preference shares

British  

plural noun

1. US and Canadian name: preferred stock.  shares representing part of the capital issued by a company and entitling their holders to priority with respect to both net profit and net assets. Preference shares usually carry a definite rate of dividend that is generally lower than that declared on ordinary shares Compare ordinary shares preferred ordinary shares

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Example Sentences

It was given "preference shares", which meant it would get its money back first in the event of a sale.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

But unlike the Equity for Punks' "ordinary" shareholders, TSG was given "preference shares".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

In 2017 a US equity firm TSG Consumer Partners acquired a 22% stake in Brewdog, but unlike the Equity for Punks' "ordinary" shareholders, TSG was given "preference shares".

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

He added that the company will proceed with the plan to cancel its Dutch preference shares.

From Reuters • Oct. 5, 2018

This company raised its money very cheaply from the public, which paid 102 per cent for its 4 per cent debenture stock and par for the 5 per cent preference shares.

From The World in Chains Some Aspects of War and Trade by Mavrogordato, John