51 percent
Just over half
Fifty-one percent represents a bare majority—the smallest share that constitutes more than half.
In business, a 51 percent stake means controlling interest: She owns 51 percent of the company, so she makes the final decisions.
The figure appears in discussions of voting, ownership, and any situation where crossing the halfway mark transfers power or settles a question.
- controlling interestShares sufficient for dominance
- shareholderEquity owner in corporation
- majorityOver half of total
- simple majorityOver half of votes cast
- quorumMinimum for valid proceedings
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