The word "stockholders meeting" is typically pronounced as "stɑːkhoʊldərz mitɪŋ" in IPA phonetic transcription. This spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of each individual sound in the word. The "st" sound at the beginning is followed by the long "a" vowel sound in "stock," followed by the "k" and "h" consonants in "holders." The final "ers" ending is pronounced as separate syllables, with the long "e" vowel sound in "meet" followed by the "ing" suffix.
A stockholders meeting refers to a formal gathering of individuals who currently own shares of a corporation's stock. It is a significant event where the company's management and board of directors interact with shareholders to discuss various aspects of the company's performance, future plans, and other significant matters. These meetings serve as a platform for shareholders to exercise their voting rights and express their opinions or concerns regarding the corporation's operations and policies.
The primary purpose of a stockholders meeting is to enable the board of directors to present important information about the company's financial health, strategic initiatives, and major decisions that require shareholder approval. Shareholders use this opportunity to elect or re-elect directors to the board, vote on proposed resolutions, and provide feedback or ask questions directly to the management team.
Typically, stockholders meetings are held annually, and in some cases, they may also be convened for extraordinary reasons or emergencies. They can be conducted in-person or remotely, with the latter becoming increasingly common in recent years due to advancements in technology. Meeting materials such as proxy statements, annual reports, and financial statements are usually provided to shareholders prior to the meeting to ensure they are well-informed about the company's affairs.
These meetings play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic decision-making within a corporation. They allow owners of the company – the shareholders – to actively participate in shaping its future and ensure that their interests are represented in corporate governance matters.
The word "stockholders meeting" is composed of two main components: "stockholders" and "meeting".
The term "stockholders" refers to individuals or entities who own shares or stocks of a company. The word "stock" originally comes from the Old English word "stoc", which meant "trunk of a tree" or "stick". Its usage expanded to denote the ownership of assets, particularly the shares or interests in a company, by the early 16th century.
The term "meeting" derives from the Old English word "metan", meaning "to come together" or "to meet". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "motjan", which has the same meaning. The term "meeting" has remained largely unchanged in its meaning throughout history.