Final answer:
The certificate of stock is the written acknowledgment of the stockholder's interest in the corporation, representing ownership of a certain number of shares. Shareholders who hold this certificate have a stake in the company's ownership but limited liability for its debts. The option (D) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The written acknowledgment of the interest of the stockholder in the corporation is known as the certificate of stock. This certificate represents a share of stock, essentially providing proof of ownership for the number of shares held by the investor. Corporations issue stock as a means for individuals to acquire partial ownership of the company. Each share of stock is a divided portion of the firm's equity, and those who purchase these shares become part of the group of owners known as shareholders.
Shareholders have a limited liability for the company's debts but can receive a portion of the company's profits, typically in the form of dividends. Notably, even large numbers of shareholders in major corporations like IBM or Ford own only a small fraction of the company's total shares, with no single individual owning a majority. Therefore, option (D) is correct.