a well established business has a strong team of well trained and long term employees. though the comapny has taken brands to diversify their product line and maintain their brands relevancy they have expierenced a steadt decine in profits over the last five years. which factor would most likely explain the companies drop in profits

the company has an internal weakness of paying its employees too much
the company is expierencing external threats as the cost of production declines
the company has an internal weakness of not maintaining strong internet presence
the company is expierencing external threats as the economy is in a recovery period

The factor that would most likely explain the company's drop in profits is: the company is experiencing external threats as the economy is in a recovery period.

Based on the given information, the factor that is most likely to explain the company's drop in profits is: the company is experiencing external threats as the economy is in a recovery period.