Stock companies are characterized by which of the following?

Stock companies are characterized by being profit-oriented entities owned by shareholders who invest capital into the company. These shareholders typically seek a return on their investment, which may come in the form of dividends when the company is profitable.

In contrast to mutual insurance companies, which are owned by policyholders, stock companies have a different structure where the emphasis is on generating profits for their shareholders. This structure allows them to raise capital more easily through the sale of stock, which can be beneficial for expansion and further investment in the company's operations.

The other options describe features that do not apply to stock companies. For example, ownership by policyholders and investment risk assumed solely by them pertain to mutual insurance companies. Additionally, profit-making entities naturally aim for dividends rather than focusing on not making them, which aligns with the objectives of stock companies.