What happened
Shares of Sears Holdings (SHLDQ) plummeted 26% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, as the dying retailer crept closer to oblivion.
So what
Early in November, reports emerged about how suppliers were cutting Sears' credit lines, shortening its payment terms, and even reducing merchandise shipments. These are the type of actions manufacturers take when they're concerned about a retailer's ability to survive. They can also accelerate a company's descent into bankruptcy by pressuring its liquidity, as well as bringing about inventory shortages and sales declines.
Later in the month, Sears' third-quarter results showed just how precarious its situation has become. Revenue tumbled 27%, driven by store closures and a 15% plunge in comparable store sales. Worse still, Sears generated a net loss of $558 million, or $5.19 per share.
Image source: Getty Images.
Now what
Sears is focused on cost-cutting and asset sales to stem its losses and raise the capital it needs to fund its operations. But cost-cutting can only go so far, and Sears has already shed many of its best assets.
If sales continue to deteriorate -- a likely scenario, considering Sears' recent results -- further losses will eventually diminish the company's dwindling cash reserves. That, unfortunately, makes bankruptcy an increasingly probable outcome for this once iconic retailer.
