stockbook

A stockbook is a record-keeping document used to track stock, or inventory, of a business, and in some contexts the ownership of a company’s stock. The term is applied in two related but distinct senses: inventory management and shareholder registration.

In inventory management, a stockbook (often called an inventory ledger) records quantities on hand, unit measures, locations, and identification such as batch or serial numbers. It tracks inbound and outbound movements, adjustments after stock counts, and valuation for financial reporting. The stockbook supports stock control, replenishment planning, and calculation of cost of goods sold, and it is typically integrated with accounting and warehouse management systems.

In the context of corporate ownership, the stock book, or shareholders’ register, lists current owners of a company’s shares, including names or entities, contact information, number of shares held, and relevant dates. It records transfers and changes in ownership, and it is used to determine voting rights, dividend payments, and participation in corporate actions. Maintaining the register is usually the responsibility of the company or its registrar, and transfers must comply with securities laws and may require documentation such as share transfer forms.

Today, stockbooks are predominantly electronic, stored in ERP, inventory management, or securities registry systems. They provide audit trails, access controls, and backup capabilities, while still serving the same core functions of tracking quantities or ownership.