Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Amended Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Revise Option Adjustment Methodology, 67415-67418 [E6-19619]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 21, 2006 / Notices professionals, whose profit margins are generally narrow, the Exchange caps the transaction fees associated with such executions at $1,000 per strategy execution that is executed on the same trading day in the same option class. In addition, the Exchange has a monthly fee cap of $25,000 per initiating firm for all strategy executions. At this time, the Exchange is proposing to lower the daily transaction fee cap in order to stay competitive with other national options exchanges. The Exchange proposes lowering the daily fee cap to $750 per execution. The monthly cap of $25,000 will remain unchanged. NYSE Arca believes that, by keeping fees on strategy executions low, the Exchange will be able to attract additional liquidity by accommodating these transactions. The Exchange notes that OTP Holders and OTP Firms who wish to benefit from the fee cap would be required to submit to the Exchange forms with supporting documentation (e.g., clearing firm transaction data) to qualify for the cap. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,10 in general, and Section 6(b)(4) 11 in particular, in that it provides for the equitable allocation of dues, fees, and other charges among its members. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change will not impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 12 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) 13 thereunder because it establishes or changes a due, fee, or other charge imposed by the Exchange. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the 10 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 12 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 11 15 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:17 Nov 20, 2006 Jkt 211001 Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments 67415 For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.14 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–19621 Filed 11–20–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File No. SR–NYSEArca–2006–88 on the subject line. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–54748; File No. SR–OCC– 2006–01] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Amended Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Revise Option Adjustment Methodology November 14, 2006. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 notice is hereby given that on January 12, 2006, The Options Clearing Corporation (‘‘OCC’’) filed with the Paper Comments Securities and Exchange Commission • Send paper comments in triplicate (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, change as described in Items I, II, and Securities and Exchange Commission, III below, which items have been Station Place, 100 F Street, NE., prepared by OCC. On March 9, 2006, the Washington, DC 20549–1090. Commission published notice of the proposed rule change to solicit All submissions should refer to File comments from interested parties.2 The Number SR–NYSEArca–2006–88. This Commission received ten comment file number should be included on the 3 subject line if e-mail is used. To help the letters. To address the concerns raised by the commenters, OCC amended the Commission process and review your proposed rule change on September 25, comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will 2006. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the post all comments on the Commissions proposed rule change, as amended, from Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ interested parties. rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s amendments, all written statements Statement of the Terms of Substance of with respect to the proposed rule the Proposed Rule Change change that are filed with the OCC is seeking to amend Article VI Commission, and all written (Clearance of Exchange Transactions), communications relating to the Section 11A of OCC’s By-Laws to (1) proposed rule change between the eliminate the need to round strike prices Commission and any person, other than and/or units of trading in the event of those that may be withheld from the certain stock dividends, stock public in accordance with the distributions, and stock splits and (2) provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying in 14 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). the Commission’s Public Reference 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53400 Room. Copies of the filing also will be (March 2, 2006), 71 FR 12226. available for inspection and copying at 3 Joseph Haggenmiller (March 8, 2006); Erik A. the principal office of NYSE Arca. All Hartog, Operating Manager, Allagash Trading LLC comments received will be posted (March 21, 2006); Jeffrey Woodring (March 22, without change; the Commission does 2006); Adam Besch-Turner (March 23, 2006); Christopher Nagy, Chairman, Options Committee, not edit personal identifying Securities Industry Association (March 24, 2006); information from submissions. You Mike Ianni (April 5, 2006); Mike Ianni (April 5, should submit only information that 2006); Peter van Dooijeweert, President, Alopex you wish to make available publicly. All Capital Management, LLC (April 26, 2006); Bob Linville and Deborah Mittelman, Service Bureau submissions should refer to File Committee Co-Chairs, Financial Information Forum Number SR–NYSEArca–2006–88 and (May 2, 2006); and William H. Navin, Executive should be submitted on or before Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, The December 12, 2006. Options Clearing Corporation (September 29, 2006). PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM 21NON1 67416 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 21, 2006 / Notices provide for the adjustment of outstanding options for special dividends (i.e., cash distributions not declared pursuant to a policy or practice of paying such distributions on a quarterly or other regular basis). The proposed rule change would also add a $12.50 per contract threshold amount for cash dividends and distributions to trigger application of OCC’s adjustment rules. