Why Are So Many Companies Going Bankrupt In 2025? - David Friedberg

Corporate Bankruptcy Trends - Corporate bankruptcies in 2025 have reached the highest level since 2010, following the Great Financial Crisis [1][3] - As of July 2025, there have been 446 large corporate bankruptcies, defined as public companies with at least $2 million in debt or private companies with at least $10 million in assets or liabilities [1][3] - The increase in bankruptcies is linked to the rate hike cycle in 2022 and 2023 [3] Contributing Factors to Bankruptcies - Artificially suppressed interest rates at zero for an extended period allowed companies to raise excessive capital, delaying inevitable bankruptcies [6][7] - The lack of "creative destruction" in American company formation since the GFC has led to a backlog of companies that should have failed [9][10] - Relaxed constraints on M&A activity may lead to more aggressive acquisitions of assets from floundering businesses, contributing to bankruptcies [12][13] - Increased competition from unexpected companies is putting pressure on various business categories [14] Retail Sector Vulnerability - Retail businesses with physical locations are particularly vulnerable due to the leverage associated with long-term leases, which are akin to debt [18][19] - Macro trends of declining foot traffic to physical locations, influenced by companies like Amazon and Shein, exacerbate the challenges for retailers [18] Commercial Real Estate Debt Crisis - Approximately $2.2 trillion of commercial real estate (CRE) debt is maturing before 2028, posing refinancing challenges [24] - Higher interest rates and declining real estate valuations are making it difficult for developers to refinance debt, potentially leading to foreclosures [26][27] - Banks are hesitant to foreclose on commercial real estate due to the negative impact on their balance sheets, leading to restructuring efforts [24] - Traditional office construction is facing headwinds as financing flows shift towards data centers, further straining the commercial real estate sector [30]