Buy Exxon Mobil (XOM) Stock Directly: A Comprehensive Guide

Exxon Mobil is a publicly traded company whose stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol XOM. The company was formed in 1999 with a merger of Exxon, formerly Standard Oil of New Jersey, and Mobil, formerly Standard Oil of New York. It is the largest petrochemical company in the world, with extensive worldwide extraction and refining assets as well as distribution operations. Exxon Mobil is among the many leading companies offering a direct stock-purchase plan, popular among individuals with limited funds. The plan requires a small minimum investment and low transaction fees.

Step 1

Download copies of the Exxon Mobile DSPP brochure and enrollment form from ComputerShare.com. You may also request copies by calling ComputerShare at (800) 252-1800.

Step 2

Read the brochure, which discloses the terms of the Exxon Mobil direct stock-purchase program.

Step 3

Decide if you want to sign up for automatic debiting from your checking or savings account to make the required $250 initial investment in five installments of $50 per month.

Step 4

Choose the plan features you want. You can reinvest dividends at no charge or have them paid to you. You may set up the plan as a traditional or Roth IRA or a Coverdell Educational Savings Account.

Step 5

Complete the enrollment form. Provide your Social Security number and contact information. Include your bank-account information on the attached authorization form if you want to set up automatic debiting.

Step 6

Fill out and attach a W8-BEN form, available from ComputerShare, if you are opening the DSPP as a custodial account for a child.

Step 7

Mail the enrollment form with a check or money order for your initial investment--or first month's installment if you chose automatic investing--to the address on the form.

Tip

Although Exxon Mobil pays all transaction fees for DSPP stock purchases, the company does not pay sales transactions. ComputerShare fees for sale of the stock were $15 to $25 per transaction plus 12 cents per share in 2009.