Publicly owned companies, as the name implies, are owned by the public, consisting of individuals and institutions that purchase a fractional interest or share of the company.  Their interest is represented by the shares of stock that are issued by the company.  This is a way for companies to raise capital that can be used to fund its growth. 

If the company is successful and grows, the stockholders share of the company can increase in value.  If the company is not successful, the shareholder could lose value in his shares.   There is also the possibility that shareholders can participate in the profits if the company’s Board of Directors declares a “dividend”. 

Stock values reflect the current valuation of a company as well as its near-term prospects for achieving earnings growth. While some companies may have good long term growth prospects, there are many factors that can cause the stock’s price to fluctuate in the short term.  Investors who buy a stock when the market is moving up, may find themselves in a position to have to sell the stock when the market is moving down, which could result in a capital loss.  Losses or gains are not realized until the stock is actually sold.

Over time, stocks have the potential to generate returns that can outperform other investments. They are typically bought by investors who seek long term growth.  Stocks that pay dividends can also be a source of current income for investors.

In addition to raising capital by selling ownership shares, companies can also borrow money from the public by issuing debt securities.  When an individual or institution buys a bond from a company, they become a bondholder and they receive interest from the company.  At the time the bond matures, or comes due, the bondholder receives the principal back. 

Bonds are issued at full face value with a specific interest rate affixed to it.  A $1000 bond with a 5% yield will generate $50 of interest payments each year.  Because bonds are sensitive to the movement of interest rates, their values will increase or decrease as rates move down or up. If an investor sells a bond on the open market, he could receive an amount that is greater or less than the original face value.

Like stocks, bonds  can be traded on the open market.  If a bond is sold before its maturity it market value may be less than its original face value.  Bonds held to maturity will be redeemed for their principal amount , but there is a risk that the issuing company could encounter financial difficulties and default on the bond

Bonds are typically purchased by investors who are seeking current income.  Because bonds have the potential to increase in value, there is also the potential to achieve long term growth.