Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval to a Proposed Rule Change by the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. Relating to Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans and the Voting of Proxies

Securities and Exchange Commission

(Release No. 34-48736; File No. SR-Phlx-2003-67)

October 31, 2003

Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act"),1 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on September 30, 2003, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. ("Phlx" or "Exchange") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons and is approving the proposal on an accelerated basis.

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The Exchange proposes to delete the introductory language and subsection (a) of Phlx Rule 850, Shareholder Approval Policy, and replace it with rule text and commentary regarding shareholder approval of equity compensation plans that tracks the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.'s ("NASD") Rule 4350(i) and NASD IM 4350-5.3 The Exchange also proposes to amend Phlx Rule 862, Proxies at Direction of Owner, to preclude broker voting on equity compensation plans.

Below is the text of the proposed rule change.4 Proposed new language is italicized; proposed deleted language is [bracketed].

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Rule 850, Shareholder Approval Policy

Rule 850.[ A listed company shall require shareholder approval of the issuance of securities in connection with the following:

(a) Options plans or other special remunerations plans for directors, officers or key employees.]Each issuer shall require shareholder approval prior to the issuance of designated securities under subparagraph (a), (b), or (c) below:

(a) when a stock option or purchase plan is to be established or materially amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially amended pursuant to which options or stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees, or consultants, except for:

(i) warrants or rights issued generally to all security holders of the company or stock purchase plans available on equal terms to all security holders of the company (such as a dividend reinvestment plan); or

(ii) tax qualified, non-discriminatory employee benefit plans (e.g., plans that meet the requirements of Section 401(a) or 423 of the Internal Revenue Code) or parallel nonqualified plans, provided such plans are approved by the issuer's independent compensation committee or a majority of the issuer's independent directors; or plans that merely provide a convenient way to purchase shares on the open market or from the issuer at fair market value; or

(iii) plans or arrangements relating to an acquisition or merger as permitted under the Commentary to this rule; or

(iv) issuances to a person not previously an employee or director of the company, or following a bonafide period of non-employment, as an inducement material to the individual's entering into employment with the company, provided such issuances are approved by either the issuer's independent compensation committee or a majority of the issuer's independent directors. Promptly following an issuance of any employment inducement grant in reliance on this exception, a company must disclose in a press release the material terms of the grant, including the recipient(s) of the grant and the number of the shares involved.

Issuers shall notify the Exchange no later than 15 calendar days prior to establishing or materially amending a stock option plan, purchase plan or other equity compensation arrangement pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees, or consultants without shareholder approval.

(b) No change.

(c) No change.

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Commentary:

Employee ownership of company stock can be an effective tool to align employee interests with those of other shareholders. Stock option plans or other equity compensation arrangements can also assist in the recruitment and retention of employees, which is especially critical to young, growing companies, or companies with insufficient cash resources to attract and retain highly qualified employees. However, these plans can potentially dilute shareholder interests. As such, Rule 850(a) ensures that shareholders have a voice in these situations, given this potential for dilution.

Rule 850(a) requires shareholder approval when a plan or other equity compensation arrangement is established or materially amended. For these purposes, a material amendment would include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) any material increase in the number of shares to be issued under the plan (other than to reflect a reorganization, stock split, merger, spinoff or similar transaction);

(2) any material increase in benefits to participants, including any material change to: (i) permit a repricing (or decrease in exercise price) of outstanding options, (ii) reduce the price at which shares or options to purchase shares may be offered, or (iii) extend the duration of a plan;

(3) any material expansion of the class of participants eligible to participate in the plan; and

(4) any expansion in the types of options or awards provided under the plan.

While general authority to amend a plan would not obviate the need for shareholder approval, if a plan permits a specific action without further shareholder approval, then no such approval would generally be required. However, if a plan contains a formula for automatic increases in the shares available (sometimes called an "evergreen formula"), or for automatic grants pursuant to a dollar-based formula (such as, annual grants based on a certain dollar value, or matching contributions based upon the amount of compensation the participant elects to defer), such plans cannot have a term in excess of ten years unless shareholder approval is obtained every ten years. However, plans that do not contain a formula and do not impose a limit on the number of shares available for grant would require shareholder approval of each grant under the plan. A requirement that grants be made out of treasury shares or repurchased shares will not alleviate these additional shareholder approval requirements.

