Joint Stock Company Definition Features Types Examples

Joint-Stock Company Definition

This structure is chosen by a company to raise extensive capital—by issuing shares and debentures to the public. These organizations resemble a corporate structure but, at the same time, relish privileges of limited liability.

Key Takeaways

A joint-stock company is a separate legal incorporation—owned by stockholders. The ownership is proportionate to each stockholder’s contribution.These companies are governed by the laws of the relevant Companies Act. They must file financial reports with the Registrar of Companies. They are required to disclose their financial position to the public.In order to change the ownership structure, the Memorandum of Association needs to be amended.

Joint-Stock Company Explained

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A joint-stock company is a firm owned by its investors. Contemporarily, numerous businesses have opted for this ownership structure. This way, the business can scale up—amassing capital from numerous shareholders. A private company can become a public company by completing the required legal formalities.

The main purpose of creating a joint-stock company is profit. Shareholders acquire profits in proportion to the stocks held by them. Similarly, their liability is also restricted to the extent of their capital investmentCapital InvestmentCapital Investment refers to any investments made into the business with the objective of enhancing the operations. It could be long term acquisition by the business such as real estates, machinery, industries, etc.read more. These shares can be transferred without the consent of the other shareholders—transfers do not affect the continuation of the company. Also, the retirement, death, or insanity of a particular shareholder does not affect the business. In order to change the ownership structure, the Memorandum of Association and Articles of AssociationArticles Of AssociationArticles of association is a legally binding document that states the corporate rules, regulations, and purpose. It serves as a user’s guide for executing the organizational tasks, directors’ appointment and recording the financial information.read more need to be amended.

The emergence of this ownership structure can be traced back to 13th century Europe. In 1606—the Virginia Company of London was formed. It was America’s first joint firm. It came into existence when King James I granted the company exclusive rights for establishing the colony of Virginia.

Joint-Stock Company Features

This ownership model differs from other structures due to its characteristics:

Limited Liability: In this ownership model, shareholders have limited liabilityLimited LiabilityLimited liability refers to that legal structure where the owners’ or investors’ personal assets are not at stake. Their accountability for business loss or debt doesn’t exceed their capital investment in the company. It is applicable in partnership firms and limited liability companies.read more. Even if the business suffers massive losses, shareholders’ personal wealthWealthWealth refers to the overall value of assets, including tangible, intangible, and financial, accumulated by an individual, business, organization, or nation.read more is insulated from it.Separate Legal Entity: The identity of the business is independent of its members.Voluntary Association: There is no restriction on the entry and exit of shareholders.Stock Transferability: Shareholders can sell their stocks to new investors—no permission required. Perpetual Succession: These companies are separate legal entities; therefore, the retirement, insolvency, or death of a member does not impact business continuity.Incorporation: The formation is a lengthy process—legally compliant with the Joint-Stock Companies Act 1844. It, therefore, requires extensive documentation.Number of Members: The minimum number of members required is one—there is no upper limit.Capital Acquisition: The company can issue shares and debenturesDebenturesDebentures refer to long-term debt instruments issued by a government or corporation to meet its financial requirements. In return, investors are compensated with an interest income for being a creditor to the issuer.read more —to raise capital.

Examples

Let us look at some examples to understand the application of this ownership model.

Example #1

Smith & Co. needs capital to carry out its expansion—It issues 1,000 shares. Each share is valued at $10, with a share premiumShare PremiumShare premium is the difference between the issue price and the par value of the stock and is also known as securities premium. The shares are said to be issued at a premium when the issue price of the share is greater than its face value or par value. This premium is then credited to the share premium account of the company.read more of $5 per share. Now, calculate the total amount of proceeds raised by Smith & Co.

Solution:

The total amount of proceeds raised by Smith & Co. is $15,000.

Example #2

Wright Inc. issued equity shares of $10 each at $15. This money is payable as follows:

$4 on Application$6 on Allotment (including share premium)$5 on Final Call

Formulate journal entries for Wright Inc. Applications were received for 10,000 shares, and all the applications were accepted. Also, calculate the total proceeds from the issue.

