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FindLaw Legal Dictionary

The FindLaw Legal Dictionary -- free access to over 8260 definitions of legal terms. Search for a definition or browse our legal glossaries.

term:

Surplus

surplus n

1 a : an amount that remains when a use or need is satisfied
b : an excess of receipts over disbursements
c : the value of assets after subtracting liabilities
2 : an excess of the net worth of a corporation over the par value of its capital stock compare undivided profits

capital surplus
: all surplus other than earned surplus

earned surplus
: the surplus that remains after deducting losses, distributions to stockholders, and transfers to capital stock accounts

paid-in surplus
: surplus resulting from the sale of stock at amounts above par



Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.

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