As a general matter, when preparing plans and presenting them for shareholder approval, issuers should strive to make plan terms easy to understand. In that regard, it is recommended that plans meant to permit repricing use explicit terminology to make this clear.

Rule 850(a) provides an exception to the requirement for shareholder approval for warrants or rights offered generally to all shareholders. In addition, an exception is provided for tax qualified, non-discriminatory employee benefit plans as well as parallel nonqualified plans as these plans are regulated under the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Department regulations. An equity compensation plan that provides non-U.S. employees with substantially the same benefits as a comparable tax qualified, non-discriminatory employee benefit plan that the issuer provides to its U.S. employees, but for features necessary to comply with applicable foreign tax law, are also exempt from shareholder approval under this section.

Further, there is an exception for inducement grants to new employees because in these cases a company has an arm's length relationship with the new employees. Inducement grants for these purposes include grants of options or stock to new employees in connection with a merger or acquisition. The rule requires that such issuances must be approved by the issuer's independent compensation committee or a majority of the issuer's independent directors. The rule further requires that promptly following an issuance of any employment inducement grant in reliance on this exception, a company must disclose in a press release the material terms of the grant, including the recipient(s) of the grant and the number of shares involved.

In addition, plans or arrangements involving a merger or acquisition do not require shareholder approval in two situations. First, shareholder approval will not be required to convert, replace or adjust outstanding options or other equity compensation awards to reflect the transaction. Second, shares available under certain plans acquired in acquisitions and mergers may be used for certain post-transaction grants without further shareholder approval. This exception applies to situations where the party which is not a listed company following the transaction has shares available for grant under pre-existing plans that were previously approved by shareholders and meet the requirements of this Rule 850(a). These shares may be used for post-transaction grants of options and other equity awards by the listed company (after appropriate adjustment of the number of shares to reflect the transaction), either under the pre-existing plan or arrangement or another plan or arrangement, without further shareholder approval, provided: (1) the time during which those shares are available for grants is not extended beyond the period when they would have been available under the pre-existing plan, absent the transaction, and (2) such options and other awards are not granted to individuals who were employed by the granting company or its subsidiaries at the time the merger or acquisition was consummated. The Exchange would view a plan or arrangement adopted in contemplation of the merger or acquisition transaction as not pre-existing for purposes of this exception. This exception is appropriate because it will not result in any increase in the aggregate potential dilution of the combined enterprise. In this regard, any additional shares available for issuance under a plan or arrangement acquired in connection with a merger or acquisition would be counted by the Exchange in determining whether the transaction involved the issuance of 20% or more of the company's outstanding common stock, thus triggering the shareholder approval requirements under Rule 850(c).

Inducement grants, tax qualified non-discriminatory benefit plans, and parallel nonqualified plans are subject to approval by either the issuer's independent compensation committee, or a majority of the issuer's independent directors. It should also be noted that a company would not be permitted to use repurchased shares to fund option plans or grants without prior shareholder approval.

For purposes of Rule 850(a), including this Commentary, the term "parallel nonqualified plan" means a plan that is a "pension plan" within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"), 29 U.S.C. § 1002 (1999), that is designed to work in parallel with a plan intended to be qualified under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a), to provide benefits that exceed the limits set forth in Internal Revenue Code Section 402(g) (the section that limits an employee's annual pre-tax contributions to a 401(k) plan), Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17) (the section that limits the amount of an employee's compensation that can be taken into account for plan purposes) and/or Internal Revenue Code Section 415 (the section that limits the contributions and benefits under qualified plans) and/or any successor or similar limitations that may thereafter be enacted. However, a plan will not be considered a parallel nonqualified plan unless: (i) it covers all or substantially all employees of an employer who are participants in the related qualified plan whose annual compensation is in excess of the limit of Code Section 401(a)(17) (or any successor or similar limitation that may hereafter be enacted); (ii) its terms are substantially the same as the qualified plan that it parallels except for the elimination of the limitations described in the preceding sentence; and, (iii) no participant receives employer equity contributions under the plan in excess of 25% of the participant's cash compensation.

Rule 850(a) and this Commentary will become effective upon Securities and Exchange Commission approval; however, existing plans will be grandfathered. Any material modification to plans in place or adopted after the effective date will require shareholder approval.

