What are "Special Interest" shares?

Answer 1

I believe you´re referring to shares that are not yet public, like shares that are offered through an IPO (initial public offering).

If so, then these shares are usually "sold" / "distributed" through a brokerage firm that is underwriting the particular company.


Another definition I've heard is for shares such as preferred shares which is stock that gets first right for distribution of dividends. These shares get a certain dividend, but that amount does not change whereas with regular stock, if the company has a banner quarter, it can declare a huge dividend to give to holders of its common shares.

Hope that helps!