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, OCC included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. OCC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of these statements.4 (A) Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change A. Changes relating to Adjustments for Certain Stock Dividends, Stock Distributions, and Stock Splits OCC’s By-Laws currently specify two alternative methods of adjusting for stock dividends, stock distributions, and stock splits. In cases where one or more whole shares are issued with respect to each outstanding share, the number of outstanding option contracts is correspondingly increased and strike prices are proportionally reduced.5 In all other cases, the number of shares to be delivered under the option contract is increased and the strike price is reduced proportionately.6 Although these two methods have been used since the inception of options trading, in certain circumstances either method can produce a windfall profit for one side and a corresponding loss for the other due to rounding of adjusted strike prices. These profits and losses, while small on a per-contract basis, can be significant for large positions. Because equity option strike prices are sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 4 The Commission has modified the text of the summaries prepared by OCC. 5 For example, in the event of a 2-for-1 split, an XYZ $60 option calling for the delivery of 100 shares of XYZ stock would be subdivided into two XYZ $30 options, each calling for the delivery of 100 shares of XYZ stock. 6 For example, in a 3-for-2 split, an XYZ $60 option calling for the delivery of 100 shares would be adjusted to call for the delivery of 150 shares and the strike price would be reduced to $40. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:17 Nov 20, 2006 Jkt 211001 currently stated in eighths, OCC’s ByLaws require adjusted strike prices to be rounded to the nearest eighth. For example, if an XYZ $50 option for 100 shares were to be adjusted for a 3-for2 split, the deliverable would be increased to 150 shares and the strike price would be adjusted to $33.33, which would then be rounded up to $33-3⁄8. Prior to the adjustment, a call holder would have had to pay $5,000 to exercise ($50 × 100 shares). After the adjustment, the caller has to pay $5,006.25 for the equivalent stock position ($33.375 × 150 shares). Conversely, an exercising put holder would receive $5,006.25 instead of $5,000. The $6.25 difference represents a loss for call holders and put writers and a windfall for put holders and call writers. A loss/windfall can also occur when the split results in a fractional deliverable (e.g., when a 4-for-3 split produces a deliverable of 133.3333 shares). In those cases, OCC’s By-Laws currently require that the deliverable be rounded down to eliminate the fraction, and if appropriate, the strike price be further adjusted to the nearest eighth to compensate for the diminution in the value of the contract resulting from the elimination of the fractional share. However, even if these steps are taken, small rounding inequities may remain. The windfall profits and correspondent losses resulting from the rounding process have historically been accepted as immaterial. Due to recent substantial increases in trading volume and position size, however, they have become a source of concern to exchanges and market participants. In addition, OCC has been informed that some traders may be exploiting announcements of splits and similar events by quickly establishing positions designed to capture rounding windfalls at the expense of other market participants. The inequity that results from the need to round strike prices can be eliminated by using a different adjustment method: namely, adjusting the deliverable but not the strike prices or the values used to calculate aggregate exercise prices and premiums. As an illustration of the proposed adjustment methodology, in the XYZ $50 option 3for-2 split example described above, the resulting adjustment would be a deliverable of 150 shares of XYZ stock while the strike price would remain at $50. In this case, the presplit multiplier of 100, used to extend aggregate strike price and premium amounts, is unchanged. For example, a premium of 1.50 would equal $150 ($1.5 × 100) both before and after the adjustment. An PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 exercising call holder would continue to pay $50 times 100 (for a total of $5,000) but would receive 150 shares of XYZ stock instead of 100.7 This is the method currently used for property distributions such as spin-offs and special dividends large enough to require adjustments under OCC’s ByLaws. The inequity that results from the need to eliminate fractional shares from the deliverable and to compensate by further reducing the strike price to the nearest eighth can be eliminated by adjusting the deliverable to include cash in lieu of the fractional share. As an illustration, consider a 4-for-3 split of the stock underlying an XYZ $80 option with a 100 share deliverable. Employing the proposed adjustment method, the deliverable would be adjusted to 133.3333 shares, which would be rounded down to 133 shares, and the strike price would remain $80. However, instead of compensating for the elimination of the .3333 share by reducing the strike prices, the strike prices would be left unchanged, and the deliverable would be adjusted to 133 shares plus the cash value of the eliminated fractional share (.3333 × the post-split value of a share of XYZ stock as determined by OCC). The adjusted option would also continue to use 100 as the multiplier to calculate aggregate strike and premium amounts. The proposed revised adjustment methodology would not generally be used for 2-for-1 or 4-for-1 stock distributions or splits (since such distributions or splits normally result in strike prices that do not require rounding to the nearest eighth). In addition, the revised adjustment methodology would not generally be used for stock dividends, stock distributions, or stock splits with respect to any series of options having exercise prices stated in decimals.8 For those options, the existing adjustment rules would continue to apply. The reason for this is that once the market has converted to decimal strikes, the rounding errors created by rounding to the nearest cent would be immaterial even given the larger positions taken in today’s markets and the other factors discussed above. Because conversion to 7 The same adjustment methodology would apply to reverse stock splits or combination of shares. For example, in a 3-for-4 reverse stock split on a XYZ $50 option calling for the delivery of 100 shares, the resulting adjustment would be a deliverable of 75 shares of XYZ stock while the strike price would remain at $50. 