Each and every year. With that model, you were often lucky just to break even. They became partners with the companies they invested in. At least there you get free food and a floor show and a water bed. So, are we saying not to invest in anything ever that anyone recommends.
Public companies exist to make their direct shareholders money.
They are owned by the public. They perform for the public. They are successful in large part because of the public's investment in their business. Every year the best of these corporations are trying very hard to grow their profits, for you. 100 shares owned.