The Exchange will preclude its member organizations from giving a proxy to vote on equity-compensation plans unless the beneficial owner of the shares has given voting instructions. This is codified in Exchange Rule 862. Amended Rule 862 will be effective for any meeting of shareholders that occurs on or after the 90th day following the effective date of the Securities and Exchange Commission order approving the rule change.

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Rule 862, Proxies at Direction of Owner

Rule 862. A member organization shall give a proxy for stock registered in its name, at the direction of the beneficial owner. If the stock is not in the control or possession of the member organization, satisfactory proof of the beneficial ownership as of the record date may be required.

Member organization holdings as executor, etc.

A member organization may give a proxy to vote any stock registered in its name if the member organization holds such stock as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, or in a similar representative or fiduciary capacity with authority to vote.

Procedure without instructions--Instructions on stock in names of other member organizations

A member organization which has transmitted proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owner of stock in accordance with the provisions of Rule 861, and which has not received instructions from the beneficial owner by the date specified in the statement accompanying such material, may give a proxy to vote such stock, provided the person signing the proxy has no knowledge of any contest as to the action to be taken at the meeting and provided such action does not include authorization for a merger, consolidation or any other matter which may affect substantially the legal rights or privileges of such stock.

A member organization which has in its possession or control stock registered in the name of another member organization shall

(1) forward to such other member organization any voting instructions received from the beneficial owner, or

(2) if the proxy-soliciting material has been transmitted to the beneficial owner of the stock in accordance with Rule 861 and no instructions have been received by the date specified in the statement accompanying such material, notify such other member organization of such fact in order that such organization may give the proxy as provided in the first paragraph of this Rule.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a member organization may not give a proxy to vote without instructions from beneficial owners when the matter to be voted upon authorizes the implementation of any equity compensation plan, or any material revision to the terms of any existing equity compensation plan (whether or not stockholder approval of such plan is required by Rule 850.)

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II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item III below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose

The Exchange proposes to revise Exchange Rule 850 to require shareholder approval for stock option plans or other equity compensation arrangements (subject to exceptions specified in the rule), to adopt a "Commentary" pertaining to shareholder approval for stock option plans or other equity compensation arrangements, and to revise Exchange Rule 862 to preclude broker voting in connection with shareholder approval of equity compensation plans.

Specifically, the Exchange proposes to adopt an exception for warrants or rights offered generally to all shareholders. The exception would exclude stock purchase plans available on equal terms to all security holders of the company (such as a dividend reinvestment plan) from the shareholder approval requirement. In addition, the proposal would not require shareholder approval for tax qualified, non-discriminatory benefit plans as these plans are regulated under the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Department regulations. Along with tax qualified, non-discriminatory employee benefit plans, the Exchange's proposal also provides an exception for parallel nonqualified plans, which are plans that work parallel with plans intended to qualify under the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, an equity compensation plan that provides non-U.S. employees with substantially the same benefits as a comparable tax qualified, non-discriminatory employee benefit plan or parallel nonqualified plan that the issuer provides to its U.S. employees, but for features necessary to comply with applicable foreign tax law, is also exempt from the shareholder approval requirements.

Furthermore, the Exchange proposes to adopt an exception for inducement grants to new employees because, in these cases, a company has an arm's length relationship with the new employees, and its interests are directly aligned with the shareholders. This exception would apply to persons previously employed by the issuer following a bona fide period of non-employment. In addition, for these purposes, inducement grants would include grants of options or stock to new employees in connection with a merger or acquisition. The proposal would require that, promptly following an issuance of any employment inducement grant in reliance on this exception, a company must disclose in a press release the material terms of the grant, including the recipient(s) of the grant and the number of shares involved.

In addition, the proposal would provide that plans involving a merger or acquisition would not require shareholder approval in two situations. First, the Exchange will not require shareholder approval to convert, replace or adjust outstanding options or other equity compensation awards to reflect the transaction. Second, the shares available under certain plans acquired in corporate acquisitions and mergers may be used for certain post-transaction grants without further shareholder approval. This exception would apply to situations where the target/acquired company, which is no longer a listed company following the transaction, has shares available for grant under its pre-existing plans that were previously approved by its shareholders. These shares may be used for post-transaction grants of options and other equity awards by the acquiring/listed company (after appropriate adjustment of the number of shares to reflect the transaction), either under the pre-existing plan or another plan, without further shareholder approval, so long as: (1) the time during which those shares are available for grants is not extended beyond the period when they would have been available under the pre-existing plan, absent the transaction, and (2) such options and other awards are only granted to individuals who were employed by the target/acquired company at the time the merger or acquisition was consummated. The Exchange would view a plan adopted in contemplation of the merger or acquisition transaction as not pre-existing for purposes of this exception. The Exchange believes that this exception is appropriate because it believes that it will not result in any increase in the aggregate potential dilution of the combined enterprise.

