NYSE Continues To Struggle With Direct Listing Rule Changes
Late last year, around the same time that the SEC approved Nasdaq rule changes related to direct listings on the Nasdaq Global Market and Nasdaq Capital Market (see HERE), the SEC rejected proposed amendments by the NYSE big board which would allow a company to issue new shares and directly raise capital in conjunction with a direct listing process. Nasdaq had previously updated its direct listing rules for listing on the Market Global Select Market (see HERE).
The NYSE did not give up and in August of this year, after two more proposed amendments, the SEC finally approved new NYSE direct listing rules that allow companies to sell newly issued primary shares on its own behalf into the opening trade in a direct listing process. However, after receiving a notice of intent to petition to prevent the rule change, the SEC has stayed the approval until further notice. Still pushing forward, on September 4, the NYSE filed a motion with the SEC requesting that the stay be lifted and allowing the rule change to proceed. The NYSE argued that the objection to the rule change lacks merit and that the arguments raised were already fully vetted in the lengthy rule approval process.
Shortly after the August rule change approval, software unicorn Palantir Technologies filed an S-1 with the SEC to go public via direct listing on the NYSE. Although Palantir does not intend to sell securities under the new rule, but rather only filed for re-sale of existing shareholders’ equities, the much anticipated public transaction continues to be delayed. However, it is likely that the delay is not related to the stalled rule change, but rather normal market conditions.
Not wanting the NYSE to have a competitive edge, Nasdaq has filed a similar proposal with the SEC to allow for companies to sell shares directly in conjunction with direct listings onto the Exchange. I suspect that a ruling on that request will be delayed until the NYSE issue has been resolved.
Direct Listings in General
Traditionally, in a direct listing process, a company completes one or more private offerings of its securities, thus raising money up front, and then files a registration statement with the SEC to register the shares purchased by the private investors. Although a company can use a placement agent/broker-dealer to assist in the private offering, it is not necessary. A company would also not necessarily need a banker in the resale direct listing process. A benefit to the company is that it has received funds much earlier, rather than after a registration statement has cleared the SEC. For more on direct listings, including a summary of the easier process on OTC Markets, see HERE.
Most private offerings are conducted under Rule 506 of Regulation D and are limited to accredited investors only or very few unaccredited investors. As a reminder, Rule 506(b) allows offers and sales to an unlimited number of accredited investors and up to 35 unaccredited investors—provided, however, that if any unaccredited investors are included in the offering, certain delineated disclosures, including an audited balance sheet and financial statements, are provided to potential investors. Rule 506(b) prohibits the use of any general solicitation or advertising in association with the offering. Rule 506(c) requires that all sales be strictly made to accredited investors and adds a burden of verifying such accredited status to the issuing company. Rule 506(c) allows for general solicitation and advertising of the offering. For more on Rule 506, see HERE.
Early investors take a greater risk because there is no established secondary market or clear exit from the investment. Even where an investment is made in close proximity to an intended going public transaction, due to the higher risk, the private offering investors generally are able to buy shares at a lower valuation than the intended IPO price. The pre-IPO discount varies but can be as much as 20% to 30%.
Accordingly, in a direct listing process, accredited investors are generally the only investors that can participate in the pre-IPO discounted offering round. Main Street investors will not be able to participate until the company is public and trading. Although this raises debate in the marketplace – a debate which has resulted in increased offering options for non-accredited investors such as Regulation A – the fact remains that the early investors take on greater risk and, as such, need to be able to financially withstand that risk. For more on the accredited investor definition including the SEC’s recent amendments, see HERE.
The private offering, or private offerings, can occur over time. Prior to a public offering, most companies have completed multiple rounds of private offerings, starting with seed investors and usually through at least a series A and B round. Furthermore, most companies have offered options or direct equity participation to its officers, directors and employees in its early stages. In a direct listing, a company can register all these shareholdings for resale in the initial public market.
In a direct listing there is a chance for an initial dip in trading price, as without an IPO and accompanying underwriters, there will be no price stabilization agreements. Usually price stabilization and after-market support is achieved by using an overallotment or greenshoe option. An overallotment option – often referred to as a greenshoe option because of the first company that used it, Green Shoe Manufacturing – is where an underwriter is able to sell additional securities if demand warrants same, thus having a covered short position. A covered short position is one in which a seller sells securities it does not yet own, but does have access to.
A typical overallotment option is 15% of the offering. In essence, the underwriter can sell additional securities into the market and then buy them from the company at the registered price, exercising its overallotment option. This helps stabilize an offering price in two ways. First, if the offering is a big success, more orders can be filled. Second, if the offering price drops and the underwriter has oversold the offering, it can cover its short position by buying directly into the market, which buying helps stabilize the price (buying pressure tends to increase and stabilize a price, whereas selling pressure tends to decrease a price).
The new NYSE rule (and Nasdaq proposal) will change the direct listing process to allow a company to sell shares directly into the trading market and thus complete a capital raise at the same time as its going public transaction. In essence, this direct listing hybrid is an IPO without an underwriter.
