AST offers clients the ability to log into their shareholder database and review shareholder accounts. Accounts can be searched by shareholder name, shareholder tax ID number as well as general geographic searches. Account information includes shares held in various categories like certificated shares, DRS shares and plan shares. Certificate and check detail information is also available.
Under AST's electronic system, client requests for DWAC and OI issuances are submitted via the Internet, thereby increasing the security, accuracy and timeliness of the system's operation. Original Issue requests are processed immediately, with physical certificates being issued that evening. For DWAC requests, the system continually searches for matching client instructions and broker requests. Upon finding matching instructions, the system automatically completes the DWAC transaction and credits the appropriate broker account.
The automated system offers numerous advantages over the old fax letter system:
Please note that the system may only be used for DWAC and OI issuances under registered stock option, incentive, or employee stock purchase plans. Shares to be issued other than pursuant to such registered plans may not be submitted via the electronic system, and you should continue to use the fax letter system for such issuances.
This system represents a significant technological advance that has yet to be matched by any of our competitors. It offers our clients an unprecedented level of control and access to information.
Your shareholders are voting on important issues and the rapid and accurate tabulation of votes is vital. To expedite the tabulation process, we offer several technology-driven methods of voting and reporting:
As registrar, AST maintains detailed records of the transactions affecting your outstanding shares calculation. We refer to these records as the "Control Books." With yet another AST technological innovation, we made this information available online. The online control books feature allows you to access the number of outstanding shares as of any given date, as well as a record of any transactions affecting the number of outstanding shares in a client-specified date range.
In a continuing effort to provide our clients with the greatest degree of personal access and control, AST is pleased to announce a new system of online data reporting. Under this new system, clients may request custom generated reports to be instantaneously delivered to a designated email address. These reports are designed to provide our clients with instant access to the information they need most. The reports that are currently available online include:
Needless to say, should you require any report that is not currently available under our new-online reporting system, we would be more than happy to provide it to you.