Stockholders, also known as shareholders, are individuals or entities that own shares in a company. By purchasing these shares, they gain a stake in the company's ownership and may benefit from its profits through dividends or increased share value. Stockholders can be classified as common or preferred, with common stockholders typically having voting rights in company decisions. The primary role of stockholders is to invest in a company, hoping for financial returns. They can influence company policies during annual meetings and have the right to receive information about the company's performance. Their interests are often aligned with the company's success, as higher profits can lead to greater returns on their investments.