Perpetual Preferred Stock

Definition

Perpetual preferred stock is a type of preferred stock that has no maturity date, meaning the shares do not have a predetermined date when they will be redeemed by the issuing company. This type of preferred stock provides the holder with a steady stream of dividend payments in perpetuity, as long as the company remains in operation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Perpetual preferred stock is considered a fixed-income investment, as it provides a steady stream of dividend payments to the holder.
2. The dividend rate on perpetual preferred stock is typically higher than the dividend rate on the company\'s common stock, reflecting the higher priority and lower risk of the preferred shares.
3. Perpetual preferred stock does not have a maturity date, so the holder can continue to receive dividends indefinitely, as long as the company remains in operation.
4. Perpetual preferred stock is often used by companies to raise capital without diluting the ownership of common stockholders, as the preferred shares do not have voting rights.
5. The price of perpetual preferred stock can fluctuate based on changes in interest rates, as investors may be more or less willing to hold the stock depending on the relative attractiveness of other fixed-income investments.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of perpetual preferred stock and how they differ from common stock.
  • Perpetual preferred stock is a type of preferred stock that has no maturity date, meaning the shares do not have a predetermined date when they will be redeemed by the issuing company. This provides the holder with a steady stream of dividend payments in perpetuity, as long as the company remains in operation. Preferred stock has a higher claim on the company\'s assets and earnings than common stock, and the dividend rate on perpetual preferred stock is typically higher than the dividend rate on the company\'s common stock, reflecting the higher priority and lower risk of the preferred shares. Additionally, perpetual preferred stock does not have voting rights, unlike common stock, which allows companies to raise capital without diluting the ownership of common stockholders.
• Describe the factors that can influence the price of perpetual preferred stock and how this differs from the factors that influence the price of common stock.
  • The price of perpetual preferred stock can fluctuate based on changes in interest rates, as investors may be more or less willing to hold the stock depending on the relative attractiveness of other fixed-income investments. This is because perpetual preferred stock is considered a fixed-income investment, providing a steady stream of dividend payments to the holder. In contrast, the price of common stock is more heavily influenced by the company\'s financial performance, growth prospects, and market sentiment, rather than just interest rate changes. Common stock prices can also be affected by factors such as the company\'s earnings, dividends, and overall market conditions, which are not as directly tied to the fixed-income nature of perpetual preferred stock.
• Analyze the role of perpetual preferred stock in a company\'s capital structure and how it can be used to raise capital without diluting the ownership of common stockholders.
  • Perpetual preferred stock plays an important role in a company\'s capital structure by providing a way to raise capital without diluting the ownership of common stockholders. Because perpetual preferred stock does not have voting rights, it allows companies to raise funds by issuing shares that do not give the holders a say in the company\'s decision-making process. This can be advantageous for companies that want to maintain control and avoid the potential for conflicts between common and preferred stockholders. Additionally, the higher dividend rate on perpetual preferred stock compared to common stock reflects the preferred shares\' higher priority and lower risk, making them an attractive investment option for investors seeking a steady stream of income. By utilizing perpetual preferred stock, companies can diversify their sources of capital and potentially improve their overall financial flexibility and stability.

Related terms

Preferred Stock: Preferred stock is a class of ownership in a corporation that has a higher claim on the company\'s assets and earnings than common stock. Preferred stockholders typically receive dividends before common stockholders and have priority in the event of liquidation.

Callable Preferred Stock: Callable preferred stock is a type of preferred stock that can be redeemed or bought back by the issuing company at a predetermined price, usually after a specified period of time.

Cumulative Preferred Stock: Cumulative preferred stock is a type of preferred stock where any unpaid or omitted dividends accumulate and must be paid to the preferred stockholders before any dividends can be paid to common stockholders.