1. But like many other utilities, almost all of these water companies offer direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment, so investors can bypass brokers. 2. Disney canceled a previous plan that let buyers of its stock bypass brokers about seven years ago. 3. Government regulators worry about Internet stock schemes, and Wall Street is concerned about investors bypassing brokers for advice and making trades. 4. If institutional investors are responsible for the burst in trading, the commission revenue may bypass small brokers. 5. Still, most panelists agreed that the convenience, logistics, security and regulatory issues would prevent customers from bypassing brokers. 6. The fast-food chain is among a growing list of companies that are bypassing brokers through dividend reinvestment plans, or DRIPs. 7. Under new securities rules, do-it-yourself investors will have more chances to buy stocks directly from companies -- and be able to bypass brokers entirely in the bargain. |