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

US equity firm TSG Consumer Partners acquired a 22% stake in Brewdog in 2017, and was given "preference shares" over Equity for Punks shareholders.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

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

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

Company documents showed 90 percent of profits were to be paid to an undisclosed holder of preference shares.

From Reuters • Mar. 15, 2018

A soci�t� anonyme may, since 1902, issue preference shares.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 7 "Columbus" to "Condottiere" by Various