Direct Listing with Company Share Sales
A company that seeks to list on the NYSE must meet all of the minimum initial listing requirements, including specified financial, liquidity and corporate governance criteria, a minimum of 400 round lot shareholders, 1.1 million publicly held outstanding shares and a $4.00 share price. Direct listings are subject to all initial listing requirements applicable to equity securities and as such, in a direct listing process, the rules must specify how the exchange will calculate compliance with the initial listing standards including related to the price of a security, including the bid price, market capitalization, the market value of listed securities and the market value of publicly held shares.
In order to qualify for the NYSE big board in a direct listing process, a company must have a minimum of $100 million aggregate market value of publicly held shares. In contrast, in an IPO, a company is only required to have a market value of publicly held shares of $40 million. The reason for the much higher standard in a direct listing process is a concern related to the liquidity and market support in an opening auction process without attached underwriters.
As indicated, the NYSE rule change allows a company to sell shares directly into the market, without an underwriter, as part of a direct listing process. In order to accomplish this, the NYSE created a new process dubbed an Issuer Direct Offering (IDO). To get the process across the finish line, the last amendment (i) deleted a provision that would provide additional time for companies completing a direct listing to meet the initial listing distribution standards; (ii) added specific provisions related to the concurrent selling security holder and IDO process; (iii) added provisions related to participation in the direct listing auction when completing an IDO; and (iv) removed references to direct listing auctions in the rule related to Exchange-Facilitated Auctions.
The material aspects of the final NYSE rule change (i) modifies the provisions relating to direct listings to permit a primary offering in connection with a direct listing and to specify how a direct listing qualifies for initial listing if it includes both sales of securities by the company and possible sales by selling shareholders; (ii) modifies the definition of “direct listing”; and (iii) adds a definition of “Issuer Direct Offering (IDO)” and describes how it participates in a direct listing auction.
To clarify the difference between an IDO and selling security holder process, the NYSE has defined a shareholder-resale process as a “Selling Shareholder Direct Floor Listing.” A pure Selling Shareholder Direct Floor Listing occurs where a company is listing without a related underwritten offering upon effectiveness of a registration statement registering only the resale of shares sold by the company in earlier private placements.
The Selling Shareholder Direct Floor Listing process retains the existing standards for direct listing and how the NYSE determines company eligibility including the market value of publicly held shares. In particular, a company can meet the $100 million market value of publicly held shares requirement using the lesser of (i) an independent third-party valuation; and (ii) the most recent trading price of the company’s common stock in a trading system for unregistered securities that is operated by a national securities exchange or a registered broker-dealer (“Private Placement Market”). In order to satisfy the $100 million valuation, the NYSE requires that the independent valuation comes in at a market value of at least $250 million. In addition, the NYSE will only consider the Private Placement Market price if the equity trades on a consistent basis with a sustained history of several months, in excess of the market value requirement. Shares held by directors, officers or 10% or greater shareholders are excluded from the calculation.
An IDO listing is one in which a company that has not previously had its common equity securities registered under the Exchange Act, lists its common equity securities on the NYSE at the time of effectiveness of a registration statement pursuant to which the company would sell shares itself in the opening auction on the first day of trading on the Exchange in addition to, or instead of, facilitating sales by selling shareholders. This process is being called a “Primary Direct Floor Listing.” In a Primary Direct Floor Listing, a company can meet the $100 million market value of publicly held shares listing requirement if it sells at least $100 million in market value of shares in the NYSE’s opening auction on the first day of trading. Alternatively, where a company will sell less than $100 million of shares in the opening auction, the NYSE will determine that the company has met its market value of publicly held shares requirement if the aggregate market value of the shares the company will sell in the opening auction on the first day of trading and the shares that are publicly held immediately prior to the listing is at least $250 million. In that case the market value is calculated using a price per share equal to the lowest price of the price range established by the company in its registration statement.
In order to facilitate the direct sales by the company, the NYSE has created a new type of buy-sell order called an “Issuer Direct Offering Order (IDO Order)” which would be a limit order to sell that is to be traded only in a Direct Listing Auction for a Primary Direct Floor Listing. An IDO Order is subject to the following: (i) only one IDO Order may be entered on behalf of the company and only by one member organization; (ii) the limit price of the IDO Order must be equal to the lowest price of the price range in the effective registration statement; (iii) the IDO Order must be for the quantity of shares offered by the company as disclosed in the effective registration statement prospectus; (iv) an IDO Order may not be cancelled or modified; and (v) an IDO Order must be executed in full in the Direct Listing Auction.
A designated market maker effectuates the Direct Listing Auction manually and is responsible for setting the price (which involves many factors including working with the valuation financial advisor and the price set in the registration statement). The Direct Listing Auction and thus Primary Direct Floor Listing would not be completed if (i) the price is below the minimum or above the highest price in the range in the effective registration statement or (ii) there is not enough interest to fill both the IDO Order and all better priced sell orders in full. In other words, a Primary Direct Floor Listing can fail at the finish line. To provide a little help in this regard, the NYSE has provided that an IDO Order that is equal to the auction price, will receive priority over other buy (sell) orders.