8 Although there are currently no decimal strikes for equity options, OCC wants to avoid the need for further amendments to its By-Laws and the options disclosure document in the event that such strikes are introduced in the future. E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM 21NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 21, 2006 / Notices sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES decimal strikes might be phased in rather than applied to all series of equity options simultaneously, the rule has been drafted to cover both methods of expressing exercise prices, applying the appropriate rule to each. The proposed changes in adjustment methodology would not be implemented until the exchanges have conducted appropriate educational efforts and definitive copies of an appropriate supplement to the options disclosure document, Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options, were available for distribution.9 B. Changes to the Definition of ‘‘Ordinary Dividends and Distributions’’ Article VI, Section 11A(c) of OCC’s By-Laws currently provides that as a general rule, outstanding options will not be adjusted to compensate for ordinary cash dividends. Interpretation and Policy .01 under Section 11A of Article VI provides that a cash dividend will generally be deemed to be ‘‘ordinary’’ if the amount does not exceed 10% of the value of the underlying stock on the declaration date (‘‘10% Rule’’). The OCC Securities Committee is authorized to decide on a case-by-case basis whether to adjust for dividends exceeding that amount. As a result, OCC historically has not adjusted for special cash dividends unless the amount of the dividend was greater than 10% of the stock price at the close of trading on the declaration day. The 10% Rule predated a number of significant developments, including, the introduction of Long-term Equity AnticiPation Security (‘‘LEAPS’’) options, the sizeable open interest seen today, the large contract volume associated with trading and spreading strategies, and modern option pricing models that take dividends into account. When open interest and individual positions were smaller, not adjusting for dividends of less than 10% did not have the pronounced impact it does today. Additionally, changes to the tax code which now tax dividends more favorably have provided an incentive for companies to pay more dividends, including special dividends. In light of these considerations, it is appropriate that the 10% Rule now be revised. Under the revision proposed by OCC, a cash dividend or distribution would be considered ordinary (regardless of size) if the OCC Securities Committee determines that such dividend or distribution was declared pursuant to a policy or practice of paying such 9 OCC will notify the Commission and issue an Important Notice when the proposed adjustment methodology is implemented. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:17 Nov 20, 2006 Jkt 211001 dividends or distributions on a quarterly or other regular basis. In addition, as a general rule, a cash dividend or distribution that is less than $12.50 per contract would not trigger the adjustment provisions of Article VI, Section 11A. 67417 the existing 10% Rule, in order to determine whether this threshold is met, the per share dividend amount is applied to the closing price of the underlying security on the dividend declaration date. The date the dividend is announced (by press release or by some other means) is not normally the 1. No Adjustment for Regularly‘‘declaration date’’ when the dividend is Scheduled Dividends Needed officially declared by an issuer’s board Dividends declared by an issuer of directors. Until the actual declaration pursuant to a policy or practice of such date, investors and traders may not issuer are known and can thus be priced know whether or not an announced into option premiums. By definition, dividend will trigger an adjustment however, special dividends cannot be based on the company’s share price. In anticipated in advance and therefore the interim, it is difficult for traders and cannot be integrated into option pricing investors to price their options because models.10 If adjustments are not made in they do not know if an adjustment will response to special dividends (i.e., by be made. calling for the delivery of the dividend) The advantage of a fixed dollar call holders can capture the dividends threshold is avoiding uncertainty. The only by exercising their options. Often per contract value of the dividend can in these cases, especially with LEAPS be immediately determined without the options or FLEX options which can need to wait until the declaration date exist for 5 to 10 years, early exercise and without the need to do a calculation would sacrifice substantial option time based on the closing price of the value. This economic disadvantage underlying shares. would be further magnified if the option 3. Consistency Across Relevant position is large, as is often the case Interpretations today. Conversely, put holders often Interpretations and Policies .01 and receive a windfall benefit from the .08 under Article VI, Section 11A apply increase in the in-the-money value on to cash distributions. Interpretation and the ex date. To the extent that equity Policy .01 (as proposed to be amended) options can be priced accurately and consistently without dislocations due to would apply in general to all cash distributions. Interpretation and Policy unforeseen special dividends, these economic disadvantages can be avoided. .08 currently carves out exceptions for Moreover, because special dividends are fund share cash distributions and does one-off events, adjusting for them would not include a threshold minimum. In the interest of clarity and consistency not cause the proliferation of with Interpretation and Policy .01, outstanding series that would result Interpretation .08 would be revised to from adjusting for regular dividends as provide for the same $12.50 per contract explained below. threshold. Clause (ii) of Interpretation 2. De Minimis Threshold and Policy .08 would be deleted