High LeverageA capital structure dominated by heavy debt limits financial flexibility and raises refinancing and interest-rate sensitivity. For a capital-intensive utility, elevated leverage constrains incremental investment capacity and increases risk if funding costs or exceptional capex needs rise.
Persistent Negative Free Cash FlowOngoing negative free cash flow despite stronger operating cash flow implies net cash absorbed by capex or working capital. Continued FCF deficits necessitate external financing or higher leverage, pressuring liquidity and potentially limiting discretionary spending or dividend policy over the medium term.
Earnings VolatilityHistorical swings in profitability, including a net loss, indicate sensitivity to regulatory adjustments, one-off items or operational disruptions. This volatility weakens confidence in earnings sustainability and complicates multi-year planning for investors and regulators.