The value equal to the face value of a security. A bond selling at par is worth the same amount it was issued for and the value at which it will be redeemed at maturity. Par value of common stock generally has no relationship to the current market value and, therefore, stock is issued with no par value. Par value of preferred stock is used to calculate dividend payments and indicates the amount of assets each preferred share would be entitled to in the case of liquidation of the company.
