Which of the following describes a loss of profits?

A loss of profits is best described as a consequential loss. Consequential losses refer to the losses that occur as a result of direct damage or events that disrupt normal business operations, leading to decreased revenue. For instance, if a business suffers physical damage to its property due to a fire, the immediate costs related to repairing that property are direct losses. However, the revenue that the business would have earned during the period of repair — due to inability to operate — is classified as a consequential loss.

This type of loss highlights the fact that certain events not only create direct expenses but also have ripple effects that impact a company's profitability. Understanding how consequential losses operate is crucial for businesses to ensure they have the appropriate insurance coverage to protect against such financial impacts.

While indirect loss may seem similar, it generally pertains to losses that are not the direct result of an event but can still affect a business’s financial state. Liability risks involve legal responsibility for causing harm to others, and loss retention refers to the practice of assuming the risk rather than transferring it through insurance. Hence, consequential loss is the most accurate term to describe a loss of profits.