Barclays Announces a Reverse Split of the iPath® Series B S&P 500® VIX Short-Term Futures™ ETNs and the iPath® Series B S&P 500® VIX Mid-Term Futures™ ETNs

Rhea-AI Summary

Barclays has declared a 1-for-4 reverse split for its iPath® Series B S&P 500® VIX Short-Term Futures™ ETNs (VXX) and iPath® Series B S&P 500® VIX Mid-Term Futures™ ETNs (VXZ). The reverse split will be effective from the start of trading on July 24, 2024. On July 9, 2024, the closing indicative values were $10.2926 for VXX and $12.1973 for VXZ. Investors will receive one reverse-split adjusted ETN for every four ETNs held, with cash payments for any remaining odd number of ETNs. Adjusted ETNs will trade under the same ticker symbols but with new CUSIPs.

Positive

• Barclays announces a 1-for-4 reverse split for VXX and VXZ ETNs.
• Reverse split effective from July 24, 2024.
• Adjusted ETNs will retain the same ticker symbols but new CUSIPs.

Negative

• Investors face significant risks as ETNs do not benefit from principal protection.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Reverse splits are typically implemented to increase the per-share market price of a security. In the case of the iPath® ETNs, this 1 for 4 reverse split means that for every four ETNs an investor holds, they will receive one new ETN priced at four times the previous value.

From a liquidity perspective, reverse splits can sometimes make securities more attractive by maintaining compliance with exchange listing requirements and potentially reducing price volatility. However, this can come at the cost of reduced trading volumes, which might impact liquidity.

The two ETNs in question, VXX and VXZ, track volatility indices—inherently risky assets with high volatility. The reverse split does not change the underlying exposure of the ETNs but might reflect Barclays' attempt to manage market perception and maintain investor interest.

For , understanding the valuation post-split is key. The indicative values of VXX and VXZ post-split will multiply, altering the nominal value but not the overall worth of an investor’s holdings. One potential drawback is the management of partial shares, which can lead to fractional cash payments and might be inconvenient for investors.

While the reverse split is not inherently positive or negative, its success will depend on market reaction and future performance of the ETNs.

Market Research Analyst

Reverse splits can have mixed implications in the context of market perception. Often, they can signal a company’s attempt to boost its stock price, which might be seen as a move to safeguard against delisting or to project strength in volatile instruments.

ETNs linked to the S&P 500® VIX indices are speculative and often used for short-term trading strategies. The 1 for 4 reverse split might be an effort by Barclays to make these products more appealing in terms of price stability and to attract a different class of investors who may prefer higher-priced securities.

In terms of market dynamics, such splits can impact investor behavior. For instance, traders might see an opportunity in the temporary price adjustment post-split. However, long-term investors should be cautious and consider the inherent risks associated with volatility-linked ETNs, which lack principal protection and can be highly unpredictable.

For those holding these ETNs, understanding the underlying mechanics and potential outcomes of the split is paramount to making informed investment decisions. Monitoring how similar instruments have reacted historically to reverse splits could provide deeper insights.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) announced today that it will implement a 1 for 4 reverse split of two series of iPath^® ETNs (together, the “ETNs”): the iPath^® Series B S&P 500^® VIX Short-Term Futures^™ ETNs (CUSIP: 06748F324) (the “VXX ETNs”) and the iPath^® Series B S&P 500^® VIX Mid-Term Futures^™ ETNs (CUSIP: 06746P613) (the “VXZ ETNs”). Barclays intends the reverse split for each series of ETNs to be effective at the open of trading on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Each series of ETNs currently trades on the CBOE BZX Exchange (“CBOE”) under the ticker symbol “VXX” for the VXX ETNs and “VXZ” for the VXZ ETNs.

Barclays has the right (but no obligation) to initiate such a reverse split of the ETNs at its discretion on any business day, as described in the pricing supplement relating to the ETNs. On July 9, 2024, the closing indicative value of the VXX ETNs was $10.2926, and the closing indicative value of the VXZ ETNs was $12.1973.

