Persistently High DebtAlthough leverage eased, absolute debt levels remain elevated, leaving the company sensitive to interest-rate shifts and refinancing cycles. High debt can restrict strategic investments, limit buffer against downturns, and increase fixed costs that compress margins over time.
Weakened Free Cash FlowOperating cash flow and free cash flow dipped as the company increased capex. Sustained heavy investment can erode distributable cash and heighten borrowing needs, constraining capacity to fund dividends, R&D, or M&A without adding leverage or diluting equity.
Low Revenue Growth & Slim MarginsSub‑1% top-line growth and a very thin EBIT margin suggest limited pricing power and modest scale expansion. With low operational margin cushion, the company remains vulnerable to input-cost inflation or weaker demand, undermining the durability of profit improvements.