Double edged sword. If they subsequently back down the dividend there will be a stock price cost. For an industry leader that wants to show consistent ROI, that's not a whim decision. Generally ratcheting the bar up has less impact than ratcheting the bar down, or eliminating the dividend. They have to be confident profitability will continue. A 1-3 year delay on a major component cost increase from a supplier under contract would mean a benefit of fixed costs until the next guy with options is selected. Welcome to sect 6. negotiations, "that's an outrageous ask!" Oh, you didn't submit it yet? Same answer.