Stockholders: meaning, definitions and examples

Financial contexts, specifically when referring to individuals or entities that own shares in a company. Often used in formal documents and discussions about company ownership.

• The company's stockholders were pleased with the quarterly earnings report.
• At the annual meeting, the board presented their strategic plan to the stockholders.

Commonly used in everyday language and financial news to refer to people or entities that own shares in a company.

• Shareholders will receive dividends at the end of the fiscal year.
• The company's management team held a conference call to address shareholder concerns.

Broader term that includes anyone who invests money in various kinds of financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. Used in a general financial or investment context.

• Investors are betting on the company's strong growth prospects.
• The market rally encouraged many investors to increase their holdings.

Used in more technical or legal financial contexts to refer broadly to people or entities owning equity in a company, which includes common and preferred shares.

• The rights of equity holders are protected under the company's bylaws.
• Equity holders were concerned about the potential dilution of their shares in the proposed merger.