Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I transfer my shares to another person or entity?
At Sedona Equity, our goal is to make your life easier in the transfer process. Here is a suggested list of items to consider/obtain.
Transfer Checklist
- Include your original stock certificate(s).
- If your shares are held in electronic format with us, let us know which firm and account the shares are going to so we can look for the brokerage firm’s posting.
- Make sure you endorse the back of certificate or stock power if changing registration.
- Obtain a medallion guaranteed stamp from a bank or brokerage firm on your endorsement.
- Include a shareholder transfer request form (blank template is on the website under forms).
- Please provide names, physical addresses, and IDs of Shareholders receiving your shares.
- Include delivery instructions for the new certificate(s) with delivery method (FedEx, UPS, Local Pickup/Delivery, Priority Mail) and your account number.
- If you are a corporate shareholder include a completed Corporate Resolution with your endorsed and medallion guaranteed stock power.
- Determine if you need additional forms that may be required (See Restricted Stock section, Lost Certificates Section
- Include your processing fee
Feel free to call us at (602-620-1554) or use our Contact Form if you have any questions about the forms or fees associated with your transfer request.
2. What are the fees associated with transferring stock certificates?
The fees vary based upon the specific request and services needed. Please Contact Us if you have any questions about the forms or fees associated with your transfer request or account.
3. How can a shareholder contact SEDONA EQUITY?
Call us at 602-620-1554 or use our Contact Form
Email: salli.marinov[@]sedonaequity.com
4. What is DTC and Cede & Co.?
DTC is an acronym for the Depository Trust Company. DTC is the central depository for the brokerage community where stock and bond certificates are deposited or transferred by the broker participants. The main function of DTC is to clear and settle stock trades and to provide custody of securities in an automated environment. DTC provides an efficient and safe way for the buyer and seller to exchange securities electronically and in a centralized location eliminating the need for physical stock certificates and time for transit. DTC is a member of the Federal Reserve System, owned by the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC). DTCC, in turn, is owned by several banks, brokerage houses and trading exchanges. Cede & Co. is merely the nominee name for DTC. DTC and Cede & Co. are synonymous and are often used interchangeably.
5. What is a “Medallion Guarantee”?
A Medallion guarantee is provided by an eligible institution who is a participant of the STAMP program. Banks, trust companies and broker dealers may participate in this program. A Medallion is an insured stamp to guarantee that the signer is authorized and validates the signature. For certain types of transfers, a Medallion guarantee stamp is required. A new program, eSignature Guarantee, is also a member of the STAMP program that provides Medallion guarantees. If you are unable to acquire a Medallion guarantee from a bank or brokerage firm, you may be able to go to eSignatureGuarantee.com. Answer the questions, submit the requested paperwork and pay the fee for the guarantee stamp. Then send the endorsed and Medallion guaranteed stock power with your submission to us.
6. How should I send my stock certificate?
We strongly suggest you send all stock certificates to Sedona Equity Registrar & Transfer by registered mail with a return receipt requested, or by a courier such as Fedex or, UPS.
7. What is restricted stock?
Restricted stock is issued with a ‘restricted legend’ on the stock certificate. Most newly issued shares are considered restricted unless accompanied by a legal opinion from a securities attorney familiar with Rule 144 Stock that opines why the shares should not be restricted. Shareholders with restricted stock may only sell their shares in compliance with SEC regulation.
8. How is a lost or stolen stock certificate replaced?
If you have lost a stock certificate, you should contact or email us immediately so that we may place a ‘”STOP” on the specific certificate number. Once the “STOP” is placed, you may need to complete a “lost instrument bond” form and acquire a surety bond. Feel free to call us to discuss. Surety bonds are typically required by transfer agents to replace lost, stolen, or damaged stock certificates.
9. As a shareholder, how do I contact the company whose stock I hold?
Usually, a company’s contact information can be found on their website. Additionally, company information many times can be found on www.sec.gov.
10. How long will it take to transfer shares?
At Sedona Equity we pride ourselves on responsiveness and quick turnaround time. Routine transfers are generally turned around the same day and always within 72 hours. Transfers considered “non-routine” may take longer due to missing documentation or authorization by the issuer. Both routine and non-routine transfers may be expedited with RUSH processing for an additional fee.
11. How do I remove the restricted legend from my stock certificate?
Removing a restricted legend is a complex process governed by regulations. If your shares have a restrictive legend, contact your broker to request the proper paperwork and procedure. Brokers and clearing agents are sometimes particular regarding what forms and disclosures they require before assisting in the removal of a restricted legend from a security. If your shares are not held at a brokerage firm, legal opinions (from company counsel or outside counsel) and shareholder attestations are required to remove a restricted legend.
12. How do I find the rules surrounding 144?
The Securities and Exchange Commission governs Rule 144, the following link to the SEC website provides valuable information about the rule.
http://www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/rule144.htm
General Rules regarding Rule 144 Stock are the following:
For Affiliate(s) of a Reporting Company that has never been a shell company
- During the initial six-month holding period no re-sales under Rule 144 permitted.
- After six-month holding period may resell in accordance with Rule 144 as long as certificate(s) accompanied by a Seller’s Representation Letter and a legal opinion in which affiliate status is addressed
Non-Affiliate of a Reporting Company that has never been a shell company
- During six-month holding period no re-sales under Rule 144 permitted.
- After six-month holding period but before one year, unlimited public re-sales under Rule 144 except that the current public information requirement still applies. (If company was a shell at any time within the company’s history, the Evergreen Rule may apply.)
- After one-year holding period, unlimited public re-sales under Rule 144; need not comply with any other Rule 144 requirements.
THIS IS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND NOT TO BE TAKEN AS LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS THIS TO BE TAKEN AS A LEGAL OPINION.
Restricted Securities of Non-Reporting Issuers (who have never been a shell within the company’s history)
Affiliate
- During one year holding period no re-sales under Rule 144 permitted.
- After one year holding period, may resell in accordance with all Rule 144 requirements, including: submission of a Seller’s Representation Letter denoting affiliate status.
Non-Affiliate (and has not been an affiliate during the prior three months)
- During one year holding period no re-sales under Rule 144 permitted.
- After a one year holding period, unlimited public re-sales under Rule 144 when submitted with a Seller’s Representation Letter.
IF ISSUER/COMPANY HAS BEEN A SHELL AT ANY TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE COMPANY, THE COMPANY MUST FIRST FILE ONE FULL YEAR OF FORM 10 INFORMATION WITH THE SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION. NO SHELLS MAY HAVE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED FROM STOCK WITHOUT RESOLUTION OF THIS ISSUE.
How do I change my address with you?
You will need to complete a ‘Change of Address’ form. You can download it from our Forms & Links section.
Please feel free to Contact Us and we will email you the correct Form.