Answer:
Allied Co.
The amount that must be paid to the preferred stockholders prior to paying the common stockholders is:
= $36.
Step-by-step explanation:
a) Data and Calculations:
Cumulative preferred stock = $100 par value
Annual dividend on the preferred stock = 12%
Annual dividend on the preferred stock = $12
Cumulative preferred stock dividend = $24 ($12 * 2)
The amount of dividend to pay preferred stock = $36 ($24 + $12)
b) $24 was in arrears for the past 2 years. In the current year, $12 is due to the preferred stockholders as dividends. This adds up to $36 in total to be paid this year before any dividends can be paid to the common stockholders.