Perks book

Introductory Statement

Shareholder concessions or Perks are not a new phenomenon – some investors may remember the cross-channel ferry discount given by European Ferries or food hampers handed out to shareholders at the AGM of Rank Hovis McDougall.

A ‘perk' or, to put in another way, a ‘concessionary discount available to shareholders', is a way of promoting loyalty amongst shareholders, and indeed some companies have, over the years, become synonymous with this gesture.

However, a ‘perk' should be viewed as just that – the ‘icing on the cake' - and not the main rationale to invest in a company. It should be taken in context with all the usual investment criteria used to determine the suitability of the investment to an investor's requirements. We would emphasise that, under no circumstances should a share be acquired purely for the perk or discount that the company offers. If there is any doubt about whether or not to invest in a particular share, an investor should seek advice from their stockbroker or financial adviser.

In some cases, perks are only available to direct shareholders, and we have indicated against each company its stance on Nominee shareholders, which would also apply to shares held via a PEP or an ISA.

The information contained here is purely fact – as supplied by the featured companies - and should not be seen as an investment recommendation or invitation to buy shares in those companies. We cannot guarantee that the privileges listed will always be on offer as companies may withdraw or change their ‘perks' without notification. The price of shares may fall as well as rise, and you may not recoup all you have invested.

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I have read and understood the above WH Ireland Advisory Statement