Classification of Companies

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Classification of Companies

Published by: Anu Poudeli

Published date: 06 Aug 2023

Classification of Companies

Company classification refers to the classification of commercial entities based on factors such as ownership, size, industry, legal structure, and operational activity. These categories are necessary for regulatory and statistical purposes, as well as market analysis and comprehension of the business landscape.

Here are some popular classifications for businesses:

1.According to ownership:

  • A sole proprietorship is a business that is owned and operated by a single person.
  • A partnership is a company owned by two or more people who share profits and obligations.
  • Corporation: A legal entity distinct from its owners, with shareholders who own stock in the corporation.

2.Size Dependent:

  • Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): These are often defined by yearly revenue, assets, or employee count.
  • Micro-enterprises: The smallest category of businesses, sometimes with only a few employees.

3.According to Industry:

  • Manufacturing firms are those that create tangible goods.
  • Service businesses provide intangible services rather than physical things.
  • Financial Institutions: Businesses that provide financial services such as banking, insurance, and investment.

4.According to the Legal Structure:

  • Corporations whose shares are publicly traded on stock exchanges and are available for investment by the general public.
  • Private companies are corporations that do not issue publicly traded stock and have a small number of stockholders.
  • Nonprofit Organizations: Businesses that exist for charity, religious, educational, or other socially good reasons.

5.According to Operational Activities:

  • Holding Companies: Corporations that own a majority stake in other companies (subsidiaries) but do not conduct active commercial operations themselves.
  • Subsidiaries: Companies that are controlled by a parent corporation by owning more than 50% of their voting shares.
  • Conglomerates are corporations that have diversified into several unrelated industries.

6.According to Global Reach:

  • Domestic Companies: Businesses that solely operate within the borders of their home country.
  • Multinational Corporations: Corporations with operations and assets in numerous countries.
  • Global Corporations: Corporations with a major global presence and operations.

7.On the basis of social responsibility:

Companies that are socially responsible prioritize ethical principles, environmental sustainability, and social impact.

It's crucial to remember that classification criteria differ by country or location, and businesses can frequently fall into many categories at the same time. The classification assists policymakers, investors, analysts, and researchers in better understanding and engaging with various sorts of businesses in the business ecosystem.