Under the Exchange's proposal, inducement grants, tax qualified, non-discriminatory benefit plans, and parallel nonqualified plans are subject to approval by either the issuer's independent compensation committee, or a majority of the issuer's independent directors. The Exchange also notes that a company would not be permitted to use repurchased shares to fund options without prior shareholder approval. Plans that merely provide a convenient way to purchase shares on the open market or from the issuer at fair market value would not require shareholder approval.

The Exchange proposal further clarifies that material amendments to plans would require shareholder approval. The accompanying proposed "Commentary" also provides a non-exclusive list of plan amendments that are considered material, and clarifies that, while general authority to amend a plan would not obviate the need for shareholder approval, if a plan permits a specific action without further shareholder approval, then no such approval would generally be required.5 Certain provisions in a plan, however, cannot be amended without shareholder approval. For example, stock option plans that contain a formula for automatic increases in the shares available or for automatic grants pursuant to a dollar-based formula cannot have a term in excess of ten years unless shareholder approval is obtained every ten years. Plans that do not contain a formula and do not impose a limit on the number of shares available for grant would require shareholder approval of each grant under the plan. A requirement that grants be made out of treasury shares or repurchased shares will not alleviate these additional shareholder approval requirements.

The proposed "Commentary" also provides that, as a general matter, when preparing plans and presenting them for shareholder approval, issuers should strive to make plan terms easy to understand. In that regard, the Exchange recommends that plans meant to permit repricing use explicit terminology to make this clear.

With respect to implementation of revised Rule 850 and the accompanying Commentary, the Exchange proposes that they become effective upon SEC approval, and that existing plans be grandfathered. Any material modification to plans in place or adopted after the effective date of revised Rule 850 and the accompanying Commentary would require shareholder approval.

Under the Exchange's proposal, issuers would be required to notify the Exchange no later than 15 calendar days prior to establishing or materially amending a stock option plan, purchase plan or other equity compensation arrangement pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees, or consultants without shareholder approval.

Finally, the Exchange proposes to amend Exchange Rule 862 to prohibit member organizations from voting on equity compensation plans unless the beneficial owner of the shares has given voting instructions. The Exchange proposes, however, a transition period that will make the amended rule applicable only to shareholder meetings that occur on or after the 90th day following the date of the Commission's order approving the amended rule.

2. Statutory Basis

The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6 of the Act,6 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,7 in particular, in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest, and does not permit unfair discrimination among issuers.

B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received from Members, Participants, or Others

Written comments on the proposed rule change were neither solicited nor received.

III. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Persons making written submissions should file six copies thereof with the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying at the Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing will also be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All submissions should refer to File No. SR-Phlx-2003-67 and should be submitted by [insert date 21 days from date of publication].

IV. Commission's Findings and Order Granting Accelerated Approval to the Proposed Rule Change

After careful review, the Commission finds that the Exchange's proposal is consistent with the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange and, in particular, with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.8 Specifically, the Commission finds that approval of the Exchange's proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act9 in that it is designed to, among other things, facilitate transactions in securities; to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices; to promote just and equitable principles of trade; to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system; and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest; and does not permit unfair discrimination among issuers.

The Commission has long encouraged exchanges to adopt and strengthen their corporate governance listing standards in order to, among other things, restore investor confidence in the national marketplace. The Commission believes that the Exchange's proposal, which requires shareholder approval of equity compensation plans and which follows the Commission's approval of similar proposals by the NYSE, Nasdaq, and Amex10 is the first step under this directive because it should have the effect of safeguarding the interests of shareholders, while placing certain restrictions on Exchange-listed companies.

