RE: NEW ARCHEAN..Spin offs like Archean work the same way a cash dividend does. The board of directors of KEX announce the dividend details regarding what the investor gets. Last time it was 1 share of Archean for every 4 shares of KEX. a date of record will be announced and its those shareholders who own KEX on that date, who will get the spin off by the pay date (my experience it can take up to a month for my brokerage to physically have the shares) And just like a cash dividend if you sell your KEX shares on or after the x-dividend date you will still receive the spin off shares. So to answer your question, one only has to own KEX on the date of record to receive Archean shares. Hope this helps