Options Fun Fact: What Happens to Out-of-the-Money Options? | #OptionsHandbook EP044

Option_Lab
09-05

Normally, if an option is out of the money (OTM), exercising it would only lead to a loss. So why on earth would anyone still do it? 🤯

📕Let’s peek into The Options Handbook for this surprising little nugget of knowledge…(Join the events at the end to win rewards!)🎁

The Usual Case: OTM Options Expire Worthless 💲

If your option expires out of the money. For instance, a call with a strike above the stock price or a put with a strike below it, it usually isn't worth exercising.

In most instances, these options expire worthless and are removed from your account the following day.

But Why Exercise An OTM Option On Purpose? 😦

1. Strategic Reasons

In rare situations, investors may still choose to exercise slightly out-of-the-money options.

For instance, if someone wants to buy a large amount of Pear Inc. shares, doing so directly in the market might increase the price.

In that case, exercising a just-barely-out-of-the-money call could result in a lower average purchase price.

2. Last-day, after-hours trading

There's also the post-close window to consider.

In U.S. markets, 0DTE option holders can still request to exercise for up to 90 minutes after the close, if there's a meaningful price move in after-hours trading.

🎉[Mini Events]🎉

How to Join

  • Flip to pages 12–14 of The Options Handbook and find a knowledge point about OTM options. Snap a photo and drop it in the comments!

  • Don’t have the handbook? No worries! Just share your own thoughts about OTM options in the comments and you’re in!

  • Example: “OTM options look cheap, but most of them expire worthless, feels like buying lottery tickets.” (With your photo 📸)

Prizes

  • 🎁Participation Reward: 10 Tiger Coins for every valid comment.

  • 📓 Scholar Award: Participants who leave insightful comments will receive a free copy of The Options Handbook!

Event Period

  • 📅 Sep 5, 2025 → Sep 12, 2025

  • Winners announced within 10 trading days after the event.

>> Redeem Options Handbook Now <<

>> Click here for the Simplified Chinese version <<

How Much Chance Left for 2025? Keep Climbing or Hedge?
November’s here — 2025 is counting down! With just weeks left in the year, investors everywhere are discussing: Is there still room to run, or time to lock in profits? Some analysts say there’s still room to climb 📈 — supported by the Fed’s rate cuts, rising AI-driven profits, and corporate earnings beating expectations. But others disagree, saying we should watch out for high valuations, and year-end volatility could spark a short-term pullback.
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

Comments

  • kooko
    09-05
    kooko
    Interesting indeed
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