Understanding the Different Types of Shareholders

There are several different types of shareholders that can hold an ownership stake in a company.

It's essential for investors to understand the distinctions between these types of shareholders to make informed decisions about their investments. Each type of shareholder has different rights, privileges, and priorities when it comes to owning a stake in a company.

Here is a quick list of the different types of shareholders there are:

Types of Shareholders:

Common shareholders
These shareholders own common stock in a company and have voting rights in shareholder meetings. They have a claim on the company's profits, known as dividends, and have the potential to earn capital gains if the value of the stock increases.
Preferred shareholders
Preferred shareholders have a higher claim on the company's assets and dividends than common shareholders. They do not typically have voting rights, but they may have a higher priority in the event that the company goes bankrupt, and assets are distributed.
Insiders
Insiders are individuals who are directly involved with the company, such as executives or board members. They may hold shares in the company because of their involvement.
Institutional investors
Institutional investors are large organizations, such as pension funds or mutual funds, that invest in a variety of assets, including company stock.
Retail investors
Retail investors are individual investors who buy and sell stock through brokers or online trading platforms.
Passive investors
Passive investors are individuals or organizations that hold a long-term stake in a company, rather than actively trading the stock. They may be more interested in the company's long-term growth prospects than in short-term price fluctuations.

It's important to note that the rights and privileges of shareholders may vary depending on the type of stock they hold and the specific terms of the company's articles of incorporation or shareholder agreements.