The NYSE has also added provisions regarding the interaction with a company’s valuation or other financial advisors and the designated market maker to ensure compliance with all federal securities laws and regulations, including Regulation M. To provide an additional level of investor protection, and to satisfy the SEC, the NYSE retained FINRA to monitor compliance with Regulation M and other anti-manipulation provisions of the federal securities laws and NYSE rules. Finally, the NYSE made several changes to align definitions and rule cross-references with the new provisions and direct listing process.
In passing the rule, the SEC noted that after its several modifications, they were satisfied that the final rule helped ensure that the listed companies would have a sufficient public float, investor base, and trading interest to provide the depth and liquidity necessary to promote fair and orderly markets.
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NYSE, Nasdaq And OTC Markets Offer Relief For Listed Companies Due To COVID-19
In addition to the SEC, the various trading markets, including the Nasdaq, NYSE and OTC Markets are providing relief to trading companies that are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the worldwide COVID-19 crisis.
NYSE
The NYSE has taken a more formal approach to relief for listed companies. On March 20, 2020 and again on April 6, 2020 the NYSE filed a notice and immediate effectiveness of proposed rule changes to provide relief from the continued listing market cap requirements and certain shareholder approval requirements.
Recognizing the extremely high level of market volatility as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the NYSE has temporarily suspended until June 30, 2020 its continued listing requirement that companies must maintain an average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30-trading-day period of at least $15 million. Likewise, the NYSE is suspending the requirement that a listed company maintain a minimum trading price of $1.00 or more over a consecutive 30-trading-day period, through June 30, 2020.
The NYSE intends to waive certain shareholder approval requirements for continued listing on the NYSE through June 30, 2020. In particular, in light of the fact that many listed companies will have urgent liquidity needs in the coming months due to lost revenues and maturing debt obligations, the NYSE is proposing to ease shareholder approval requirements to allow capital raises. The big board amendments align the requirements more closely with the NYSE American requirements.
The NYSE big board rules prohibit issuances to related parties if the number of shares of common stock to be issued, or if the number of shares of common stock into which the securities may be convertible or exercisable, exceeds either 1% of the number of shares of common stock or 1% of the voting power outstanding before the issuance subject to a limited exception if the issuances are above a minimum price and no more than 5% of the outstanding common stock. For a review of the NYSE American rule for affiliate issuances, see HERE. The NYSE also requires shareholder approval for private issuances below the minimum price for any transactions relating to 20% or more the outstanding common stock or voting power. For a review of the 20% rule for the NYSE American, see HERE.
Realizing that existing large shareholders and affiliates are often the only willing providers of capital when a company is undergoing difficult times, the rule change allows for the issuance of securities to affiliates that exceed the 1% or 5% limits if completed prior to June 30, 3030 where the securities are sold for cash that meets the minimum price and if the transaction is reviewed and approved by the company’s audit committee or a comparable committee comprised solely of independent directors. The waiver cannot be relied upon if the proceeds would be used for an acquisition of stock or assets of another company in which the affiliate has a direct or indirect interest. Furthermore, the waiver does not extend to shareholder approval requirements triggered by the transaction under other rules such as the equity compensation rule or change of control rule. The substantially similar NYSE American rules can be reviewed HERE – equity compensation, and HERE – change of control.
The NYSE has also waived the 20% rule for private placements completed through and including June 30, 2020 where a bona fide financing is made to a single purchaser for cash meeting the minimum price requirement. Again, the waiver does not extend to shareholder approval requirements triggered by the transaction under other rules such as the equity compensation rule or change of control rule.
Nasdaq
The Nasdaq has taken a less formal approach on some of its requirements and a formal rule amendment on others. Although Nasdaq has not suspended its listing requirements, it will give due weight to the realities surrounding the worldwide crisis in both considering listing standards compliance and requests for financial viability waivers, such as under Rule 5635.
Generally, companies newly deficient with the bid price, market value of listed securities, or market value of public float requirements have at least 180 days to regain compliance and may be eligible for additional time. Nasdaq has enacted a temporary rule change such that companies that fall out of compliance with these listing standards related to price through and including June 30, 2020 will have additional time to regain compliance. That is, the non-compliance period will be tolled through June 30, 2020 and not counted in the 180 day period. Companies will still receive notification of non-compliance and will still need to file the appropriate Form 8-K. Companies that no longer satisfy the applicable equity requirement can submit a plan to Nasdaq Listing Qualifications describing how they intend to regain compliance and, under the Listing Rules, Listing Qualifications’ staff can allow them up to six months plus the tolling period, to come back into compliance with the requirement.
The information memorandum confirms that listed companies that avail themselves of the 45-day extension for Exchange Act filings (see HERE) will not be considered deficient under Nasdaq Rule 5250(c) which requires all listed companies to timely file all required SEC periodic financial reports. Companies that are unable to file a periodic report by the relevant due date, but that are not eligible for the relief granted by the SEC, can submit a plan to Nasdaq Listing Qualifications describing how they intend to regain compliance and, under the Listing Rules, Listing Qualifications’ staff can allow them up to six months to file.
