Of course they can, and do. And the author neglected to mention that fact. It doesn't speak favorably of him.
the big problem with cuts is that they can negatively affect the stock price in a big way
DUH! OF COURSE they do ... the dividends are a big part of the stock's value in the first place.
It advisable to keep an eye on a company’s pay out ratio,
Duh! Of course it is. The author sort of glosses over this. Investing isn't a hands-off strategy. Never was, never will be.
“It advisable to keep an eye on a company’s pay out ratio,
Duh! Of course it is.”
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I said that for the benefit of those reading the thread who might not know what it is. Just trying to post something constructive instead of ridicule.