Final answer:
The claim is true; preferred stock generally comes with a par value and dividends that are calculated based on this par value, and preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders in the distribution of assets during liquidation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true: Preferred stock typically does have a par value, and dividends are usually expressed as a percentage of that par value. Moreover, in the event of a company's liquidation, preferred stockholders are typically entitled to receive the par value of their shares before common stockholders receive any assets. This structure of payouts reflects the priority in claims on a company's assets and profits for different kinds of stockholders.
When a company issues dividends, it is distributing a portion of its profits to shareholders. The dividends for preferred stocks are often a set percentage of the par value.
An investor's return from holding a stock can take two forms: regular dividend payments or capital gains, which are realized when the stock is sold at a higher price than it was purchased. Financial investors consider both these potential income streams when assessing a stock's value.