Glossary

Preferred ordinary shares

Last updated 02 October 2006

Description

These may also be known as “A” ordinary shares, cumulative convertible participating preferred ordinary shares or cumulative preferred ordinary shares.

These are equity shares with preferred rights. Typically they will rank ahead of the ordinary shares for both income and capital. Once the preferred ordinary share capital has been repaid and then the ordinary share capital has been repaid, the two classes would then rank pari passu in sharing any surplus capital. Their income rights may be defined; they may be entitled to a fixed dividend (a percentage linked to the subscription price, e.g. 8% fixed) and/or they may have a right to a defined share of the company’s profits – known as a participating dividend (e.g. 5% of profits before tax). Preferred ordinary shares have votes.