Now, let us calculate the total proceeds generated by the shares:

Therefore,

Types of Joint Stock Companies

Joint-stock companies are classified based on the following criteria:

#1 – Based on Incorporation

Registered Company: Any corporation incorporated under the Companies Act of a particular state is called a registered company.Chartered Company: It is incorporated under the royal charter duly signed by the king of the state where it is formed. These companies enjoy special privileges in executing commercial business operationsBusiness OperationsBusiness operations refer to all those activities that the employees undertake within an organizational setup daily to produce goods and services for accomplishing the company’s goals like profit generation.read more. The East India Company is one such example.Statutory Company: When the Parliament passes a special act in a company’s favor, it is called a statutory company. These companies facilitate public utilities and amenities. The act documents company’s rights, responsibilities, powers, and objectives.

#2 – Based on the Number of Members

Private Company: A private limited company satisfies three conditions: a) It limits the number of members—specified in the relevant Companies Act b) It restricts the right to transfer shares and c)prohibits any invitation to the public—issuance of shares or debenturesDebenturesDebentures refer to long-term debt instruments issued by a government or corporation to meet its financial requirements. In return, investors are compensated with an interest income for being a creditor to the issuer.read more.Public Company: Generally, there is no upper limit on the number of members in a publicly-traded companyPublicly-traded CompanyPublicly Traded Companies, also called Publicly Listed Companies, are the Companies which list their shares on the public stock exchange allowing the trading of shares to the common public. It means that anybody can sell or buy these companies’ shares from the open market.read more. Shareholders are free to purchase and sell company shares. In addition, these companies can issue shares or debentures to the public.

#3 – Based on Liability

Unlimited Liability Company: In such a company, shareholders’ liabilities extend to personal property and assets.Limited Liability Company: This is the most common business ownership model. The liability is limited to the extent of the value of shares held by shareholders.Company Limited by Guarantee: The shareholders have to pay a fixed amount in the event of liquidationLiquidationLiquidation is the process of winding up a business or a segment of the business by selling off its assets. The amount realized by this is used to pay off the creditors and all other liabilities of the business in a specific order.read more. The specific amount is documented in the Memorandum of Association.

#4 – Based on Ownership

Government Company: It is a company in which not less than 51% of the shares are held by the central or state government or a combination of central or state governments.Non-Government Company: The majority stake is owned by private individuals or institutions.

Advantages

A Joint-Stock Company structure has the following merits:

Capital Accumulation: The company issues shares and debentures to the public—considerable capital is raised. The funds are used for business operations and expansion.Limited Liability of Members: In limited liability companies, shareholders are protected. Business losses cannot impact shareholders’ personal property or assets. Share Transferability: The stockholdersStockholdersA stockholder is a person, company, or institution who owns one or more shares of a company. They are the company’s owners, but their liability is limited to the value of their shares.read more can sell off their shares to the other investors without any restrictions.Shareholders’ Rights: Stockholders have the right to elect the Board of DirectorsBoard Of DirectorsBoard of Directors (BOD) refers to a corporate body comprising a group of elected people who represent the interest of a company’s stockholders. The board forms the top layer of the hierarchy and focuses on ensuring that the company efficiently achieves its goals.
read more—they have a say in decision-making.Transparency: These companies disclose their financial reports and records to the public—to ensure complete transparency.

Disadvantages

This ownership structure has the following demerits:

Excessive Legal Formalities: The incorporation and administration of a joint-stock company involve elaborate legal formalities.Costly Affair: The cost of formation and administration is quite high.Conflict of Interest: There may be disagreements and conflicts of interest between the stakeholders (owners, employees, the Board of Directors, lenders, etc.).No Confidentiality: Financial reports must be disclosed to the public. There is a lack of discretion.Double Taxation: Since the company’s profits and dividends (when declared) are taxable, shareholders are subject to double taxation.