http://companylisting.info/2021/04/06/understanding-types-of-companies/
The different types of shareholders in a firm are institutions or individuals who own shares of a company’s stock. Shareholders have various legal entitlements that allow them to vote on corporate matters, receive dividends and have an interest in the company’s assets when liquidating. The different types of companies in the world offer many different products and services that vary in size and industry. Amazon is one example. It sells everything from kitchen appliances to books. Apple is known as a manufacturer of innovative electronic devices, such as phones, watches, earphones and personal computers.
There are two types of shareholders the two categories of common and preferred. Common stock holders enjoy a partial ownership in the company and are entitled to voting privileges and a share of profits (if there is any). Typically, this type of shares have higher rates of return over the longer term however, it is not guaranteed a specific yearly dividend. Common stockholders also have the ability to check a company’s records including shareholder registers and minutes of meetings.
Preferred shareholders are guaranteed a year-long dividend and also have priority over common stockholders when liquidating the company’s assets. They are however not able to vote on board members and other policies of the company. The term “shareholder” can be synonymous with “stakeholder,” but stakeholder has a broader definition that includes customers, employees as well as local communities, suppliers and customers and shareholders are directly invested in the company’s financial success.