Common Shares
Common shares represent equity ownership in a corporation. This is one of the most common forms of investments. Holders of common shares exercise control of a company by electing a board of directors and voting on corporate policy. Shareholders hope to be rewarded through appreciation in the share price. Some companies pay dividends to their common shareholders. Investments in common shares do not have maturity dates and their valuation may fluctuate significantly. In the event of the failure of a company, common shareholders rank last in the liquidation process.
