Valuing Origin Switching Options Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Abstract
Commodity trading firms work to remain competitive in the evolving agricultural industry. They work to become more efficient by increasing economies of size and scale, vertically and horizontally integrating, and diversifying geographically, or any combination of these avenues. Geographically diverse firms have access to multiple origins between which, spatial arbitrage opportunities can occur. When spatial arbitrage opportunities occur, firms take advantage of them to generate profit. Origin switching options are one way to take advantage of these opportunities. Origin switching option allow the seller of grain to fill a contract with any listed origin at the cost of the premium negotiated. This thesis helps to determine the value of these origin type switching options by developing a Monte Carlo simulation model with real option analysis. Soybean and corn markets are analyzed in the U.S. Gulf, Pacific Northwest, Brazil, Argentine, and origins with China and Japan as the respective destinations.