Are you considering investing in stocks? Or maybe you're new to investing and asking yourself, Preferred Stock vs. Common Stock: what is the difference between the two? Understanding common and preferred stock differences is important. Both types of stocks come with their own advantages and disadvantages, and they offer different levels of risk and reward. Let’s take a look at how common stock and preferred stock are different.
What is Common Stock?
Common stock is the most popular and widely traded type of stock on the market today. It gives buyers an equity stake in a company, meaning they own a portion of the company in exchange for their investment. Ownership also includes voting rights, which means investors can vote on important matters relating to the company's operations, such as electing new board members or approving mergers or acquisitions. In addition to these rights, owners of common stock also typically receive dividend payments when the company makes profits.
Advantages of Common Stock
One of the main advantages of investing in common stock is that investors can benefit from potential capital appreciation over time. This occurs when the value of a company’s shares increases over time due to various factors, such as increased demand or improved financial performance. Additionally, dividend income can be earned from stocks that pay regular dividends to their shareholders. The amount paid depends on the company’s policy but can be a great source of additional income for investors. Furthermore, owning common stock gives shareholders voting rights at shareholder meetings, allowing them to influence certain decisions made by the company they invest in.
Disadvantages of Common Stock
While there are benefits associated with investing in common stock, there are also risks involved which should be taken into consideration before making any investment decisions. For example, one major risk associated with common stock investments is that their prices fluctuate dramatically based on market conditions and other external factors beyond an investor’s control. Furthermore, if a company experiences financial difficulty or goes bankrupt, shareholders could potentially lose their entire investment and any dividends they may have received from their holdings. Lastly, taxes must also be considered when investing in common stocks. These investments may incur taxable capital gain and dividend taxes depending on the type of account they are held in.
What is Preferred Stock?
Preferred stock is another type of security offered by companies. While it does not include voting rights, it does offer some advantages over common stock in terms of dividends and priority in liquidation payments if the company goes bankrupt. With preferred shares, investors receive fixed payments at regular intervals (usually quarterly) regardless of whether or not the company makes a profit in that period. Additionally, should a company go bankrupt and liquidate its assets, owners of preferred stock are first in line to receive payment before common stockholders get anything back. This makes preferred stock less risky than common stocks but also offers lower returns overall since dividends tend to be much lower than with common stocks.
Advantages of Preferred Stock
One of the primary benefits of deferred stock options is that they allow you to delay paying taxes on your gains until a future date. This can be especially beneficial if you expect your investment to increase in value over time and want to take advantage of potential tax breaks down the road. For example, you may take advantage of lower capital gains rates if you wait until a certain period has passed before selling your stocks or exercising your options. Additionally, deferring taxes on your stock options gives you more money available in the present day, which could help fund other investments or activities.
Disadvantages of Preferred Stock
One potential downside to deferred stock options is that they tie up cash in the long term since investors must wait until they sell their stocks or exercise their options before they receive any return on their investment. Additionally, if markets drop and investors cannot sell at a profit, it may not make sense financially to ever realize the gain from these investments. Furthermore, many countries have laws limiting the amount of time investors have available for deferral — meaning even if markets remain favorable over time, investors may still need to pay taxes eventually if they exceed these limits.
Which One Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the answer depends on your individual goals and needs as an investor. Here are three important points to consider:
Investment Time
Those who can afford to leave their money invested longer may realize a greater increase in value over time with common stock. Conversely, those who can devote less time may wish to invest in preferred stock for their dividend payments.
Risk
Common stocks are riskier; however, common shareholders have a greater opportunity for growth. On the other hand, preferred stocks carry less risk, and if the company goes out of business, preferred stockholders are eligible to compensate before those who hold common stock.
Voting
Holders of common stocks are afforded voting rights at shareholder meetings, providing some input as to the company's future. That said, preferred shareholders are not granted voting rights in exchange for shares that pay dividends.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the differences between preferred and common stocks can help investors make more informed decisions about allocating their capital and building a portfolio that meets their needs and goals. Preferred stocks may be less risky than common stocks but offer lower returns overall since dividends tend to be much lower with preferred stocks compared to those received from owning common shares. However, if you’re looking for a steady income with minimal risk, preferred stocks might be worth considering as part of your investment strategy.
Members of Planning Made Simple can receive a free evaluation of their retirement plan to ensure they're on the right track to meet retirement goals. Not a member yet? Signup today.