Tombstone

The Series 7 could ask you what information is contained in a "tombstone ad." First, remember the context: we're talking about a new offering of securities. Once the registration statement has been filed with the SEC, the issuer and underwriters go into a cooling off period. During this period, no sales or advertising is allowed. Tombstone ads, however, are okay, since they don't really entice anyone or make any claims. They just provide the bare bones facts about an offer of securities. They simply announce that an offering of common stock, preferred stock, bonds etc. is available from a particular issuer. The number of shares is listed, as is the offering price. Then, we see the underwriters, with the lead underwriters in larger text than the syndicate members taking a smaller percentage of the offering. And, there is the disclaimer that this announcement is not an offer to sell the securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities. It's just an announcement. It might help to look at one, which you can do at this link: http://www.buec.udel.edu/pollacks/Acct351/handouts/AT&T%20tombstone%20ad.jpg.