Final answer:
The primary goal of most shareholders is to make money through capital appreciation and dividends. Shareholders can make money through capital appreciation when the value of a stock increases between the time it is bought and sold. They can also earn money through dividends, which are direct payments made by the company to its shareholders as a portion of its earnings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary goal of most shareholders is to make money through capital appreciation and dividends. When a company's stock value increases between the time it is bought and sold, it results in a capital gain. This means that shareholders can make money by selling their shares at a higher price than what they originally paid. Additionally, companies may distribute a portion of their earnings to shareholders as dividends, providing them with a regular stream of income.