The record date for the reverse split of each series of ETNs will be effective after the close of business, New York time, on July 23, 2024. The closing indicative value of each series of ETNs on the record date will be multiplied by four to determine the respective reverse-split adjusted value of the relevant series of ETNs. The reverse split for each series of ETNs will be effective at the open of trading on July 24, 2024, and each series of ETNs will begin trading on the CBOE on a reverse-split adjusted basis on such date. The reverse-split adjusted ETNs will have a new CUSIP, but will retain the same ticker symbols.

Investors who, as of the record date, hold a number of ETNs that is not divisible by four will receive one reverse-split adjusted ETN of the relevant series for every four ETNs of the relevant series held on the record date and a cash payment for any odd number of ETNs remaining (the “partials”). The cash amount due on any partials will be determined on July 30, 2024, based on the closing indicative value of the relevant series of reverse-split adjusted ETNs on such date and will be paid by Barclays on August 2, 2024.

For more information regarding the reverse split process, including how the reverse-split adjusted value is determined, see the pricing supplement relating to the ETNs under the heading “Specific Terms of the ETNs— Split or Reverse Split.” The pricing supplement and prospectus relating to each series of ETNs can be found on EDGAR, the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, as well as on the product website at the product page for each of the ETNs listed in the table above at ipathetn.barclays.

An investment in the ETNs involves significant risks and may not be suitable for all investors. The ETNs are riskier than ordinary unsecured debt securities and do not benefit from any principal protection. For more information on risks associated with the ETNs, please see “Selected Risk Considerations” below and the risk factors included in the relevant pricing supplement.

Barclays is the issuer of the ETNs and Barclays Capital Inc. is the issuer’s agent in the distribution. Please contact Barclays for further questions:

• Financial advisors: Directly contact Barclays at etndesk@barclays.com or 1-212-528-7990 to obtain further information.
• Individual investors: Instruct your broker/advisor/custodian to email us at etndesk@barclays.com or to call us at: 1-212-528-7990. You may call in together with your broker/advisor/custodian or have them speak to us on your behalf.

About Barclays

Barclays is a British universal bank. We are diversified by business, by different types of customers and clients, and by geography. Our businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a full-service corporate and investment bank. For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.barclays.com.

Selected Risk Considerations

An investment in the ETNs described herein involves risks. Selected risks are summarized here, but we urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks described under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and pricing supplement.

You May Lose Some or All of Your Principal: The ETNs are exposed to any decrease in the level of the underlying index between the inception date and the applicable valuation date. Additionally, if the level of the underlying index is insufficient to offset the negative effect of the investor fee and other applicable costs, you will lose some or all of your investment at maturity or upon redemption, even if the value of such index has increased. Because the ETNs are subject to an investor fee and any other applicable costs, the return on the ETNs will always be lower than the total return on a direct investment in the index components. The ETNs are riskier than ordinary unsecured debt securities and have no principal protection.

Credit of Barclays Bank PLC: The ETNs are unsecured debt obligations of Barclays Bank PLC and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of or guaranteed by any third party. Any payment to be made on the ETNs, including any payment at maturity or upon redemption, depends on the ability of Barclays Bank PLC to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of Barclays Bank PLC will affect the market value, if any, of the ETNs prior to maturity or redemption. In addition, if Barclays Bank PLC were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the terms of the ETNs.

The Performance of the Underlying Indices are Unpredictable: An investment in the ETNs is subject to risks associated with fluctuations, particularly a decline, in the performance of the underlying index. Because the performance of such index is linked to futures contracts on the CBOE^® Volatility Index (the “VIX Index”), the performance of the underlying index will depend on many factors including, the level of the S&P 500^®, the prices of options on the S&P 500^®, and the level of the VIX Index which may change unpredictably, affecting the value of futures contracts on the VIX Index and, consequently, the level of the underlying index. Additional factors that may contribute to fluctuations in the level of such index include prevailing market prices and forward volatility levels of the U.S. stock markets and the equity securities included in the S&P 500^®, the prevailing market prices of options on the VIX Index, relevant futures contracts on the VIX Index, or any other financial instruments related to the S&P 500^® and the VIX Index, interest rates, supply and demand in the listed and over-the-counter equity derivative markets as well as hedging activities in the equity-linked structured product markets.

