Introduction

A preferred stock is a type of stock that typically has preference over common stock in terms of dividends and asset liquidation.

A common stock is the most basic type of stock and represents ownership in a corporation. Common stockholders are on the lower tier when it comes to getting paid dividends and recovering assets in the event that a company is liquidated.

What is a preferred stock?

A preferred stock is a type of stock that gives shareholders preferential treatment in terms of dividend payments and asset liquidation.

Preferred shareholders typically get paid dividends before common shareholders, and in the event of company dissolution, they are first in line to receive assets. This preferential treatment means that preferred shares typically have a higher claim on a company’s earnings and assets than common shares.

What is a common stock?

A common stock is a security that represents ownership in a corporation. Holders of common stock exercise control by electing a board of directors and voting on corporate policy. Common stockholders are on the bottom of the priority ladder when it comes to ownership structure; they only receive payouts after bondholders, preferred shareholders and other debtholders have been paid. In the event of liquidation, common shareholders have rights to a company’s assets only after senior claimants have been paid.

Key differences between preferred and common stocks

There are a few key differences between preferred and common stocks:

–Preferred stocks usually have a higher dividend than common stocks.

-Preferred stocks typically have a set dividend, while the dividend on a common stock can fluctuate.

-Preferred stocks usually do not have voting rights, while common stockholders typically do have voting rights.

Conclusion

A preferred stock is a type of stock that has preference in terms of dividends and asset claims in the event of liquidation. A common stock is a type of stock that represents ownership in a corporation. In the event of liquidation, common stockholders have equal claim to assets after preferred shareholders, bondholders, and creditors are paid.