Shareholder (stockholder): definition, rights and types

What is a shareholder?

A shareholder (or “member”) can be a person, company, or organization that holds shares in a given company. A shareholder must own a minimum of one share in a company’s stock or mutual fund to make them a partial owner. Shareholders typically receive declared dividends if the company does well and succeeds.

Also called a stockholder, they have the right to vote on certain matters with regard to the company and to be elected to a seat on the board of directors.

Focus

Shares represent units of ownership in a specific company, signifying a portion of the company’s capital owned by the shareholder. Ownership of shares grants certain rights, such as receiving dividends, voting at shareholder meetings (depending on the share class), and benefiting from capital appreciation if the share value rises.

Shareholder vs. Stakeholder

Shareholder and Stakeholder are often used interchangeably, with many people thinking that they are one and the same. However, the two terms don’t mean the same thing. A shareholder is an owner of a company as determined by the number of shares they own. A stakeholder does not own part of the company but does have some interest in the performance of a company just like the shareholders. However, their interest may or may not involve money.

For example, a chain of hotels in the US that employs 3,000 people has several stakeholders, including its employees because they rely on the company for their job. Other stakeholders include the local and national governments because of the taxes the company must pay annually.

Shareholder vs. Subscriber

Before a company becomes public, it starts out first as a private limited company that is run, formed, and organized by a group of people called “subscribers.” The subscribers are considered the first members of the company whose names are listed in the memorandum of association. Once the company goes public, their names continue to be written in the public register and they remain as such even after their departure from the company.

Shareholder vs. Investors

Similarly to a shareholder, an investor is anyone who invests money into a company with the purpose of taking ownership interest in that company. An investor places their money into the business to assist the business in growing and developing, in order to generate a large financial return after the term of their investment is up.

However, an investor can invest money into a company that does not distribute shares. For example, many investors choose to invest money into a start-up company, in the hopes that the company will excel in later years.

Types of shareholders

There are two main types of shareholders: common and preferred.

Common shareholders: These shareholders own common shares, granting them the right to vote at shareholder meetings and receive dividends. However, in the event of liquidation, they are paid after preferred shareholders and debt holders.
Preferred shareholders: Owners of preferred shares typically do not have voting rights but have a higher claim on assets and earnings than common shareholders. For example, preferred dividends are paid out before any dividends are given to common shareholders.

Roles and responsibilities

As the backbone of corporate ownership, shareholders play pivotal roles that extend far beyond passive investment. Their contributions are instrumental in shaping the foundational and strategic facets of a company, imbuing them with a unique blend of power and responsibility within the corporate structure. This intricate balance of roles and responsibilities is critical not only for the financial prosperity of the company but also for its governance, ethical standing, and societal impact.

By delving into the multifaceted positions shareholders hold, we can gain a deeper understanding of their integral part in steering a corporation towards success, accountability, and sustainability.

Whether through governance, financial oversight, or active advocacy, the roles and responsibilities of shareholders form the cornerstone of modern corporate operations and strategy, reflecting a dynamic interplay between investment, influence, and accountability.

Voting and governance

One of the primary roles of shareholders, especially common shareholders, is participating in the governance of the company. They exercise this role by voting on critical matters, such as electing the board of directors, making decisions on mergers and acquisitions, and approving changes to the corporate charter. This voting mechanism allows shareholders to influence the strategic direction of the company.

Financial beneficiaries

Shareholders invest in companies with the expectation of financial returns, which can come in two forms: dividends and capital gains. Dividends are a share of the company’s profits distributed to shareholders, while capital gains are realized when shareholders sell their shares at a price higher than their purchase price. These financial benefits are central to the shareholder-company relationship. More on this later.

Oversight and accountability

Shareholders serve as a check on the company’s management and board of directors. By scrutinizing company performance, financial reporting, and strategic decisions, shareholders can hold the company’s leadership accountable. This oversight is crucial in preventing mismanagement and ensuring the company operates in the best interest of its owners.

Advocacy and activism

Increasingly, shareholders are taking on the role of advocates for ethical business practices, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Through shareholder proposals and activism, they can push for changes in company policies that reflect broader societal values and concerns.

Risk bearers

Investing in shares comes with inherent risks, including market volatility and the potential loss of investment. Shareholders bear this risk, providing the capital necessary for companies to grow and operate. In return, they expect to participate in the company’s successes.

