Employees are Changing the Way They Acquire Company Stock, More Turning to Employee Stock Purchase P

Fidelity Investments press release -------- While employees continue to invest in their company's stock, more are choosing to invest through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) instead of buying company stock through their 401(k), according to recent analysis from Fidelity Investments®. The analysis suggests employees are taking a more balanced approach to how company stock is allocated within their savings strategy. A growing number of U.S. workers are taking advantage of their ESPP to purchase company stock, with the percentage of employees participating in their ESPP increasing to 28 percent in 2016, up from 23 percent in 2014. Because stock purchased through an ESPP is held outside of an employee's 401(k), shares are more accessible and can be used to help address a variety of financial needs. Employees say they use company stock acquired through their ESPP—which can often be purchased from their employers at a discount—to help pay down debt, add to their retirement savings, finance real estate or home improvement projects, or simply set aside for a rainy day. To learn more click on the picture below to read the release.