Shareholders can be companies or individuals who invest money into a company through the purchase of shares. The performance of the company, and the ability to pay dividends, determines whether they earn profits or lose money. They can also benefit from capital appreciation when the value of their shares increases over time. The rights and privileges of shareholders might vary based on state laws and the terms of a corporation’s charter or bylaws.
In general, there are two types of shareholders common stockholders (common stock) and preferred share holders. Common shareholders are the largest in number and are entitled to vote at shareholder meetings. They are able to participate in the decision-making process as well as scrutinize the reports. They can get preferential dividends and have priority over ordinary shares in liquidation, but only after the creditors have been paid.
The term «shareholder» could also refer to an individual who holds bonds or debentures issued by the company. These are debt instruments that provide investors the right to receive a certain rate of return on their investment. These investors are not typically active http://companylisting.info/2021/04/23/boost-your-local-visibility-with-google-places-listing/ in the day-to-day operations of the company, but they can have a say in the decision-making process when their interests are reflected in the company’s governance committee.
Strategic shareholders are investors who purchase shares in a company to accomplish an objective of strategic importance like acquiring new technologies or markets. This kind of shareholder plays a vital role in a family-owned business, as they are able to understand the scope of the project and its potential, and are willing and capable of taking risks to ensure the benefits of their investment.