Shareholders’ financial returns

The financial returns of shareholders are at the heart of the investment process, serving as the primary motivation for individuals and entities to invest in stocks. These returns are realized in two main forms: dividends and capital gains. Each type of return offers different benefits and risks, and understanding these can help investors make informed decisions about their investment strategies.

Dividends: the reward for investment

Dividends represent a portion of a company’s profits distributed to shareholders. Not all companies pay dividends, and the decision to do so lies with the company’s board of directors. Dividends can be paid out in cash or in the form of additional shares of stock (stock dividends).

Factors influencing dividends:

Profitability: A company must be profitable to pay dividends, but not all profits are distributed as dividends. Companies often retain a portion of profits for reinvestment in the business
Dividend Policy: Companies may follow a consistent dividend policy (e.g., paying a fixed percentage of profits as dividends) or adjust dividends based on financial performance and future investment needs
Tax Considerations: Dividend income is taxable for shareholders, though it may be taxed at a lower rate than regular income, depending on the jurisdiction and the shareholder’s tax situation

Capital gains: the potential for growth

Capital gains are realized when shareholders sell their shares for a price higher than the purchase price. The potential for capital gains is a significant draw for investors, especially in companies with high growth prospects.

Factors influencing capital gains:

Market Sentiment: Investor perceptions and market trends can significantly impact share prices, leading to potential capital gains (or losses)
Company Performance: Strong financial performance and strategic business decisions can increase a company’s value, driving up share prices
Economic and Political Factors: Broader economic trends and political events can affect market conditions and, consequently, share prices

Shareholders capital

Shareholder’s capital typically consists of two main components:

Paid-up Capital:
- What it is: This is the actual amount of money that shareholders have paid to the company when they buy its shares. Imagine if you buy a piece of the company by purchasing its shares, the money you pay for these shares is considered part of the company’s paid-up capital.
- How it works: If the company sells a share for $10, and you buy that share, your $10 goes into the company’s paid-up capital. Sometimes, the company might sell shares for more than their “face value” (a kind of base price set for shares); this extra amount is also included in the paid-up capital.
Reserve Capital:
- What it is: This part of the shareholder’s capital comes from the profits the company makes over time. Instead of giving all the profits back to shareholders as dividends, the company keeps some of this money for various reasons, like expanding the business or saving for future projects. This saved money is called reserve capital.
- How it works: Think of reserve capital as a savings account for the company, built up from the profits it doesn’t distribute to shareholders. The company can use this money to invest in new opportunities, improve existing operations, or even save it for a rainy day.

Shareholders equity

While shareholder’s capital marks the beginning of shareholders’ financial involvement with a company, shareholder’s equity reflects the current state and ongoing evolution of this financial stake over time.

Shareholder’s equity tells the comprehensive story of a company’s financial interactions with its shareholders and the broader market. It’s a dynamic measure that adjusts for profits retained in the business, any losses, and changes in stock ownership due to buybacks. The components of shareholder’s equity—paid-in capital, retained earnings, treasury shares, and accumulated other comprehensive income—each narrate a chapter of the company’s financial journey, reflecting decisions made and hurdles overcome.

Components of Shareholder’s Equity

Shareholder’s equity is comprised of several key components:

Paid-in Capital: This includes the initial and additional amounts paid by shareholders for the shares of the company at and above the par value of the shares. It’s essentially the money brought into the business by its owners through the sale of stock.
Retained Earnings: These are the earnings a company has generated over time that are not distributed to shareholders as dividends but are reinvested in the business. Retained earnings increase the shareholder’s equity because they represent the accumulated profits that have been kept within the company to support operations and growth.
Treasury Shares: If a company buys back its own shares, these are known as treasury shares. The cost of these shares is deducted from shareholder’s equity, as they are shares that the company owns in itself and thus do not represent an ownership interest by external shareholders.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: This component includes gains and losses not included in the net income, such as adjustments for foreign currency transactions, unrealized gains or losses on investments, and pension plan gains or losses. These items are recorded directly in the equity section of the balance sheet.

Importance of shareholder’s equity

Financial health indicator: A positive shareholder’s equity indicates that a company has sufficient assets to cover its liabilities, which is a sign of financial health. Conversely, a negative equity position can signal financial trouble.
Basis for Return on Equity (ROE): Shareholder’s equity is used to calculate the Return on Equity, a key ratio that measures a company’s ability to generate profits from its shareholders’ investments. Higher ROE indicates more efficient use of equity.
Valuation and investment analysis: Investors often look at shareholder’s equity as part of their analysis to determine the financial stability of a company and its valuation. A strong equity base can make a company more attractive to investors and lenders.