As discussed in my blog related to SEC COVID-19 relief (see HERE), the SEC has granted relief where a company is required to comply with Exchange Act Sections 14(a) or 14(c) requiring the furnishing of proxy or information statements to shareholders, and mail delivery is not possible due to the coronavirus and the company has made a good-faith effort to deliver such materials. Nasdaq likewise will not consider a company in non-compliance with Rule 5250(d) requiring companies to make available their annual, quarterly and interim reports to shareholders or Rule 5620(b) requiring companies to solicit proxies and provide proxy statements for all meetings of shareholders when relying on the SEC relief. Nasdaq confirms that it permits virtual shareholder meetings as long as it is permissible under the relevant state law and shareholders have the opportunity to ask questions of management.
The Nasdaq shareholder approval rules generally require companies to obtain approval from shareholders prior to issuing securities in connection with: (i) certain acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company (see HERE); (ii) equity-based compensation of officers, directors, employees or consultants (see HERE); (iii) a change of control (see HERE); and (iv) certain private placements at a price less than the minimum price as defined in Listing Rule 5635(d) (see HERE.
An exception is available for companies in financial distress where the delay in securing stockholder approval would seriously jeopardize the financial viability of the company. To request a financial viability exception, the company must complete a written request including a letter addressing how a delay resulting from seeking shareholder approval would seriously jeopardize its financial viability and how the proposed transaction would benefit the company. The standard is usually difficult to meet; however, Nasdaq has indicated that it will consider the consider the impact of disruptions caused by COVID-19 in its review of any pending or new requests for a financial viability exception. In addition, reliance by the company on a financial viability exception must expressly be approved by the company’s audit committee and the company must obtain Nasdaq’s approval to rely upon the financial viability exception prior to proceeding with the transaction. Under the rule, companies must also provide notice to shareholders at least ten days prior to issuing securities in the exempted transaction.
OTC Markets
OTC Markets Group has provided blanket relief for OTCQB and OTCQX companies with certain deficiencies until June 30, 2020. Until that date, no new compliance deficiency notices will be sent related to bid price, market cap, or market value of public float. Also, any OTCQX or OTCQB company that has already received a compliance notice related to bid price, market cap, or market value of public float with a cure period expiring between March and June will automatically receive an extension until June 30, 2020 to cure their deficiency.
OTC Markets has also extended the implementation date for compliance with the OTCQB rules requiring at least 50 beneficial shareholders and minimum float of 10% or $2 million in market value of public float, respectively, until June 30, 2020. The extension applies only to companies already traded on OTCQB as of May 20, 2018. All other companies were subject to these requirements effective May 20, 2018.
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NYSE American Board Independence Standards
NYSE American Company Guide Rule 803 delineates the requirements independent directors and audit committees. NYSE American Company Guide Rule 802 requires that a majority of the board of directors of a listed company be “independent.” Rule 803 requires that all members of the audit committee be independent and defines independence and Rules 804 and 805 require that all directors on the nominating and compensation committees, if a company has such committees, be independent.
Under NYSE American Company Guide Rule 803, an “independent director” means a person other than an executive officer or employee of a company. The board of directors must make an affirmative finding that a director does not have a relationship which would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director for that director to qualify as independent. However, the NYSE American rules specify certain relationships that would disqualify a person from being considered independent. Stock ownership is not on the list and is not enough, without more, to preclude independence.
Company Guide Rule 803 specifies that the following people cannot be considered independent:
(i) a director who is, or at any time during the past three years was, employed by the company, provided however, interim employment of less than one year would not be a disqualifier as long as such employment had since terminated. In addition, employment by an entity that was later acquired by the company would not disqualify a director from being independent provided the former officer was not employed by the company after the acquisition;
(ii) a director who accepted or who has a family member who accepted any compensation from the company in excess of $120,000 during any period of twelve consecutive months within the three years preceding the determination of independence, other than: (a) compensation for board or board committee service; (b) compensation paid to a family member who is an employee but not an executive of the company; (c) benefits under a tax-qualified retirement plan, or non-discretionary compensation; or (d) compensation received while acting as an interim officer as long as such employment lasted for less than a year and has since terminated. Options received for services should be valued using a commonly accepted option pricing formula, such as the Black-Scholes or binomial model at the time of grant. The option value is considered a payment upon grant even if the option does not immediately vest or if there are conditions to vesting or exercise. This prohibition is meant to capture any compensation that directly benefits the director or family member and as such would include political contributions to a campaign by either. However, it is not meant to capture ordinary course business transactions such as interest on an arm’s-length loan;
(iii) a director who is a family member of an individual who is, or at any time during the past three years was, employed by the company as an executive officer;
(iv) a director who is, or has a family member who is, a partner in (other than limited partner), or a controlling shareholder or an executive officer of, any organization to which the company made, or from which the company received, payments for property or services in the current or any of the past three fiscal years that exceed 5% of the recipient’s consolidated gross revenues for that year, or $200,000, whichever is more, other than the following: (a) payments arising solely from investments in the company’s securities; or (b) payments under non-discretionary charitable contribution matching programs;
(v) a director of the company who is, or has a family member who is, employed as an executive officer of another entity where at any time during the past three years any of the executive officers of the company serve on the compensation committee of such other entity; or
(vi) a director who is, or has a family member who is, a current partner of the company’s outside auditor, or was a partner or employee of the company’s outside auditor who worked on the company’s audit at any time during any of the past three years.
