Pan/Martin:
There are a few other companies to consider, depending on where you want to diversify. The last time I checked on Merck, their DRIP had fee, after fee, after fee, something that bothers me. It's usually (if not always) applied to income you have earned, so you are required to report it as such to the IRS when you figure your taxes, but I prefer looking elsewhere. I am in no way endorsing any company in particular, but you might want to look at Abbott, Schlering-Plough (possible takeover target in the future), Pfizer, or even Medtronic or Omnicare. The last two stocks are in specialized medical fields. I'm not certain on any fee structures for the stocks I listed, but I do know that Merck charges too many fees, IMHO...
Michael |
