Common versus Preferred
In a topology of equity varieties the top level distinction in this listing would be that between common and preferred shares. Importantly, either of these classes of equity are nothing more or less than the terms attached to their share agreements. In other words, don’t just assume what you are looking at are truly “common” shares, or “preferred” shares, simply because the title in the agreement says so. Instead, read the agreement very closely and decide for yourself.
Most importantly, unless some sort of legal black magic has been performed, equity holders regardless of the type of share(s) they hold—common or preferred—make their claim on the assets of the firm only after the claims of those holding debt have been settled. Once the claims of debtholders have been settled, preferred shareholders make their claims, followed eventually by common shareholders.
Both common and preferred shares can be issued in groups known as series. Each series of stock is often given its own letter or letter cluster (e.g., Series A common, or Series FF preferred). Any series of stock should have unique characteristics that distinguish that series from another. How these series can differ will be discussed in subsequent notes (like the Preferences of Preferred Shares).