Self-Regulatory Organizations; Pacific Exchange, Inc. (n/k/a NYSE Arca, Inc.); Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change and Amendments No. 1 and No. 2 Thereto To Revise Fees for Equity Securities Issued by Operating Companies Listed on the Archipelago Exchange, 27764-27768 [E6-7270]

Download as PDF 27764 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 92 / Friday, May 12, 2006 / Notices II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, Nasdaq included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change, as amended, 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 IV below. Nasdaq 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 Nasdaq wishes to eliminate its Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock, its Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series B Preferred Stock, its Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock, and all matters set forth therein. Nasdaq’s Series A and Series B preferred stock were both created in 2002; the Series C preferred stock was created in 2004. In 2004, all outstanding shares of the Series A preferred were exchanged for the shares of Series C preferred. In 2005, the sole outstanding share of Series B preferred was exchanged for a share of Nasdaq’s Series D preferred stock.6 Finally, in 2006, Nasdaq acquired all outstanding shares of the Series C preferred stock. As a result, today there remains only one share of Nasdaq’s preferred stock outstanding—a share of Series D preferred. Under Delaware law, both a certificate of designations (designating a series of preferred stock) and a certificate of elimination (eliminating a previously adopted designation) are deemed to be amendments to Nasdaq’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Therefore, Nasdaq is making this filing with the Commission. Nasdaq is not, at this time, restating its Restated Certificate of Incorporation.7 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Nasdaq believes that the proposed rule change, as amended, is consistent with the provisions of section 15A of 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53022 (December 23, 2005); 70 FR 77433 (December 30, 2005). 7 See Amendment No. 1. 16:54 May 11, 2006 Jkt 208001 B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition Nasdaq does not believe that the proposed rule change, as amended, will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act, as amended. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action This proposal, as amended, has become effective pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 10 and subparagraph (f)(3) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder 11 because the proposal is concerned solely with the administration of the self-regulatory organization. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change, as amended, is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NASD–2006–041 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 2. Statutory Basis VerDate Aug<31>2005 the Act,8 in general and with section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,9 in particular. The proposal is ministerial in nature and will not affect the rights of market participants. U.S.C. 78o–3. U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6). 10 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 11 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(3). Station Place, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASD–2006–041. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change, as amended, 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 in the Commission’s Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the NASD. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASD–2006–041 and should be submitted on or before June 2, 2006. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.12 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–7269 Filed 5–11–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–53764; File No. SR–PCX– 2006–16] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Pacific Exchange, Inc. (n/k/a NYSE Arca, Inc.); Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change and Amendments No. 1 and No. 2 Thereto To Revise Fees for Equity Securities Issued by Operating Companies Listed on the Archipelago Exchange May 5, 2006. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 8 15 9 15 PO 00000 Frm 00104 Fmt 4703 12 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12MYN1.SGM 12MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 92 / Friday, May 12, 2006 / Notices notice is hereby given that on March 1, 2006, the Pacific Exchange, Inc. (n/k/a NYSE Arca, Inc.) (‘‘NYSE Arca’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’), through its wholly owned subsidiary PCX Equities, Inc. (n/k/a NYSE Arca Equities, Inc.), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared by the NYSE Arca.3 On March 17, 2006, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.4 On May 5, 2006, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 2 to the proposed rule change.5 The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The NYSE Arca proposes to amend its Schedule of Fees and Charges (‘‘Fee Schedule’’) to revise the application, initial, annual and additional shares listing fees for equity securities issued by operating companies listed on the Archipelago Exchange, the equities facility of the Exchange. The Exchange also proposes related modifications to the Fee Schedule. 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 NYSE Arca included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change as amended 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 IV 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 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 1. Purpose In connection with the recently completed acquisition of the NYSE Arca 3 On March 6, 2006, the Pacific Exchange, Inc. (‘‘PCX’’) filed a rule proposal, which was effective upon filing, that amended its rules to reflect these name changes: from PCX to NYSE Arca; from PCX Equities, Inc. to NYSE Arca Equities, Inc.; from PCX Holdings, Inc., to NYSE Arca Holdings, Inc.; and from the Archipelago Exchange, L.L.C. to NYSE Arca, L.L.C. See File No. SR–PCX–2006–24 (March 6, 2006). 4 See Amendment No. 1. 5 See Amendment No. 2. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:54 May 11, 2006 Jkt 208001 and Arca Equities by Archipelago Holdings, Inc.