because Adjusting for dividends can cause a it is an exception to the 10% Rule and proliferation of outstanding option would no longer be needed when the symbols and series.11 In the interest of 10% Rule is abolished. providing some limit on option symbol 4. The Amendment proliferation, the proposed rule change includes a de minimis threshold of OCC understands that certain option $12.50 per contract. Special dividends traders may have integrated into their smaller than these amounts would not pricing models the probability of special trigger an adjustment. dividends based on the OCC rules OCC believes that a threshold that is currently in effect and that eliminating a set dollar amount is preferable to one the 10% Rule with respect to existing that is a percentage of the stock price contracts may unfairly affect these (like OCC’s existing 10% Rule) because options traders. To ensure that no there are operational problems with options series that were opened before applying a percentage threshold. Under disclosure of the rule change are affected by elimination of the 10% Rule, 10 OCC has been told that some traders form OCC will delay eliminating the 10% judgments as to the likelihood that certain issuers may declare special cash dividends and factor those Rule and replacing it with the fixed dollar threshold so that these changes judgments into their pricing models. However, that is clearly not the case with all traders or all issues. will be implemented only for corporate 11 Symbols proliferate when adjustments are events announced on or after February made because often the dividend amount must be 1, 2009. OCC plans to provide ODD added to the deliverable yielding a non-standard disclosure of this rule change before option. The exchanges then introduce standard options with the same strikes. May 29, 2007 (after which date the PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM 21NON1 67418 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 21, 2006 / Notices exchanges would normally begin introducing LEAPS expiring in 2010 making a 2009 implementation impracticable). The delay in implementation will ensure that all options series opened before the ODD disclosure is made available (other than certain ‘‘flex’’ options that will be grandfathered under the old rule) will have expired before the change is effected.12 While delaying the implementation until 2009 postpones the benefit of making this needed change, it accommodates the many firms that find the operational hurdles and fairness issues associated with an earlier implementation onerous. OCC believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of Section 17A of the Act 13 and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to OCC because (1) it is intended to eliminate inequities that result from certain rounding practices currently required by OCC’s By-Laws and thus protect investors and (2) it is intended to make more predictable when cash distributions by an issuer will result in an adjustment to an option contract and thus make the process for adjustments more equitable for all investors. (B) Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition OCC does not believe that the proposed rule change would impose any burden on competition. (C) Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others Written comments were not and are not intended to be solicited with respect to the proposed rule change and none have been received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Within thirty-five days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal 12 OCC intends to take a ‘‘snapshot’’ of flex series expiring after January 31, 2009, that are outstanding at the time when ODD disclosure of the rule change is made. Those series will be assigned distinctive trading symbols and ‘‘grandfathered’’ under the old rule. Trading will continue normally in grandfathered series until their expiration, but the exchanges would be free to open otherwise identical non-grandfathered series, which would be identified by conventional flex trading symbols. If ODD disclosure is not made until after the December 2006 expiration, it may also be necessary to grandfather two classes of LEAPs with December expirations (SPY and S&P 100 i-Shares) because the exchanges would ordinarily introduce new series expiring in December 2009 after the December 2006 expiration. 13 15 U.S.C. 78q–1. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:17 Nov 20, 2006 Jkt 211001 Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may designate up to ninety days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will: (A) By order approve such proposed rule change or (B) Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–OCC–2006–01 and should be submitted on or before December 12, 2006. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change, as amended, is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–OCC–2006–01 on the subject line. For the Commission by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.14 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–19619 Filed 11–20–06; 8:45 am] SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–54749; File No. SR–Phlx– 2006–73] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Definition of Core Session for XLE November 14, 2006. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Paper Comments (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on November • Send paper comments in triplicate 9, 2006, the Philadelphia Stock to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Phlx’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) Securities and Exchange Commission, filed with the Securities and Exchange 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the 20549–1090. proposed rule change as described in All submissions should refer to File Items I and II below, which Items have Number SR-OCC–2006–01. This file been prepared by the Phlx. The number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Exchange filed the proposal as a ‘‘noncontroversial’’ rule change pursuant to Commission process and review your Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule comments more efficiently, please use 4 only one method. The Commission will 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder, which rendered the proposal effective upon filing with post all comments on the Commission’s the Commission. The