Equity refers to the portion of a company or asset that is owned by one or more. In a public company, this is represented by ownership of shares issued by the company. The share value is normally calculated as the net amount of a company’s total assets and liabilities as listed on its balance sheet. It represents the amount of money that is invested in a firm by shareholders that is not returned (for example as dividends) in the normal course of business.
Investment for equity refers to buying shares in a company in the hope that the value of the company will grow in the future as it puts the investment money to use. Investors only realize a return on equity investments when they sell their shareholding to other investors or when the firm is wound up and the proceeds are distributed less any liabilities.