Cost of Preferred Stock

acoustic blues mariachi, acoustic chicago blues cape verdean

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
The boardroom needs some capital today
But common stock dilutes the voting sway
There's another route that companies explore
Preferred stock financing through the door
These shareholders get dividends that are fixed
A steady stream that never gets mixed
With company profits up or down the scale
Their payments stay constant without fail

[Chorus]
Dividend rate divided by the price
That's the cost of preferred stock so nice
D sub P over P zero clean
Simplest formula you've ever seen
No tax shield like debt provides for free
Straight percentage is the key
Cost of preferred stock, now you know
How to make those calculations flow

[Verse 2]
Unlike bonds there's no maturity date
These dividends go on at steady rate
The holders stand between the debt and equity
A middle ground with some security
When companies fail they get paid first
Before common shares but after debt dispersed
This ranking system sets the risk apart
And determines the required return from start

[Chorus]
Dividend rate divided by the price
That's the cost of preferred stock so nice
D sub P over P zero clean
Simplest formula you've ever seen
No tax shield like debt provides for free
Straight percentage is the key
Cost of preferred stock, now you know
How to make those calculations flow

[Bridge]
Flotation costs might modify the base
Reduce the proceeds in the denominator's place
Market price of ninety but net eighty-five received
Adjust your calculation or be deceived
The cost will climb when issuing expenses bite
Making financing slightly less than right

[Verse 3]
In WACC calculations this piece fits
Between the debt and equity commits
Weight it by the market value share
Of total capital structure sitting there
Investment bankers price these securities
Based on credit ratings and market histories
The final cost reflects the risk profile
Of this hybrid instrument's financial style

[Chorus]
Dividend rate divided by the price
That's the cost of preferred stock so nice
D sub P over P zero clean
Simplest formula you've ever seen
No tax shield like debt provides for free
Straight percentage is the key
Cost of preferred stock, now you know
How to make those calculations flow

[Outro]
Fixed dividends and market pricing power
Calculate the cost this very hour
Preferred stock financing takes its place
In capital structure's measured space

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