5 Stocks With Alarming Bankruptcy Potential According to the Altman Z-Score

 | Sep 20, 2023 07:39AM ET

  • Buying or holding stocks with a low Altman Z-score is never a good idea

  • The score is correct more than 70% of the time if considered two years in advance

  • Currently, it indicates that bankruptcy remains in the offing for the five stocks we will discuss in this article

  • The Altman Z-score formula, developed by Professor Edward Altman in 1960, offers a practical means to gauge a company's financial robustness and its vulnerability to bankruptcy.

    With a predictive accuracy of approximately 71-72% over a two-year horizon, it serves as a valuable tool for assessing bankruptcy risks.

    Here's a straightforward interpretation of the Altman Z-score:

    • If the computed score exceeds 2.99: This signals an enviable financial position, indicating a minimal risk of bankruptcy.

    • If the score falls between 1.81 and 2.99: While not exceptionally high, it suggests a moderate risk of bankruptcy within the next two years.

    • If the score dips below 1.81: This represents a worrisome scenario, indicating a substantial risk of bankruptcy, potentially in the near future.

    Another method for evaluating a company's financial risk is through InvestingPro tool to identify these stocks and gain insights into the reasons behind their precarious financial positions.

    1. ADT/h2

    ADT (NYSE:ADT) is a company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, specializing in electronic security and fire protection services. The company went public in January 2018. Let's evaluate its financial health:

    • Altman Z-score: 0.7

    Interpretation: This low score indicates a significant risk of bankruptcy.

    • Financial Health Rating: 2.80 out of 5

    Interpretation: The rating suggests below-average financial health.

    While these metrics are concerning, let's delve into specific financial indicators to better understand ADT's financial situation.