Which security typically has the highest priority in liquidation among the listed debt and equity instruments?

• A. Senior Secured Debt
• B. High Yield Bonds
• C. Subordinated Debt
• D. Common stock

Answer: (A)

In liquidation, who gets paid first is determined by collateral and seniority. Secured creditors with collateral have first claim on the assets, so they are paid before unsecured creditors and all equity holders. A senior secured debt is backed by specific assets, giving it the highest priority among the listed instruments. High yield bonds are typically unsecured and fall below secured debt, subordinated debt comes after other senior debts, and common stock represents an equity claim that is paid only after all debts and preferred claims are satisfied. Therefore, the top priority in liquidation among these is senior secured debt.