Decline In EBIT MarginA falling EBIT margin signals rising cost pressure or weakening pricing power, which can erode operating profitability and long-term cash generation. If structural, sustained margin compression would limit reinvestment capacity and reduce resilience to competitive or macro shocks.
Negative EPS GrowthMaterial negative EPS growth over the measurement period implies per-share earnings weakness versus prior years. Persistently lower EPS constrains internally funded growth, may reflect margin or one-off issues, and reduces financial flexibility for strategic initiatives.
Rising Total Debt In 2024Even from a low-leverage base, an upward debt trend can gradually reduce financial flexibility and raise interest expense risk. If the increase persists, it could limit capital allocation to hiring, training, or tech investment and heighten vulnerability to rate or demand shocks.