Preferred Stock

What is the difference between preferred stock and common stock?

Preferred stock is a form of equity ownership in a corporation with a higher priority in dividend payments than common stock but does not typically have voting rights. Preferred stock is viewed as somewhat of a common-stock-and-debt hybrid because preferred stock has an income-oriented cash flow stream through dividends but does not have the same corporate rights as common shareholders.

In a corporate liquidation, preferred stockholders are junior to debt holders but senior to common shareholders. Dividend payments for preferred stock may be payable in arrears, meaning any missed dividend payments for preferred stockholders must be paid before any dividends are paid to common stockholders. While preferred stock does have appreciation (and depreciation) potential, many preferred stock buyers do so to generate income.

Common stock represents an ownership stake in a corporation. Corporations issue common stock to raise capital for the business. Holders of common stock, called shareholders, own a portion of the company and have voting rights on corporate issues.

Because of the voting rights of common stock, shareholders essentially control the business. Common stockholders may also receive dividends from the company. Shares of common stock are issued in the primary market through an initial public offering (IPO) and then trade in the secondary market, typically on a stock exchange.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of preferred stock?

In a corporate liquidation, preferred stockholders are junior to debt holders but senior to common shareholders. Preferred stockholders receive fixed or variable dividend payments and are paid before common stockholders.

There are many types of preferred stock including prior preferred, preference preferred, convertible preferred, cumulative preferred, exchangeable preferred, participating preferred, perpetual preferred, putable preferred, and more. Each type has its own unique features and rights. Preferred stockholders do not have voting rights. 

How does preferred stock work?

Preferred stock is a form of equity ownership in a corporation that has a higher priority in dividend payments than common stock but does not typically have voting rights. Preferred stock is issued in the same way as common stock and can be purchased in the open market through a broker.

Preferred stock is viewed as somewhat of a common-stock-and-debt hybrid because preferred stock has an income-oriented cash flow stream through dividends but does not have the same corporate rights as common shareholders.Preferred stock pays a fixed dividend, which guarantees that income is consistently generated for the stockholder, similar to bonds. 

Does preferred stock have voting rights?

No, preferred stock owners typically do not have voting rights.