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Some companies treat their shareholders like true owners and offer discounts and bonuses on common products and services.
A shareholder is someone who holds one or more shares of a public or private corporation.
Most shareholder perks include participation in dividends, which can be a good indicator of a company's financial well-being. Over the past few decades, dividend investing has become a popular investment strategy – and can be a steady source of additional income for many – but dividends are not guaranteed
Companies are currently offering perks and rewards
Even though shareholder perks aren't what they once were, most large companies still have something to offer their shareholders.
A list of shareholder perks can usually be found in the investor information section of a company's website. However, we have compiled the following list of 10 companies that currently offer shareholder perks, discounts, and co-ownership rewards.
3M(MMM)
3M, shortened from its original name, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is a technology company that produces industrial, security and consumer products.
The company offers gift boxes to some shareholders during the holidays (for a small fee), which are known to contain a variety of 3M products sold at a fraction of their original price.
However, gift boxes cannot be requested; You must receive a brochure with a promotional code and then enter the promotional code online.
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)
You probably already know Amazon – the world's largest online retailer. Amazon shareholders can redeem a $5 Amazon gift card on orders over $20 if they own at least 10 shares.
At the time of writing in March 2024, 10 shares would set you back $1,789.30.
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B)
Berkshire Hathaway is a multinational conglomerate holding company led by Warren Buffett. The company owns more than 60 private and public companies like Apple, making it one of the largest companies in the world.
Every year, Berkshire Hathaway shareholders gather in Omaha, Nebraska, for a weekend shareholder meeting where they receive special discounts on items such as specialty candy, furniture and other items only available at the meeting.
Carnival Corporation (CCL)
Carnival Cruise Line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, is an international cruise line best known for its Caribbean cruises.
It is one of the few companies that offers a variety of shareholder perks and rewards, including onboard credits for the following:
- $250 per cabin for trips of 14 days or more.
- $100 per cabin for a voyage of seven to 13 days.
- $50 per cabin for a trip of six days or less.
These benefits are currently in effect and will remain in effect until December 31, 2024. However, they are only available to shareholders with at least 100 shares of Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc. At $17.08 per share, 100 shares would cost $1,708.
Coca-Cola (KO)
We all know and love the Coca-Cola brand, the largest beverage manufacturer and distributor in the world.
Shareholders receive quarterly dividend distributions and can also receive discounts on certain products and merchandise as well as access to shareholder events.
Ford Motor Company (F)
Ford previously offered shareholders one of its more notable perks: discounts on select new Ford car models for those who hold at least 100 shares of the company's stock. However, this discount program ended in 2022.
As a special thank you to Ford shareholders, the investor relations department is now offering a special vehicle price privilege for friends and family (also known as the X-Plan). To qualify you must:
- Must currently own Ford common stock.
- Must own at least 100 shares of the company.
- You must have held the minimum shares for the last six months or longer.
If you meet these criteria, you can contact the investor relations team at 1-800-555-5259 or read more on Ford's investor page.
Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG)
IHG is a global hotel company that owns several well-known hotel brands, including Regent, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Avid.
Through a private website with controlled access, IGH shareholders can book hotel stays at discounted rates.
Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCLH)
Known for its fun, relaxed cruise atmosphere, Norwegian Cruise Lines is another leading cruise company offering voyages around the globe. As a shareholder, you receive discounts on the lines Norwegian Cruise Line as well as on the brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Shareholder benefits include:
- Onboard credit of $250 per cabin when traveling 15 days or more.
- Onboard credit of $100 per cabin for travel durations of seven to 14 days.
- Onboard credit of $50 per cabin when traveling six days or less.
These benefits are only available to investors who own at least 100 shares of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd at the time of the cruise. At $20.70 per share, 100 shares would net you $2,070.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCL)
Likewise, Royal Caribbean Group is a global cruise company with a fleet of 60 ships serving over 800 destinations worldwide.
If you own at least 100 shares of Royal Caribbean Group stock at the time of the cruise, your benefits from 2024 include:
- $1,000 onboard credit per cabin on a world cruise.
- Onboard credit of $250 per cabin when traveling 14 nights or more.
- Onboard credit of $100 per cabin for 7-13 night travel.
- Onboard credit of $50 per cabin when traveling five nights or less.
At $136.03 per share, 100 shares would cost $13,603, which is not an insignificant sum.
Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVVI)
If you enjoy a good bottle of wine, this is for you. Willamette Valley Vineyards is a small, publicly traded company that sustainably produces a variety of wines from five vineyards in the state of Oregon.
It is one of the few companies that offers a range of shareholder benefits, listed on the Ownership and Benefits page. Benefits include:
- 25% discount on bottle purchases
- Priority access to limited production wines
- Free wine tastings for you and three guests once a month
- Invitations to owner-exclusive events and experiences
Note that you must own at least 300 shares of preferred or common stock to claim ownership status with Willamette Valley Vineyards. At $5.16 per share, 300 shares would cost a total of $1,548.
*Note: All stock cost estimates were recorded at the time of writing.
Are the perks worth it for shareholders?
The value of shareholder benefits depends on your individual preferences and reasons for investing. Dividends are of course more readily available and provide a more consistent return on capital depending on the company's performance.
While additional rewards can be tempting, be sure to do your own research on any company you want to invest in. This includes paying close attention to the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats before purchasing.
Popular companies not included in the list above that pay quarterly or annual dividends include AT&T, Costco, Microsoft, Starbucks, Verizon Communications, and almost all other large-cap stocks. Why? They are typically more sophisticated investments with lower volatility, meaning they can distribute more profits to their shareholders.
On the other hand, if you travel frequently and are likely to use one of IHG's hotels, you may benefit from advancing to shareholder status with IHG. If you're a fan of cruises and take even one each year, you can definitely save money as a shareholder.
Remember that shareholder rewards, benefits, discounts, or other perks should never be the sole reason you choose to invest in a company. Always check the current stock price before making a trade to buy shares of a company.
And if you're completely new to investing, here's our advice on how to get started.
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