Commission is Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ publishing this notice to solicit rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the comments on the proposed rule change submission, all subsequent from interested persons. amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s change that are filed with the Statement of the Terms of Substance of Commission, and all written the Proposed Rule Change communications relating to the The Phlx proposes to modify the proposed rule change between the definition of ‘‘Core Session’’ in Phlx Commission and any person, other than Rule 101, Supplementary Material those that may be withheld from the .02(2), to state that the Core Session public in accordance with the shall take place for each equity security provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., except for available for inspection and copying in specified exchange-traded funds the Commission’s Public Reference (‘‘ETFs’’) in which case the Core Session Section, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, shall continue until 4:15 p.m. The text DC 20549. Copies of such filing also will of the proposed rule change is available be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of OCC and on 14 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). OCC’s Web site at www.theocc.com. All 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). comments received will be posted 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). without change; the Commission does 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). not edit personal identifying PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM 21NON1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 224 (Tuesday, November 21, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67415-67418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-19619]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-54748; File No. SR-OCC-2006-01]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Options Clearing Corporation; 
Notice of Amended Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Revise Option 
Adjustment Methodology

 November 14, 2006.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ notice is hereby given that on January 12, 2006, The 
Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'') filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change as 
described in Items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared 
by OCC. On March 9, 2006, the Commission published notice of the 
proposed rule change to solicit comments from interested parties.\2\ 
The Commission received ten comment letters.\3\ To address the concerns 
raised by the commenters, OCC amended the proposed rule change on 
September 25, 2006. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from interested 
parties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53400 (March 2, 2006), 
71 FR 12226.
    \3\ Joseph Haggenmiller (March 8, 2006); Erik A. Hartog, 
Operating Manager, Allagash Trading LLC (March 21, 2006); Jeffrey 
Woodring (March 22, 2006); Adam Besch-Turner (March 23, 2006); 
Christopher Nagy, Chairman, Options Committee, Securities Industry 
Association (March 24, 2006); Mike Ianni (April 5, 2006); Mike Ianni 
(April 5, 2006); Peter van Dooijeweert, President, Alopex Capital 
Management, LLC (April 26, 2006); Bob Linville and Deborah 
Mittelman, Service Bureau Committee Co-Chairs, Financial Information 
Forum (May 2, 2006); and William H. Navin, Executive Vice President, 
General Counsel, and Secretary, The Options Clearing Corporation 
(September 29, 2006).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    OCC is seeking to amend Article VI (Clearance of Exchange 
Transactions), Section 11A of OCC's By-Laws to (1) eliminate the need 
to round strike prices and/or units of trading in the event of certain 
stock dividends, stock distributions, and stock splits and (2)

[[Page 67416]]

provide for the adjustment of outstanding options for special dividends 
(i.e., cash distributions not declared pursuant to a policy or practice 
of paying such distributions on a quarterly or other regular basis). 
The proposed rule change would also add a $12.50 per contract threshold 
amount for cash dividends and distributions to trigger application of 
OCC's adjustment rules.

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, OCC included statements 
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and 
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The 
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. OCC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), 
(B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of these 
statements.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Commission has modified the text of the summaries 
prepared by OCC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(A) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

A. Changes relating to Adjustments for Certain Stock Dividends, Stock 
Distributions, and Stock Splits
    OCC's By-Laws currently specify two alternative methods of 
adjusting for stock dividends, stock distributions, and stock splits. 
In cases where one or more whole shares are issued with respect to each 
outstanding share, the number of outstanding option contracts is 
correspondingly increased and strike prices are proportionally 
reduced.\5\ In all other cases, the number of shares to be delivered 
under the option contract is increased and the strike price is reduced 
proportionately.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ For example, in the event of a 2-for-1 split, an XYZ $60 
option calling for the delivery of 100 shares of XYZ stock would be 
subdivided into two XYZ $30 options, each calling for the delivery 
of 100 shares of XYZ stock.
    \6\ For example, in a 3-for-2 split, an XYZ $60 option calling 
for the delivery of 100 shares would be adjusted to call for the 
delivery of 150 shares and the strike price would be reduced to $40.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Although these two methods have been used since the inception of 
options trading, in certain circumstances either method can produce a 
windfall profit for one side and a corresponding loss for the other due 
to rounding of adjusted strike prices. These profits and losses, while 
small on a per-contract basis, can be significant for large positions. 
