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Out-of-the-Money (OTM)

An option is considered Out-of-the-Money (OTM) when exercising it would not be profitable based on the current market price.

A call option is OTM when the underlying asset’s market price is below the strike price — for example, stock at $40 and strike at $50.

A put option is OTM when the underlying asset’s market price is above the strike price — for example, stock at $60 and strike at $50.

OTM options have no intrinsic value and consist only of extrinsic (time) value. As expiration approaches, if they remain OTM, they will likely expire worthless.

Check Your Understanding

Which of the following describes an out-of-the-money call option?