You own a part of a company when you buy a stock. The stock is the smallest share of the company. Companies to raise capital sell a segment of their company by issuing a stock. The share holder holds the stock with the right to say his opinion about how a company runs and shares the profits. The sock holder does not face responsibility if the company faces a court case. The investor has to face only that their stock will have no worth and they will lose their investments. There is boundary to issue the number of shares. The stocks are allocated a par value when they are issued by the company.

The company sells stock because they want to get capital, to expand the business or some other reason. An example would be when company needs to purchase new property or have extra cash. Its projected value depends on the growth and success of the company.

Purchasing stocks in a new company would be considered risky considering the new company does not have a proven track record. Investing in a company that has been reputable will have a much lower risk factor. Although purchasing stock in a new company that eventually is very successful will yield a great return,

The National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System and the New York Stock Exchange are the stock trading places. Those companies who are on this public exchange system can sell their shares on the open market. An investor can choose a small company to purchase which is not on the stock exchange. Those purchases and buying stocks are totally dissimilar purchasing methods.

Investors will have a stock broker that will make all the transactions for them. Brokers will be instructed by their clients to sell or buy stocks. Investors can instruct their brokers to buy or sell a stock when it reaches a determined value. The broker will then find a buyer or seller of the stock. A commission is granted to the broker for these services.