—the parent of NYSE Arca, L.L.C. (‘‘NYSE Arca Marketplace’’)—and the now completed merger between Archipelago Holdings, Inc. and the New York Stock Exchange (‘‘NYSE’’), NYSE Arca undertook a review of its listings business and competitive position in a rapidly changing industry.6 As a result of this review, the NYSE Arca determined to make significant changes to the fees associated with its listings program. Accordingly, the NYSE Arca proposes to revise, and in some cases increase, the application, initial, annual and additional share listing fees for equity securities issued by operating companies listed on NYSE Arca Marketplace. This filing also proposes a number of related modifications to the Fee Schedule.7 The NYSE Arca believes this proposal would enable it to compete effectively for listings, while supporting the ongoing costs of issuer services, including regulatory oversight and product and service offerings. This proposal further seeks to streamline and clarify the fees applicable to operating companies, making them more transparent and easier to understand and apply. a. Application Fee. Currently, the NYSE Arca levies a non-refundable application processing fee of $500, credited towards the applicable initial listing fee if the application is approved. The Exchange proposes to eliminate the application fee. b. Maximum Total Fees Paid by an Issuer Each Year. The NYSE Arca proposes a maximum cap of $250,000 on the total fees paid each year by an issuer. Currently, the Exchange does not have such an issuer cap. 6 For instance, on December 8, 2005, Nasdaq announced that it had completed its acquisition of Instinet Group Incorporated, including INET ECN. In addition, on August 24, 2005, the Boston Stock Exchange, along with Citigroup, Credit Suisse First Boston, Fidelity Brokerage Company and Lehman Brothers, announced the formation of a new joint venture that will launch an electronic stock exchange, the Boston Equities Exchange. Further, on August 16, 2005, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange announced that Citigroup, Credit Suisse First Boston, Morgan Stanley and UBS have each acquired equity stakes in that exchange, with provisions that allow for each firm to obtain additional equity based on specific performance criteria. 7 These proposed fee changes apply only to equity securities issued by operating companies. They do not apply to other types of listed issues, including but not limited to open and closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, commodity-based trusts, trust issued receipts, portfolio depositary receipts, structured products and investment company units. For these issues, the Fee Schedule remains unchanged. PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 27765 c. Listing Fee.8 Currently, the Listing Fee applicable to common stock upon first listing depends on whether the stock is listed in conjunction with an initial public offering (‘‘IPO’’) or not, and whether it is classified as a Tier I or Tier II listing.9 For IPOs listed exclusively on Tier I,10 the Listing Fee is based on the issuer’s total shares outstanding (‘‘TSO’’), as follows: TSO Less than 10,000,000 ............... 10,000,001 to 30,000,000 ........ 30,000,000 to $75,000,000 ...... Greater than $75,000,000 ........ Listing fee $25,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 For IPOs listed exclusively on Tier II,11 the current Listing Fee is fixed at $25,000. For IPOs which dually list, there is no Listing Fee, regardless of Tier classification. There is also no Listing Fee for already publicly-traded companies which transfer their listings from another marketplace, regardless of whether such issuers are exclusively or dually listed, their Tier classification, or TSO. To simplify and streamline these fees, the NYSE Arca proposes to adopt new Listing Fees based on TSO at the time a security is listed on NYSE Arca Marketplace, as follows: 12 TSO Up to and including 30 million .. 30,000,001 up to and including 50 million ............................... Over 50 million ......................... Listing fee $100,000 125,000 150,000 These proposed fees also would apply to each class of preferred stock or warrant listed, whether or not the issuer has common shares also listed.13 Further, these fees would apply regardless of Tier classification or whether the issue is exclusively or 8 There are two types of fees applicable to issuers—Listing Fees and Annual Fees. Previously, NYSE Arca referred to Listing Fees as Initial Listing Fees and Additional Share Listing Fees. For ease of application, in light of the completed merger between Archipelago Holdings, Inc. and the NYSE, NYSE Arca proposes to conform its fee nomenclature to the NYSE’s nomenclature. 9 Tier I is designed for larger capitalization, mature issuers; Tier II is for smaller issuing companies. Both Tiers have their own set of listing criteria. 10 See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(c). 11 See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(k). 12 For purposes of Listing Fee calculations, NYSE Arca would include treasury stock, restricted stock and shares issued in conjunction with the exercise of an overallotment option, if applicable, in the number of shares for which an issuer is billed at the time a security is first listed. 13 As discussed below, for additional classes of common stock when the issuer has a class of common stock already listed, the Exchange would levy a flat Listing Fee for initial listing of $5,000. E:\FR\FM\12MYN1.SGM 12MYN1 27766 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 92 / Friday, May 12, 2006 / Notices sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES dually listed. These proposed Listing Fees also would apply to foreign private issuers, but only to the extent their securities are issued and outstanding in the United States.14 However, in light of the recently completed merger between Archipelago Holdings, Inc. and the NYSE, issuers that transfer their listing to the NYSE Arca Marketplace from the NYSE would not be subject to Listing Fees upon initial listing. For additional classes of common stock, preferred stock, debt instruments, purchase rights and warrants, the current initial listing fee is $2,500, regardless of whether such securities are also listed elsewhere. These fees apply to each additional issue listed, regardless of shares outstanding or Tier classification. For additional classes of common stock, the NYSE Arca proposes a flat Listing Fee of $5,000 in lieu of the per share schedule above. The Listing Fee for debt instruments and purchase rights remains $2,500. d. Technical Original Listing Fee.15 Currently, the NYSE Arca charges a fee for technical original listing applications of $2,500. Under the current rule, a technical original listing occurs as a result of, for example: • Change in the issuer’s state of incorporation; • Reincorporation under the laws of the same state; • Recapitalization; • Creation of a holding company or a new company by operation of law or through an exchange offer; 16 or • Similar events, which, in effect, create a new security or which alters any of its rights, preferences, privileges or terms. Additionally, this fee currently applies if the change in the company’s status is technical in nature and the shareholders of the original company receive or retain a share-for-share interest in the new company without any change in their equity position or rights.17 By the proposed rule change, the NYSE Arca proposes to rename the fee,18 to codify its current practice regarding applying the fee,19 and to 14 See 17 CFR 240.3b–4 (defining ‘‘foreign private issuer’’). 15 To conform to NYSE fee nomenclature, NYSE Arca proposes to adopt the term ‘‘Technical Original Listing’’ in place of ‘‘Substitute Initial Listing.’’ 16 The proposed new rule text regarding the application of the fee in these circumstances codifies the Exchange’s existing practice. 17 The proposed new rule text regarding the application of the fee in these circumstances codifies the Exchange’s existing practice. 18 See supra at n.15. 19 See supra at n.16 and n.17. