Difference Between Regular and Advisor Shares

Eqvista | Cap Table & Valuations
3 min readAug 21, 2023

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There are two forms of stock that businesses can offer to shareholders: regular shares and advisor shares. The characteristics and recipients of these two classes of shares are distinct.

Difference Between Regular and Advisor Shares

Regular Shares

Regular shares are also called common shares. Regular shares of stock are the most common form of stock issued by a company. Owners of these shares have the opportunity to vote for directors and receive dividends from the company. Common stock can be purchased and sold by any interested party on a stock exchange.

Advisor Shares

Adviser shares, on the other hand, are stock granted to advisors, consultants, and other professionals who contribute significantly to the company in exchange for their services. The terms of these shares may differ from those of common stock because they are typically awarded as remuneration for services rendered. Advisor shares may come with special perks, such as the option to convert to common stock at a later date or a greater dividend payout.

Difference Between Regular Shares and Advisor Shares

One key distinction between regular shares and adviser shares is that the former are typically issued to the general public and the latter are frequently granted to an exclusive group of individuals. Advisor shares are not listed on stock exchanges like regular shares are.

There is a significant distinction between the rights associated with regular shares and advisor shares. Owners of regular shares are eligible to receive dividends and have the opportunity to vote on important corporate matters. Adviser shares, like regular shares, may give their owner the ability to vote and the possibility of dividends, but they may have different terms.

For example, The dividend payout on adviser shares may be higher than on regular shares. This is so because the firm may wish to reward its advisors for their continued support. Advisor shares may also be convertible into common stock at a later date. Advisors can benefit from this arrangement because they will have a stake in the company’s development and future earnings.

Advisor shares may be issued by a company for a variety of reasons. Attracting and keeping good advisers and consultants is a frequent goal. Companies can motivate advisors to give long-term value to the company by paying them in company stock. Since advisor shares are a non-cash type of compensation, they can be used to help the company save money.

In addition to common stock and advisor stock, businesses can also issue a wide variety of specialized shares. Preferred shares, for instance, usually carry a guaranteed dividend and a better priority in the event of company insolvency. Convertible shares are issued by companies and can be exchanged for another class of shares at a later date.

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