As a full-time employee past the initial 90-day probationary period for new hires, I am eligible to buy discounted stock through an employee share purchase plan. I have been buying the maximum amount allowed by the plan. It's a calculated risk to participate.
I made the decision as follows. The discount is at least 15%, and the long-term analyst view of the stock is good. In comparison, the variable rate of interest on my personal line of credit is hovering around 7.5%. To date, I've acquired 143 shares.
The following Smart Alert has just arrived in my inbox, from etrade.com:
One or more of your investments has paid a cash dividend or interest: $22.52.
Hooray for me.