Because equity option strike prices are currently stated in eighths, 
OCC's By-Laws require adjusted strike prices to be rounded to the 
nearest eighth. For example, if an XYZ $50 option for 100 shares were 
to be adjusted for a 3-for-2 split, the deliverable would be increased 
to 150 shares and the strike price would be adjusted to $33.33, which 
would then be rounded up to $33-\3/8\. Prior to the adjustment, a call 
holder would have had to pay $5,000 to exercise ($50 x 100 shares). 
After the adjustment, the caller has to pay $5,006.25 for the 
equivalent stock position ($33.375 x 150 shares). Conversely, an 
exercising put holder would receive $5,006.25 instead of $5,000. The 
$6.25 difference represents a loss for call holders and put writers and 
a windfall for put holders and call writers.
    A loss/windfall can also occur when the split results in a 
fractional deliverable (e.g., when a 4-for-3 split produces a 
deliverable of 133.3333 shares). In those cases, OCC's By-Laws 
currently require that the deliverable be rounded down to eliminate the 
fraction, and if appropriate, the strike price be further adjusted to 
the nearest eighth to compensate for the diminution in the value of the 
contract resulting from the elimination of the fractional share. 
However, even if these steps are taken, small rounding inequities may 
remain.
    The windfall profits and correspondent losses resulting from the 
rounding process have historically been accepted as immaterial. Due to 
recent substantial increases in trading volume and position size, 
however, they have become a source of concern to exchanges and market 
participants. In addition, OCC has been informed that some traders may 
be exploiting announcements of splits and similar events by quickly 
establishing positions designed to capture rounding windfalls at the 
expense of other market participants.
    The inequity that results from the need to round strike prices can 
be eliminated by using a different adjustment method: namely, adjusting 
the deliverable but not the strike prices or the values used to 
calculate aggregate exercise prices and premiums. As an illustration of 
the proposed adjustment methodology, in the XYZ $50 option 3-for-2 
split example described above, the resulting adjustment would be a 
deliverable of 150 shares of XYZ stock while the strike price would 
remain at $50. In this case, the presplit multiplier of 100, used to 
extend aggregate strike price and premium amounts, is unchanged. For 
example, a premium of 1.50 would equal $150 ($1.5 x 100) both before 
and after the adjustment. An exercising call holder would continue to 
pay $50 times 100 (for a total of $5,000) but would receive 150 shares 
of XYZ stock instead of 100.\7\ This is the method currently used for 
property distributions such as spin-offs and special dividends large 
enough to require adjustments under OCC's By-Laws.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The same adjustment methodology would apply to reverse stock 
splits or combination of shares. For example, in a 3-for-4 reverse 
stock split on a XYZ $50 option calling for the delivery of 100 
shares, the resulting adjustment would be a deliverable of 75 shares 
of XYZ stock while the strike price would remain at $50.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The inequity that results from the need to eliminate fractional 
shares from the deliverable and to compensate by further reducing the 
strike price to the nearest eighth can be eliminated by adjusting the 
deliverable to include cash in lieu of the fractional share. As an 
illustration, consider a 4-for-3 split of the stock underlying an XYZ 
$80 option with a 100 share deliverable. Employing the proposed 
adjustment method, the deliverable would be adjusted to 133.3333 
shares, which would be rounded down to 133 shares, and the strike price 
would remain $80. However, instead of compensating for the elimination 
of the .3333 share by reducing the strike prices, the strike prices 
would be left unchanged, and the deliverable would be adjusted to 133 
shares plus the cash value of the eliminated fractional share (.3333 x 
the post-split value of a share of XYZ stock as determined by OCC). The 
adjusted option would also continue to use 100 as the multiplier to 
calculate aggregate strike and premium amounts.
