What is the difference between preferred stock and common stock?

Preferred stock and common stock are both types of ownership in a company, but they have some key differences. Preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders when it comes to receiving dividends and assets in the event of liquidation. Preferred stock usually pays a fixed dividend, while common stock dividends can vary. Additionally, preferred stockholders typically do not have voting rights in the company, unlike common stockholders who usually do have voting rights.