In addition, the Commission notes that the Exchange's proposal is similar and almost identical to proposals by NYSE and Nasdaq requiring shareholder approval of equity compensation plans that have previously been approved by the Commission.11 The Commission believes that it has already considered and addressed the issues that may be raised by the Exchange's proposal when it approved these proposals. The Commission notes that approval of the Exchange's proposal will conform the Exchange's shareholder approval requirements for equity compensation plans with those of the NYSE and Nasdaq, and will immediately impose the same requirements on the Exchange's issuers as those imposed upon NYSE, Nasdaq, and Amex issuers. The adoption of these standards by the Exchange is an important step to ensure that issuers will not be able to avoid shareholder approval requirements for equity compensation plans based on their listed marketplace.

A. Exception from Shareholder Approval for Inducement Grants

The Commission believes that the requirement that the issuance of all inducement grants be subject to review by either the issuer's independent compensation committee or a majority of the board's independent directors, under the Exchange's proposal, should prevent abuse of this exception from shareholder approval.In addition, the Exchange proposes to limit its exception for inducement grants to new employees or to previous employees being rehired after a bona fide period of interruption of employment, and to new employees in connection with an acquisition or merger. The Commission believes that these limitations should help to prevent the inducement exception from being used inappropriately.

The Commission notes that the Exchange is proposing to include a requirement, similar to the requirement under the NYSE and Nasdaq's recently approved shareholder approval rules, that, promptly following the grant of any inducement award, companies must disclose in a press release the material terms of the award, including the recipient(s) of the award and the number of shares involved.12 The Commission notes that the Exchange is also proposing a requirement, similar to the requirements under the NYSE and Nasdaq's recently approved shareholder approval rules,13 that an issuer must notify it in writing when it uses this exception, and/or any other exception, from its shareholder approval requirement. The Commission believes that these disclosure and notification requirements will provide transparency to investors and should reduce the potential for abuse of this exception for inducement grants.

B. Exception from Shareholder Approval for Mergers and Acquisitions

The Commission notes that the Exchange's exception from shareholder approval for mergers and acquisitions contains safeguards that should prevent abuse in this area. First, only pre-existing plans that were previously approved by the acquired company's shareholders would be available to the listed company for post-transactional grants. In addition, shares under those previously approved plans could not be granted to individuals who were employed, immediately before the transaction, by the post-transaction listed company or its subsidiaries. The Commission also notes that, under the Exchange's proposal, any shares reserved for listing in connection with a merger or acquisition pursuant to this exception would be counted by the Exchange in determining whether the transaction involved the issuance of 20% or more of the company's outstanding common stock, thereby requiring shareholder approval under Phlx Rule 850(c). Finally, the Commission notes that the Exchange proposes an additional requirement that an issuer must notify it in writing when it uses this exception, and/or any other exception, from its shareholder approval requirement. Based on the above, the Commission believes that the Exchange has provided measures to ensure that the exception for mergers and acquisitions is only used in limited circumstances, which should help reduce the potential for dilution of shareholder interests.

C. Exception From Shareholder Approval for Tax Qualified and Parallel Nonqualified Plans

The Commission believes that, given the extensive government regulation--the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations--for tax qualified plans and the general limitations associated with parallel nonqualified plans, shareholders should not experience significant dilution as a result of this exception. In addition, the Commission notes that the Exchange proposes to add a limitation under this exception that a plan would not be considered a nonqualified parallel plan under its proposal if employees who are participants in such a plan receive employer contributions under the plan in excess of 25% of the participants' cash compensation. The Commission further notes that the Exchange proposes an additional requirement that an issuer must notify it in writing when it uses this exception, and/or any other exception, from its shareholder approval requirement. The Commission believes that, taken together, these limitations should reduce concerns regarding abuse of this exception from the shareholder approval requirements.

In addition, the Commission notes that, similar to the exceptions in the NYSE and Nasdaq's recently approved shareholder approval rules, the Exchange proposes to adopt an exception from the shareholder approval requirements for an equity compensation plan that provides non-U.S. employees with substantially the same benefits as a comparable tax qualified, non-discriminatory employee benefit plan or parallel nonqualified plan that the issuer provides to its U.S. employees, but for features necessary to comply with applicable foreign tax law. The Commission believes that this change will conform the Exchange's shareholder approval rule to that of the NYSE and Nasdaq and will provide greater clarity for issuers regarding tax qualified, non-discriminatory employee benefit plans and parallel nonqualified plans for their non-U.S. employees.

