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Differences Between Preferred Stock vs. Common Stock

Jul 11, 2025

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​​Today, there are different types of stocks that offer different opportunities and risks for stock market investors. The most popular of these stock types are preferred vs common stocks. There are many examples of preferred vs common stock differences within the scope of risks and advantages.

A choice should be made between these two popular stock types by considering different factors such as return expectations and side benefits offered. When the most profitable stock portfolios are examined, it is known that diversification strategies are often used where these two popular stock types are evaluated in portfolios at the same time.

However, investors' financial planning and motivations for obtaining passive income may vary. This variability creates interest in different stock types. Both types of stocks contain examples of "difference between preferred and common shares" in terms of many risks and opportunities.

However, both can be suitable choices for long-term investors. Let's evaluate some of the good and bad aspects of investing in preferred shares and investing in common stocks processes for investors.

What Is a Preferred Stock?

Preferred stocks, as one of the most popular stock market investment instruments, offer partnership rights in a company just like common stocks, but there are some privileges and some shortcomings.

For example, when evaluated within the scope of "preferred shares explained", shareholders earn fixed dividend income. In today's conditions, one of the common financial goals of investors of all levels is to earn a passive income method.

Many professional stock market investors have been able to achieve this goal thanks to the preferred stocks in their portfolios. Investors with such stocks are on the priority payment list of the company in the event of a possible bankruptcy.

However, it should also be emphasized that there is no voting right. The fact that there is no voting right in preferred stocks can be remembered as a good example of "difference between preferred and common shares".

If a company issues 100,000 preferred shares offering a 5% annual dividend rate, investors can earn 5% of the profit and an income equal to the stock they buy by purchasing these shares. If a company goes bankrupt, preferred stock owners receive their principal before common stock owners.

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What Is a Common Stock?

Common stocks, the most popular investment vehicle in stock markets, are types of stocks in which investors gain partnership and voting rights in the company.

Common shares meaning can be defined as a type of stock in which assets increase with the amount of stocks they purchase as the company gains value.

There is no fixed dividend income in this type of stocks as in preferred stocks. However, when common stocks issued by companies that promise potential growth are evaluated, investors can increase their financial profitability in the medium and long term.

Today, common stocks called AAPL issued by Apple are included in the portfolios of many investors. These shareholders generally use their decision-making rights in periodic meetings where Apple's future strategies are determined.

However, in cases where dividends are to be distributed, preferred stock holders receive them, not common stock holders.

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How to Invest in Common Stock?

The process of investing in common stocks may seem complicated at first glance. However, the process consists of a few simple steps.

First, investors should open a stock market investor account. It is usually sufficient to choose an intermediary bank among financial platforms that offer digital banking tools for this step.

The second step is to research the stocks listed in the markets and the companies that issue these stocks after opening the stock market investment account.

If you want the investing in common stocks to be managed in the most profitable way, you should evaluate a company's financial data such as income statement, balance sheet, and growth potential.

Common stocks can experience sudden fluctuations from time to time. In order to manage this process in the best way, you should buy shares in an amount appropriate to your risk tolerance, not make emotional decisions in sudden market volatility, and finally, create diversified portfolios from different stock types.

It is quite practical to create a long-term investment project in your portfolios through common stocks, which are the most popular stock type today.

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How to Invest in Preferred Stock?

The process of investing in preferred shares is as simple as managing the investment process with common stocks. Investors of all levels can buy preferred shares in a very practical way thanks to digital tools.

This type of stock is more suitable for those looking for fixed income. On the other hand, it is known that it is preferred by investors who want to manage risk in a more balanced way compared to common stocks.

In the process of investing in preferred stocks, you should first compare the fixed dividend rates listed in the market. Generally, the fixed dividend income rate is between 4% and 6%. In addition, it is useful to determine the extent of the callable risk.

Finally, you should analyze the financial strength of the companies, such as their credit rating. In today's markets, many strong companies operating on a global scale offer a fixed dividend income rate of around 5% and offer payments to shareholders once or twice a year.

This shows that a shareholder with an investment of $1000 earns $50.

Key Differences Between Preferred and Common Stocks

We should remember that there are many differences between these two types of stocks within the scope of "preferred or common stock for long term".

The most important differences for investors can be listed as follows:

  • Dividend: There is generally no dividend income in common stocks,
  • Voting Right: Voting right is not offered to preferred stock owners
  • Risk factor: Risk level is higher in common stocks
  • Priority in liquidation: In cases such as liquidation, preferred stock owners have priority in receiving their payments,
  • Return potential: Return potential is higher in common stocks

These factors can be described as the most critical preferred vs common stock differences for investors. To learn more about stocks and get started with your trading journey, you can open a demo account with BlueSuisse now!

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Which Is Better for Long-Term Investors?

So which of these popular stocks is more suitable for long-term investors? First, let's assume that there are two different investment profiles.

If investors in the first group want long-term growth and want gains through increases in stock values, they should give more weight to common stocks in their portfolios.

If the second group is more interested in fixed income, low risk, and regular dividends, they should give more weight to preferred stocks in their portfolios.

However, for both groups, a portfolio consisting of only common stocks or only preferred stocks will be risky. For long-term investors, it is recommended to apply asset diversification in the portfolio for the most profitable investment story.

For the most profitable investment process, the "preferred shares pros and cons" balance should be optimized. An example successful portfolio could be as follows: 60% of the assets in your portfolio are common shares and 40% are preferred shares.

However, the "best stocks for long-term investing" selection is still important for both preferred stocks and common stocks, risk tolerance, market conditions, and income expectations.

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