Stockholders of Record

Common or preferred stockholder whose name is registered on the books of a corporation as owning shares as of a particular date. Dividends and other distributions are made only to shareholders of record. Common stockholders are usually the only ones entitled to vote for candidates for the board of directors or on other matters requiring shareholder approval.

Holders of stock as of the Date of Record who are entitled to receive a cash dividend already declared. For example, on January 8, the board of directors of a company declared a $.30 per share cash dividend on its common stock payable on February 18 to stockholders of record on January 20. The common stockholders who are on the company's records on January 20 will receive the $.30 dividend per share on February 18 (date of payment). Stockholders of record are also entitled to rights, voting privileges, and dividends other than cash.