Stocking Up on Investor’s Freebies

Stocking Up on Investor’s Freebies

There’s a gold mine of freebies, perks and giveaways awaiting investors in many companies, says Charles Carlston, author of Free Lunch on Wall Street (McGraw Hill). Carlson grew up the following list of companies that lavish goodies on investors. Most offer dividend reinvestment programs as well:

American Recreation Centers, Inc.: 11171, Sun Center Dr. #120, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Shareholders of 500 or more shares join the Distinguished Shareholder Club, which entitles them to five free games of bowling per day at any of the firm’s bowling centers.

Anheuser-Busch Co. One Busch Place, St. Louis, MO 63118. Shareholders get a 15 percent discount at the company’s amusement and themes parks, including Busch Gardens and Sea World. The company also gives free tours of its main brewery to its shareholders and non-shareholders alike.

Brown-Foreman Corp. 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40210. The company has traditionally provided shareholders with a 50 percent discount on certain Lenox holiday china and ornaments, as well as 50 percent discount on its Hartmann-brand luggage.

Chalone Wine Group. 621 Airpark Rd. Napa, CA 95558. Shareholders of 100 or more shares get up to 25 percent off on wine, including older vintages and special reserve bottles, and VIP tours of vineyards.

Shareholders’ Freebies. Photo: Megan Jorgensen (Elena)

CML Group: 901 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219. CSX is best known for its railroad operations, but it also operates a prestigious resort, the Greenbrier, in White Sulphur Springs, WV. Shareholders receive discounts on stays at the resort.

General Mills. One General Mills Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55426. The company offers a holiday package of products and coupons with a retail value of$50 for just $19,95. Packages include a range of products from Cheerios to Gold Medal muffin mix to Gushers fruit snacks.

Tandy Corp. 1800 One Tandy Center Fort Worth, TX 76102. Around the holidays Tandy shareholders receive a 10 percent discount on purchases of up to $10,00 at Radio Shack home electronic stores.

Walt Disney Corp. 500 South Buena vista St. Burbank, CA 91521. Shareholders may join Disney’s Magic Kingdom Gold Card Program at a reduced rate to receive reduced prices on hotel accommodations and tickets to theme parks and discounts on Disney store merchandise.

William Wrigley, Jr., Co. 410 North Michigan Ave. Chicago, Il. 605611. Shareholders are sent a box of 20 packs (100 sticks) of the company’s chewing gum each year.