Direct-purchase plans allow investors to buy stock directly from a company without going through a broker.

The list of companies offering direct stock purchasing plans, also called no-load stock, has increased in recent years. Businesses that offer DPPs usually provide stock sales either through the company or a financial institution.

To learn more about DPPs and enrollment information, you might visit one of the following Web sites:

¢ Bankrate.com

Good overview about how a Direct Purchase Plan works.

¢ Computershare

Select “Shareholder Services” to get DPP information.

¢ The Clearinghouse

Provides one-stop shopping for DPPs.

¢ Mellon

Offers brief explanation of direct stock purchase plans.