Shareholders can be individuals or organizations who invest money into a company through the purchase of shares. They gain a profit or loss on their investment based on the performance of the company as well as its ability to pay dividends. They also can benefit from capital appreciation, when the value of their shares rises over time. Shareholder rights and privileges are varying in accordance with state law, a company companylisting.info/2021/04/06/understanding-types-of-companies/ charter or bylaws.
In general, there are two types of shareholders: common stockholders (common stock) and preferred share holders. The majority of shareholders are common stockholders, and they have voting rights during shareholder meetings. They can take part in the decision-making process and scrutinize the reports. The shareholders who are preferred receive preferential dividends and have priority over ordinary shares in liquidation, but only after 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 give the investor the right of receive a certain rate of return on their investment. The investors are not usually involved in the daily activities of the business, but their interests are represented in the body that governs the business.
Strategic shareholders are investors who purchase shares within a company in order to achieve a specific strategic goal, such as acquiring new technologies or markets. This type of shareholder plays an important role in a family-owned business, as they understand the scope of the venture and its potential, and are willing and capable of taking risks for the return of their investment.