Stocks are a type of investment that represents fractional ownership in a corporation. Investors buy and sell stocks in hopes that they will increase in value. In addition to the price of a stock, shareholders are entitled to corporate voting rights and dividends paid out by the company.

Stock can be bought and sold on the stock market, which is a network of exchanges, or privately, through brokers and investment firms. The transaction is heavily regulated to prevent fraud and protect investors.

There are two main types of stock: common and preferred. The difference between the two is that common stock gives owners the right to vote on company matters and participate in growing earnings while preferred shares do not. Shares of preferred stock may come with a higher fixed dividend payout.

Companies issue stock to raise money, usually through the issuance of new shares. This dilution can help companies raise capital to pay off debt, launch new products or expand operations.

Often, stocks are issued as part of an initial public offering (IPO), and can be traded on an exchange such as the Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange. The stock prices fluctuate daily, and the price can rise or fall depending on a variety of factors, including investor sentiment.

The price per share of a stock is one of the most important metrics for determining whether a company is overvalued or undervalued. It is calculated by dividing the stock price of a company by its earnings per share, which is a number that indicates how much an investor can expect to earn if they invested in a single share of the stock.

A stock’s price is also influenced by the industry in which it operates, government policies and other economic factors. For example, a company that produces a product in demand may see its share price go up as more people are willing to purchase it.

In addition, investors can make money by selling their shares at a higher price than they bought them. This is called capital gain.

If you decide to invest in a stock, it is important to consider whether or not it fits into your overall portfolio strategy. For example, if you are trying to achieve asset allocation or diversification in your portfolio, it is crucial to choose a stock that will fit with your other investments.

You should also take a look at the company’s history, as well as its management and the sector it operates in. Ideally, you should choose a stock that will have a sustainable business model and one that has grown in popularity over time.

A valuation range is another way to evaluate a stock’s worth. It is calculated by combining a stock’s low-end P/E ratio and high-end earnings estimate with a downside case and an upside case, which can be determined by consensus analyst estimates.

Once you have a range, it is also important to consider how the stock fits into your overall financial plan and if it can be expected to produce any dividends. You should also remember that stock prices fluctuate, so it is essential to hold on to your investments if you are expecting them to increase in value.