Corporate bankruptcies in the US are rising sharply, sending a warning signal about stress in the broader economy. In 2025 so far, 717 large US companies have filed for bankruptcy — the highest number seen in the last 15 years.
This figure has already crossed every full-year total since 2010 and marks the third consecutive annual increase. Compared with 2022, large-company bankruptcies are up by a steep 93%, highlighting how financial pressure has intensified.
Monthly Filings Remain Elevated
The pace of bankruptcies has stayed consistently high month after month. In November alone, 62 companies filed for bankruptcy, following 68 filings in October and 66 in September. Overall, 2025 filings are running about 30% above the average seen during 2011–2024.
Stress Beyond the AI Sector
The stress is not limited to any single industry and is largely outside the AI-driven trade. Even well-established and large firms are struggling to manage high costs, debt burdens, and slower demand.
Current bankruptcy levels are now consistent with recession-like conditions in the US economy, raising concerns about corporate health and future growth.
🚨 US corporate stress is flashing red. 717 large companies have gone bankrupt YTD, the most in 15 years and above every full year since 2010. Filings are 30% above average, pointing to recession-like pressure beyond the AI trade.
I’m Abhishek Sharma, an Advocate based in Delhi, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of BigBreakingWire.I am an enrolled Advocate with a strong interest in entrepreneurship, media, and technology. I founded BigBreakingWire, a digital news platform covering breaking news, business, financial markets, companies, and important developments in India and around the world.I also have a software company and take an active interest in technology, software, AI, digital products, and new business ideas.As an investor, I’m interested in discovering and investing in promising businesses and startups. I look for good ideas, strong founders, practical business models, and opportunities with long-term potential.I enjoy building businesses, learning about new industries, and connecting with people who are working on interesting ideas and opportunities.Advocate | Entrepreneur | Investor | Founder & Editor-in-Chief, BigBreakingWire
Last reviewed by Abhishek Sharma on February 7, 2026
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