Negative Operating And Free Cash FlowNegative operating and free cash flow erode liquidity and limit the firm's ability to fund operations, invest in equipment, or absorb project delays. Over several months this reduces bidding capacity, increases reliance on external financing, and elevates execution risk for multi-month contracts.
Deteriorating Profitability And Negative Gross ProfitNegative gross profit and net losses indicate current pricing or cost structures don't cover direct project costs. Persisting negative margins undermine retained earnings, weaken ROE, and constrain reinvestment, making it harder to rebuild competitive capabilities or absorb future contract-cost overruns.
High Volatility In Earnings And Cash GenerationLarge swings in cash flow and earnings increase forecasting and execution risk in a project-driven business. Volatility hampers long-term planning, raises working-capital needs during downturns, and can limit access to financing or deter large customers who favor suppliers with predictable execution.