Investments in Stocks

The capital stock (or stock) of a business entity represents the original capital paid into or invested in the business by its founders. It serves as a security for the creditors of a business since it cannot be withdrawn to the detriment of the creditors. Stock typically takes the form of shares of either common stock or preferred stock.

As a unit of ownership, common stock typically carries voting rights that can be exercised in corporate decisions; Preferred stock differs from common stock in that it typically does not carry voting rights but is legally entitled to receive a certain level of dividend payments before any dividends can be issued to other shareholders.

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