Re: Employee Stock Purchase Plan?

Bill Woessner <woessner@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> writes:

> Hi all.  I'm seeking advice on whether or not to participate in my new
> employer's stock purchase plan.  I haven't started the job yet so I
> don't have all of the details.  But the benefits crib sheet they gave
> me spelled it out like this: You can contribute up to 10% of your
> salary toward the plan and you purchase the stock at a 15% discount.
> It does not mention how long you are required to hold the stock.

I used to work for a Big Chip Manufacturer :-) that had such a
program.  They collected your money from payroll deductions and then
twice a year traded the money for stock at the 15% discount.  You
could sell your shares immediately, if you wanted, and they even had
their employee stock program set up so that you could choose this
option in advance.  That's what I did; I didn't want any of my own
money invested in company stock.  I already had a pile of stock
options from my compensation package, annual bonuses were based on
company profitability, and given that it's what I do for a living as
well I didn't even want any more investment exposure to the tech
industry in general, thank you very much.  I also note that Big Chip
Manufacturer's stock price has declined something like 30% since the
time I started work there 7 years ago....  you might save a few bucks
on taxes by holding the stock for a year, but you might lose a pile of
money by holding it, as well.

-Sandra the cynic

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