In summary, shareholder’s equity represents the residual interest in the assets of a company after deducting liabilities. It provides a snapshot of the company’s financial health and operational efficiency, serving as a crucial indicator for investors, analysts, and the company’s management to assess its value and performance.

How to calculate shareholders equity

Shareholder’s equity, also known as stockholders’ equity, represents the net value of a company to its shareholders after all liabilities have been subtracted from assets. It is essentially the net assets available to shareholders if the company were to be liquidated. Here’s how to calculate it, step-by-step:

Calculation of shareholders’ equity (return on shareholders equity formula)

1. Identify Total Assets

First, determine the total assets of the company. Total assets include everything the company owns that has value, such as cash, inventory, property, and equipment. This information can typically be found on the company’s balance sheet.

Total Assets = Current Assets + Non-current Assets

2. Identify Total Liabilities

Next, identify all the liabilities the company owes. This includes both current liabilities, such as accounts payable and accrued expenses, and long-term liabilities, such as long-term debt.

Total Liabilities = Current Liabilities + Long-term Liabilities

3. Calculate Shareholders’ Equity

Subtract the total liabilities from the total assets to find the shareholders’ equity. This value can be positive or negative. A positive number indicates the company has more assets than liabilities, a healthy sign, whereas a negative number (also known as a deficit) indicates the liabilities exceed the assets, which can be a warning sign of financial instability.

Shareholders’ Equity = Total Assets – Total Liabilities

Components of Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity typically consists of several components:

Paid-in Capital: The total amount of capital paid in by shareholders in exchange for shares of stock.
Retained Earnings: The accumulation of the company’s profits since it began operating, minus any dividends paid to shareholders.
Treasury Shares: Shares that were issued but were bought back by the company.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: Gains and losses not included in net income, such as adjustments from foreign currency translation or unrealized gains/losses on certain investments.

Example Calculation

Imagine a company with the following on its balance sheet:

Total Assets: $500,000
Total Liabilities: $300,000

Using the formula:

This means the shareholder’s equity, or the net value of the company that belongs to the shareholders, is $200,000.

Company liquidation

When a company undergoes liquidation, the process involves dismantling the company’s structure and distributing its assets to claimants. It’s a situation that often follows bankruptcy, a voluntary decision to cease operations, or a compulsory order by a court. For shareholders, the company’s liquidation marks a critical juncture, as it directly impacts their financial stake in the company. This section delves into how company liquidation specifically affects shareholders, detailing the hierarchy of claims and the potential outcomes for their investment.

Hierarchy of Claims in Liquidation

During liquidation, the assets of the company are used to satisfy the claims of creditors and shareholders in a specific order of priority. This order is crucial for understanding the position of shareholders and the likelihood of recovering their investment.

Secured Creditors: These are the first in line and include banks or financial institutions that have lent money to the company against collateral. Their loans are secured by specific assets of the company.
Unsecured Creditors: Following secured creditors, unsecured creditors, which include suppliers, utilities, and employees owed wages, have the next claim on the assets.
Shareholders: Only after all creditors have been paid do shareholders receive any remaining funds. Preferred shareholders are ahead of common shareholders in this hierarchy. Preferred shareholders are entitled to their fixed dividend rate before any distributions are made to common shareholders.

Shareholders’ Outcomes in Liquidation

The liquidation process can have varied outcomes for shareholders, largely dependent on the company’s asset value and the total claims by creditors:

Preferred Shareholders: Due to their prioritized position, preferred shareholders have a higher chance of receiving a portion of their investment back, albeit often less than their original investment.
Common Shareholders: Common shareholders are last in the hierarchy and face the highest risk of losing their entire investment. They only receive payment if all creditors and preferred shareholders have been fully compensated and there are still assets remaining—a scenario that is less common in liquidation cases.

Considerations for Shareholders

Early Indicators: Shareholders should be vigilant for signs of financial distress in a company, as early detection may allow them to divest and mitigate losses before liquidation becomes inevitable.
Liquidation Proceedings: Active engagement or close monitoring of the liquidation proceedings can provide shareholders with insights into the potential recovery of their investment.
Tax Implications: Shareholders may face tax implications on any distributions received during liquidation. Losses realized may also have tax consequences that can affect overall financial planning.

