The two companies could decide to abandon the effort at any point, the executives stressed.

The executives stressed that the negotiations were far from complete and could still fall apart.

At the same time, executives stressed that global corporate technology spending continues to improve, albeit gradually.

Nevertheless, executives at the firm stressed that it continued to be in strong financial shape.

The executives stressed that the company had not yet settled on its plans and could still decide to abandon the effort.

The executives stressed that, as with any negotiation, either side could still decide to abandon the effort.

Such executives also stressed that they regard face-to-face meetings as the most effective way to conduct business with key stakeholders.

Several executives and economists stressed what they saw as the positive effect of the vote on other trade issues.

The deal's total value would be about $2 billion, though the executives stressed that the transaction could still fall apart.

The executives stressed the importance of job creation, with 63 percent calling it the more important immediate task.