Companies offer two different kinds of stock with varying financial terms and difference in the rights with respect to the stock holder governing the company.
They are common stock and preferred stock.
The two main benefits that the common stockholders reap are the appreciation of the capital as well as the dividends.
However, dividends payment is not stable or uniform and payment of dividends on an ongoing basis is also not guaranteed.
In addition, the stock holders can vote in case any company issues arise as well as vote in the elections for the leadership team of the company.
Preferred stock is a more stable investment option as the payment of dividends is guaranteed irrespective of the worth of the stock in the market.
However, the potential of earning huge profits for a preferred stock holder is less as compared to a common stockholder.
The preferred stock price is based on the levels of the interest rate.
If the interest rate goes high, the price of the stock falls; and if the interest rate goes down, the price of the stock goes up.
Preferred stockholders have no voting rights in the business.
However, during company's liquidation process, preferred stockholders are the first get paid and not the common stock holders.
In the event of bankruptcy, the preferred stockholders are the ones who enjoy a share of the company's assets before common stockholders are compensated.
Preferred stockholders do not, however, enjoy voting rights like the common stockholders and therefore, they cannot participate in shareholders' meetings.