Which of the following could be a reason for a company to cease operations?

The cessation of operations for a company can often arise from financial trouble and an inability to sustain its business activities. When a company faces severe financial difficulties, such as overwhelming debt, declining sales, or insufficient cash flow, it may reach a point where it is no longer viable to continue its operations. This could result from various factors, including poor management decisions, increased competition, or changes in market demand. Consequently, the company might be forced to close down entirely to prevent further financial losses.

In contrast, changes like leadership transitions, mergers, or market expansions typically represent strategic decisions aimed at repositioning the company for future growth rather than reasons to cease operations. A change in leadership can lead to new directions or strategies, while mergers often aim to combine resources and create competitive advantages. Similarly, expanding into new markets is generally a proactive approach to boost profitability and operational capacity. Thus, these options represent scenarios where companies are looking to sustain or improve their operations, rather than reasons to stop functioning altogether.