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:54 May 11, 2006 Jkt 208001 are issued and outstanding in the United States. The NYSE Arca would calculate the Annual Fee for foreign private issuers based on a four-quarter average of the securities issued and outstanding in the United States during the preceding year.20 To the extent that an issuer that is billed by NYSE Arca as a foreign private issuer has a change in status that requires the issuer to commence filing U.S. periodic and annual reports with TSO Annual fee the Commission during the course of a Less than 10,000,000 ............... $15,000 year, NYSE Arca would bill that issuer 10,000,001 to 50,000,000 ........ 20,000 Listing and Annual Fees as a domestic 50,000,001 to 100,000,000 ...... 35,000 issuer at the beginning of the first Greater than 100,000,000 ........ 50,000 calendar year following the issuer’s change in status. An issuer that changes For Tier II exclusive IPO listings, the its status would not be subject to new current annual Fee is $12,500, Listing Fees for worldwide securities regardless of TSO. already issued and outstanding. For dual listings in conjunction with For additional classes of common IPOs, and exclusive and dual listings of stock, preferred stock, debt instruments, already publicly-traded companies, the purchase rights and warrants, the NYSE Exchange does not levy an Annual Fee Arca’s current Annual Fee is $500, for the first 12-calendar months regardless of whether they are also following listing. At the end of this 12listed elsewhere. These fees apply to month period, NYSE Arca proposes to each such issue listed, regardless of assess, on a pro-rated basis, the shares outstanding or Tier classification. applicable Annual Fee for the balance of For issuers with more than one class the then current calendar year, as of common stock listed, the Exchange follows: proposes an Annual Fee of $20,000 or • For exclusive IPO Listings, the $0.000375 per share listed, whichever is Annual Fee is based on the fees set forth greater, for each additional class of above for exclusive IPOs, depending on common stock.21 Tier classification; For additional classes of preferred • For dual IPO and exclusive and stock where the issuer has a class of dual non-IPO Listings, the Annual Fee common or preferred stock already is $10,000, regardless of Tier listed, the Exchange proposes an classification or shares outstanding. Annual Fee of $5,000 or $0.000375 per The current maximum Annual Fee share, whichever is greater. Further, the payable by a single issuer for all issues NYSE Arca proposes an Annual Fee for listed is $90,000. Annual Fees are not each class of warrant listed of $5,000 or pro-rated or reduced for securities that $0.000375 per warrant, whichever is delist for any reason. greater. The Annual Fee for debt The Exchange proposes an Annual instruments and purchase rights would Fee for listed issuers listing common or remain $500. preferred securities as follows: A Issues would be subject to the Annual minimum of $30,000 for issuers with up Fee in the year of listing, pro-rated to and including 10 million TSO plus, based on days listed that calendar year. However, issuers that transfer their for each share over 10 million TSO up to and including 100 million TSO, 20 The purpose of utilizing a four-quarter average issuers would be subject to an is to recognize the possibility of flow-back and additional per share charge of flow-in of securities to and from the home country $0.000375. For all issuers with TSO market and more reasonably reflect the number of above 100 million, the Annual Fee securities in the United States over the course of the would be a flat $85,000 per issue listed. year. 21 For purposes of Annual Fee calculation when For example, an issuer with 54.5 million an issuer has multiple classes of common stock TSO would pay an Annual Fee of listed, the NYSE Arca would assess the class of $46,687.50 ($30,000 plus $0.000375 common stock with the highest TSO the Annual times 44.5 million), an issuer with 100 Fee proposed above for listed issuers, that is, a minimum Annual Fee of $30,000 for up to and million TSO would pay an Annual Fee including 10 million TSO plus, if applicable, a per of $63,750 ($30,000 plus $0.000375 share charge of $0.000375 on each share over 10 times 90 million), and an issuer with million up to and including 100 million TSO, 110 million TSO would pay the subject to the $85,000 maximum Annual Fee per issue. For each additional class of common stock maximum Annual Fee of $85,000 per listed, the NYSE Arca would assess Annual Fees as issue. These proposed Annual Fees proposed above for additional classes, that is, an would also apply to foreign private Annual Fee of $20,000 or $0.000375 per share issuers, but only to the extent securities listed, whichever is greater. increase the amount of the fee to $5,000 per application. e. Annual Fee. Currently, the Annual Fee depends on whether a security was listed in conjunction with an IPO, whether the security is listed exclusively or dually, and Tier classification. For Tier I exclusive IPO listings, the current Annual Fee is based on TSO, as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12MYN1.SGM 12MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 92 / Friday, May 12, 2006 / Notices sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES listing from the NYSE to the NYSE Arca Marketplace would, for the year of transfer, be subject only to the applicable NYSE Annual Fee billed for that year and, in subsequent years, such issuers would pay the applicable NYSE Arca Marketplace Annual Fee; similarly, issuers that transfer their listings from NYSE Arca Marketplace to the NYSE would, for the year of transfer, be subject only to the applicable NYSE Arca Marketplace Annual Fee billed for that year and, in subsequent years, such issuers would pay applicable NYSE Annual Fees. f. Subsequent Listing of Additional Securities.22 Currently, the fee applicable to all issuers for Subsequent Listing of Additional Securities is $.0025 per additional share listed, assessed beginning with the 100,000th additional share listed per application. There is no charge per application for the first 99,999 additional shares listed. For domestic issuers, the minimum and a maximum charge per application currently depends on whether an issue is exclusively or dually listed, as follows: • For all exclusive listings, the maximum charge per application is $15,000 and the annual maximum charge is $30,000; • For all dual listings, the maximum charge per application is $7,500 and the maximum annual charge is $14,000; and • For all applications to list additional shares, the current minimum charge is $500. In addition, for American Depositary Receipts (‘‘ADRs’’) and American Depositary Shares (‘‘ADSs’’) only, NYSE Arca’s current maximum additional shares listing charge per year is $10,000, the minimum charge per application is $500, and the maximum per application charge at $7,500. These fees are assessed only on the ADRs and ADSs that are issued and outstanding in the United States. For an issuer to list additional shares of a class of previously listed securities, NYSE Arca proposes to adopt the following schedule, subject to a minimum fee of $5,000 per application: to the number of shares already listed and outstanding (including treasury stock and restricted stock). This schedule applies to subsequent issuances of common stock, preferred stock and warrants. These fees would be assessed as follows, subject to any maximum on fees paid by an issuer per year: • To the extent that an issuer submits a supplemental listing application for shares that are immediately issued, such as in connection with a merger or acquisition, stock split or stock dividend, Listing