The Difference Between Common Stock and Preferred Stock

When it comes to investing in stocks, it’s essential to understand the different types and their characteristics. Common stock and preferred stock are two primary categories that investors can choose from. While both offer ownership in a company, they exhibit distinct features that can significantly impact investment outcomes. This article aims to explore the differences between common stock and preferred stock, providing valuable insights for investors.

What is Common Stock?

Common stock, also known as ordinary shares, represents the most basic form of ownership in a company. When an investor purchases common stock, they become a partial owner of the business, granting them certain rights and privileges.

Examples of Common Stock

Some well-known examples of common stock include shares of companies such as Apple Inc., Microsoft Corporation, and Amazon.com Inc. These stocks are traded on major stock exchanges and represent a claim on the company’s assets and earnings.

Uses of Common Stock

Common stock offers several advantages to investors. Firstly, it provides potential for capital appreciation as the company’s value increases over time. Additionally, common stockholders have voting rights, allowing them to participate in corporate decisions and elect the company’s board of directors. Lastly, common stockholders may receive dividends if the company chooses to distribute its profits.

What is Preferred Stock?

Preferred stock, as the name suggests, holds certain preferences over common stock. While preferred stockholders also own a portion of the company, their rights and privileges differ from those of common stockholders.

Examples of Preferred Stock

Examples of preferred stock include shares issued by companies such as Coca-Cola Company, Ford Motor Company, and Bank of America Corporation. These stocks often pay fixed dividends and have a predetermined priority in receiving dividend payments and assets in the event of liquidation.

Uses of Preferred Stock

Preferred stock offers a unique set of advantages. Firstly, it provides a fixed dividend payment, ensuring a predictable income stream for investors. Additionally, preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders when it comes to receiving dividends and assets in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation. Some preferred stock may also be convertible into common stock, allowing investors to potentially benefit from capital appreciation.

Differences Between Common Stock and Preferred Stock

Difference Area	Common Stock	Preferred Stock
Ownership Rights	Common stockholders have voting rights and can influence corporate decisions through their voting power.	Preferred stockholders generally do not have voting rights unless specifically stated in the terms of issuance.
Dividend Payments	Common stockholders may or may not receive dividends, as they are dependent on the company’s profitability and decision to distribute profits.	Preferred stockholders have a fixed dividend rate and are paid before common stockholders.
Preference in Liquidation	Common stockholders are the last in line to receive assets in the event of liquidation.	Preferred stockholders have priority in receiving assets before common stockholders in the event of liquidation.
Risk and Return	Common stock has higher risk but offers greater potential for capital appreciation.	Preferred stock has lower risk but generally has limited potential for capital appreciation.
Convertible Option	Common stock is not convertible into any other type of security.	Some preferred stock may be convertible into common stock, providing an opportunity to benefit from potential capital appreciation.
Price Volatility	Common stock prices may fluctuate significantly, driven by market forces and company-specific factors.	Preferred stock prices are relatively more stable and less affected by market fluctuations.
Contribution to Corporate Decisions	Common stockholders can vote on major company decisions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and changes in the company’s charter.	Preferred stockholders typically do not have voting rights and cannot directly impact major company decisions.
Seniority in Bankruptcy	Common stockholders are the last to be paid in the event of bankruptcy, after bondholders and preferred stockholders.	Preferred stockholders have a higher claim on company assets compared to common stockholders in the event of bankruptcy.
Liquidity Preference	Common stock does not carry any preference over other types of stock in terms of liquidity.	Preferred stock may have a higher priority in terms of liquidity and can be redeemed or repurchased by the issuing company.
Participation in Growth	Common stockholders have a higher potential to participate in the company’s growth through capital appreciation as the company’s value increases.	Preferred stockholders generally do not benefit from significant capital appreciation, as the value of preferred stock remains relatively stable.

Conclusion

In summary, common stock and preferred stock differ in terms of ownership rights, dividend payments, liquidation preference, risk and return characteristics, convertibility, price volatility, and involvement in corporate decisions. Common stock offers greater potential for capital appreciation and voting rights, while preferred stock provides stability, fixed dividends, and priority in receiving dividends and assets. The choice between common stock and preferred stock depends on an investor’s risk tolerance, income requirements, and investment objectives.

10 Differences Between common stock and preferred stock