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What is a Joint Stock Company?
Joint stock companies are some of the most important business organizations that have played a key role in shaping the modern economy of the world. The main characteristic of joint stock companies is that they encourage the pooling of resources and sharing ownership among individuals. These individuals are known as shareholders. Here is everything you need to know about joint stock companies and their role in the economy of a country.
When one asks what a joint stock company's definition is, it can be cited that they are a business organization where the company’s ownership is divided into shares. Investors or traders can then buy or sell these shares to reap high returns. The capital raised through the selling of these shares is utilized by the company to further its business growth and expand its operations. Any liability for the shareholder is only limited to their shares and does not affect their personal assets in case the company faces debts or losses.
The shares of a joint stock company can be easily transferred, providing flexibility and liquidity to its shareholders. A joint stock company also exists separate from its shareholders letting it own assets, sign contracts, etc without it affecting the shareholders in any way.
Some of the key characteristics of joint stock companies are listed below:
Separate legal entity:
Joint stock companies exist as separate legal entities from their shareholders as they have their rights and obligations
Limited liability:
As a shareholder, one holds limited liability in such companies and the shareholders' assets are generally protected in case of the company’s debts or bankruptcy.
Share transferability:
Shareholders of the company can buy/sell their shares easily
This provides liquidity to them.
Perpetual existence:
Joint stock companies exist outside of their shareholders and continue to operate even if there are changes in ownership
This provides stability in its business functions
Common seal:
A common seal is used as the company’s official signature on important documents
The common seal signifies authorization.
Listed below are the different types of joint stock companies:
Registered Company
Incorporated under the existing company law and completes all legal formalities and documentation needed.
Recognized by the government.
Work according to the regulations of the jurisdiction from where it operates.
Chartered Company
A joint stock company established under a royal charter or any other sovereign authority is called a chartered company.
Enjoy special privileges given to them by the ruling monarch or government
These companies operate in specific industries or regions and have exclusive rights.
Statutory Company
This is a type of joint stock company that forms because of a specific act of the parliament or legislature.
Operates according to the rules set by the statute that established it.
These companies serve public purposes or operate in only regulated industries like transportation or infrastructure.
Some of the main advantages of joint-stock companies include:
Access to capital by bringing together all the resources that multiple shareholders have invested
The personal assets of shareholders are safeguarded as they only bear liability leading to the value of their shares
The shares of a joint stock company are very easy to transfer and help provide flexibility and liquidity to investors.
Joint-stock company's operations are not affected by changes in ownership or management ensuring stability.
Since joint-stock companies are obligated to publish their financial reports, transparency exists for shareholders and potential investors.
Additional Read: What is Tick Trading? Definition & Working
Listed below are some of the disadvantages of joint stock companies:
These companies need to adhere to regulations and compliance imposed on them.
Compliance with such rules can be time-consuming and costly
Since ownership is divided between many shareholders, conflicts of interest may arise between them, the management, and the board of directors, possibly impacting decision-making and business operations
By adding more shareholders to the company, individual shareholders might find that their power to make company decisions is diminishing.
Below are some of the main differences between a joint stock company and a public company:
Aspect | Joint Stock Company | Public Company |
Transfer of Ownership | Shares can often only be transferred to a specific group or family members | Shares can be traded on the stock market, making transferring ownership easy |
Disclosures | Offers better privacy and comes with less strict reporting requirements. | Regulatory authorities set strict reporting and disclosure regulations that must be followed |
Investor Base | Consists of a smaller group usually close to the company's founders or management | Consists of a diverse investor base with both individual and institutional investors in the mix |
Regulatory Oversight | Fewer regulatory requirements, but need to operate under the jurisdiction's law. | Extensive regulatory requirements to adhere to securities regulations and stock exchange rules |
Since a joint stock company can mobilise large capital resources, it plays an important role in a company’s economy. With the capital that joint stock companies raise via shareholders, they can expand their operations adding to the country’s economic growth and development.
To top this off, joint stock companies also help create significant employment opportunities. As a result, there is a reduction in the unemployment rates of the country, adding to the overall economic well-being of the nation.
To add to this, joint stock companies also look into investing in research and development with the capital raised, thus leading to technological advancements for the nation
Additional Read: What is market capitalization?
Here is a brief of everything that you have already read about a joint stock company.
A joint stock company is an organisation allowing resource pooling
This helps spread out any potential risk among multiple investors, thus making it more attractive.
There are three types of joint stock companies; registered, chartered and statutory
Joint stock companies have advantages like flexibility in terms of transferring shares, high liquidity aspect and transparency
But even with its advantages, there are a couple of disadvantages that need to be considered.
Joint stock companies also add to a nation’s economy since they are capable of generating substantial capital to further their business growth and generate employment for the citizens
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.
This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
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