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Technology Stocks : Osicom(FIBR) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: scope who wrote (3688)	12/22/1997 4:20:00 AM
From: Mama Bear	Respond to of 10479

Many companies offer the opportunity to buy stock in the parent comapny in 401k plans. It is nothing unique to FIBR. >>>My point was that you can't be an employee and an owner at the same time.<<< Silly, silly, silly. Go tell it to Al Dunlap. The first thing he does with the remaining employees is make them buy stock in whatever company he is restructuring. It motivates them to care about the little things that add to the bottom line, and the big things that create it. >>>If you as a shareholder have not the guts to demand some action for your investment<<< What exactly would you suggest we demand? That the company file suit against Bearon's? That the company explore selling off it's less profitable units? That the company bring in outside directors with related experience, that could enhance their position in raising capital, and getting the Nasdaq listing? That the company win more awards for it's products? That the company sign OEM and VAR agreements with numerous companies, small and large? That the company get Gov't agencies to evaluate their products? That the company promote employee ownership of the company so as to bring their interests in line with that of the shareholders? that the company develop a product in what is arguably the hottest segment of networking today (DWDM)? What exactly should I be demanding, that makes you see me as gutless for not doing so? I see a company that is making all the right moves, that will one day soon bring the rewards to the shareholders. I see the glass as half full, and filling. Perhaps you could show me the error of my perception. Barb

To: scope who wrote (3688)	12/22/1997 7:57:00 AM
From: santhosh mohan	Respond to of 10479

You are correct about increased risk for the employees when they invest substantially in their employer. Both their livelihood and wealth are riding the same "horse" and there is not enough diversification. However, from the point of view of other shareholders it is a very bullish signal since 1)it signals optimism about the company by employees/insiders perhaps to a greater extent than even stock repurchases, and 2) it reduces the conflict of interest between managers and shareholders which exists in any agency relationship. In short, insider buying is bullish, a high percentage of shares being closely held is considered bullish, and insider selling is bearish. I may be just repeating the points already made by the other posters here.

To: scope who wrote (3688)	12/22/1997 8:40:00 AM
From: J.B.C.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 10479

My co. (Lockheed-Martin) matches every dollar I invest into my 401K with $.50 worth of stock that I can't touch(move to another investment vehicle) until I'm 56 year old. And quite frankly I'm not complaning about that. Your arguments are not valid regarding employee ownership. When a worker say's to me " hey I'm a shareholder too, and I don't like the way this is being done". That has an added impact. If the majority of shareholders don't agree with management, they CAN change Management! FWIW Jim

To: scope who wrote (3688)	12/22/1997 10:32:00 AM
From: John D. Morrison	Respond to of 10479

>>>My point was that you can't be an employee and an owner at the same time<<< I don't know what alternate reality you live in, scope, but in this one, strong employee ownership of a company is considered to be a big plus. At least it is in all the books on investing I've ever read. As far as employee/owners barking at screwup management, I've seen it happen many times. IMHO, employee owners have a much stronger incentive to make sure that things are done right. John Morrison

To: scope who wrote (3688)	12/22/1997 7:56:00 PM
From: George Weiss	Respond to of 10479

Scope, "...you can't be an employee and owner at the same time." Tell that to United Airlines and other employee owned companies. 401K employee plans are the one of the best employee benefits that have come down the pike. Employees get to buy stock, usually matched by the employer at 50% up to a certain % of the employees comp. pre-tax, and accumulate securities for their retirement. Since they have stock in the company one could argue that they make decisions and act with the company's interests in mind, more so than if they didn't own a piece of the company. It may be true that one should be cautious in investing your 401K funds in a high risk stock like Osicom, but if one can afford the risk, why not invest a good percentage in the company and the rest in a safer investment vehicle, like mutual funds, etc.