Common stock:
Common stock, also referred to as common shares or ordinary shares, are, as the name implies, the most usual and commonly held form of stock in a corporation. Shareholders of common stock have voting rights in corporate decision matters. It is the residual corporate interest that bears the ultimate risks of loss and receives the benefits of success.
Preferred stock:
Preferred stock, sometimes called preference shares, have priority over common stock in the distribution of dividends and assets.
Most preferred shares provide no voting rights in corporate decision matters. However, some preferred shares have special voting rights to approve certain extraordinary events (such as the issuance of new shares, or the approval of the acquisition of the company), or to elect directors.
Dual class stock:
Dual class stock is shares issued for a single company with varying classes indicating different rights on voting and dividend payments. Each kind of shares has its own class of shareholders entitling different rights.
Treasury stock:
Treasury stock is shares that have been bought back from the public. Treasury Stock is considered issued, but not outstanding.
