NASAA Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law ExaminationInvestment Vehicle CharacteristicsEasy

A client is interested in investing in a security that pays a fixed dividend, typically has no voting rights, and has a claim on the company's assets and earnings senior to common stock but junior to bonds. Which type of security is the client considering?

  1. APreferred Stock
  2. BCommon Stock
  3. CCorporate Bond
  4. DConvertible Debenture
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Preferred Stock

Preferred stock is characterized by fixed dividends, no voting rights, and a senior claim to common stock in liquidation, but junior to bonds.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Common stock has voting rights and variable dividends, junior claim.
  • C. Corporate bonds represent debt, have a fixed interest payment, and the most senior claim.
  • D. Convertible debentures are unsecured bonds that can be converted into common stock, not typically having fixed dividends as their primary feature.

Preferred Stock

A class of ownership in a corporation that has a higher claim on assets and earnings than common stock, but typically does not carry voting rights.

  • Fixed dividend payments
  • No voting rights (generally)
  • Senior to common stock in liquidation
  • Junior to bonds in liquidation

Memory trick: Equity is ownership, but 'preferred' gets paid first.

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