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CHARACTERISTICS OF STOCKS

6 May, 2015 - 17:10

Shares of ownership in a corporation are capital stock. Shares owned by shareholders are referred to as stock outstanding. The creditors of a corporation have no legal claim against shareholders. The law requires, however, that a specific minimum contribution of shareholders be held by the corporation as protection for creditors. The percentage is determined by state laws, and is known as legal capital. The percentage of investment held as legal capital tends to be low, similar to the par or stated value of the stock.