When a stock is sold for a profit, it's the difference between the net sales price of securities and their net cost, or original basis. If a stock is sold below cost, the difference is a capital loss. The New York Times Financial Glossary
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Profit from selling or transferring assets at a higher price than their initial cost. Inflation and currency movements can affect the real capital gain.
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capital gain UK US noun [C]
► FINANCE a profit that is made by selling property or an investment: a long-term/short-term capital gain »
In the US, short-term capital gains are generally taxable as ordinary income.
Financial and business terms. 2012.