Reference to the “company” includes parents and subsidiaries or any other entities that the company consolidates financial statements with, including variable interest entities. “Executive officer” refers to any person covered by SEC Rule 16a-1(f) and in particular the company’s president, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, any vice-present in charge of a principal business unit, division or function or any officer or person who performs a policymaking function, which can include officers of a parent or subsidiary.
For purposes of Rule 803, “family member” means a person’s spouse, parents, children and siblings, mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and anyone (other than domestic employees) who shares such person’s home. This definition differs from the – see HERE.
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Nasdaq Board Independence Standards
Nasdaq Rule 5605 delineates the listing qualifications and requirements for a board of directors and committees, including the independence standards for board members. Nasdaq requires that a majority of the board of directors of a listed company be “independent” and further that all members of the audit, nominating and compensation committees be independent.
Under Rule 5605, an “independent director” means a person other than an executive officer or employee of a company or any individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In other words, the question of independence must ultimately be determined by the board of directors who must make an affirmative finding that a director is independent. However, the Nasdaq rules specify certain relationships that would disqualify a person from being considered independent. Stock ownership is not on the list and is not enough, without more, to preclude independence.
Rule 5605 specifies that the following people cannot be considered independent:
(i) a director who is, or at any time during the past three years was, employed by the company, provided however, interim employment of less than one year would not be a disqualifier as long as such employment had since terminated. In addition, employment by an entity that was later acquired by the company would not disqualify a director from being independent provided the former officer was not employed by the company after the acquisition;
(ii) a director who accepted or who has a family member who accepted any compensation from the company in excess of $120,000 during any period of twelve consecutive months within the three years preceding the determination of independence, other than: (a) compensation for board or board committee service; (b) compensation paid to a family member who is an employee but not an executive of the company; (c) benefits under a tax-qualified retirement plan, or non-discretionary compensation; or (d) compensation received while acting as an interim officer as long as such employment lasted for less than a year and has since terminated. Options received for services should be valued using a commonly accepted option pricing formula, such as the Black-Scholes or binomial model at the time of grant. The option value is considered a payment upon grant even if the option does not immediately vest or if there are conditions to vesting or exercise. This prohibition is meant to capture any compensation that directly benefits the director or family member and as such would include political contributions to a campaign by either. However, it is not meant to capture ordinary course business transactions such as interest on an arm’s-length loan;
(iii) a director who is a family member of an individual who is, or at any time during the past three years was, employed by the company as an executive officer;
(iv) a director who is, or has a family member who is, a partner in (other than limited partner), or a controlling shareholder or an executive officer of, any organization to which the company made, or from which the company received, payments for property or services in the current or any of the past three fiscal years that exceed 5% of the recipient’s consolidated gross revenues for that year, or $200,000, whichever is more, other than the following: (a) payments arising solely from investments in the company’s securities; or (b) payments under non-discretionary charitable contribution matching programs;
(v) a director of the company who is, or has a family member who is, employed as an executive officer of another entity where at any time during the past three years any of the executive officers of the company serve on the compensation committee of such other entity; or
(vi) a director who is, or has a family member who is, a current partner of the company’s outside auditor, or was a partner or employee of the company’s outside auditor who worked on the company’s audit at any time during any of the past three years.
Reference to the “company” includes parents and subsidiaries or any other entities that the company consolidates financial statements with, including variable interest entities. Executive officer refers to any person covered by SEC Rule 16a-1(f) and in particular the company’s president, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, any vice-present in charge of a principal business unit, division or function or any officer or person who performs a policymaking function, which can include officers of a parent or subsidiary.
For purposes of Rule 5605, “family member” means a person’s spouse, parents, children and siblings, whether by blood, marriage or adoption, or anyone residing in such person’s home. This definition technically encompasses stepchildren as they are children “by marriage.” However, when applying the three-year look-back provisions, a company does not have to consider a person who is no longer a family member as a result of legal separation, divorce, death or incapacitation.
In June 2019, Nasdaq proposed to amend the definition of “family member” to narrow who can be included and add a level of certainty. In particular, Nasdaq proposed to change the definition to “a person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers and fathers-in-law, sons and daughters-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law, and anyone (other than domestic employees) who shares such person’s home.” In the proposed rule change release, Nasdaq admitted that it did not intend to include stepchildren and that the change would correct this mistake. The new proposed language matches the NYSE definition.
However, in September 2019, the SEC instituted proceedings to determine whether to disapprove the proposed rule change. The SEC basically thinks Nasdaq is over-correcting in its new proposed rule. Certainly it would make sense to exclude a stepchild where the parents marry after the child is an adult and no parental relationship exists, but not where the step-parent raises or is otherwise close to the stepchild. The SEC also does not necessarily believe that the term “children” excludes stepchildren, nor as noted, should it. As of publication of this blog, no further action has been taken.
