An item that would be considered a first charge against profit in a company's account is

A.

Ordinary dividend

B.

Preference dividend

C.

Capital reserve

D.

General reserve

Correct answer is B

Preference dividend is a dividend that is allocated to and paid on a company's shares. If a company is unable to pay all dividends, claims to preferred dividends take precedence over claims to dividends that are paid on common basis.