Andelen

Aandelen are units of ownership in a company, representing a claim on part of the company’s assets and profits. Shareholders may receive dividends and have rights to vote on certain corporate matters at general meetings. In publicly traded companies, aandelen can be bought and sold on stock exchanges through brokers. The price is determined by supply and demand and reflects the issuer’s performance, expectations, and broader market conditions. The total value of all shares is called market capitalization, calculated as the share price multiplied by the number of issued shares.

There are different types of aandelen. Gewone aandelen typically confer voting rights and a residual claim on profits and assets after creditors and preferred shareholders. Preferente aandelen give priority to dividend payments and, in the event of liquidation, to assets, but often carry limited or no voting rights. Some companies issue multiple share classes with varying rights.

Shareholders have several rights, including receiving dividends when declared, capital appreciation from rising share prices, transferability of shares, and pre-emption rights in new issues in some jurisdictions. They also bear risk, as share values can fall.

Markets are regulated to protect investors and ensure transparency. In the Netherlands and the EU, oversight comes from authorities such as the AFM and relevant European rules; issuers publish annual reports and prospectuses for new issues.

Aandelen are a common instrument for firms to raise capital and for individuals and institutions to invest, with a balance of potential growth and risk linked to corporate performance and market conditions.