Price Range of Common Stock   The common stock commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange following the Company's initial public offering on January 29, 1997. The Company's trading symbol is "ASF." As of March 1, 2000, there were approximately 1,955 holders of the common stock, including holders of record and persons for whom shares were held in "nominee" or "street name." The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for the common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite transactions tape. On March 1, 2000, the closing sales price for the Company's common stock was $40.25.

Dividend Policy   The Company has not paid cash dividends on its common stock since its formation and does not anticipate declaring or paying dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. The Company expects that it will retain all available earnings generated by the Company's operations for the development and growth of its business. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company and will depend upon the Company's operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, general business conditions and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.