Difference Between ITM, ATM, and OTM in Call and Put Options

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    Synopsis:

     

    ITM, ATM, and OTM options describe an option’s position relative to the market price, helping traders understand value, risk, and potential outcomes in options trading. The article explains their meaning for call and put options, key differences in intrinsic value, risk, and premiums, and how they influence trading decisions. It also highlights their role in reading option chains and choosing suitable strategies.

    In options trading, the terms in-the-money (ITM), at-the-money (ATM), and out-of-the-money (OTM) refer to an option's worth as compared to the market price. The term describes a trader's perception of whether an option has value, doesn't have value, or possibly has value.

    Understanding ITM, ATM and OTM options for both call and put options is important to a trader because it provides insight into potential risk in an options trade. It also provides insights into the volatility of pricing from one moment to the next, and allows the trader to make educated decisions about entering or exiting a trade.

    Learning these three classifications of options traded in the options market makes it easier for new investors to read and understand the options chain. Knowledge of the meaning of these terms enables traders to make better decisions in the options market.

    What are ATM, ITM, and OTM?

    ATM, ITM, and OTM are terms used in options trading to show how an option’s strike price compares with the current market price. These terms help traders understand option value, risk, and possible outcomes before trading.

    • In-the-Money (ITM) options have intrinsic value. For call options, the strike price is lower than the market price. For put options, the strike price is higher than the market price.
    • At-the-Money (ATM) options have a strike price that is very close to the market price. These options usually have no intrinsic value but react quickly to price changes.
    • Out-of-the-Money (OTM) options have no intrinsic value. Call options have strike prices above the market price, while put options have strike prices below the market price.

    Example of ATM, ITM, and OTM

    Knowing real-life scenarios can help you identify ATM, ITM, and OTM options more confidently while looking at an option chain. The examples below use hypothetical stock prices to show you how these options behave under different price situations. You can use this logic with any asset or index to determine their current moneyness and understand where your strike price stands.

    1. ATM (At-The-Money) option

    If the NIFTY index is trading at ₹24,900 and you hold a NIFTY call or put with a strike price of ₹24,900, that option is ATM. You can see that it is neither profitable nor loss-making if exercised immediately. ATM options are often used by traders expecting quick movements.

    2. ITM (In-The-Money) option

    If a stock trades at ₹1,050 and you have a call option with a ₹1,000 strike price, it is ITM. If the same stock has a put with a ₹1,100 strike, that too is ITM. You can exercise them profitably. These options cost more but already offer intrinsic value.

    3. OTM (Out-Of-The-Money) option

    Suppose a stock trades at ₹680. A ₹720 call or a ₹640 put is OTM. These strike prices are far from the current value, meaning there is no intrinsic value yet. You may buy them expecting a large move, but they can also expire worthless if price action is limited.

    Difference between ITM, ATM and OTM options

    Difference Between ITM, ATM, and OTM Options

    ITM, ATM, and OTM options are key terms in options trading that show how an option’s strike price compares to the current market price, helping traders understand value, risk, and potential outcomes.

    Feature

    ITM Options

    ATM Options

    OTM Options

    Strike price vs market priceFavourable to holderEqual or very closeUnfavourable to holder
    Intrinsic valuePresentUsually zeroZero
    Risk levelLowerModerateHigher
    Premium costHigherMediumLower
    Profit probabilityHigherBalancedLower

    How do Premiums Different  across ATM, ITM, and OTM?

    The table below shows how option premiums usually differ based on whether an option is ITM, ATM, or OTM. Premium levels change based on intrinsic value, time value, and market conditions.

    Option Type

    Premium Level

    Reason

    ITM OptionsHighIncludes intrinsic value plus time value
    ATM OptionsMediumMostly time value, sensitive to price movement
    OTM OptionsLowNo intrinsic value, only time value

    These differences help traders choose options based on cost, risk, and strategy.

    Moneyness of Options Contract

    In The Money (ITM)

    In the case of a call option, if the spot price of the underlying stock is higher than the strike price, then such call options are called ‘in the money’ call options. For put options to be ‘in the money’, the spot price should be lower than the strike price.

    Continuing the previous example, since the current market price (₹220) is higher and the strike price of the call option you bought (₹200), it is classified as ‘in the money’.

    Out of The Money (OTM)

    For a call option to be ‘out of the money’, the spot price should be lower than the strike price. Inversely, in the case of the put option, the spot price must be higher than the strike price to classify as ‘out of the money’.

    Let’s assume that instead of buying a ₹200 call option, you buy a ₹250 call option from ABC Limited. Now, if the stock’s current market price is still at ₹220, your call option is ‘out of the money’ since the spot price is lower than the strike price.

    At The Money (ATM)

    When the spot and strike price are equivalent, such options, whether call or put, are termed ‘at the money’. There are only two options, one call option and one put option, classified as ‘at the money’.

    For example, if the spot price of ABC Limited stock is ₹200, then your ₹200 call option is ‘at the money’. Instead, even if you were holding a ₹200 put option, it would also be ‘in the money’.

    Illustration Table for ITM, ATM, and OTM Call and Put Options  

    Let’s assume that the current market price (spot price) of ABC Limited is ₹200.

    ABC Limited

    Call Option

    Strike Price

    Put Option

    ITM

    170

    OTM

    ITM

    180

    OTM

    ITM

    190

    OTM

    ATM

    200

    ATM

    OTM

    210

    ITM

    OTM

    220

    ITM

    OTM

    230

    ITM

    In the above table, all the call options with lower strike prices compared to the spot are ITM, and put options with lower strike prices compared to the spot are OTM. Inversely, call options with higher strike prices compared to the spot are OTM and put options with higher strike prices compared to the spot are ITM. Since the spot is ₹200, the call and put options with ₹200 strike price are ATM options.

    Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

    This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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    Disclaimer :

    Investments in securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.


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    Content Partner - Dalal Street Investment Journal Wealth Advisory Private Limited



    This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market investments are subject to risks. DSIJ Wealth Advisory Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst (Reg. No: INH000006396) and Investment Adviser (Reg. No: INA000001142). Please consult your financial adviser before investing. 

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    Publish Date: 16 Jun 2024

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