In their classic paper on the theory of option pricing, Black and Scholcs
(1973) prcscnt a mode of an:llysis that has rcvolutionizcd the theory of corporate
liability pricing. In part, their approach was a breakthrough because it leads to
pricing formulas using. for the most part, only observable variables. In particular,
their formulas do not require knowledge of tither investors’ tastes or their beliefs
about expected returns on the underlying common stock. Moreover, under
specific posited conditions, their formula must hold to avoid the creation of
arbitrage possibilities.
To derive the option pricing formula, Black and Scholes’ assume ideal
conditions’ in the market for the stock and option. These conditions are.