Definition

A stock represents a share in the ownership of a company, including a claim on the company's earnings and assets. As such, stockholders are partial owners of the company.

Fractional shares of stock also represent ownership of a company, but at a size smaller than a full share of common stock.

Preferred stocks (or preferred securities) are hybrid investments that share characteristics of both stocks and bonds. They can offer higher yields than many traditional fixed income investments, but they come with different risks.

Many non-U.S. companies, that would otherwise be unavailable or inconvenient to trade, do trade in the U.S. markets as ADRs (receipts for shares of the foreign stock issued by U.S. banks). They are denominated in U.S. dollars and pay dividends in U.S. dollars.

Advantages

Potential for higher long-term return. Voting rights (does not apply to owners of fractional shares). Liquidity depending on trading volume.

Dividends are typically higher and fixed. Share price experiences less volatility compared to common stock. Preferred shareholders are more likely to recover at least part of their investment if company goes bankrupt.

Local U.S.-based trading tends to be more liquid than local foreign markets. Investors may be able to access financial information more easily than if you invest directly overseas.

Considerations

Dividends, if available, are often lower, variable, and not guaranteed. Stock price and dividend may experience more volatility than preferred stock. More likely to lose investment if company goes bankrupt.

Lower long-term growth potential, if any. No voting rights in most cases. Generally less liquid than common stock.

Exposure to fluctuations in a foreign company's local currency could affect value of investment. Political or economic events in a foreign company's home country could potentially harm your investment.