROO 2.68% · Strike 47 · OI 861 · Δ 0.54 · Scouter 8 · Sentiment 0.27
Seasonality (Dec): Win Rate 51.7% · Avg Return 0.31% · Samples 29
Positive: Large-cap energy with excellent option-chain depth; strong Scouter score.
Negative: Higher delta increases assignment probability on an oil rally. -
#5ABX.TO – Barrick Gold
Snapshot: Price 51.45 · ROO 2.68% · Strike 54 · OI 170 · Δ 0.34 · Scouter 9 · Sentiment 0.45
Seasonality (Dec): Win Rate 51.7% · Avg Return 0.78% · Samples 29
Positive: High Scouter Score, diversified assets, stable option liquidity.
Negative: Exposure to commodity and geopolitical shocks.
How to Use This Shortlist
- Filter further by delta, earnings timing, and open interest.
- Pick ITM or OTM based on assignment preference.
- Review sentiment and Scouter Score to gauge trend strength.
- Refresh numbers anytime: demo.optrader.ca.
What to Do Now
- Open the screener and load the Dec 19, 2025 expiry.
- Filter ROO to 2–3%, delta 0.20–0.40, OI ≥ 100.
- Sort by Scouter Score, then check sentiment and seasonality.
- Choose strikes based on risk tolerance → ITM for safety, OTM for growth.
Always refresh data before trading; this article is a static snapshot.
FAQ
How were these picks selected?
Using ROO %, delta, Scouter Score, sentiment, OI, fundamentals, and seasonality for the Dec 19, 2025 expiry.
What does ROO % mean?
Yield from selling the covered call for this expiry (not annualized).
Can I rebuild this list?
Yes — the free Canadian screener updates instantly:
demo.optrader.ca
⚠️ Informational only; not investment advice. Options involve risk. This list is a point-in-time snapshot; metrics and even picks may be outdated.
Always refresh in the screener before acting.
📘 Before making any investment decisions, consider speaking with a licensed financial planner or advisor who understands your personal objectives, experience, and risk tolerance.