Using a sample of 224 Chapter 11 filings reported from 1985-1994, we relate operating and financial characteristics to the decision to reorganize in Chapter 11 and to measures of success following reorganization. We find that reorganization success is related to firm profitability measured as of...

We find that among firms that file Chapter 11 those that are smaller, have better operating performance, and are in higher-operating-margin industries spend less time in Chapter 11. Firms are more likely to emerge as going concerns and to achieve positive post-reorganization profitability if...