No dividend shall be declared or paid on common stock until all accrued dividends shall have been paid on preferred stock, or until funds shall have been set aside for such payment; nor shall any dividends be paid on common stock until the provisions, if any, of the certificate of incorporation or merger agreement governing the establishment and maintenance of a sinking fund for the retirement of preferred stock, shall have been satisfied.
N.J.S. § 17:9A-127