Should I exercise while my company’s stock is down to minimize taxes?
August 24, 2001
Subject: When to exercise stock options.
Date: Wed 08 Aug 2001
From: Scott
Hello. I have some options at a good price, and because of the recent “adjustment” in the tech stock sector, the actual stock price is now somewhat higher instead of way much higher. If I want to exercise the option and actually buy the stock, is it to my advantage to do it while my company’s stock is down, to avoid being taxed on a large profit and possibly triggering the AMT monster?
Regards,
Scott
Answer
Date: 17 Aug 2001
Hello Scott,
There is some benefit to exercising when the fair market value is low to avoid AMT.
On the other hand, then you lose the leverage benefit of the option.
Your company’s stock is publicly traded. Why not just buy some shares outright and continue to hold the options?
Good luck!
Mike Gray