I placed an order this morning, and had to again go through their song and dance - unable to trade on line - getting approvals and such to place the order. I talked to two people in the process, and complained to both, vigorously, about this impediment to trading that they've only recently implemented. It doesn't affect all penney stocks, as I tested by placing an order for EDIG, and there are no impediments there.

I asked for an explanation for this BS, and, FWIW, here's the answer I got (paraphrased):

"This security is subject to a symbol change, and therefore any orders placed (buy or sell) are being handled in this way to assure that the desired trade is placed correctly."

I found this intriguing in light of M&A activities. However, I could see where this may be the result of the "E" having been added (due to late reporting) a few months back. They may have had problems placing/executing trades due to that circumstance, and instituted this new "check and balance" to assure no future problems. But there could, I suppose, be something else in the works that ETrade is privy to - though this seems highly unlikely. At least I got an explanation (and wasn't blatantly lied to as happened last time I asked - when the guy said "it's been our policy for penneys since I started working here" - as this is only a recent thing with PTSC and apparently doesn't affect other penney stocks).

Just thought I'd share....

SGE