What does a common shareholder do?

A common shareholder owns common shares in a company, which typically provides them with voting rights and a claim on the company's assets and earnings. However, one of the key characteristics of common shares is that dividends are not guaranteed. Companies may decide to distribute profits as dividends, but they are not obligated to do so, and the amount can fluctuate based on the company's performance and decisions made by its board of directors. This lack of guaranteed dividends distinguishes common shareholders from preferred shareholders, who generally have a fixed dividend rate and a higher claim on assets in the event of liquidation. Overall, the essence of being a common shareholder involves both the potential for greater rewards through capital appreciation and the inherent risks of fluctuating dividends and variable returns.