Significant operational disruption. Signs that might indicate future financial problems from disruption to the operations of the company include the following. Firstly, the products lose relevance due to technological obsolescence. A great example of this is Kodak and its physical photographic film business, which was a highly profitable market leader for many years before being disrupted by digital photography. Kodak ultimately filed for bankruptcy protection in the US in January, 2012. This has also been the fate suffered by a number of companies due to the advancing digital economy, such as the Blockbuster video chain or the home retailer, Bed Bath and Beyond, entering bankruptcy as a result of a loss of sales from their physical stores.

Another sign of operational disruption is the loss of key operating or distribution licenses. Without such licenses, companies lose access to important products or markets leading to significant drops in revenue and cash flows. In some cases, this may even lead to a company ceasing to operate. For example, in the case of a port operator losing its operating license means it would have to halt its business activities and would not be viable as a going concern unless the operating license were to be restated and litigation issues. Some litigation issues can threaten the company's operating license. For example, a mining company being sued for environmental damage may lead to its operating license being revoked, or may result in liabilities that are too expensive for the company to afford.