D. Material Amendments/Revisions to Plans

The Commission notes that the Exchange proposes to provide a non-exclusive list, similar to lists found in the NYSE and Nasdaq's shareholder approval rules,14 as to what constitutes a material amendment/revision to a plan. As noted above, material amendments/revisions to plans will require shareholder approval under Exchange rules. A material amendment/revision under the Exchange's proposal would include, but is not limited to: a material increase in the number of shares to be issued under the plan (other than to reflect a reorganization, stock split, merger, spinoff or similar transaction); a material increase in benefits to participants, including any material change to (1) permit a repricing (or decrease in exercise price) of outstanding options, (2) reduce the price at which shares or options to purchase shares may be offered, or (3) extend the duration of the plan; a material expansion of the class of participants eligible to participate in the plan; and an expansion of the type of options or awards available under the plan. The Exchange's proposal also describes what would constitute a material amendment/revision for plans containing a formula for automatic increases (such as evergreen plans) and automatic grants requiring shareholder approval.

The Commission believes that the Exchange's non-exclusive list of what would constitute a material amendment/revision to a plan provides companies with clarity and guidance for when certain amendments and revisions to plans would require shareholder approval. The Commission also believes that the Exchange's proposal to conform its non-exclusive list with the NYSE and Nasdaq's rules on material amendments/revisions should help to ensure that the concept of material amendments/revisions is consistent among the markets so that differences between the markets cannot be abused.

E. Repricing of Plans

The Commission notes that, under the Exchange's proposal, if a plan is amended to permit repricing, such an amendment would be considered a material amendment to a plan requiring shareholder approval. In addition, the Exchange recommended in its proposal that plans meant to permit repricing should explicitly and clearly state that repricing is permitted.

The Commission believes that the Exchange's proposal should benefit shareholders by ensuring that companies cannot do a repricing of options, which can have a dilutive effect on shares, without explicit shareholder approval of such provisions and their terms. The Commission also believes that the Exchange's approach to repricings is similar to the NYSE and Nasdaq's respective approaches to repricings, and should offer companies clarity and guidance as to when a change in a plan regarding the repricing of options would trigger a shareholder approval requirement.

F. Evergreen or Formula Plans and Plans Without a Formula or Limit on the Number of Shares Available

The Commission notes the Exchange's proposal provides guidance for the treatment of evergreen/formula plans. More specifically, under the Exchange's proposal, if a plan contains a formula for automatic increases in the shares available or for automatic grants pursuant to a formula, such plans cannot have a term in excess of ten years unless shareholder approval is obtained every ten years. In addition, under the Exchange's proposal, if a plan contains no limit on the number of shares available and is not a formula plan, then each grant under the plan will require separate shareholder approval. Furthermore, the Exchange's proposal provides that a requirement that grants be made out of treasury or repurchased shares will not alleviate the need for shareholder approval for additional grants.

The Commission believes that these provisions should help to ensure that certain terms of a plan cannot be drafted so broad as to avoid shareholder scrutiny and approval. The Commission also believes that the Exchange's proposed rules relating to the treatment of evergreen/formula plans and plans that do not contain a formula or place a limit on the number of shares available should provide more clarity and transparency to issuers as to when shareholder approval would be required for such plans. Finally, the Commission believes that the provision ensuring that treasury and repurchased shares cannot be used to avoid these additional shareholder approval requirements strengthens the proposal and ensures that companies cannot avoid compliance with the rule.

G. Miscellaneous Provisions

The Commission notes that the Exchange's proposal-similar to the NYSE and Nasdaq's recently approved shareholder approval rules15-incorporates the term "equity compensation" and proposes that plans that merely provide a convenient way to purchase shares in the open market or from the issuer at fair market price on equal terms to all security holders would not require shareholder approval. The Commission believes that the Exchange's proposal is consistent with the NYSE and Nasdaq's rules in this area and should provide greater clarity with respect to which plans would and would not require shareholder approval.

The Commission notes that the Exchange's proposal provides that pre-existing plans, which were adopted prior to the SEC's approval of the Exchange's proposal, would essentially be "grandfathered" and would not require shareholder approval unless the plans were materially amended. Under the Exchange's proposal, however, shareholder approval is required for each grant made pursuant to any pre-existing plans that were not approved by shareholders and that do not have an evergreen formula or a specific number of shares available under the plan. This is consistent with the NYSE, Nasdaq, and Amex shareholder approval rules on this matter. The Commission believes that this clarification should provide companies with guidance as to which plans would be subject to the Exchange's new shareholder approval requirements.

