What is a characteristic of common stock?

Common stock is characterized by the voting rights it grants shareholders. When an individual owns common stock, they typically have the ability to vote on key company matters, including the election of the board of directors and other important issues at shareholder meetings. This voting power is a fundamental aspect of common stock, allowing shareholders to influence corporate decisions and governance.

While certain preferred stocks may pay fixed dividends, common stock does not guarantee dividends, which can vary from year to year based on a company's profitability and the decision of its board of directors. In terms of liquidation priorities, common stockholders are paid after creditors and preferred stockholders, making it a riskier investment compared to preferred shares. Additionally, there is no guarantee of investment return with common stock, as its value can fluctuate widely in the market and there’s no assurance that dividends will be paid at all. Therefore, the distinctive characteristic of common stock is its provision for shareholders to vote on significant corporate matters.