The total amount of cash and other assets received by a corporation from its shareholders in exchange for its shares is:

A) Always equal to its par value.
B) Always equal to its stated value.
C) Referred to as paid-in capital.
D) Referred to as retained earnings.
E) Always below its stated value.

The total amount of cash and other assets received by a corporation from its shareholders in exchange for its shares is referred to as paid-in capital. This amount can be above or below the par value or stated value of the shares, depending on the market demand for the shares. Retained earnings, on the other hand, are the profits that the corporation retains and reinvests in the business instead of distributing them as dividends.