FAQ

How many shareholders can a company have?

The number of shareholders a company can have depends on its classification (public or private) and the legal framework of the country in which it operates. Here’s a broad overview without focusing on any specific country’s regulations:

Public Companies

Public companies are those that have issued securities through an initial public offering (IPO) and are traded on at least one stock exchange. They can typically have an unlimited number of shareholders. The rationale behind this is to allow these companies to raise capital from a wide investor base, facilitating significant investment and growth opportunities. Public companies are subject to rigorous regulatory requirements, including detailed financial reporting and corporate governance standards.

Private Companies

Private companies are not listed on public stock exchanges and often face restrictions on the number of shareholders they can have, as well as limitations on share transferability. These restrictions are generally intended to maintain the company’s private status and can vary significantly across different jurisdictions:

General Limit: While the specific number can vary, many countries set a limit on the number of shareholders a private company can have before it must adhere to the more stringent reporting and regulatory requirements applied to public companies.
Closed Corporations: Some countries recognize a category of private company designed to have a small number of shareholders, where the company operates in a manner similar to a partnership but with the liability protections of a corporation.

Special Types of Entities

In addition to the broad categories of public and private companies, some jurisdictions may offer special corporate structures with their own rules about shareholder numbers:

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Some countries have specific legal frameworks for SMEs that might include limits on the number of shareholders as part of a broader set of criteria for classification.
Hybrid Entities: Certain types of business entities may combine features of corporations with those of partnerships or sole proprietorships, potentially affecting shareholder number regulations.

Regulatory Reasons for Shareholder Limits

The reasons behind setting limits on the number of shareholders typically include:

Regulatory Oversight: To determine which businesses should be subject to the detailed reporting and governance requirements that apply to public companies.
Investor Protection: Public companies have a broader base of investors, including members of the general public who may need more protection from regulatory authorities.
Tax Considerations: Some jurisdictions use shareholder numbers as a criterion for different tax treatments.

How to become a shareholder?

Becoming a shareholder in a company means acquiring ownership stakes in that company through the purchase of its stock. This can be done in several ways, depending on whether the company is publicly traded or privately held. Here’s a general guide on how to become a shareholder:

1. Investing in Public Companies

Public companies have shares that are available for purchase by the general public on stock exchanges. Here’s how you can buy these shares:

Open a Brokerage Account: First, you’ll need to set up an account with a brokerage firm. There are many options available, including traditional broker-dealers and online brokerage platforms. Some offer extensive investment advice and services, while others allow for more independent, often lower-cost trading.
Research: Before buying shares, it’s important to research the company you’re interested in. Look at its financial health, market position, growth prospects, and any other factors that could influence its stock’s performance.
Place an Order: Once you’ve decided to invest in a particular company, you can place an order through your brokerage account. You’ll need to decide how many shares you want to buy and whether to place a market order (buying shares at the current market price) or a limit order (setting a maximum price you’re willing to pay per share).
Monitor Your Investment: After purchasing shares, you should keep track of your investment’s performance and the company’s financial health and strategic direction.

2. Investing in Private Companies

Investing in private companies is typically more complex and usually available to accredited investors, venture capitalists, or through private equity arrangements. Here’s a general approach:

Network to Find Opportunities: Private investment opportunities often come through personal and professional networks or through specialized investment platforms that connect investors with startups and private companies.
Due Diligence: Thoroughly research the company’s business model, management team, market potential, and financials. Private investments can be riskier, and the due diligence process is crucial.
Negotiate Terms: Investment in a private company often requires negotiations on the terms of the investment, including the valuation of the company, the amount of the investment, and any rights and privileges attached to the investment, such as voting rights or preferences in case of liquidation.
Legal Documentation: Investing in private companies involves legal documents that outline the terms of the investment, such as share purchase agreements. It’s important to review these documents carefully, often with the assistance of a legal professional.

3. Through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

Some companies offer shares to their employees as part of compensation packages or through specific programs like ESOPs. These plans give employees a stake in the company and align their interests with the company’s success.

Are shareholders stakeholders?

Yes, shareholders are a subset of stakeholders in a company, but the two terms have broader and distinct meanings that encompass different roles and interests within and around a business.

