Thread regarding Weatherford International Ltd. layoffs

Seems quite expensive for toilet paper...

Thank you "wife of an employee". Seldom people here have anything reasonable to say.

Where did you see this "6 months" period? I am not really good at reading documents (too impatient) and I did not see a waiting period. Sounded like you could sell right away.

I am the wife of an employee. Finance is my career. I have analyzed this plan ad nauseum. My conclusion is there is no way I would touch this. Weatherford wants you to put money away for six months without earning interest. The only benefit is you will get the cheaper stock price at two price points, plus a 10 percent additional discount. Weatherford's stock is considered a penny stock (any stock at 10.00 or below is considered a penny stock). Penny stocks are one of the highest risk investments. Considering my husband had not gotten a pay raise in three years, the 401K match has been removed effective April 2016, and many other financial analysts would not touch Weatherford's stock, I have to say, in my opinion, this is just a money-grab from the top. No way in heck would I give someone any amount of money with no interest for six months on a maybe. It is still quite possible Weatherford will go bankrupt, and in that case, you have just given your hard earned money to the top with absolutely no return.

Guys (I assume you're employed by WFT), just stop by the HR office.

This is post-tax investment, meaning the money is yours and if you get laid off (and I hope nobody will), they have to give it back to you. Or do you have some other information?

Also, the purchase price (before discount) is selected from the two prices - price on September 1 and February 28; they pick the lowest. So, you kinda can see in advance. If the price is unnaturally high on September 1, then it's a reason to think twice. If it's on the bottom side, it improves the odds of getting some extra cash next year when you sell it.

I don't argue there could be a more appealing offer, but I don't think the current one is flat out monstrous.

MH

This is a NO!

Never invest in the company you work for when times are bad. What happens if you get laid off and need your cash to survive when unemployed. Chance are the stock has gone down in price and that's part of the reason you are getting laid off.

Specific to WTF., they are not a healthy company. This is a way of them borrowing cash from their employees. WFT stocks also drop by 10% frequently so there's a good chance you could be selling for below what you bought it for if you cash out in the next year.

Its a great strategy to get the employees skin in the game if they have a vested interest, but they should offer the shares at 50% of average market value the month they were purchased, not 10% below. Or offer to match each share purchased.

Another alrernative is to give shares as part of the 401.

They cut your salary and do not match your 401k. Why would you give them YOUR money. WFT has no credibility in their investors eyes. They just push their debt load back a few years and hope that the market will be better. Stupid people will buy it hoping it goes to 2008 levels of $40.

Invest in an Oil ETF. Stocks can go to $0 ETFs will not.

You can cash out within 24 hours of purchase. While it's still possible, it's unlikely the stock will drop by more than 10% that particular day. Also, you can withdraw from the program if you feel the stock is too high by Feb 2nd.

We get the stocks at a 10% discount. So your basically betting that weatherford's stock price wont slide by more than 10% before your allowed to cash out. Thats no a safe bet.

Don't look for honest and educated thoughts on an anonymous message board.

But seriously, do not buy any stocks, specially oil and gas, unless you know what you are doing, and have disposable income.