Preferred Stock VS Common Stock

When you, as an investor, buy stocks, you’re essentially purchasing ownership in a company. But not all stocks are created equal. The two most common types, common stock and preferred stock, offer distinct rights, benefits, and risks. Understanding the difference between common stock and preferred stock is essential for making informed investment decisions.

In this article, we’ll explore preferred stocks vs common stocks, their pros and cons, and how to decide which might suit your investment strategy better.

Understanding Common and Preferred Stocks

Before diving into their differences, let’s understand what common and preferred stocks are and how they function in the financial world.

What is a Common Stock?

Common stocks are the most widely traded type of shares in the market. When investors talk about “buying stocks,” they’re usually referring to common shares. Many companies issue only common stock, with no preferred shares. Owning these shares means investors hold a portion of the company and may receive dividends from its profits. However, dividend payments are not guaranteed; some companies choose to reinvest earnings instead of distributing them.

Even without regular dividends, common stockholders can benefit from capital appreciation over time. Stock markets offer strong long-term growth potential, but they also carry higher risks, meaning potential rewards and losses are both significant.

Common shareholders often have voting rights, allowing them to influence major company decisions, such as electing the board of directors.

In the event of liquidation, common stockholders are paid last, after creditors and preferred shareholders. This priority difference is one of the key distinctions between common and preferred stock. By purchasing common shares, investors effectively become partial owners of the company, sharing in both its risks and potential rewards.

What is a Preferred Stock?

Preferred stocks represent ownership in a company but generally do not provide voting rights, which is one of the key differences between preferred and common stock. These shares are often issued to raise capital and are influenced by both company performance and market conditions.

Unlike common shares, preferred stocks usually come with a fixed dividend rate, a specified maturity period, and a defined payment schedule. Investors receive dividends at regular intervals, making preferred shares attractive for those seeking steady income.

In the event of liquidation, preferred shareholders have priority over common stockholders when the company's assets are distributed. They also receive dividend payments before common shareholders, reinforcing their preferential status in both income and repayment.

Preferred Stocks vs Common Stocks: Key Differences

The table below outlines all major distinctions between preferred stock vs common stock in detail:

Pros and Cons of Common Stock

Common stocks offer the chance for ownership and growth but come with risk.

Pros and Cons of Preferred Stock

Preferred stock is ideal for those who value predictable income and stability over control.

Which Type of Stock Is Right for You?

Choosing between common stock and preferred stock depends largely on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and income expectations. Both play valuable roles in a diversified portfolio, but they serve different purposes.

Choose Common Stock if You Are:

• A long-term growth investor: Common stocks are ideal if your goal is to build wealth over time through capital appreciation.
  
• Comfortable with market fluctuations: Prices can rise and fall sharply, but over the long term, strong companies tend to reward shareholders with higher returns.
  
• Interested in company participation: Common stockholders often have voting rights, allowing them to influence corporate decisions such as electing directors or approving mergers.
  
• Not dependent on steady income: Dividends from common stocks are not guaranteed and can vary based on profits and company policy.

Choose Preferred Stock if You Are:

• Seeking stable income: Preferred stocks provide fixed dividends, making them attractive to income-oriented investors such as retirees or conservative investors.
  
• Looking for lower volatility: The prices of preferred shares generally remain more stable than common shares, offering peace of mind in uncertain markets.
  
• Prioritising safety in payouts: In case of liquidation or dividend distribution, preferred shareholders have priority over common shareholders.
  
• Less concerned about voting rights: Preferred stocks usually do not include voting privileges, meaning you get consistent returns but limited control.

Conclusion

Both common stocks and preferred stocks represent ownership in a company, but they cater to different investor needs. The difference between common stock and preferred stock boils down to trade-offs: growth potential versus income stability, and voting rights versus dividend security.

Before investing, assess your goals, understand each type’s risk, and consider consulting a financial advisor to create a balanced portfolio.

FAQs

1. What is common stock?

Common stock gives investors ownership in a company with voting rights. Returns come mainly from stock price appreciation and potential dividends.

2. What is preferred stock?

Preferred stock provides fixed dividend payments and has priority over common stock in receiving payouts, but it usually lacks voting rights.

3. What is the cost of preferred stock?

The cost of preferred stock is the dividend payment divided by the stock’s current market price. It represents the effective rate of return investors expect from holding the preferred shares.

4. Do both Preferred Stock and Common Stock have voting rights?

No. Common stockholders usually have voting rights, while preferred stockholders typically do not.

5. Which is better for investors, Preferred Stock vs Common Stock?

It depends on your investment goals. Common stock suits those seeking growth and influence in the company, while preferred stock fits income-focused investors who value stability and predictable returns.