America's zombie companies rack up $2.6 trillion in debt

Over 200 firms, including iconic names, join ranks of those unable to pay interest expenses

Boeing. PHOTOS: REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Delta. PHOTOS: REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Exxon. PHOTOS: REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Carnival. PHOTOS: REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Macy’s. PHOTOS: REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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WASHINGTON • They were once America's corporate titans. Beloved household names. Case studies in success.

But now, they are increasingly looking like something else - zombies. And their numbers are swelling.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 18, 2020, with the headline America's zombie companies rack up $2.6 trillion in debt. Subscribe