Seven warning signs are already sitting in your balance sheet.
Most CEOs miss every one.

Seven warning signs.
Most CEOs miss every one.

A field guide to the signals that separate a business quietly running out of runway from one that's actually healthy.

• Declining Cash, Steady Liabilities — operations aren't generating enough cash.
• Receivables Outpacing Revenue — collection issues or weakening customer credit.
• Inventory Without Sales Growth — weak demand, overproduction, or looming write-offs.
• A Sudden Jump in Goodwill — aggressive acquisition accounting.
• Rising Reliance on Short-Term Debt — cash flow constraints, rising refinancing risk.
• Leverage Rising Without Earnings Growth — over-reliance on debt.
• Persistently Negative Retained Earnings — recurring losses or unsustainable dividends.