Difference Between Listed and Unlisted Company

Basically, there are two basic types of companies i.e. listed and unlisted companies. Both share the same goal of profit maximization, but there are many key differences between them.

Other than size, structure, and way of raising capital, their ownership is the fundamental difference between both. While the listed companies are owned by many shareholders, non-listed or unlisted companies are owned by private investors.

Listed Company

A company to be listed on the stock exchange will be considered a listed company. Someone can freely trade its shares on the stock exchange, and investors can buy and sell shares at their discretion. Such investors after purchasing the shares become shareholders of the company. 

A company has the option to be listed on the main market (for bigger and established companies) of the stock exchange or in the alternative investment market (for relatively new companies).

A board of directors appointed by shareholders takes all the decisions of a listed company. This board consists of both executive and non-executive directors. Various corporate governance requirements often specify and govern board creations.

All the decisions made by boards need to be shared with shareholders in a timely manner, and board resolutions should be passed in making some important decisions. Shareholders are entitled to two types of returns by investing in a listed company.

Dividends

Dividends is money paid by a company at regular intervals from its profit to its shareholders. While some shareholders prefer to cash in dividends, others choose to reinvest their part into a business known as the dividend reinvestment concept.

Capital Gains

Capital gain is defined as the net profit that an investor makes after selling capital/investment for more than the purchase price of the property. The entire value earned from selling a capital asset will be considered as taxable income.

There are various rules and regulations listed companies are liable to follow along with some definite requirements to fulfill in terms of preparation of financial statements.

There are standard formats for major financial statements which include a statement of financial position, income statement, statement of cash flows, and statement of change in equity. Further, these statements must have to be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 is an important regulatory act developed especially for the reporting and disclosure requirements of listed companies, and it protects the interests of investors.

During the last few decades, such regulatory acts remained consistently strict because of large corporate scandals such as Enron (2001) and WorldCom (2002)

Unlisted Company

Companies that are not listed on the stock exchanges are known as unlisted companies. We also know these companies as privately held companies. As they are not listed on the stock exchange thus they can’t raise finance through share offers to public investors. Meanwhile, they can issue shares to well-known parties such as family and friends to increase equity.

Shares are traded "over the counter", where the specifics of the deal can be tailored to the requirements of the parties (buyers and sellers) involved; Thus, the exchange of control doesn’t take place in the case of an Unlisted company. Unlisted companies have better control over their business functions.

Listing on the stock exchange is not mandatory for a company to be successful. Unlisted companies also have some benefits, as financial results reporting requirements are not subject to strict rules, thus being flexible and less complex.

Difference between Listed and Unlisted Company?