Hard Stock Certificates

[caneorange]

So, I got a physical hard stock certificate as a Christmas present from my boss. I have become slightly obsessed about what benefits they actually have over the "street" version of stock. I can't find anything beneficial other than the cool wallpaper/decoration effect.

Am I missing something or is the "collector" factor the only real benefit to having the physical stock certificate?

[Proud Foot]

I think it is only the collector factor that would be a benefit.  Having an actual certificate will make the process harder when/if you want to sell the shares.

[seattlecyclone]

Yep, certificates are generally more trouble than they're worth. The suitability for framing is the only redeeming quality.

[Lives to travel]

The stock shares will most likely also be registered in your name, as opposed to your brokerage firm.  If you want to go to the annual meeting, you will need to take an extra step or two to prove you own the shares.  Other than that, probably no real differences to speak of.

[daverobev]

SOME stock have DRIPs with discounts.

Check the investor relations page for the company.