It’s a business entity, and shareholders can buy and sell shares of the company stocks. Each shareholder owns a piece of the company’s stock, dependent on the money invested.

Once you invest, you receive share certificates of ownership. Furthermore, shareholders can transfer their shares to others without any effect on the company’s continued existence. 

They’re generally formed to enable a company to thrive and grow. Many companies, especially startups, need funding to grow.

Without money, they can’t build warehouses, buy supplies, hire staff, and the list goes on and on. But, by bringing together many people or “shareholders,” it’s possible to build a thriving business.

The existence of modern-day joint stock companies is often synonymous with incorporation. Shareholders are liable for the company’s debts only to the value of the money they have invested in the company. Therefore these companies are commonly known as corporations. 

For a company to be recognized as a separate legal entity and come into existence, it has to be incorporated. Therefore, choosing not to register a joint stock company is not an option. Without incorporation, a company simply does not exist.

The 5 Second Takeaway

• • A joint-stock company is a business entity owned jointly by all its shareholders. 

• • Shareholders buy and sell shares of the company’s stock

• • Every shareholder owns a piece of the company, up to the amount that they’ve invested. 

• • Limited liability for shareholders

• • The life of a company is in no way related to the life of its members.

• • By the rule of perpetual succession, a company can only be liquidated under the Companies Act.

The Advantages of Joint Stock Companies

There are many advantages to this type of company. Let’s take a look at what these advantages are and how they can help us.

Ability To Raise Money

Generally, a joint stock company has the opportunity to raise a large amount of capital versus other types of businesses. Then, if the company needs money, it can sell its shares to the public.

Diffused Risk

The ability of a shareholder is limited to the face value of the shares they own. He has no further liability if he has paid the total value of the shares that he has agreed to pay.

Perpetual Succession

 Perpetual succession is another important advantage of a joint-stock company. The joint stock company is born out of the law. Likewise, the only way for the company to end is by functioning under the law. 

A joint stock company survives even if all members are willing to shut it down or if all members die of natural calamities. 

Transferability of Shares

 Shareholders have the right to sell the shares of a joint stock company to those who are interested in buying. The right to sell shares of a joint stock company gives the skills to attract many shareholders. 

Tax Relief

 A company enjoys more tax relief than other forms of business organizations. a company pays lower tax on a higher income as it pays tax on a flat rate. Moreover, a company gets some tax concessions if it establishes operations in backward areas.

Scalability

 Since joint-stock companies have access to a lot of cash, they can invest in large-scale production.

Stability

This, in my opinion, is the most essential piece. Upon shareholder’s death retirement, the sale of stock does not lead to the dissolution of the business.

Ownership comes with additional privileges. Take, for example, the fact that shareholders have a say in pretty much everything.

Without actually having to run the company, they still get a voice. To illustrate, shareholders elect a board of a board of directors to manage the company on their behalf. 

Disadvantages of a Joint Stock Company

We just went through the advantages. Now let’s look at the disadvantages. As with anything, there are both good and bad related to everything. So let’s look at the disadvantages you’d face if you invested in this type of company.

Cost & Complexity

The formation of a company is a long drawn process. Due to complex procedures and legal requirements, forming these companies can be very difficult, costly, and time-consuming. 

Lack of Privacy

For those looking to be discrete in their operations, this company must disclose various reports. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to maintain its secrecy.

Potential For Dishonesty

With the help of paid officers, the directors manage the company. However, if the directors are dishonest and misuse their power and position, it can be costly for the company.

Nepotism 

Directors and managing agents may appoint their relatives as the essential officers of the company. However, merit may not be given importance.

Delays In Decision Making

Due to the complexity and levels of hierarchy in these companies, there could be delays in decision making. Approval has to be obtained at different levels and departments before final decisions are made. As a result, missing profitable opportunities is a reality.

Final Thoughts

Despite the potential for ethically questionable practices, investing in joint stock companies is one path to wealth. If you’re still unsure and want to make your money disappear, just stick it in a savings account at the bank. If you let $10 do noth9ing for 65 years, it will become $.93.

Now ask yourself why do all of these banks want your unvested money? These banks figured out how to make money grow by investing yours, mostly into these types of companies. Let that sink in.