The Commission further notes that the Exchange proposes to adopt an exception from the shareholder approval requirement for warrants or rights offered generally to all shareholders. This exception would exclude stock purchase plans available on equal terms to all security holders of the company (e.g., a dividend reinvestment plan). The Commission believes that the adoption of such an exception would make the Exchange's proposal consistent with the rules of other markets in this area.

H. Elimination of Broker-Dealer Voting on Equity Compensation Plans

The Commission believes that the Exchange's proposed amendment to Phlx Rule 862 to preclude broker voting on equity compensation plans is consistent with the Act. The Commission notes that equity compensation plans have become an important issue for shareholders. Because of the potential for dilution from issuances under such plans, shareholders should be making the determination rather than brokers on their behalf. The Commission further notes that NASD rules do not provide for broker voting on any matters and NYSE rules prohibit broker voting on equity compensation plans.16 Therefore, the Exchange's proposed provision would be consistent with NASD and NYSE rules regarding broker voting on equity compensation plans. The Commission has considered the impact on smaller issuers, such as those listed on Nasdaq and the Amex, in response to the comments on this issue.17 The Commission believes that the benefit of ensuring that the votes reflect the views of beneficial shareholders on equity compensation plans outweighs the potential difficulties in obtaining the vote.

The Commission also notes that the Exchange proposes to implement a transition period that would make the new rule eliminating broker voting on equity compensation plans applicable only to shareholder meetings that occur on or after the 90th day from the effective date of the Exchange's proposal.

I. Summary

Overall, the Commission believes that the Exchange's proposal is similar to the NYSE and Nasdaq's recently approved shareholder approval rules.18 The Commission therefore believes that the Exchange's proposal should provide for more clear and uniform standards for shareholder approval of equity compensation plans. The Commission notes that, even with the availability of the proposed limited exceptions from shareholder approval under the Exchange's proposal, shareholder approval under the new standards would be required in more circumstances than under existing Exchange rules. The Commission further notes that the Exchange proposes to adopt a requirement that an issuer must notify it in writing when it uses one of the exceptions from the shareholder approval requirements. The Commission believes that such a requirement, coupled with the additional disclosure requirements for inducement grants, should reduce the potential for abuse of any of the exceptions.19 In addition, the Exchange's proposed amendment to Phlx Rule 862, which would preclude broker-dealers from voting on equity compensation plans without explicit instructions from the beneficial owner, is consistent with the standard under current NYSE and NASD rules.

The Commission believes that the Exchange's proposal, which is similar to the NYSE and Nasdaq's shareholder approval rules,20 sets a consistent, minimum standard for shareholder approval of equity compensation plans. The Commission believes that the Exchange's proposal should help to ensure that companies will not make listing decisions simply to avoid shareholder approval requirements for equity compensation plans and should provide shareholders with greater protection from the potential dilutive effect of equity compensation plans. Based on the above, the Commission finds that the Exchange's proposal should help to protect investors, is in the public interest, and does not unfairly discriminate among issuers, consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act.21 The Commission therefore finds the Exchange's proposal to be consistent with the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

V. Accelerated Approval of the Exchange's Proposal

The Commission finds good cause for approving the Exchange's proposal prior to the thirtieth day after the date of publication of notice thereof in the Federal Register. The Commission notes that the Exchange's proposal is similar to the NYSE and Nasdaq's proposals requiring shareholder approval of equity compensation plans. Both the NYSE and Nasdaq's proposals were published for comment in the Federal Register and recently approved by the Commission.22 The Commission believes that it already considered and addressed the issues that may be raised by the Exchange's proposal in its approval of the NYSE and Nasdaq's proposals.23

The Commission believes that accelerated approval of the Exchange's proposal is essential to allow for immediate harmonization of, and consistency in, the shareholder approval requirements for equity compensation plans among the markets. This will prevent issuers from making listing decisions based on differences in self-regulatory organization shareholder approval requirements and should provide equal investor protection to shareholders on the dilutive effects of plans irrespective of where the security trades. The Commission further believes that making the Exchange's new shareholder approval rules effective upon Commission approval will immediately impose the same requirements on the Exchange's issuers as those imposed upon NYSE, Nasdaq, and Amex issuers. Based on the above, the Commission finds good cause, consistent with Sections 6(b)(5) and 19(b)(2) of the Act,24 to approve the Exchange's proposal on an accelerated basis.

