Updated: N.Y.

Pink Sheets and Penny Stocks

The "Pink Sheets" is an electronic quotation system that displays quotes from broker dealers for many over-the-counter (OTC) securities. "Market makers" and other brokers who buy and sell OTC securities, can use the Pink Sheets to publish their bid and ask quotation prices. The name "Pink Sheets" comes from the color of paper they were historically printed on. They are published today by Pink Sheets LLC, a privately owned company. Pink Sheets LLC is not registered with the SEC in any way and it is not an NASD Broker-Dealer.

The Pink Sheets does not require companies whose securities are quoted upon its systems to meet any listing requirements. With the exception of a few foreign issuers, the companies quoted in the Pink Sheets tend to be closely held, extremely small and/or thinly traded. Most do not meet the minimum listing requirements for trading on a national securities exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market. Many of these companies do not file periodic reports or audited financial statements with the SEC, making it very difficult for investors to find reliable, unbiased information about those companies. For all of these reasons, companies quoted in the Pink Sheets can be among the most risky investments. That's why you should take extra care to thoroughly research any company quoted exclusively in the Pink Sheets. Be aware that some broker-dealers are required by Rule 15c2-11 under the 1934 Act to have some information about the issuer. Ask your broker-dealer whether it has any Rule 15c2-11 information before you invest.

For information on the risks of investing in small companies, be sure to read our brochure, Microcap Stock: A Guide for Investors.

http://www.sec.gov/answers/pink.htm

We have provided this information as a service to investors. It is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of SEC policy. If you have questions concerning the meaning or application of a particular law or rule, please consult with an attorney who specializes in securities law.

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This is not an offer or solicitation: The term “penny stock” generally refers to low-priced (below $5), speculative securities of very small companies. While penny stocks generally trade over-the-counter, such as on the OTC Bulletin Board or in the Pink Sheets, they may also trade on securities exchanges, including foreign securities exchanges. In addition, penny stocks include the securities of certain private companies with no active trading market. Always perform your own due diligence and consult a professional financial advisor. .