November Bankruptcies Down 15% from 2020, While October to November Seasonality Remains Consistent

AIS reports that November bankruptcy filings totaled 29,301, marking a year-over-year decrease of 15.05% and a 47.67% decrease when compared to pre-pandemic data (November 2019) (Figure 1). Through November 2021 bankruptcy filings for all chapters totaled 407,784, down 25.56% over the same period last year. The slight decrease (6.93%) from October to November is in line with the seasonality we see each year with filings.

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Our analysis of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies reveals that numbers continue to stay below historical averages (Figure 4). Chapter 7 filings totaled 18,392, marking a 7.84% decrease from October 2021 and a 24.45% decrease when compared to November 2020 (Figure 4). This is the ninth consecutive month for declining Chapter 7 filings. On the other hand, Chapter 13 filings totaled 10,671, marking a 4.39% decrease from October 2021. This marks the first month in the last sixth consecutive months where Chapter 13 filings decreased. Finally, we’d like to note that when compared to November 2020, we’re seeing a 13.63% increase in Chapter 13 filings (Figure 4).

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For the month of November 2021, Chapter 11 filings decreased 35.65% from October 2021 totaling 222 (Figure 7). Which is a drastic decrease from November 2020 when total filings totaled 696. Chapter 11, Subchapter V filings increased by 0.96% from October 2021 totaling 105 (Figure 7).

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The highest percentage of bankruptcies for November 2021 came from the South (East) (28%), followed by North Central (East) (20%), South (West) (16%), Pacific (13%), Northeast (11%), North Central (West) (6%) and Mountain (6%) regions of the country (Figure 10).

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To download the November Insight Report, click here.