These bonds are classified as either general obligation bonds or revenue bonds. Basically, there are three ways to make money by buying common stock. Most stockholders expect to receive dividend income. Increase in Dollar Value. Stockholders can make money when the value of their stock increases.
Stockholders can also profit through stock splits.
As a corporation prospers and grows, its stock is worth more. A firm's preferred stockholders must receive their cash dividends before common stockholders are paid any dividends. Preferred-stock dividends are specified on the stock certificates. The owners of preferred stock have first claim, after bondholders and general creditors, on corporate assets if the firm is dissolved or enters bankruptcy. Preferred stock may offer other features that an investor must evaluate.