So, if the percent is high, that could be a negative for a given stock, since a dip in revenues, or a spike in expenses (or any other myriad of combinations that lower net income) could make the dividend unsustainable.

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But it is also true that eurozone crises or earthquakes that cause tsunamis in Japan or the spike in oil prices, or other events that affect the global economy have a negative impact on the American economy.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing