Issuer Services
Client Online Tools
AST CLIENT ACCESS
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.
AST DWAC ONLINE
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:
- Dramatic improvements in processing time. OI transactions are typically executed the same day that they are submitted, while DWAC transactions are, in most instances, credited within an hour of our receiving a matching client and broker request.
- Data is only entered once, thus ensuring that the information printed on the certificate or matched against broker instructions appears exactly as requested by the client.
- Multiple requests may be submitted on the same form and at the same time.
- Instant e-mail notifications provide assurance that requests were received and processed by our system. In addition, e-mails are sent out each evening informing the client of all transactions that were processed that day, as well as all transactions entered by the client where matching broker instructions have not yet been received.
- The system automatically produces monthly transaction history reports, transmitted via e-mail. In addition, clients may request personalized transaction histories, should the need arise.
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.
AST PROXY CENTRAL
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:
- The Internet allows the shareholder to view online, the nominees' names and proposal texts exactly as they appear on the proxy card, plus your annual report and proxy statement. E-mail acknowledgement of the vote gives us immediate acquisition of the e-mail address, which is used to create an electronic address book of your shareholders. Future distributions of material via e-mail can result in significant savings in printing and mailing costs.
- IVR technology allows the shareholder to vote via the telephone. It is a convenient and more expeditious alternative to the conventional method of mailing a card.
- Proxy reports are available online for your review at your convenience. Several different types of reports are available including detailed reports and summary votes by proposal.
CONTROL BOOKS TRACKING
In it's capacity 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.
INSTANT E-MAIL REPORTING
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 e-mail 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:
- Shareholder Lists
- New Accounts Shareholders List
- Individual Account Information by Account Number
- Individual Account Information by Social Security Number
- Certificate Detail Report
- Geographic Analysis Report
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.