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What is Option Premium?

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There are many financial contracts that investors can be a part of in the stock market. Options are one such financial contract. These financial contracts are one of the most flexible contracts in the stock market as they do not put the option holder under an obligation to carry out any action.

As a part of options contracts, investors can write off or sell these contracts based on the income that is earned through the premium. Before anyone starts trading in options contracts, investors must understand more about factors like option premium, expiry, strike price etc. Here we will dive a little deeper into the question of “What is option premium?”

Importance of understanding option premiums

An option premium refers to the price paid by the buyer to the seller for acquiring an option contract. This amount grants the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specific price within a particular timeframe. Understanding how this premium is determined and what influences it is fundamental in the options market.

Option premiums can reflect several variables including market conditions, volatility, time to expiry, and intrinsic value. Since they form a part of both speculative and hedging strategies, knowledge of premiums allows participants to evaluate contract value under varying scenarios.

An option can be defined as a derivative contract that enables the option holder to buy or sell the underlying security. This buying or selling is done on or before a pre-determined date which is called the option expiry date and at a predetermined price, known as the strike price.

Now for the option premium. The option premium can be described as the price that is paid to purchase the options contract. However, if you are looking to sell an options contract, you will earn an option premium from the investor purchasing the contract. Several factors influence the price of an option premium and we will be looking into what all of them are.

Additional Read: What is Options Trading?

Factors Affecting Option Premium

The calculation of an option premium is influenced by multiple factors, each of which plays a role in determining its total value. These factors include:

  • Intrinsic Value

    This is the difference between the current market price of the underlying asset and the option’s strike price. If the option is in-the-money, the intrinsic value is positive.

  • Time Value

    The longer the time to expiry, the higher the time value, as there is more scope for the asset price to move favourably.

  • Volatility

    Higher expected volatility increases the premium, as the potential for favourable movement in the option’s value becomes greater.

  • Interest Rates

    Rising interest rates may increase call premiums and decrease put premiums.

  • Dividends

    Expected dividend payouts may reduce the value of call options and increase the value of puts.

These factors work in combination, and changes in one or more can lead to real-time adjustments in premium pricing.

How Option Premium Calculation Done

Option premium calculation is a multi-step process, commonly performed using pricing models such as the Black-Scholes Model for European options and the Binomial Model for American options. The calculation incorporates both intrinsic and extrinsic (time) values.

Intrinsic Value Calculation

  • For a call option

    Current Market Price – Strike Price (if the value is positive; otherwise, zero).

  • For a put option

    Strike Price – Current Market Price (if the value is positive; otherwise, zero).

Extrinsic Value (Time Value):

This is computed as the difference between the option premium and intrinsic value. It is influenced by factors such as time to expiry, implied volatility, and prevailing interest rates.

For example, if a call option has a premium of ₹25, and the intrinsic value is ₹15, then the time value component is ₹10.

Model-Based Pricing:

In more advanced scenarios, traders and institutions use the Black-Scholes or Binomial models, which apply probabilistic frameworks to price an option based on volatility, time, and risk-free interest rates.

Understanding these calculations helps market participants assess whether an option is priced in alignment with prevailing market conditions.

Role of Option Premium in Options Trading

The option premium serves as a cost to the buyer and income to the seller of an option contract. It is a critical element in evaluating the potential return or risk of a trade.

For buyers, the premium represents the upfront expense needed to secure rights under the contract. For sellers (or writers), it reflects the compensation for taking on potential obligations under the option terms.

Option premiums also influence breakeven points and strategy formulation. For instance, in a call option, the breakeven price is the strike price plus the premium paid. In a put option, it is the strike price minus the premium.

Premiums also allow traders to evaluate opportunity cost, time decay (theta), and implied market volatility, all of which play a role in shaping trade execution and risk exposure.

Additional Read: Trading Account: Definition, Types, How to Open & Key Benefits

Conclusion

The option premium is essentially a value a trader has to pay when they enter an option contract. Think of the option premium as an ever-changing pricing that is often affected by many factors by multiple volatile factors. By knowing the option premium, traders gain more clarity into the profit or loss potential of a particular options contract. By comparing these premiums, traders can make the best investment decision based on their financial goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an option premium in trading?

Answer Field

The option premium can be described as the price that is paid to purchase the options contract. However, if you are looking to sell an options contract, you will earn an option premium from the investor purchasing the contract.

How is the option premium calculated?

Answer Field

There are two main methods to calculate option premiums. One is the Black-Scholes method and the second is the binomial option pricing model. 

What is the difference between option premium and strike price?

Answer Field

The option premium is the price a trader pays to enter into an option contract. The strike price is the predetermined price at which an option contract is bought or sold.

What factors affect the option premium?

Answer Field

There are 6 main factors that affect the option premium. These include its intrinsic value, time value, tenure prior to the expiration date, implied volatility, in-the-money status and prevailing interest rates.

How does time decay influence option premium?

Answer Field

When an option contract is new, the time decay is slow, which adds more value to its option premium. As the time decay increases, the option premium can decrease. 

Can the option premium be refunded or recovered?

Answer Field

No, the option premium is a non-refundable amount.

What is the impact of volatility on option premiums?

Answer Field

When the market is more volatile, the option premium increases, making the option more valuable.

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