What is the minimum expectation for a shareholder's investment in a corporation?

The minimum expectation for a shareholder's investment in a corporation centers around the idea of fair treatment in company affairs. Shareholders invest in a corporation with the understanding that they will be treated equally and fairly with respect to their rights and interests. This includes the right to participate in significant corporate decisions through voting, the right to receive information concerning corporate performance, and the assurance that their investments are managed in accordance with corporate governance standards.

While shareholders may hope to control management or influence corporate governance, these are not guaranteed rights or expectations. Control of management often lies with the board of directors, and while shareholders can influence governance through their voting power, it is not a minimum expectation for their investment. Moreover, guaranteed returns are not a typical feature of equity investments, which inherently carry risk and do not promise fixed payouts like debt securities would.

Thus, fair treatment encompasses the basis of a shareholder's relationship with the corporation and sets the foundation for their rights and expectations within the corporate structure.