Which type of companies do not always provide stocks that pay dividends?

Stock companies issue shares that can be publicly traded on exchanges, and while these companies may choose to pay dividends, they are not obligated to do so. The decision to distribute dividends typically depends on various factors, including profitability, capital needs, and overall company strategy.

In contrast, mutual companies are owned by their policyholders and may distribute a portion of their surplus as dividends to those policyholders, making dividends more common. Cooperative insurers operate similarly, focusing on member benefits, but they also may distribute excess profits to members as dividends or patronage refunds. The term "dividend companies" is not a standard category in this context, and it may inaccurately imply that such companies must provide dividends, which is not the case for stock companies.

Therefore, the nature of stock companies allows them the flexibility to decide whether or not to pay dividends based on their financial situation and strategic objectives, distinguishing them from the other types mentioned.