<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <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> In modern - day corporate law, the existence of a joint - stock company is often synonymous with incorporation (possession of legal personality separate from shareholders) and limited liability (shareholders are liable for the company's debts only to the value of the money they invested in the company). Therefore, joint - stock companies are commonly known as corporations or limited companies . </P>

Who receives the benefits and profits from a joint stock company