Shareholders, also known as stockholders, are individuals or entities that own one or more shares of a company’s stock. This ownership stake gives them an interest in the company’s financial performance, as the value of their shares can increase or decrease based on the company’s success. Shareholders typically have specific rights, such as voting on major corporate decisions and receiving dividends, depending on the type of shares they hold.

On the other hand, stakeholders represent a broader category that includes anyone with an interest in the business, encompassing all parties affected by the company’s activities, decisions, and performance. Stakeholders can be internal or external to the organization and include:

Employees: Who depend on the company for their livelihood and career development.
Customers: Whose satisfaction with the company’s products or services is critical for the business’s success.
Suppliers and Partners: Who have a financial interest in the company’s business operations.
Creditors: Such as banks and bondholders, who are concerned with the company’s ability to repay its debts.
The Community: Where the company operates, which may be affected by its corporate practices and contributions to local economy and environment.
Regulators and Governments: Interested in compliance with laws and regulations, as well as in tax revenues and economic development.

Shareholders as Stakeholders

Shareholders are stakeholders because they have a direct financial stake in the company’s performance. However, their primary interest usually lies in the profitability and growth of the company, as this can lead to an increase in the value of their shares and potentially provide dividend income. This financial focus distinguishes shareholders from other stakeholders, who may have a broader range of interests in the company’s activities, including non-financial outcomes like environmental sustainability, community impact, and employee welfare.

The interconnectedness of interests

While the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders can sometimes diverge, they are often interconnected. For example, a company’s commitment to social responsibility can improve its reputation, attract customers, and increase shareholder value. Similarly, investing in employee satisfaction can lead to better performance, benefiting customers, the company, and, consequently, its shareholders.

Can the Shareholder be a Director?

Yes, a shareholder can also be a director of a company. This dual role is quite common in both private and public companies, particularly in smaller businesses or startups where the individuals who invest in the company often take an active role in its management and strategic direction. However, the implications and dynamics of holding both positions can vary based on the size of the company, its corporate structure, and legal requirements.

In private companies

In private companies, especially small businesses and startups, it’s common for owners (who are also shareholders) to also serve as directors or even as executive officers. This arrangement allows for direct oversight of the company’s operations and ensures that the company’s strategic direction aligns with the shareholders’ interests.

In public companies

In public companies, shareholders can be elected to the board of directors based on the votes of the shareholders at large. The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the company’s management, making major policy decisions, and representing the interests of all shareholders. It’s not uncommon for large shareholders, or representatives from institutional investors, to sit on the board.

Legal considerations and governance

Conflict of interest: When a shareholder serves as a director, potential conflicts of interest can arise, particularly in decisions that may benefit directors at the expense of the broader shareholder group or other stakeholders. Corporate governance standards and legal frameworks typically include provisions to manage and disclose such conflicts.
Duties of directors: Directors have fiduciary duties to the company and its shareholders, including the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. These duties require directors to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders, rather than their personal interests.
Separation of roles: While the roles of shareholder and director can intersect, they are distinct. Shareholders own part of the company and benefit from its success through dividends and increased share value. Directors, whether or not they are shareholders, are tasked with governing the company and making decisions that guide its strategy and operations.

Advantages and challenges

Advantages: Having shareholders serve as directors can align the company’s management with its owners’ interests, provide deep insights into the company’s operations, and ensure a clear understanding of the strategic goals among the directors.
Challenges: The key challenge is ensuring that the board remains objective and that decisions are made in the best interest of the company and all its shareholders, not just those with board representation.

How much should shareholders pay for shares?

Shares each have a nominal value, which is normally (but not always) £1. This is different to their actual value, if and when they are sold.

There are a few schools of thought when issuing the first shares. Typically they will still have a nominal value of £1, and it is the number of shares issued that varies.

For example, you may invest 1 share in your company.

With a nominal value of £1 this means you will pay £1 out of your personal funds into the company’s bank account.
This is good as it limits the amount you have to pay out personally but means that the company only has £1 in funds to use in the business.
Conversely, you might choose to invest £1,000 and therefore receive 1,000 shares.

While this means that the company has more funds to use, it means that in the event the company has to stop trading you would have a personal liability of £1,000 (rather than £1 in the first example).
When issuing new shares, the value that should be paid is dependent on a number of factors including the past and future performance of the business. Many accountants will specialise in valuing businesses and can help you work out how much you should be receiving in exchange for further shares being issued.

