What is a stock, really?

The single most important idea in investing, explained like a friend.

Concept

A stock is a slice of a business

When a company sells stock, it's cutting itself into tiny slices called shares and selling them to the public. Buy one share and you literally own a piece of that business — its factories, its brand, its future profits. You're a part-owner, not a lender.

Educational content only — not personalized investment, legal, or tax advice.