Characteristics of Preferred Stock

Like common stock, preferred stock offers partial ownership in a corporation. Preferred stocks may be participating or non-participating, convertible or non-convertible, cumulative or non-cumulative, redeemable or non-redeemable, or a combination of these features.

Following are some of the main characteristics of preferred stock:

1) Preferred stock has a fixed rate of dividend, which is specified as a percentage of the par value. Also, preference dividends must be paid before ordinary dividends.

2) This type of stock does not allot voting rights to the stockholders.

3) Most preferred stocks are cumulative. If the company fails to pay dividends due each year, the unpaid dividends will be accumulated and shall be paid in a future period.

4) Preferred stocks are less risky than common stocks. In case of bankruptcy or liquidation, the preferred stockholders are paid before the common stockholders.

5) Some preferred stocks are convertible giving the holder the option to convert the shares into a certain number of common stocks on a specific date.

6) Some preferred stocks are redeemable giving the company the right to buy back them at an agreed time and price.

* Next: Characteristics of Common Stock
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Kelvin Wong Loke Yuen is an experienced writer with a strong background in finance, specializing in the creation of informative and engaging content on topics such as investment strategies, financial ratio analysis, and more. With years of experience in both financial writing and education, Kelvin is adept at translating complex financial concepts into clear, accessible language for a wide range of audiences. Follow him on: LinkedIn.

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