N.C. Gen. Stat. § 106-995

The gross annual income of any such corporation, whether received from sales of timber, timber operations, stumpage permits or other sources, shall be applied as follows: first, to the payment of all fixed charges, and all operating and maintenance charges and expenses including taxes, assessments, insurance, amortization charges in amounts approved by the Commissioner to amortize mortgage or other indebtedness and reserves essential to operation; second, to surplus, and/or to the payment of dividends not exceeding the maximum fixed by this Article; third, the balance, if any, in reduction of debts.