VI. Conclusion

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,25 that the proposed rule change (SR-Phlx-2003-67) is hereby approved on an accelerated basis.

For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.26

Jill M. Peterson
Assistant Secretary

Endnotes

1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).

2 17 CFR 240.19b-4.

3 The Commission notes that the Exchange is proposing to adopt listing standards relating to shareholder approval of equity compensation plans that are similar to those that the Commission recently approved for the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE") and the NASD, through its subsidiary, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("Nasdaq"). See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 48108 (June 30, 2003), 68 FR 39995 (July 3, 2003) (order approving File Nos. SR-NYSE-2002-46 and SR-NASD-2002-140). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 48627 (October 14, 2003), 68 FR 60426 (October 22, 2003) (notice of filing and order granting accelerated approval to File No. SR-NASD-2003-130, incorporating amendments to the NASD's recently approved shareholder approval rules for equity compensation plans applicable to Nasdaq quoted securities). The Commission also published a correction to the notice of File No. SR-NASD-2003-130. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 48627A (October 22, 2003), 68 FR 61532 (October 28, 2003). The Commission notes that these additional amendments by Nasdaq make the NYSE and Nasdaq proposals more consistent and uniform. See also infra note 10 (regarding the Commission's recent approval of a similar proposal by the American Stock Exchange LLC ("Amex")).

4 Upon the Exchange's request, the Commission made a technical correction to the proposed rule text. Telephone conversation between Carla Behnfeldt, Director, Legal Department New Product Development Group, Phlx, and Sapna C. Patel, Special Counsel, Division of Market Regulation, Commission, on October 31, 2003.

5 The Exchange notes that if a plan permits a specific action without further shareholder approval, it must be clear and specific enough to provide meaningful shareholder approval of those provisions.

6 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).

7 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). In approving the Exchange's proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).

9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

10 See supra note 3. The Commission notes that it has recently approved similar rules requiring shareholder approval of equity compensation plans for the Amex on an accelerated basis. The Amex's proposal is almost identical to, and based on, the NYSE and Nasdaq proposals. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 48610 (October 9, 2003), 68 FR 59650 (October 16, 2003).

11 See supra notes 3 and 10.

12 This disclosure would, of course, be in addition to any information that is required to be disclosed in annual reports filed with the Commission. For example, Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K [17 CFR 229.201(d)] and Item 201(d) of Regulation S-B [17 CFR 228.201(d)] require issuers to present - in their annual reports on Form 10-K or Form 10-KSB - separate, tabular disclosure concerning equity compensation plans that have been approved by shareholders and equity compensation plans that have not been approved by shareholders.

13 See Section 303A(8) of the NYSE's Listed Company Manual and NASD Rules 4310(c)(17)(A) and 4320(e)(15)(A). Under the Exchange's proposed rules, issuers have to notify the Exchange no later than 15 calendar days prior to the use of any exceptions from the shareholder approval requirement.

14 See supra note 3; see also supra note 10.

15 See supra note 3; see also supra note 10.

16 See NASD Rule 2260; NYSE Rule 452; and Section 402.08 of the NYSE's Listed Company Manual.

17 See supra notes 3 and 16.

18 See supra note 3; see also supra note 10.

19 See also supra note 12 and accompanying text.

20 See supra note 3; see also supra note 10.

21 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

22 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 46620 (October 8, 2002), 67 FR 63486 (notice of the NYSE's proposal). The Commission also published a correction to the notice of the NYSE's proposal. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 44620A (October 21, 2002), 67 FR 65617 (October 25, 2002). See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 46649 (October 11, 2002), 67 FR 64173 (notice of Nasdaq's proposal). See supra note 3; see also supra note 10.

23 Some of the substantive provisions ultimately adopted by the NYSE and Nasdaq, and now being proposed for adoption by the Exchange, were in response to these comments. The comments on the NYSE and Nasdaq proposals were also discussed in detail in the Commission's approval order of the NYSE and Nasdaq proposals. See supra note 3; see also supra note 10.

24 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5) and 78s(b)(2).

25 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

26 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).