    The proposed revised adjustment methodology would not generally be 
used for 2-for-1 or 4-for-1 stock distributions or splits (since such 
distributions or splits normally result in strike prices that do not 
require rounding to the nearest eighth). In addition, the revised 
adjustment methodology would not generally be used for stock dividends, 
stock distributions, or stock splits with respect to any series of 
options having exercise prices stated in decimals.\8\ For those 
options, the existing adjustment rules would continue to apply. The 
reason for this is that once the market has converted to decimal 
strikes, the rounding errors created by rounding to the nearest cent 
would be immaterial even given the larger positions taken in today's 
markets and the other factors discussed above. Because conversion to

[[Page 67417]]

decimal strikes might be phased in rather than applied to all series of 
equity options simultaneously, the rule has been drafted to cover both 
methods of expressing exercise prices, applying the appropriate rule to 
each.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Although there are currently no decimal strikes for equity 
options, OCC wants to avoid the need for further amendments to its 
By-Laws and the options disclosure document in the event that such 
strikes are introduced in the future.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed changes in adjustment methodology would not be 
implemented until the exchanges have conducted appropriate educational 
efforts and definitive copies of an appropriate supplement to the 
options disclosure document, Characteristics and Risks of Standardized 
Options, were available for distribution.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ OCC will notify the Commission and issue an Important Notice 
when the proposed adjustment methodology is implemented.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Changes to the Definition of ``Ordinary Dividends and 
Distributions''
    Article VI, Section 11A(c) of OCC's By-Laws currently provides that 
as a general rule, outstanding options will not be adjusted to 
compensate for ordinary cash dividends. Interpretation and Policy .01 
under Section 11A of Article VI provides that a cash dividend will 
generally be deemed to be ``ordinary'' if the amount does not exceed 
10% of the value of the underlying stock on the declaration date (``10% 
Rule''). The OCC Securities Committee is authorized to decide on a 
case-by-case basis whether to adjust for dividends exceeding that 
amount. As a result, OCC historically has not adjusted for special cash 
dividends unless the amount of the dividend was greater than 10% of the 
stock price at the close of trading on the declaration day.
    The 10% Rule predated a number of significant developments, 
including, the introduction of Long-term Equity AnticiPation Security 
(``LEAPS'') options, the sizeable open interest seen today, the large 
contract volume associated with trading and spreading strategies, and 
modern option pricing models that take dividends into account. When 
open interest and individual positions were smaller, not adjusting for 
dividends of less than 10% did not have the pronounced impact it does 
today. Additionally, changes to the tax code which now tax dividends 
more favorably have provided an incentive for companies to pay more 
dividends, including special dividends. In light of these 
considerations, it is appropriate that the 10% Rule now be revised.
    Under the revision proposed by OCC, a cash dividend or distribution 
would be considered ordinary (regardless of size) if the OCC Securities 
Committee determines that such dividend or distribution was declared 
pursuant to a policy or practice of paying such dividends or 
distributions on a quarterly or other regular basis. In addition, as a 
general rule, a cash dividend or distribution that is less than $12.50 
per contract would not trigger the adjustment provisions of Article VI, 
Section 11A.
1. No Adjustment for Regularly-Scheduled Dividends Needed
    Dividends declared by an issuer pursuant to a policy or practice of 
such issuer are known and can thus be priced into option premiums. By 
definition, however, special dividends cannot be anticipated in advance 
and therefore cannot be integrated into option pricing models.\10\ If 
adjustments are not made in response to special dividends (i.e., by 
calling for the delivery of the dividend) call holders can capture the 
dividends only by exercising their options. Often in these cases, 
especially with LEAPS options or FLEX options which can exist for 5 to 
10 years, early exercise would sacrifice substantial option time value. 
This economic disadvantage would be further magnified if the option 
position is large, as is often the case today. Conversely, put holders 
often receive a windfall benefit from the increase in the in-the-money 
value on the ex date. To the extent that equity options can be priced 
accurately and consistently without dislocations due to unforeseen 
special dividends, these economic disadvantages can be avoided. 
Moreover, because special dividends are one-off events, adjusting for 
them would not cause the proliferation of outstanding series that would 
result from adjusting for regular dividends as explained below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ OCC has been told that some traders form judgments as to 
the likelihood that certain issuers may declare special cash 
dividends and factor those judgments into their pricing models. 
However, that is clearly not the case with all traders or all 
issues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. De Minimis Threshold
    Adjusting for dividends can cause a proliferation of outstanding 
option symbols and series.\11\ In the interest of providing some limit 
on option symbol proliferation, the proposed rule change includes a de 
minimis threshold of $12.50 per contract. Special dividends smaller 
than these amounts would not trigger an adjustment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Symbols proliferate when adjustments are made because often 
the dividend amount must be added to the deliverable yielding a non-
standard option. The exchanges then introduce standard options with 
the same strikes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    OCC believes that a threshold that is a set dollar amount is 
preferable to one that is a percentage of the stock price (like OCC's 
existing 10% Rule) because there are operational problems with applying 
a percentage threshold. Under the existing 10% Rule, in order to 
determine whether this threshold is met, the per share dividend amount 
is applied to the closing price of the underlying security on the 
dividend declaration date. The date the dividend is announced (by press 
release or by some other means) is not normally the ``declaration 
date'' when the dividend is officially declared by an issuer's board of 
directors. Until the actual declaration date, investors and traders may 
not know whether or not an announced dividend will trigger an 
adjustment based on the company's share price. In the interim, it is 
difficult for traders and investors to price their options because they 
do not know if an adjustment will be made.