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The 20% Rule – Private Placements
Nasdaq and the NYSE American both have rules requiring listed companies to receive shareholder approval prior to issuing twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding securities in a transaction other than a public offering at a price less than the Minimum Price, as defined in the rule. Nasdaq Rule 5635 sets forth the circumstances under which shareholder approval is required prior to an issuance of securities in connection with: (i) the acquisition of the stock or assets of another company (see HERE); (ii) equity-based compensation of officers, directors, employees or consultants (see HERE); (iii) a change of control (see HERE); and (iv) transactions other than public offerings. NYSE American Company Guide Sections 711, 712 a 713 have substantially similar provisions.
Nasdaq and the NYSE recently amended their rules related to issuances in a private placement to provide greater flexibility and certainty for companies to determine when a shareholder vote is necessary to approve a transaction that would result in the issuance of 20% or more of the outstanding common stock or 20% or more of outstanding voting power in a PIPE or similar private placement financing transaction. The amendments simplified the prior multi-part language and changed the pricing test trigger to create a new “Minimum Price.” For my blog on the Nasdaq amendment, see HERE. Although the NYSE American has not yet amended its rule to conform with the changes, I expect it will be forthcoming. In this blog, I will drill down further on the rule and its interpretive guidance.
As I’ve mentioned in each of the blogs in this series, many other Exchange Rules interplay with the 20% Rules; for example, the Exchanges generally require a Listing of Additional Securities (LAS) form submittal at least 15 days prior to the issuance of securities in the same transactions that require shareholder approval. Companies need to carefully comply with each of the rules that may interplay with a transaction or proposed transaction.
Nasdaq Rule 5635(d)
Nasdaq Rule 5635(d) requires shareholder approval prior to a 20% issuance of securities at a price that is less than the Minimum Price in a transaction other than a public offering. A 20% issuance is a transaction, other than a public offering, involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by the company of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock), which alone or together with sales by officers, directors or substantial shareholders of the company, equals 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance. “Minimum Price” means a price that is the lower of: (i) the closing price (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement; or (ii) the average closing price of the common stock (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement.
The September 2018 rule amendment creating a new “Minimum Price” standard provides more flexibility by adding the option of choosing between the closing bid price and the five-day average closing price. For example, in a declining market, the five-day average closing price will be above the current market price, which could make it difficult for companies to close transactions because investors could buy shares at a lower price in the market. Likewise, in a rising market, the five-day average could result in a below-market transaction triggering shareholder approval requirements.
NYSE American Company Guide Section 713
The NYSE American Company Guide Section 732 requires shareholder approval prior to the listing of additional shares in connection with a transaction, other than a public offering, involving: (i) the sale, issuance, or potential issuance by the company of common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) at a price less than the greater of book or market value which together with sales by officers, directors or principal shareholders of the company equals 20% or more of presently outstanding common stock; or (ii) the sale, issuance, or potential issuance by the issuer of common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) equal to 20% or more of presently outstanding stock for less than the greater of book or market value of the stock.
Interpretation and Guidance
Public Offering
Although the rules do not require shareholder approval for a transaction involving “a public offering,” the Exchanges do not automatically consider all registered offerings as public offerings.
Generally, all firm commitment underwritten securities offerings registered with the SEC will be considered public offerings. Likewise, any other securities offering which is registered with the SEC and which is publicly disclosed and distributed in the same general manner and extent as a firm commitment underwritten securities offering will be considered a public offering for purposes of the 20% Rule. In other instances, when analyzing whether a registered offering is a “public offering,” the Exchanges will consider: (a) the type of offering (including whether underwritten, on a best efforts basis with a placement agent, or self-directed by the company); (b) the manner in which the offering is marketed (including the number of investors and breadth of marketing effort); (c) the extent of distribution of the offering (including the number of investors and prior relationship with the company); (d) the offering price (at market or a discount); and (e) the extent to which the company controls the offering and its distribution.
A registered direct offering will not be assumed to be public and will be reviewed using the same factors listed above. Likewise, a Rule 144A offering will be considered on its facts and circumstances, though generally share caps are used in these transactions to avoid an issue. On the other hand, a confidentially marketed public offering (CMPO) is a firm commitment underwritten offering and, as such, will be considered a public offering.
Substantial Shareholder
A substantial shareholder is defined in the negative and requires the company to consider the power that a particular shareholder asserts over the company. Nasdaq specifically provides that someone that owns less than 5% of the shares of the outstanding common stock or voting power would not be considered a substantial shareholder for purposes of the Rules.
Shares to be Issued in a Transaction; Shares Outstanding; Votes to Approve
In determining the number of shares to be issued in a transaction, the maximum potential shares that could be issued, regardless of contingencies, should be included. The maximum potential issuance includes all securities initially issued or potentially issuable or potentially exercisable or convertible into shares of common stock as a result of the transaction. The percentage to be issued is calculated by dividing the maximum potential issuance by the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding prior to the transaction.
In determining the number of shares outstanding immediately prior to a transaction, only shares that are actually outstanding should be counted. Shares reserved for issuance upon conversion of securities or exercise of options or warrants are not considered outstanding for the purpose of the 20% Rule. Where a company has multiple classes of common stock, all classes are counted in the amount outstanding, even if one or more classes do not trade on the Exchange.
