Equity

Investments

Quick Definition

Equity represents ownership in a company, where investors hold shares and have a claim on the company’s profits and assets.

Detailed Explanation

Equity refers to the ownership stake that shareholders have in a company. When you buy equity shares (stocks), you become a part-owner of the business and are entitled to a share of its profits, usually in the form of dividends or capital appreciation.

Equity can also refer to the residual interest in a company after deducting liabilities from assets, as shown in the balance sheet:
Equity = Assets − Liabilities

Key features of equity:

  • Ownership rights in the company
  • Voting rights in major decisions (in most cases)
  • Potential for high returns through price appreciation
  • Higher risk compared to fixed-income investments

Equity is widely used for wealth creation over the long term and is a core component of investment portfolios.

Example

"If you buy shares of a company listed on the stock exchange, you own a part of that company. If the company grows, the value of your shares increases."

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