We've been cutting for the last three years, so this isn't a one-time hit.

Another advantage: "Whenever I order a research study," Mr. Running said, "it costs $20,000 or more, and it's a one-time hit.

Third, even a big jump in oil prices is typically a one-time hit on consumer prices and not a prelude to sustained inflation.

Takeshi Suzuki, senior managing director, described the increased factory costs as a one-time hit to earnings caused by stronger-than-expected demand.

Companies generally prefer to take a one-time hit so earnings growth can quickly recover.

The investors would lower their expectations for earnings, and share prices could take a one-time hit.

The fees are a one-time hit, but higher interest costs on these bonds can grind away at taxpayers for decades.

But that should mean only a one-time hit to profits, she said, and the stock "is starting to look like pretty good value" after the sell-off.

The Government would voluntarily take a one-time hit by relieving building owners of a portion of their mortgage liability.

Under N.F.L. rules, they would take a large one-time hit on their 2006 salary cap, which is already $26 million over the cap.