Fees for those shares would be billed at the time the supplemental listing application is processed. • However, to the extent an issuer submits a supplemental listing application for shares that are not issued at the time of listing, such as for an equity compensation plan or for convertible securities where the listed securities will be issued over time, only the $5,000 minimum supplemental listing application fee would be billed at the time the supplemental listing application is processed. Listing Fees would accrue on these securities as of the date of issuance and the accrued Listing Fees would be billed at the beginning of the following year along with the issuer’s Annual Fees. These fees would also apply to foreign private issuers, but only to the extent securities are issued and outstanding in the United States, subject to any maximum on fees paid by an issuer per year. In addition, issuers that transfer their listing to the NYSE Arca Marketplace from the NYSE would be subject to these fees. g. Miscellaneous Administrative Fees. Currently, NYSE Arca charges $250 to administer certain modifications to NYSE Arca records. The Exchange, stating that this fee has not been increased in many years, proposes to increase this fee to $2,500 per modification, which includes changes in company name, symbol, par value, and title of security or designation. The fee would also apply to poison pill plans (also known as shareholder rights plans). h. Maximum Listing Fee for Stock Fee per Number of securities issued share Splits and Stock Dividends. The NYSE Arca proposes that Listing Fees on Up to and including 75 million $0.0048 shares issued in conjunction with stock 75,000,001 to 300 million ....... 0.00375 splits and stock dividends be capped at Over 300 million ..................... 0.0019 $150,000 per split or issuance, subject to the $250,000 maximum on total fees The Listing Fees for subsequent paid each year by an issuer. Currently, listings of additional shares are calculated starting at the rate applicable the Exchange does not have such a cap. i. Listing Fee Discounts. In the case of transactions such as a consolidation 22 Previously, the NYSE Arca referred to between two or more listed issuers that Subsequent Listing of Additional Securities as Additional Shares Listing. result in the formation of a new issuer VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:54 May 11, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 27767 that immediately lists upon consummation of the consolidation, or a merger between a listed issuer and an unlisted issuer that results in the unlisted issuer surviving or the creation of a new issuer (which lists within 12 months from the consummation of the transaction), Listing Fees for that newly listed issuer would be 25% of the Listing Fee for each class of securities being listed, up to 25% of the maximum applicable to the issue(s) listed. No discount would be applied, however, where a listed issuer survives the merger or consolidation, or in the case of a backdoor (or ‘‘reverse’’) merger. j. Rule Change Implementation. The NYSE Arca proposes to implement these revised fees, as applicable, for all currently listed issuers upon effectiveness of this proposal, except as follows: • For calendar year 2006, NYSE Arca proposes that issuers listed on NYSE Arca Marketplace, and issuers with listing applications pending as of the effective date of this proposal, would continue to be subject to the current Fee Schedule. As of January 1, 2007, however, all such issuers would be subject to the Fee Schedule as proposed to be revised. • Further, NYSE Arca proposes, for the period through December 31, 2007, that all issuers which transfer their listings from Nasdaq or the American Stock Exchange, or apply to list during that time, would not be subject to Listing Fees upon initial listing. Such issuers, however, would be subject to Annual Fees and Fees for Subsequent Listing of Additional Securities, as proposed above. Going forward, NYSE Arca would consider whether to extend this period beyond December 31, 2007, and would make any necessary proposals under Rule 19b–4 prior to that date. 2. Statutory Basis The NYSE Arca believes that the proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act 23 in general, and Section 6(b)(4) of the Act 24 in particular, in that it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among its ETP Holders, issuers, and other persons using its facilities. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change would not impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 2315 2415 E:\FR\FM\12MYN1.SGM U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 12MYN1 27768 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 92 / Friday, May 12, 2006 / Notices C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received any written comments from members or other interested parties. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will: (A) By order approve such proposed rule change; or (B) institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. IV. 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. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File No. SR–PCX–2006–16 on the subject line. 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 in the Commission’s Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the NYSE Arca. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–PCX–2006–16 and should be submitted by June 2, 2006. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.25 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–7270 Filed 5–11–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–53761; File No. SR–Phlx– 2006–20] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No. 2 Thereto Establishing a Pilot Option Transaction Charge Credit for Specialists That Send Certain Principal Acting as Agent Orders for Execution Via the Intermarket Option Linkage May 5, 2006. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 • Send paper comments in triplicate (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, notice is hereby given that on March 31, Securities and Exchange Commission, 2006, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC Inc. (‘‘Phlx’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with 20549–1090. the Securities and Exchange All submissions should refer to File Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the Number SR–PCX–2006–16. This file proposed rule change as described in number should be included on the Items I, II and III below, which Items subject line if e-mail is used. To help the have been prepared by the Exchange. Commission process and review your On April 25, 2006, the Exchange filed comments more efficiently, please use Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule only one method. The Commission will change, and withdrew Amendment No. post all comments on the Commissions 1 on May 4, 2006. On May 5, 2006, the Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ Exchange filed Amendment No. 2.3 The rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the 25 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). submission, all subsequent 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). amendments, all written statements 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. with respect to the proposed rule 3 In Amendment No. 2, the Exchange clarified change that are filed with the that the proposed rule