Részvényosztályok

Részvényosztályok refer to different categories of shares that a company can issue. These classes often come with distinct rights and privileges for their holders, differentiating them from ordinary common shares. The most common distinction is between Class A and Class B shares, though companies may use other designations.

These differences can pertain to voting rights, where one class might have more voting power per share than another, or no voting rights at all. Dividend entitlements can also vary, with certain classes potentially receiving preferential dividends. Liquidation preferences, which determine the order in which shareholders are paid if a company is dissolved, can also be assigned differently among share classes.

Companies issue different share classes for various strategic reasons. For instance, founders or early investors might retain Class B shares with superior voting rights to maintain control of the company even after selling off a significant portion of its equity through Class A shares offered to the public. This allows for capital raising without diluting the founders' decision-making power. Different classes can also be used to attract specific types of investors, such as venture capitalists who may require certain protections or rights. Understanding the specific rights attached to each share class is crucial for any investor before making an investment decision.