Can I issue more shares once my business is established?

Yes, you can issue more shares for your established business, but the process and implications vary depending on several factors, including the company’s structure, the reasons for issuing more shares, and the legal and regulatory framework governing your business. Here are key considerations:

Legal and regulatory considerations

Articles of incorporation and bylaws: Review your company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, which may outline the process for issuing new shares and any limitations on the number of shares the company can issue.
Regulatory approval: Depending on your jurisdiction and whether your company is public or private, you may need to seek approval from regulatory bodies or comply with specific regulations before issuing new shares.
Shareholder approval: Often, especially in public companies, issuing new shares requires the approval of existing shareholders, particularly if the issuance could dilute their ownership percentages.

Reasons for issuing more shares

Companies may decide to issue more shares for various reasons, including:

Raising capital: Issuing new shares can provide a way to raise funds for expansion, new projects, or paying down debt.
Compensating employees: Shares or stock options are often used as part of compensation packages to attract and retain talent.
Corporate restructuring: Sometimes, new shares are issued as part of mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring efforts to align interests or facilitate the deal.

Implications of issuing more shares

Ownership dilution: Issuing new shares can dilute existing shareholders’ ownership percentages, potentially affecting their control and voting power within the company.
Impact on share value: For public companies, issuing a significant number of new shares can affect the stock price by altering the supply-demand dynamic.
Financial health perception: The reason for issuing new shares (e.g., raising capital for growth vs. covering operational shortfalls) can influence how investors and the market perceive the company’s financial health.

Process for issuing more shares

Evaluate the need: Clearly define why you want to issue more shares and what you aim to achieve with the capital or other goals.
Consult legal and financial advisors: Due to the complexities involved in issuing shares, consulting with professionals can help navigate legal requirements and structure the issuance in the company’s best interest.
Approvals: Secure necessary approvals from regulatory bodies, the board of directors, and potentially the shareholders.
Amendments: If required, amend the company’s articles of incorporation to increase the authorized share capital.
Issue the shares: Follow the legal and regulatory guidelines for issuing the shares, whether through a public offering, private placement, or direct issuance to specific entities or individuals.

How do I issue shares when I start up my business?

Issuing shares when you start your business is an important step that involves careful planning and compliance with legal requirements. The process varies depending on your business’s location, legal structure, and the type of shares you plan to issue. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:

1. Determine your business structure

Corporation: If you’ve decided that your business will be a corporation, you can issue shares to raise capital. Corporations are typically the only type of business entity that can issue shares.
Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnerships, Sole Proprietorships: These types of businesses do not issue shares. Instead, they have members or partners who own a percentage of the business.

Please check the complete list of jurisdictions where we can be helpful at incorporating your new company.

2. Develop a business plan

A solid business plan is essential, especially if you’re seeking initial investment. Your plan should detail how the business will operate, your market analysis, financial projections, and how much funding you’ll need.

3. Determine the share structure

Decide on the number of shares you want to authorize at incorporation. This number can be adjusted later, but it requires additional paperwork and, in some cases, shareholder approval.
Determine the types of shares you’ll issue (e.g., common shares, preferred shares), along with the rights and privileges associated with each type.

4. Set the share price

For startups, setting the share price involves valuing your business and determining how much of the company you’re willing to sell for a certain amount of capital.
The share price for initial investors can be quite low, reflecting the high risk they’re taking by investing in a new venture.

5. Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

Incorporate your business: File the necessary paperwork with your state or country’s corporate registry. This typically includes articles of incorporation, which should specify the total number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue.
Draft corporate bylaws: These internal rules govern how your corporation will operate, including the process for issuing shares, holding meetings, and making decisions.
Hold an initial board meeting: Adopt your corporate bylaws, formally issue shares, and take care of any other initial business.
Register for securities: Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to register your shares with the local securities regulatory authority, especially if you plan to sell shares to the public or a broader range of investors beyond close family and friends.

6. Issue the shares

Prepare share certificates for your initial shareholders, documenting their ownership in the company.
Record the issuance of shares in the corporation’s stock ledger, which tracks all share transactions and ownership.

7. Ongoing compliance

Maintain good records of all share transactions.
Comply with ongoing reporting and tax obligations, which may include reporting changes in share ownership, issuing shareholder reports, and holding annual meetings.

Shareholder: definition, rights and types