change is a pilot that will Commission, and all written expire on July 31, 2006. In Amendment No. 2, the Exchange also clarified the purpose of the proposed communications relating to the sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Paper Comments VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:54 May 11, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Exchange has designated this proposal as one establishing or changing a due, fee, or other charge imposed by a selfregulatory organization pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 4 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,5 which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission.6 The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to establish an option transaction charge credit of $0.21 per contract for Exchange options specialist units7 that incur Phlx option transaction charges when a customer order is delivered to the limit order book via the Exchange’s Options Floor Broker Management System (‘‘FBMS’’) 8 and is then sent to an away market and executed via the Intermarket Option Linkage (‘‘Linkage’’) under the Plan for the Purpose of Creating and Operating an Intermarket Option Linkage ( ‘‘Plan’’) 9 as a Principal Acting as Agent Order (‘‘P/A Order’’).10 This proposal is a pilot that will expire on July 31, 2006, is in connection rule change and made technical changes to the proposed rule change, including the proposed rule text. 4 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 5 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 6 For purposes of calculating the 60-day period within which the Commission may summarily abrogate the proposed rule change the Commission considers the period to commence on May 5, 2006, the date on which the Exchange filed Amendment No. 2. See 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(C). 7 The Exchange uses the terms ‘‘specialist’’ and ‘‘specialist unit’’ interchangeably in its proposed rule change. 8 The FBMS is a component of the Exchange’s Automated Options Market (AUTOM) System designed to enable Floor Brokers and/or their employees to enter, route and report transactions stemming from options orders received on the Exchange. The Options FBMS also is designed to establish an electronic audit trail for options orders represented and executed by Floor Brokers on the Exchange, such that the audit trial provides an accurate, time-sequenced record of electronic and other orders, quotations and transactions on the Exchange, beginning with the receipt of an order by the Exchange, and further documenting the life of the order through the process of execution, partial execution, or cancellation of that order. See Phlx Rule 1080, Commentary .06. 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 43086 (July 28, 2000), 65 FR 48023 (August 4, 2000); and 43573 (November 16, 2000), 65 FR 70851 (November 28, 2000) (order approving Phlx as a participant in the Plan). 10 A P/A Order is an order for the principal account of a specialist (or equivalent entity on another participant exchange that is authorized to represent public customer orders), reflecting the terms of a related unexecuted public customer order for which the specialist is acting as agent. See Phlx Rule 1083(k)(i). E:\FR\FM\12MYN1.SGM 12MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 92 (Friday, May 12, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27764-27768]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-7270]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-53764; File No. SR-PCX-2006-16]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Pacific Exchange, Inc. (n/k/a NYSE 
Arca, Inc.); Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change and Amendments 
No. 1 and No. 2 Thereto To Revise Fees for Equity Securities Issued by 
Operating Companies Listed on the Archipelago Exchange

May 5, 2006.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\

[[Page 27765]]

notice is hereby given that on March 1, 2006, the Pacific Exchange, 
Inc. (n/k/a NYSE Arca, Inc.) (``NYSE Arca'' or ``Exchange''), through 
its wholly owned subsidiary PCX Equities, Inc. (n/k/a NYSE Arca 
Equities, Inc.), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III below, which items have been prepared by the NYSE Arca.\3\ On 
March 17, 2006, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule 
change.\4\ On May 5, 2006, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 2 to the 
proposed rule change.\5\ The Commission is publishing this notice to 
solicit comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from 
interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ On March 6, 2006, the Pacific Exchange, Inc. (``PCX'') filed 
a rule proposal, which was effective upon filing, that amended its 
rules to reflect these name changes: from PCX to NYSE Arca; from PCX 
Equities, Inc. to NYSE Arca Equities, Inc.; from PCX Holdings, Inc., 
to NYSE Arca Holdings, Inc.; and from the Archipelago Exchange, 
L.L.C. to NYSE Arca, L.L.C. See File No. SR-PCX-2006-24 (March 6, 
2006).
    \4\  See Amendment No. 1.
    \5\ See Amendment No. 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The NYSE Arca proposes to amend its Schedule of Fees and Charges 
(``Fee Schedule'') to revise the application, initial, annual and 
additional shares listing fees for equity securities issued by 
operating companies listed on the Archipelago Exchange, the equities 
facility of the Exchange. The Exchange also proposes related 
modifications to the Fee Schedule.

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 NYSE Arca included 
statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule 
change as amended 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 IV 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
    In connection with the recently completed acquisition of the NYSE 
Arca and Arca Equities by Archipelago Holdings, Inc.--the parent of 
NYSE Arca, L.L.C. (``NYSE Arca Marketplace'')--and the now completed 
merger between Archipelago Holdings, Inc. and the New York Stock 
Exchange (``NYSE''), NYSE Arca undertook a review of its listings 
business and competitive position in a rapidly changing industry.\6\ As 
a result of this review, the NYSE Arca determined to make significant 
changes to the fees associated with its listings program. Accordingly, 
the NYSE Arca proposes to revise, and in some cases increase, the 
application, initial, annual and additional share listing fees for 
equity securities issued by operating companies listed on NYSE Arca 
Marketplace. This filing also proposes a number of related 
modifications to the Fee Schedule.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ For instance, on December 8, 2005, Nasdaq announced that it 
had completed its acquisition of Instinet Group Incorporated, 
including INET ECN. In addition, on August 24, 2005, the Boston 
Stock Exchange, along with Citigroup, Credit Suisse First Boston, 
Fidelity Brokerage Company and Lehman Brothers, announced the 
formation of a new joint venture that will launch an electronic 
stock exchange, the Boston Equities Exchange. Further, on August 16, 
2005, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange announced that Citigroup, 
Credit Suisse First Boston, Morgan Stanley and UBS have each 
acquired equity stakes in that exchange, with provisions that allow 
for each firm to obtain additional equity based on specific 
performance criteria.
