Amazon to Join Starbucks, Berkshire in Shareholder Distancing (1)

Coronavirus concerns are driving companies like Amazon.com Inc. to join Starbucks Corp. and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in scrapping in-person gatherings with shareholders this year.

These shareholder meetings are among what could be hundreds in the U.S. held virtually as health officials recommend social distancing to stem the spread of Covid-19.

“We are hearing from a lot companies looking to understand their alternatives,” said Cathy Conlon from Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc., which provides a platform for holding investor meetings online or by phone.

About 300 shareholder meetings were held on this virtual platform in 2019. Broadridge expects that figure ...