Issuing preferred stock is one method that firms use to finance their operations. But not all firms issue preferred stock. Allstate Corporation [ALL], an insurance and investments firm, does have preferred stock in its capital structure. Answer the following questions about Allstate:
a. Has the amount of preferred stock Allstate has outstanding increased or decreased during the past three years?
b. Compare the relative amount of preferred stock Allstate uses with the relative amount used by its peers.
c. In general, did the use of preferred stock in this market sector increase or decrease during the three-year time period?
d. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using preferred stock financing?
e. Explain why companies in this market sector use preferred stock as a method of financing whereas companies in other industries do not?