Preferred Stock Explained: The Hybrid Equity Security

Preferred Stock Explained: The Hybrid Equity Security

From Money Lessons with Andrew Temte, PhD, CFA by Andrew Temte

April 25, 2026 · 11 min · Episode 132

About this episode

In this episode, Andy explores the concept of preferred stock and its significance in the capital structure of companies.

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores preferred stock — the hybrid security that sits between bonds and common stock in a company's capital structure. He traces its origins to the Railway Mania of 1840s Britain and the aftermath of the Panic of 1837 in America, where distressed railroads and canal companies invented a new class of shares to attract cautious investors. Andy explains how preferred stock borrows features from both debt and equity, defines the critical distinction between cumulative and non-cumulative preferred shares, and shows where preferred shareholders stand in the priority hierarchy alongside bondholders and common shareholders. AndrewTemte.com

People in this episode

Host: Andrew Temte

Topics covered

  • preferred stock
  • hybrid security
  • capital structure
  • cumulative shares
  • non-cumulative shares
  • investing

Keywords

  • preferred stock
  • hybrid security
  • cumulative shares
  • non-cumulative shares
  • capital structure
  • investing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Railway Mania, Panic of 1837, America, canal companies, distressed railroads

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