The Division of Corporation Finance (the “Division”) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) recently updated its interpretive guidance regarding Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. The Division published two new Compliance & Disclosure Interpretations (“C&DIs”), withdrew three previously issued C&DIs, and revised 18 more C&DIs regarding Rule 10b5-1 plans. The updated C&DIs largely align with the Commission’s 2022 amendments to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, with many reflecting non-substantive edits to rule references. Below is a summary of the key takeaways from the updated Rule 10b5-1 C&DIs. The updated Rule 10b5-1 C&DIs, including comparisons to previously issued C&DIs that the Commission provided, have been compiled in Annex A.
Proxy Reporting of 5% Shareholders’ Beneficial Ownership Based on 13G Filings
Among the many new rules and considerations affecting proxy season disclosures this year, one of the more subtle changes affects beneficial ownership disclosure pursuant to S-K Item 403(a). That rule requires companies to report the beneficial ownership of their greater than 5% shareholders “as of the most recent practicable date,” with beneficial ownership being determined in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13d-3. In years past, all Schedule 13G filers were required to file amendments within 45 days after the end of the calendar year to report any change to their previously reported holdings.