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Corporation
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A legal business entity created under federal or provincial statutes.
Being a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its owners, shareholders have no legal liability for its debts. Corporations enjoy most of the rights and responsibilities that an individual possesses; that is, a corporation has the right to enter into contracts, loan and borrow money, sue and be sued, hire employees, own assets and pay taxes.
The most important aspect of a corporation is limited liability. That is, shareholders have the right to participate in the profits, through dividends and/or the appreciation of stock, but are not held personally liable for the company's debts.
Corporations are often called "C Corporations".
A corporation is created (incorporated) by a group of shareholders who have ownership of the corporation, represented by their holding of Common Stock. Shareholders elect a board of directors (generally receiving one vote per share) who appoint and oversee management of the corporation. Although a corporation does not necessarily have to be for profit, the vast majority of corporations are setup with the goal of providing a return for its shareholders. When you purchase stock you are becoming part owner in a corporation.
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Financial Research Associates, LLC
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