If the company has a "DSP" indicated next to it, it is a Direct Stock Purchase Plan. Companies indicated with a "DRIP" are Dividend Reinvestment Plans, they offer Dividend Reinvestment Plans but you must first buy at least one share of their stock on the open market.

Get the Prospectus.
You should get a copy of the prospectus before you invest. Read the prospectus to determine the terms and conditions of the Plan. Drop us an e-mail if you need contact information to get the prospectus.

You do not have to be a registered shareholder to qualify for a DSP.
You can enroll direct with companies that offer DSP plans. Each program has a minimum investment to enroll. Some plans offer the option to spread the initial investment over several months, if you authorize automatic debit of your checking or saving account. The prospectus provides that information.

Transfer Agents.
These plans are normally administered by transfer agents (banks). Some companies (typically utility companies) administer their own programs. Contact the transfer agent to request enrollment forms.

Complete and return the enrollment form, along with your initial investment. Each plan may offer different reinvestment options on the enrollment form. Choose the options that you prefer. The transfer agent will open your account and you will get forms to make additional stock purchases. These are called Optional Cash Purchases (OCP's). You will also get a regular statement that details stock purchases and sales in your DRP account.