Question: Stocks

There are two primary means to earn income as a stockholder. The first method is dividend income and the second method is earnings from capital gains. With respect to the investor seeking dividend income, when the investor buys a stock from a corporation with a primary focus to earn dividend income they will typically expect a higher dividend on common stock versus preferred stock. Discuss the dividend payment requirements of a common stock versus preferred stock, in terms of which type of stock has a primary claim on dividend distributions. Explain why the common stock investor demands a higher dividend rate.