A beneficial owner of stock becomes a Registered Owner by having the stock "registered" (or recorded) on the corporation records in his/her name. The registered shareowner is considered the "shareowner of record."
Registered owners receive all corporate communications, dividends, annual reports and proxy material directly from the company Ownership comes in two forms, physical certificates or book entry shares.
If you buy an initial share from a broker with the intent of joining a DRP Program, you must have the broker register the share in your name. Stock Brokers typically assume that you want the ownership recorded by "book entry." That won't qualify you to join a DRP Program. Specifically direct the stock broker to deliver the stock certificate to you. This assures that you are the registered owner.