    The advantage of a fixed dollar threshold is avoiding uncertainty. 
The per contract value of the dividend can be immediately determined 
without the need to wait until the declaration date and without the 
need to do a calculation based on the closing price of the underlying 
shares.
3. Consistency Across Relevant Interpretations
    Interpretations and Policies .01 and .08 under Article VI, Section 
11A apply to cash distributions. Interpretation and Policy .01 (as 
proposed to be amended) would apply in general to all cash 
distributions. Interpretation and Policy .08 currently carves out 
exceptions for fund share cash distributions and does not include a 
threshold minimum. In the interest of clarity and consistency with 
Interpretation and Policy .01, Interpretation .08 would be revised to 
provide for the same $12.50 per contract threshold. Clause (ii) of 
Interpretation and Policy .08 would be deleted because it is an 
exception to the 10% Rule and would no longer be needed when the 10% 
Rule is abolished.
4. The Amendment
    OCC understands that certain option traders may have integrated 
into their pricing models the probability of special dividends based on 
the OCC rules currently in effect and that eliminating the 10% Rule 
with respect to existing contracts may unfairly affect these options 
traders. To ensure that no options series that were opened before 
disclosure of the rule change are affected by elimination of the 10% 
Rule, OCC will delay eliminating the 10% Rule and replacing it with the 
fixed dollar threshold so that these changes will be implemented only 
for corporate events announced on or after February 1, 2009. OCC plans 
to provide ODD disclosure of this rule change before May 29, 2007 
(after which date the

[[Page 67418]]

exchanges would normally begin introducing LEAPS expiring in 2010 
making a 2009 implementation impracticable). The delay in 
implementation will ensure that all options series opened before the 
ODD disclosure is made available (other than certain ``flex'' options 
that will be grandfathered under the old rule) will have expired before 
the change is effected.\12 \While delaying the implementation until 
2009 postpones the benefit of making this needed change, it 
accommodates the many firms that find the operational hurdles and 
fairness issues associated with an earlier implementation onerous.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ OCC intends to take a ``snapshot'' of flex series expiring 
after January 31, 2009, that are outstanding at the time when ODD 
disclosure of the rule change is made. Those series will be assigned 
distinctive trading symbols and ``grandfathered'' under the old 
rule. Trading will continue normally in grandfathered series until 
their expiration, but the exchanges would be free to open otherwise 
identical non-grandfathered series, which would be identified by 
conventional flex trading symbols. If ODD disclosure is not made 
until after the December 2006 expiration, it may also be necessary 
to grandfather two classes of LEAPs with December expirations (SPY 
and S&P 100 i-Shares) because the exchanges would ordinarily 
introduce new series expiring in December 2009 after the December 
2006 expiration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    OCC believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
requirements of Section 17A of the Act \13\ and the rules and 
regulations thereunder applicable to OCC because (1) it is intended to 
eliminate inequities that result from certain rounding practices 
currently required by OCC's By-Laws and thus protect investors and (2) 
it is intended to make more predictable when cash distributions by an 
issuer will result in an adjustment to an option contract and thus make 
the process for adjustments more equitable for all investors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(B) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    OCC does not believe that the proposed rule change would impose any 
burden on competition.

(C) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the 
Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others

    Written comments were not and are not intended to be solicited with 
respect to the proposed rule change and none have been received.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for 
Commission Action

    Within thirty-five days of the date of publication of this notice 
in the Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the 
Commission may designate up to ninety days of such date if it finds 
such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so 
finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, 
the Commission will:
    (A) By order approve such proposed rule change or
    (B) Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule 
change should be disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change, as amended, is consistent with the Act. Comments may be 
submitted by any of the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://
www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-OCC-2006-01 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-OCC-2006-01. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To 
help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/
sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all 
written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are 
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to 
the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other 
than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and 
copying in the Commission's Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20549. Copies of such filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of OCC and on OCC's 
Web site at www.theocc.com. All comments received will be posted 
without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying 
information from submissions. You should submit only information that 
you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to 
File Number SR-OCC-2006-01 and should be submitted on or before 
December 12, 2006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\14\
Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6-19619 Filed 11-20-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.