Weakest Links, Q4

The latest iteration of the S&P “weakest links” report totaled 137 companies globally, both sponsored and non-sponsored. The list in its entirety has an affected debt of approximately $215 billion. The number of private equity-backed companies identified in the Nov. 7 report is 36, with total debt of $60.77 billion.

After dipping to the lowest debt amount since late 2007 in May, the total debt and number of companies spiked and are both up from this time last year. Based on the “weakest link” portfolio companies, the consumer products sector is the most vulnerable, with seven companies tagged for weakness.