Preferred Stock Dividend Calculator 2026
Calculate dividend income from preferred stocks, including yield calculations, call provisions, and income projections.
Preferred Stock Income Calculator
Dividend per Share: $/year | Premium/Discount to Par:
Understanding Preferred Stock Dividends
Preferred stocks combine features of both bonds and common stocks, offering higher and more predictable dividends:
Fixed Dividends
Preferred stocks pay a fixed dividend based on their par value and coupon rate. A $25 par value preferred with a 6% coupon pays $1.50 per year ($25 × 6% = $1.50), regardless of the current market price.
Priority Over Common
Preferred dividends must be paid before common stock dividends. If a company cuts its common dividend, preferred holders often continue receiving payments. In bankruptcy, preferred shareholders have priority over common shareholders.
Current Yield vs Coupon Rate
Coupon Rate: Dividend as % of par value (fixed). Current Yield: Dividend as % of current market price (varies). When trading below par, current yield exceeds coupon rate. Above par, current yield is lower.
On This Page
Types of Preferred Stock
| Type | Features | Risk Level | Typical Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | Missed dividends accumulate and must be paid before common dividends resume | Lower | 5-7% |
| Non-Cumulative | Missed dividends are not owed; company can skip payments | Medium | 6-8% |
| Callable | Issuer can redeem at par after call date; common in bank preferreds | Medium | 5-7% |
| Convertible | Can be converted to common stock at a set ratio | Medium | 4-6% |
| Perpetual | No maturity date; pays dividends indefinitely | Medium | 5-8% |
Call Risk: If interest rates drop, callable preferreds trading above par may be called at par value, resulting in capital loss. Avoid paying significant premiums to par on callable issues near their call date.
Popular Preferred Stocks & ETFs
| Symbol | Name | Type | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFF | iShares Preferred & Income Securities ETF | ETF | 6.2% |
| PFFD | Global X U.S. Preferred ETF | ETF | 6.5% |
| PGX | Invesco Preferred ETF | ETF | 6.3% |
| PSK | SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF | ETF | 5.8% |
| Bank Preferreds | JPM, BAC, WFC, C series | Individual | 5-7% |
| Utility Preferreds | SCE, DUK, SO series | Individual | 5-6% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are preferred dividends taxed as qualified dividends?
Most preferred dividends from US corporations qualify for the lower qualified dividend tax rates (0%, 15%, or 20%) if held for more than 60 days. However, some preferreds—particularly those from REITs, banks issuing trust preferred securities, or foreign companies—may be taxed as ordinary income.
What happens if a preferred stock is called?
When a preferred is called, the issuer redeems your shares at par value (usually $25) plus any accrued dividends. If you bought above par, you'll receive less than you paid. If you bought below par, you'll receive a gain. After a call, you must reinvest proceeds at current market rates.
How do interest rates affect preferred stock prices?
Preferred stocks are interest-rate sensitive like bonds. When rates rise, preferred prices typically fall so their yields become competitive. When rates fall, preferred prices rise. Perpetual preferreds with no maturity are most sensitive to rate changes.
Should I buy preferred stocks or preferred stock ETFs?
ETFs like PFF, PFFD, and PGX offer diversification, liquidity, and professional management with expense ratios around 0.45-0.50%. Individual preferreds can offer higher yields and specific terms you prefer, but require more research and carry concentration risk. Most investors benefit from ETFs for core preferred exposure.