On June 7, 2024, Bernard Condon, an Associated Press reporter, authored the article, “Zombies: Ranks of world’s most debt-hobbled companies are soaring, and not all will survive.” Condon’s article details zombie companies (Zs) so laden with debt that they are on the brink of collapse, barely able to pay even the interest on their loans. They are, essentially, just one bad day away from going out of business. But should these recent events come as a surprise?

Originally published in ABL Advisor, July 25, 2024.