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Investors who are looking to purchase stock in a company are faced with a whole laundry list of decisions to make. One of these decisions – and a very important one – is whether to purchase common or preferred stock. In order to determine which is the best fit for your portfolio, it’s important to understand the difference between common and preferred stock and the potential pros and cons of each. Read on to learn more.
Common Stock
Common stock is what you probably think of when you think of stocks. Holders of common stock make or lose money based on the rise and fall of share prices. They get paid dividends and can vote on corporate issues. The biggest downside to common stock is that it can be volatile, and if a company goes bankrupt, common stock holders have very little chance of regaining their capital, since they are the last to be paid out.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock holders are paid a predetermined dividend, instead of the amount varying like it does for holders of common stock. Typically, this dividend is higher than what common stock can give, but that can change if the company’s shares begin to do very well and common stock dividends rise. Because preferred stock dividends are already set, they won’t change or rise when the company does well. Preferred stock has a blend of the securities and downfalls of both stocks and bonds – it’s often referred to as a hybrid security. Another perk of preferred stock is that they are higher on the list to be paid out in the event of a company going bust, so they have a better chance than those holding common stock to regain some capital. Preferred stock is also referred to as preference shares.
The dividends on the preferred shares are also more secure than the one on the common stock if the company falls into bad times. A company may choose to discontinue paying dividends on the common stock. However, if the company misses paying a dividend on its preferred stock, they are obligated to accrue the dividend and pay it out eventually.
Some preferred stocks are callable. This means that the company is able to buy back the shares at a predetermined price.
Pros and Cons: Preferred Stock Vs Common Stock
The fixed dividends paid to preferred stock makes it more stable than common stock in most instances, but it is still far more volatile than a bond. Common stock tends to rise in value much faster and far more easily if the company does well, but it will crash just as quickly and just as hard if the company fails (market crash). All in all, preferred stock is a good source of stable income, but common stock will probably yield a higher return.
In the end, both types of stock can have their strengths and weaknesses, just like with any kind of investment. Look into the details of the stock you are considering purchasing in order to determine the best blend for your financial investment portfolio.
A Tip for Value Investors Looking Into Preferred Stocks
The seniority of the preferred shares is a very valuable attribute. Sometimes you may want to invest in a company that may be under duress and therefore the common shares may be riskier than you may wish. During these times, it may be a worthwhile option to consider the preferred shares, if the company has any outstanding. The dividend is more secure, and when the times are not good, the preferred shares may lose in value and take on the characteristics of a common stock (higher potential returns for lower risk).