1.   It was an added cushion for St. Louis, but not necessary, the way the Mets have not been scoring.

2.   Many pay discounted prices for the loans that auto dealers send them, which provides an added cushion against losses.

3.   That means investors can receive the stock at a lower price if it falls from current prices, giving them an added cushion.

4.   They are also banking on congressional redistricting to give them an added cushion.