    \7\ These proposed fee changes apply only to equity securities 
issued by operating companies. They do not apply to other types of 
listed issues, including but not limited to open and closed-end 
funds, exchange-traded funds, commodity-based trusts, trust issued 
receipts, portfolio depositary receipts, structured products and 
investment company units. For these issues, the Fee Schedule remains 
unchanged.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The NYSE Arca believes this proposal would enable it to compete 
effectively for listings, while supporting the ongoing costs of issuer 
services, including regulatory oversight and product and service 
offerings. This proposal further seeks to streamline and clarify the 
fees applicable to operating companies, making them more transparent 
and easier to understand and apply.
    a. Application Fee. Currently, the NYSE Arca levies a non-
refundable application processing fee of $500, credited towards the 
applicable initial listing fee if the application is approved. The 
Exchange proposes to eliminate the application fee.
    b. Maximum Total Fees Paid by an Issuer Each Year. The NYSE Arca 
proposes a maximum cap of $250,000 on the total fees paid each year by 
an issuer. Currently, the Exchange does not have such an issuer cap.
    c. Listing Fee.\8\ Currently, the Listing Fee applicable to common 
stock upon first listing depends on whether the stock is listed in 
conjunction with an initial public offering (``IPO'') or not, and 
whether it is classified as a Tier I or Tier II listing.\9\ For IPOs 
listed exclusively on Tier I,\10\ the Listing Fee is based on the 
issuer's total shares outstanding (``TSO''), as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ There are two types of fees applicable to issuers--Listing 
Fees and Annual Fees. Previously, NYSE Arca referred to Listing Fees 
as Initial Listing Fees and Additional Share Listing Fees. For ease 
of application, in light of the completed merger between Archipelago 
Holdings, Inc. and the NYSE, NYSE Arca proposes to conform its fee 
nomenclature to the NYSE's nomenclature.
    \9\ Tier I is designed for larger capitalization, mature 
issuers; Tier II is for smaller issuing companies. Both Tiers have 
their own set of listing criteria.
    \10\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(c).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            TSO                              Listing fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10,000,000.......................................      $25,000
10,000,001 to 30,000,000...................................       75,000
30,000,000 to $75,000,000..................................      100,000
Greater than $75,000,000...................................      125,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For IPOs listed exclusively on Tier II,\11\ the current Listing Fee 
is fixed at $25,000. For IPOs which dually list, there is no Listing 
Fee, regardless of Tier classification. There is also no Listing Fee 
for already publicly-traded companies which transfer their listings 
from another marketplace, regardless of whether such issuers are 
exclusively or dually listed, their Tier classification, or TSO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\  See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(k).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To simplify and streamline these fees, the NYSE Arca proposes to 
adopt new Listing Fees based on TSO at the time a security is listed on 
NYSE Arca Marketplace, as follows: \12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ For purposes of Listing Fee calculations, NYSE Arca would 
include treasury stock, restricted stock and shares issued in 
conjunction with the exercise of an overallotment option, if 
applicable, in the number of shares for which an issuer is billed at 
the time a security is first listed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            TSO                              Listing fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to and including 30 million.............................     $100,000
30,000,001 up to and including 50 million..................      125,000
Over 50 million............................................      150,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These proposed fees also would apply to each class of preferred 
stock or warrant listed, whether or not the issuer has common shares 
also listed.\13\ Further, these fees would apply regardless of Tier 
classification or whether the issue is exclusively or

[[Page 27766]]

dually listed. These proposed Listing Fees also would apply to foreign 
private issuers, but only to the extent their securities are issued and 
outstanding in the United States.\14\ However, in light of the recently 
completed merger between Archipelago Holdings, Inc. and the NYSE, 
issuers that transfer their listing to the NYSE Arca Marketplace from 
the NYSE would not be subject to Listing Fees upon initial listing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ As discussed below, for additional classes of common stock 
when the issuer has a class of common stock already listed, the 
Exchange would levy a flat Listing Fee for initial listing of 
$5,000.
    \14\ See 17 CFR 240.3b-4 (defining ``foreign private issuer'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For additional classes of common stock, preferred stock, debt 
instruments, purchase rights and warrants, the current initial listing 
fee is $2,500, regardless of whether such securities are also listed 
elsewhere. These fees apply to each additional issue listed, regardless 
of shares outstanding or Tier classification.
    For additional classes of common stock, the NYSE Arca proposes a 
flat Listing Fee of $5,000 in lieu of the per share schedule above.
    The Listing Fee for debt instruments and purchase rights remains 
$2,500.
    d. Technical Original Listing Fee.\15\ Currently, the NYSE Arca 
charges a fee for technical original listing applications of $2,500. 
Under the current rule, a technical original listing occurs as a result 
of, for example:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ To conform to NYSE fee nomenclature, NYSE Arca proposes to 
adopt the term ``Technical Original Listing'' in place of 
``Substitute Initial Listing.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Change in the issuer's state of incorporation;
     Reincorporation under the laws of the same state;
     Recapitalization;
     Creation of a holding company or a new company by 
operation of law or through an exchange offer; \16\ or
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ The proposed new rule text regarding the application of the 
fee in these circumstances codifies the Exchange's existing 
practice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Similar events, which, in effect, create a new security or 
which alters any of its rights, preferences, privileges or terms.
    Additionally, this fee currently applies if the change in the 
company's status is technical in nature and the shareholders of the 
original company receive or retain a share-for-share interest in the 
new company without any change in their equity position or rights.\17\ 
By the proposed rule change, the NYSE Arca proposes to rename the 
fee,\18\ to codify its current practice regarding applying the fee,\19\ 
and to increase the amount of the fee to $5,000 per application.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ The proposed new rule text regarding the application of the 
fee in these circumstances codifies the Exchange's existing 
practice.
    \18\ See supra at n.15.
