Unlike an asset sale, the buyer in a stock sale obtains ownership in the seller's legal entity. An asset sale is the purchase of individual assets and liabilities, whereas a stock sale is the purchase of the owner's shares of a corporation.A stock sale is when the owner sells off stock shares. Generally, the seller prefers a stock sale while the buyer prefers an asset sale. A stock sale takes place between the buyer and the target company's shareholders. Different structures of deals—asset sales vs. Stock sales—have different tax outcomes. Learn the tax implications for each type of sale. A seller often prefers to sell stock, rather than assets, because it avoids the double taxation problem. An "asset sale" refers to the acquisition of individual assets and liabilities.