The shortest route to a "dividend cut" would be for any companies' cash flow to start evaporating.
Strong cash flows allow for the two most important factors to dividend  investors.

A) The continuation and "growth" of future dividends.

B) The necessary funds to maintain and fund the underlying business.

At The Dividend Post, our criteria for stock selection and ratings rests on the following sound investment principles rated in order of importance:

1) Strong Free Cash Flow to fund future dividends.
2) Dividend Growth to provide a growing income stream over time.
3) Solid business franchise.
4) Strong past performance.
5) A good purchase price to also benefit from increase in share price.