Voting power outstanding as used in the Rule refers to the aggregate number of votes which may be cast by holders of those securities outstanding which entitle the holders to vote generally on all matters submitted to the company’s security holders for a vote.
Where shareholder approval is required under the 20% Rule, approval can be had by a majority of the votes cast on the proposal. The proxy for approval of a transaction under the 20% Rule should provide specific details on the proposed financing transaction.
Convertible Securities; Warrants; Anti-Dilution Provisions
Convertible securities and warrants can either convert at a fixed or variable rate. If the securities are convertible at a fixed price, Nasdaq will determine whether the issuance is below the Minimum Price, and for the NYSE American at a price less than the greater of book or market value, if the conversion or exercise price is less than the applicable threshold price at the time the parties enter into a binding agreement with respect to the issuance.
Variable rate conversions are generally tied to the market price of the underlying common stock and accordingly, the number of securities that could be issued upon conversion will float with the price of the common stock. That is, the lower the price of a company’s common stock, the more shares that could be issued and conversely, the higher the price, the fewer shares that could be issued. Variable priced convertible securities tend to cause a downward pressure on the price of common stock, resulting in additional dilution and even more common stock issued in each subsequent conversion round. This chain of convert, sell, price reduction, and convert into more securities, sell, further price reduction and resulting dilution is sometimes referred to as a “death spiral.”
The 20% Rule requires that the company consider the largest number of shares that could be issued in a transaction when determining whether shareholder approval is required. Where a transaction involves variable priced convertible securities, and no floor on such conversion price is included or cap on the total number of shares that could be issued, the Exchanges will presume that the potential issuance will exceed 20% and that shareholder approval will be required.
The calculation of whether an issuance is above 20% and below the threshold Minimum Price where warrants are involved can be complicated. Where warrants are involved, Nasdaq will require shareholder approval if the issuance of common stock is less than the 20% threshold and such stock is issued below the Minimum Price if the exercise of the warrants would result in greater than a 20% issuance. However, the warrants do not need to be included in the calculation if the exercise price is above the Minimum Price and the warrants are not exercisable for at least six months. If the common stock portion of an offering that includes warrants exceeds the 20% threshold, Nasdaq will value the warrants at $0.125, regardless of whether the exercise price exceeds the market value. This is referred to as the “1/8th Test.” In this case, shareholder approval will be required even if the warrants are not exercisable for six months.
However, Nasdaq has indicated that convertible bonds with flexible settlement provisions (i.e., cash or stock at the company’s option) will be treated the same way as physically settled bonds under the rule. If the conversion price of the bonds equals or exceeds the Minimum Price, shareholder approval will not be required. Contrarily, Nasdaq will treat a convertible security with a flexible settlement provision as if it will be settled in securities for purposes of the 20% Rule.
Moreover, the Exchanges generally view variable priced transactions without floors or share caps as disreputable and potentially raising public interest concerns. Nasdaq specifically addresses these transactions, and the potential public interest concern, in its rules. In addition to the demonstrable business purpose of the transaction, other factors that Nasdaq staff will consider in determining whether a transaction raises public interest concerns include: (1) the amount raised in the transaction relative to the company’s existing capital structure; (2) the dilutive effect of the transaction on the existing holders of common stock; (3) the risk undertaken by the variable priced security investor; (4) the relationship between the variable priced security investor and the company; (5) whether the transaction was preceded by other similar transactions; and (6) whether the transaction is consistent with the just and equitable principles of trade.
Nasdaq will closely examine any transaction that includes warrants that are exercisable for little or no consideration (i.e., “penny warrants”) and may object to a transaction involving penny warrants even if shareholder approval would not otherwise be required. Warrants with a cashless exercise feature are also not favored by the Exchanges and will be closely reviewed. Nasdaq guidance indicates it will review the following factors related to warrants with cashless exercise features: (i) the business purpose of the transaction; (ii) the amount to be raised (if the acquisition includes a capital raise); (iii) the existing capital structure; (iv) the potential dilutive effect on existing shareholders; (v) the risk undertaken by the new investors; (vi) the relationship between the company and the investors; (vii) whether the transaction was preceded by similar transactions; (viii) whether the transaction is “just and equitable”; and (ix) whether the warrant has provisions limiting potential dilution. In practice, many warrants include dilutive share caps and have cashless features that only kick in if there is no effective registration statement in place for the underlying common stock.
Any contractual provisions that could result in lowering the transaction price to below the Minimum Price, including anti-dilution provisions, most favored nations, true-up and similar provisions will be viewed as a discounted issuance. Likewise, a provision that allows a company to voluntarily reduce the conversion or exercise price to a price that could be below the Minimum Price, will be treated as a discounted issuance.
Aggregation
Both Nasdaq and the NYSE American may aggregate financing transactions that occur within close proximity of each other in determining whether the 20% Rule applies. Nasdaq considers the following factors when considering aggregation: (i) timing of the issuances; (ii) facts surrounding the subsequent transactions (e.g., planned at time of first transaction); (iii) commonality of investors; (iv) existence of contingencies between the transactions; (v) commonalities as to use of proceeds; and (vi) timing of board approvals. Moreover, transactions that are more than six months apart are generally not aggregated. Although the NYSE American does not provide such specific guidance, in practice, their analysis is substantially similar.
