American Stock Exchange News Release

Options Release October 15, 2002
Media Contact: Lynn Teresky
Amex
212-306-1654

AMEX TO TRADE OPTIONS ON NINE SECURITIES

New York -  The American Stock Exchange (Amex) will launch trading in options on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market listed stocks of:

  • Blue Rhino Corporation (Option Symbol: AGQ/Stock Symbol: RINO)
  • The Dress Barn, Inc. (Option Symbol: DTQ/Stock Symbol: DBRN)
  • First Virginia Banks, Inc. (Symbol: FVB)
  • Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. (Symbol: HGR)
  • Kellwood Company (Symbol: KWD)
  • Lancaster Colony Corporation (Option Symbol: AUF/Stock Symbol: LANC)
  • PracticeWorks, Inc. (Option Symbol: QRZ/Stock Symbol: PRWK)
  • ProQuest Company (Symbol: PQE)
  • The Scotts Company, Class A (Symbol: SMG)

    Blue Rhino Corporation options will open with strike prices of 12 1/2 - 15 - 17 1/2 and position limits of 22,500 contracts. The options will trade on March expiration cycle with initial expirations in November, December, March and June. The specialist will be Bowery Specialist Group, LLC. Blue Rhino Corporation provides grill cylinder exchange in the United States.

    The Dress Barn, Inc. options will open with strike prices of 12 1/2 - 15 - 17 1/2 and position limits of 13,500 contracts. The options will trade on March expiration cycle with initial expirations in November, December, March and June. The specialist will be TD Options, LLC. The Dress Barn, Inc. operates a national chain of value-priced specialty stores offering career fashion to working women.

    First Virginia Banks, Inc. options will open with strike prices of 35 - 40 - 45 and position limits of 22,500 contracts. The options will trade on March expiration cycle with initial expirations in November, December, March and June. The specialist will be Group One Trading L.P. First Virginia Banks, Inc. is a bank holding company operating in Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia.

    Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. options will open with strike prices of 12 1/2 - 15 - 17 1/2 and position limits of 22,500 contracts. The options will trade on March expiration cycle with initial expirations in November, December, March and June. The specialist will be AGS Specialist Partners. Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. is a professional practice management company focused on the orthopedic and prosthetic (O&P) of the orthopedic rehabilitation industry.

    Kellwood Company options will open with strike prices of 20 - 22 1/2 - 25 and position limits of 22,500 contracts. The options will trade on March expiration cycle with initial expirations in November, December, March and June. The specialist will be Knight Financial Products, LLC. Kellwood Company and its subsidiaries manufacture and market apparel and related soft goods.

    Lancaster Colony Corporation options will open with strike prices of 40 - 45 - 50 and position limits of 13,500 contracts. The options will trade on March expiration cycle with initial expirations in November, December, March and June. The specialist will be Botta Capital Management. Lancaster Colony Corporation manufactures automobile products, specialty foods, glassware and candles.

    PracticeWorks, Inc. options will open with strike prices of 10 - 12 1/2 - 15 and position limits of 13,500 contracts. The options will trade on March expiration cycle with initial expirations in November, December, March and June. The specialist will be Charlton, SLK-Hull Derivatives, LLC. PracticeWorks, Inc. is an information management technology provider for dentists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

    ProQuest Company options will open with strike prices of 22 1/2 - 25 - 30 and position limits of 13,500 contracts. The options will trade on March expiration cycle with initial expirations in November, December, March and June. The specialist will be Wolverine Trading L.P. ProQuest Company publishes content in academic, library, automotive and powersports businesses.

    The Scotts Company, Class A options will open with strike prices of 40 - 45 - 50 and position limits of 13,500 contracts. The options will trade on March expiration cycle with initial expirations in November, December, March and June. The specialist will be Cohen, Duffy & McGowan, LLC. The Scotts Company supplies consumer products for lawn and garden care, as well as turf care and horticulture.

  • The American Stock Exchange® (Amex®) is the only primary exchange that offers trading across a full range of equities, options and exchange traded funds (ETFs), including structured products and HOLDRSSM. In addition to its role as a national equities market, the Amex is the pioneer of the ETF, responsible for bringing the first domestic product to market in 1993. Leading the industry in ETF listings, the Amex lists 121 ETFs to date. The Amex is also the second largest options exchange in the U.S., trading options on broad-based and sector indexes as well as domestic and foreign stocks. For more information, contact the Media Contact above.