Schwab PFD Review Results In Two Hold Ratings
The Charles Schwab Corporation offers two preferred stocks—Series D (5.95%) and Series J (4.45%)—with strong dividend coverage and moderate redemption risk. SCHW's 17.7x dividend coverage ratio and 6.3x total common equity over preferreds reflect robust financial strength supporting preferred dividend payments. Series D is likely to be called before Series J due to its higher coupon, making Series J's high yield-to-call figure largely irrelevant.
PFD: The Risks Here Could Be Greater Than Believed
The Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred and Income Fund underperforms peers in yield and total return, despite outperforming the preferred stock index. PFD's current 6.88% yield trails comparable closed-end funds, making it less attractive for income-focused investors seeking higher payouts. The fund trades at a 7.50% discount to NAV, its cheapest level among peers and below its five-year average, but this does not offset its lower yield.
MS PFD A Update: Is The Price Bottoming? My Uncertainty Results In A Hold Rating
Morgan Stanley PFD A 1/1000 rating raised to Hold, but more price erosion possible. I continue to hold this issue. Both MS.PR.A and GS.PR.D offer 4% coupon floors, providing downside protection but resulting in modest fixed components. MS.PR.A carries a higher credit rating (BBB-) than GS.PR.D (BB+), with strong common equity coverage ratios for both issuers.