    \19\ See supra at n.16 and n.17.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    e. Annual Fee. Currently, the Annual Fee depends on whether a 
security was listed in conjunction with an IPO, whether the security is 
listed exclusively or dually, and Tier classification. For Tier I 
exclusive IPO listings, the current Annual Fee is based on TSO, as 
follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            TSO                               Annual fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10,000,000.......................................      $15,000
10,000,001 to 50,000,000...................................       20,000
50,000,001 to 100,000,000..................................       35,000
Greater than 100,000,000...................................       50,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For Tier II exclusive IPO listings, the current annual Fee is 
$12,500, regardless of TSO.
    For dual listings in conjunction with IPOs, and exclusive and dual 
listings of already publicly-traded companies, the Exchange does not 
levy an Annual Fee for the first 12-calendar months following listing. 
At the end of this 12-month period, NYSE Arca proposes to assess, on a 
pro-rated basis, the applicable Annual Fee for the balance of the then 
current calendar year, as follows:
     For exclusive IPO Listings, the Annual Fee is based on the 
fees set forth above for exclusive IPOs, depending on Tier 
classification;
     For dual IPO and exclusive and dual non-IPO Listings, the 
Annual Fee is $10,000, regardless of Tier classification or shares 
outstanding.
    The current maximum Annual Fee payable by a single issuer for all 
issues listed is $90,000. Annual Fees are not pro-rated or reduced for 
securities that delist for any reason.
    The Exchange proposes an Annual Fee for listed issuers listing 
common or preferred securities as follows: A minimum of $30,000 for 
issuers with up to and including 10 million TSO plus, for each share 
over 10 million TSO up to and including 100 million TSO, issuers would 
be subject to an additional per share charge of $0.000375. For all 
issuers with TSO above 100 million, the Annual Fee would be a flat 
$85,000 per issue listed. For example, an issuer with 54.5 million TSO 
would pay an Annual Fee of $46,687.50 ($30,000 plus $0.000375 times 
44.5 million), an issuer with 100 million TSO would pay an Annual Fee 
of $63,750 ($30,000 plus $0.000375 times 90 million), and an issuer 
with 110 million TSO would pay the maximum Annual Fee of $85,000 per 
issue. These proposed Annual Fees would also apply to foreign private 
issuers, but only to the extent securities are issued and outstanding 
in the United States. The NYSE Arca would calculate the Annual Fee for 
foreign private issuers based on a four-quarter average of the 
securities issued and outstanding in the United States during the 
preceding year.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ The purpose of utilizing a four-quarter average is to 
recognize the possibility of flow-back and flow-in of securities to 
and from the home country market and more reasonably reflect the 
number of securities in the United States over the course of the 
year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To the extent that an issuer that is billed by NYSE Arca as a 
foreign private issuer has a change in status that requires the issuer 
to commence filing U.S. periodic and annual reports with the Commission 
during the course of a year, NYSE Arca would bill that issuer Listing 
and Annual Fees as a domestic issuer at the beginning of the first 
calendar year following the issuer's change in status. An issuer that 
changes its status would not be subject to new Listing Fees for 
worldwide securities already issued and outstanding.
    For additional classes of common stock, preferred stock, debt 
instruments, purchase rights and warrants, the NYSE Arca's current 
Annual Fee is $500, regardless of whether they are also listed 
elsewhere. These fees apply to each such issue listed, regardless of 
shares outstanding or Tier classification.
    For issuers with more than one class of common stock listed, the 
Exchange proposes an Annual Fee of $20,000 or $0.000375 per share 
listed, whichever is greater, for each additional class of common 
stock.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ For purposes of Annual Fee calculation when an issuer has 
multiple classes of common stock listed, the NYSE Arca would assess 
the class of common stock with the highest TSO the Annual Fee 
proposed above for listed issuers, that is, a minimum Annual Fee of 
$30,000 for up to and including 10 million TSO plus, if applicable, 
a per share charge of $0.000375 on each share over 10 million up to 
and including 100 million TSO, subject to the $85,000 maximum Annual 
Fee per issue. For each additional class of common stock listed, the 
NYSE Arca would assess Annual Fees as proposed above for additional 
classes, that is, an Annual Fee of $20,000 or $0.000375 per share 
listed, whichever is greater.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For additional classes of preferred stock where the issuer has a 
class of common or preferred stock already listed, the Exchange 
proposes an Annual Fee of $5,000 or $0.000375 per share, whichever is 
greater. Further, the NYSE Arca proposes an Annual Fee for each class 
of warrant listed of $5,000 or $0.000375 per warrant, whichever is 
greater. The Annual Fee for debt instruments and purchase rights would 
remain $500.
    Issues would be subject to the Annual Fee in the year of listing, 
pro-rated based on days listed that calendar year. However, issuers 
that transfer their

[[Page 27767]]

listing from the NYSE to the NYSE Arca Marketplace would, for the year 
of transfer, be subject only to the applicable NYSE Annual Fee billed 
for that year and, in subsequent years, such issuers would pay the 
applicable NYSE Arca Marketplace Annual Fee; similarly, issuers that 
transfer their listings from NYSE Arca Marketplace to the NYSE would, 
for the year of transfer, be subject only to the applicable NYSE Arca 
Marketplace Annual Fee billed for that year and, in subsequent years, 
such issuers would pay applicable NYSE Annual Fees.
    f. Subsequent Listing of Additional Securities.\22\ Currently, the 
fee applicable to all issuers for Subsequent Listing of Additional 
Securities is $.0025 per additional share listed, assessed beginning 
with the 100,000th additional share listed per application. There is no 
charge per application for the first 99,999 additional shares listed. 
