Definition:

A shareholder is an individual or institution that owns stock in a corporation or other company. Shareholders are also known as stockholders.

Types of Shareholders:

• Common shareholders: Own common stock, which represents ownership in a corporation.
• Preferred shareholders: Own preferred stock, which has certain rights and privileges over common shareholders, such as higher dividends or a higher vote in the company.
• Institutional shareholders: Are institutions, such as hedge funds, pension funds, and mutual funds, that own large blocks of stock.
• Retail shareholders: Are individual investors who own stock in their own name.

Rights of Shareholders:

• Ownership: Shareholders own a portion of the company and have a claim to its assets and profits.
• Voting rights: Shareholders have the right to vote on company matters, such as elections of directors and approval of major transactions.
• Dividends: Shareholders are entitled to receive dividends from the company, if declared.
• Shareholder meetings: Shareholders have the right to attend and participate in company meetings.
• Auditing: Shareholders have the right to inspect the company’s financial records and audit reports.

Responsibilities of Shareholders:

• Voting: Shareholders are responsible for exercising their voting rights and voicing their opinions.
• Standing in the company: Shareholders can stand in the company’s name to sue or defend legal actions.
• Following company policies: Shareholders are required to follow the company’s rules and regulations.
• Maintaining their ownership: Shareholders are responsible for keeping their stock certificates safe and maintaining their contact information up to date.

Additional Notes:

• Shareholders are not owners of the company, but they have a vested interest in its success.
• The rights and responsibilities of shareholders may vary depending on the company’s structure and governing laws.
• Shareholders are a vital part of the company’s governance process.