They have a high degree of control over their profit rate, especially with modern accounting and business management methods. High profit means paying high income tax and creating high expectations that may be difficult to satisfy in subsequent years. Competent treasurers, and most are, take care to hold profit at a minimum needed to pay minimum dividends, if any. No doubt he was wondering about the U.S. government's austerity that has recently affected him. Insects have antennae.
Radios have antennas.
Economists have premiums.