For domestic issuers, the minimum and a maximum charge per application 
currently depends on whether an issue is exclusively or dually listed, 
as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ Previously, the NYSE Arca referred to Subsequent Listing of 
Additional Securities as Additional Shares Listing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     For all exclusive listings, the maximum charge per 
application is $15,000 and the annual maximum charge is $30,000;
     For all dual listings, the maximum charge per application 
is $7,500 and the maximum annual charge is $14,000; and
     For all applications to list additional shares, the 
current minimum charge is $500.
    In addition, for American Depositary Receipts (``ADRs'') and 
American Depositary Shares (``ADSs'') only, NYSE Arca's current maximum 
additional shares listing charge per year is $10,000, the minimum 
charge per application is $500, and the maximum per application charge 
at $7,500. These fees are assessed only on the ADRs and ADSs that are 
issued and outstanding in the United States.
    For an issuer to list additional shares of a class of previously 
listed securities, NYSE Arca proposes to adopt the following schedule, 
subject to a minimum fee of $5,000 per application:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Fee per
                Number of securities issued                     share
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to and including 75 million............................      $0.0048
75,000,001 to 300 million.................................       0.00375
Over 300 million..........................................       0.0019
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Listing Fees for subsequent listings of additional shares are 
calculated starting at the rate applicable to the number of shares 
already listed and outstanding (including treasury stock and restricted 
stock). This schedule applies to subsequent issuances of common stock, 
preferred stock and warrants.
    These fees would be assessed as follows, subject to any maximum on 
fees paid by an issuer per year:
     To the extent that an issuer submits a supplemental 
listing application for shares that are immediately issued, such as in 
connection with a merger or acquisition, stock split or stock dividend, 
Listing Fees for those shares would be billed at the time the 
supplemental listing application is processed.
     However, to the extent an issuer submits a supplemental 
listing application for shares that are not issued at the time of 
listing, such as for an equity compensation plan or for convertible 
securities where the listed securities will be issued over time, only 
the $5,000 minimum supplemental listing application fee would be billed 
at the time the supplemental listing application is processed. Listing 
Fees would accrue on these securities as of the date of issuance and 
the accrued Listing Fees would be billed at the beginning of the 
following year along with the issuer's Annual Fees.
    These fees would also apply to foreign private issuers, but only to 
the extent securities are issued and outstanding in the United States, 
subject to any maximum on fees paid by an issuer per year. In addition, 
issuers that transfer their listing to the NYSE Arca Marketplace from 
the NYSE would be subject to these fees.
    g. Miscellaneous Administrative Fees. Currently, NYSE Arca charges 
$250 to administer certain modifications to NYSE Arca records. The 
Exchange, stating that this fee has not been increased in many years, 
proposes to increase this fee to $2,500 per modification, which 
includes changes in company name, symbol, par value, and title of 
security or designation. The fee would also apply to poison pill plans 
(also known as shareholder rights plans).
    h. Maximum Listing Fee for Stock Splits and Stock Dividends. The 
NYSE Arca proposes that Listing Fees on shares issued in conjunction 
with stock splits and stock dividends be capped at $150,000 per split 
or issuance, subject to the $250,000 maximum on total fees paid each 
year by an issuer. Currently, the Exchange does not have such a cap.
    i. Listing Fee Discounts. In the case of transactions such as a 
consolidation between two or more listed issuers that result in the 
formation of a new issuer that immediately lists upon consummation of 
the consolidation, or a merger between a listed issuer and an unlisted 
issuer that results in the unlisted issuer surviving or the creation of 
a new issuer (which lists within 12 months from the consummation of the 
transaction), Listing Fees for that newly listed issuer would be 25% of 
the Listing Fee for each class of securities being listed, up to 25% of 
the maximum applicable to the issue(s) listed. No discount would be 
applied, however, where a listed issuer survives the merger or 
consolidation, or in the case of a backdoor (or ``reverse'') merger.
    j. Rule Change Implementation. The NYSE Arca proposes to implement 
these revised fees, as applicable, for all currently listed issuers 
upon effectiveness of this proposal, except as follows:
     For calendar year 2006, NYSE Arca proposes that issuers 
listed on NYSE Arca Marketplace, and issuers with listing applications 
pending as of the effective date of this proposal, would continue to be 
subject to the current Fee Schedule. As of January 1, 2007, however, 
all such issuers would be subject to the Fee Schedule as proposed to be 
revised.
     Further, NYSE Arca proposes, for the period through 
December 31, 2007, that all issuers which transfer their listings from 
Nasdaq or the American Stock Exchange, or apply to list during that 
time, would not be subject to Listing Fees upon initial listing. Such 
issuers, however, would be subject to Annual Fees and Fees for 
Subsequent Listing of Additional Securities, as proposed above. Going 
forward, NYSE Arca would consider whether to extend this period beyond 
December 31, 2007, and would make any necessary proposals under Rule 
19b-4 prior to that date.
2. Statutory Basis
    The NYSE Arca believes that the proposal is consistent with Section 
6(b) of the Act \23\ in general, and Section 6(b)(4) of the Act \24\ in 
particular, in that it provides for the equitable allocation of 
reasonable dues, fees and other charges among its ETP Holders, issuers, 
and other persons using its facilities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \24\15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

[[Page 27768]]

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

    The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, 
comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received 
any written comments from members or other interested parties.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule

    Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may 
designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to 
be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to 
which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will:
    (A) By order approve such proposed rule change; or
    (B) institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule 
change should be disapproved.

IV. 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. Comments may be submitted by any of 
the following methods:
    Electronic comments
     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://
www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File No. SR-PCX-2006-16 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-PCX-2006-16. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To 
help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commissions Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). 
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 in the 
Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing also will be 
available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the 
NYSE Arca. All comments received will be posted without change; the 
Commission does not edit personal identifying information from 
submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make 
available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-PCX-
2006-16 and should be submitted by June 2, 2006.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E6-7270 Filed 5-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P
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