Par Value Compared to Market Value: Par value is an arbitrary
dollar value assigned to each share of stock. This value is set by the company at
the time the stock is originally issued. Market value is the current trading price
of the stock, and is established in the market place by purchases and sales on the
major stock exchanges.
Preferred Stock Compared to Common Stock: Preferred stock has
priority over common stock in the distribution of dividends and upon liquidation or
dissolution of a company. Most of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's preferred
stock is redeemable at the company's option (but not by the shareholder), which
means that the company can buy it back from the shareholder ata specified amount
listed in Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.
Stock Exchange Symbol: Because of the large number of companies
with publicly traded stock, abbreviated listings are used both on the stock exchanges,
where PG&E Corporation common stock is listed as PCG, and in financial papers,
where PG&E Corporation common stock is listed as PG&E or PG&E Corporation
(local newspapers symbols may vary). Stocks, such as ours, that are traded on more
than one exchange are known as "multiple listings" and the price of the stock
is normally the same on these exchanges.
Shareholders of Record: Shareholders of record hold shares in
their own names (rather than having their broker hold them in "street name",
as discussed below). BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, the transfer agent for PG&E
Corporation common and Pacific Gas and Electric Company preferred stock, maintains an
account for each shareholder of record, and sends all dividend payments, tax information,
annual reports, and proxy materials directly to the address for that account.
Street Name: When investors purchase securities and the securities
are held for them by a broker, the securities are listed in the broker's name, or
"street name". We do not know the identity of individual shareholders who
hold their securities in this manner. We simply know that a broker holds a certain
number of shares, which may be for any number of customers. Shareholders who hold
their stock in street name are not eligible to participate in the Dividend Reinvestment
and Stock Purchase Plan. They receive all dividend payments, tax information, annual
reports, and proxy materials through their brokers.
Transfer Agent: The Transfer Agent is the person or organization
responsible for transferring securities from one owner to another and for maintaining
a company's official records of stock and bond owners.
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