<P> A joint - stock company is a business entity in which different numbers of shares of the company 's stock can be bought and sold by shareholders . Each shareholder owns company stock in proportion , evidenced by their shares ( certificates of ownership ) . That allows for the unequal ownership of a business with some shareholders owning more of a company than others . Shareholders are able to transfer their shares to others without any effects to the continued existence of the company . </P>
<P> A joint - stock company is a business entity in which different numbers of shares of the company 's stock can be bought and sold by shareholders . Each shareholder owns company stock in proportion , evidenced by their shares ( certificates of ownership ) . That allows for the unequal ownership of a business with some shareholders owning more of a company than others . Shareholders are able to transfer their shares to others without any effects to the continued existence of the company . </P>
who receives the benefits and profits from a joint stock company
who receives the benefits and profits from a joint stock company
shareholders
shareholders