Two-Step Transactions and Share Caps
As obtaining shareholder approval can be a lengthy process, companies sometimes bifurcate transactions into two steps and use share caps as part of a transaction structure. A company may limit the first part of a transaction to 19.9% of the outstanding securities and then, if and when shareholder approval is obtained, issue additional securities. Companies may also structure transactions such that issuances related to a private offering, including through convertible securities, are capped at no more than 19.9% of total outstanding.
In order for a cap to satisfy the rules, it must be clear that no more than the threshold amount (19.9%) of securities outstanding immediately prior to the transaction, can be issued in relation to that transaction, under any circumstances, without shareholder approval. In a two-step transaction where shareholder approval is deferred, shares that are issued or issuable under the cap must not be entitled to vote to approve the remainder of the transaction. In addition, a cap must apply for the life of the transaction, unless shareholder approval is obtained. For example, caps that no longer apply if a company is not listed on Nasdaq are not permissible under the Rule. If shareholder approval is not obtained, then the investor will not be able to acquire 20% or more of the common stock or voting power outstanding before the transaction. Where convertible securities were issued, the shareholder would continue to hold the balance of the original security in its unconverted form.
Moreover, where a two-step transaction is utilized, the transaction terms cannot change as a result of obtaining, or not obtaining, shareholder approval. For example, a transaction may not provide for a sweetener or penalty. The Exchanges believe that the presence of alternative outcomes have a coercive effect on the shareholder vote and thus deprive the shareholders of their ability to freely determine whether the transaction should be approved. Nasdaq provides specific examples of a defective share cap, such as where a company issues a convertible preferred stock or debt instrument that provides for conversions of up to 20% of the total shares outstanding with any further conversions subject to shareholder approval. However, the terms of the instrument provide that if shareholders reject the transaction, the coupon or conversion ratio will increase or the company will be penalized by a specified monetary payment, including a rescission of the transaction. Likewise, a transaction may provide for improved terms if shareholder approval is obtained. The NYSE American similarly provides that share caps cannot be used in a way that could be coercive in a shareholder vote.
Reverse Acquisitions
A reverse acquisition or reverse merger is one in which the acquisition results in a change of control of the public company such that the target company shareholders control the public company following the closing of the transaction. In addition to the 20% Rule, a change of control would require shareholder approval under the Change of Control Rule and the Acquisition Rule will likely apply as well. A company must re-submit an initial listing application in connection with a transaction where the target and new control entity was a non-Exchange listed entity prior to the transaction.
In determining whether a change of control has occurred, the Exchange will consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to, changes in the management, board of directors, voting power, ownership, nature of the business, relative size of the entities, and financial structure of the company.
Exceptions
The Exchanges have a “financial viability” exception to the 20% Rule. Although rarely granted, to qualify for the financial viability exception, a listed company must apply in writing and demonstrate that: (i) the delay in securing stockholder approval would seriously jeopardize the financial viability of the company; and (ii) reliance on the exception has been expressly approved by the company’s audit committee or comparable board committee comprised of all independent, disinterested directors. A determination will be rendered by the Exchange very quickly, such as in a matter of days.
Nasdaq guidance suggests an in-depth letter focusing on how a delay resulting from seeking shareholder approval would seriously jeopardize its financial viability and how the transaction would benefit the company. The letter should also describe the proposed transaction in detail and should include the identity of the investors. Nasdaq provides a list of examples of information that should be discussed in the letter, including: (i) the facts and circumstances that led to the company’s predicament; (ii) how long the company will be able to meet its current obligations, such as payroll, lease payments, and debt service, if it does not complete the proposed transaction; (iii) the company’s current and projected cash position and burn rate; (iv) other alternatives; (v) why a step transaction will not work; (vi) would the company file for bankruptcy without the transaction; (vii) the impact to operations while waiting for shareholder approval; (viii) why the company didn’t enter into a transaction sooner; (ix) demonstrate that the transaction will rescue the company; (x) demonstrate that the company will continue to meet Nasdaq’s listing requirements; and (xi) explain changes in voting power.
A company that gets approval for this exception must send a mailing to all shareholders at least 10 days prior to the issuance of securities under the exception. The letter must disclose the terms of the transaction, including number of shares to be issued and consideration received, that the company is relying on the financial viability exception and that the audit committee (or other committee) has approved the reliance on the exception. The company must also file an 8-K and issue a press release with the same information also no later than 10 days before the issuance.
Furthermore, shareholder approval is not required if the issuance is part of a court-approved reorganization under the federal bankruptcy laws or comparable foreign laws.
Also, a foreign private issuer that has elected to follow its home country rules will be exempt from the 20% Rule if it notifies Nasdaq, provides an opinion from local counsel that shareholder approval would not be required, and discloses its practices in its annual report on Form 20-F.
Consequences for Violation
Consequences for the violation of the 20% Rule or Acquisition Rule can be severe, including delisting from the Exchange. Companies that are delisted from an Exchange as a result of a violation of these rules are rarely ever re-listed.
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