Your ETNs Are Not Linked to the VIX Index: The value of your ETNs will be linked to the value of the underlying index, and your ability to benefit from any rise or fall in the level of the VIX Index is limited. The index underlying your ETNs is based upon holding a rolling long position in futures on the VIX Index. These futures will not necessarily track the performance of the VIX Index. Your ETNs may not benefit from increases in the level of the VIX Index because such increases will not necessarily cause the level of VIX Index futures to rise. Accordingly, a hypothetical investment that was linked directly to the VIX Index could generate a higher return than your ETNs.

Market and Volatility Risk: The market value of the ETNs may be influenced by many unpredictable factors and may fluctuate between the date you purchase them and the maturity date or redemption date. You may also sustain a significant loss if you sell your ETNs in the secondary market. Factors that may influence the market value of the ETNs include prevailing market prices of the U.S. stock markets, the index components included in the underlying index, and prevailing market prices of options on such index or any other financial instruments related to such index; and supply and demand for the ETNs, including economic, financial, political, regulatory, geographical or judicial events that affect the level of such index or other financial instruments related to such index.

A Trading Market for the ETNs May Not Develop: Although the ETNs are listed on CBOE, a trading market for the ETNs may not develop and the liquidity of the ETNs may be limited, as we are not required to maintain any listing of the ETNs.

No Interest Payments from the ETNs: You may not receive any interest payments on the ETNs.

Restrictions on the Minimum Number of ETNs and Date Restrictions for Redemptions: You must redeem at least 25,000 ETNs of the same series at one time in order to exercise your right to redeem your ETNs on any redemption date. You may only redeem your ETNs on a redemption date if we receive a notice of redemption from you by certain dates and times as set forth in the pricing supplement.

Uncertain Tax Treatment: Significant aspects of the tax treatment of the ETNs are uncertain. You should consult your own tax advisor about your own tax situation.

The ETNs may be sold throughout the day on the exchange through any brokerage account. There are restrictions on the minimum number of ETNs you may redeem directly with the issuer as specified in the applicable prospectus. Commissions may apply and there are tax consequences in the event of sale, redemption or maturity of ETNs. Sales in the secondary market may result in significant losses.

The S&P 500 VIX Futures Indices are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC ("SPDJI"). S&P^®, S&P 500^®, and "S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures^™", and "S&P 500® Dynamic VIX Futures^™" are trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC ("SPFS"). VIX^® is a registered trademark of Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated ("CBOE"). These trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC ("SPDJI") and its affiliates, and sublicensed to Barclays Bank PLC for certain purposes. The ETNs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, SPFS, CBOE or any of their respective affiliates (collectively, "S&P Dow Jones Indices"). S&P Dow Jones Indices does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the ETNs or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the ETNs particularly or the ability of the S&P 500 VIX Futures Indices to track general market performance.

© 2024 Barclays Bank PLC. All rights reserved. iPath, iPath ETNs and the iPath logo are registered trademarks of Barclays Bank PLC. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property, and used with the permission, of their respective owners.

NOT FDIC INSURED · NO BANK GUARANTEE · MAY LOSE VALUE

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240710818246/en/

Press:

Ann Thielke

+1 212 526 1472

Ann.Thielke@barclays.com

Source: Barclays Bank PLC

FAQ

What is the effective date for Barclays' reverse split of VXX and VXZ ETNs?

The reverse split will be effective at the start of trading on July 24, 2024.

What will be the new CUSIP for VXX and VXZ ETNs after the reverse split?

The adjusted ETNs will have new CUSIPs but will retain the same ticker symbols, VXX and VXZ.

How will Barclays handle odd numbers of ETNs after the reverse split?

Investors will receive one reverse-split adjusted ETN for every four ETNs held and cash payments for any remaining odd number of ETNs.

What were the closing indicative values of VXX and VXZ ETNs on July 9, 2024?

The closing indicative values were $10.2926 for VXX and $12.1973 for VXZ.

When will investors receive cash payments for partials after the reverse split of VXX and VXZ ETNs?

The cash amount for partials will be determined on July 30, 2024, and paid by Barclays on August 2, 2024.