A growing number of U.S. firms are collapsing under the weight of higher interest rates as corporate bankruptcies reached their highest first-half levels since 2010, new data show.
There were 54 recorded corporate bankruptcy filings in June, the same number as in May. Last month, some of the most notable companies to submit filings were Lordstown Motors, Rockport Co., Instant Brands Acquisition Holdings, and iMedia Brands.
“Lordstown Motors Corp. filed for bankruptcy June 27, with plans to restructure its business and seek a buyer, according to a company release. The electric vehicle manufacturer’s assets include its Endurance pickup truck and related resources,” S&P noted in the July 6 report.
“Instant Brands Acquisition Holdings Inc. also sought bankruptcy protection on June 12. The tightening of credit terms and higher interest rates had impacted the company’s liquidity levels, according to an official release. The company has also already secured $132.5 million from existing lenders and plans to continue discussions with its financial stakeholders.”
Year-to-date through June, 15 companies with more than $1 billion in liabilities filed for bankruptcy, such as Cyxtera Technologies, Diebold Holding, Bed Bath & Beyond, Diamond Sports Group, and Party City.
Higher Interest Rates Affect Businesses
Banking experts point to higher interest rates as the leading cause of the increase in corporate bankruptcies. Many businesses either maintain vast debt loans that will require refinancing or need more liquidity to stay afloat.“The increase in commercial and individual bankruptcy filings during the first half of 2023 underscores the economic challenges faced by businesses and individuals,” Gregg Morin, vice president of business development and revenue at Epiq Bankruptcy, said in the report. “Our objective is to provide bankruptcy professionals with timely and accurate data necessary for analyzing stakeholder volumes and trends for making informed business decisions.”
The situation could be exacerbated should the Federal Reserve pull the trigger on two more rate increases this year. The futures market is penciling in a quarter-point boost to the benchmark fed funds rate at this month’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy meeting.
However, some argue that corporate bond market indicators are “less ominous.”
Economists contend that the worst corporate bankruptcies typically occur one or two years into a recession. Today, they’re happening before the official start of an economic downturn as the U.S. economy is still expanding.
What’s happening?
“Simple,” said Pete St. Onge, a Heritage Foundation economist, “banks aren’t lending.
Despite financial entities receiving these funds, companies say it’s becoming more challenging to apply for credit, resulting in what many perceive to be a credit crunch.