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As Sales Continue To Drop, RadioShack Warns It May Need To File For Bankruptcy

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Fort Worth-based RadioShack warned Thursday it could file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

RadioShack warned Thursday that it may need to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization if it can't rework its debt or find another way to ease a cash crunch.

The struggling Fort Worth-based retailer said in a regulatory filing that it is in talks with its lenders, bondholders, shareholders and landlords to fix its balance sheet, but if it can't, it will try to file a prepackaged bankruptcy.

For its second quarter, RadioShack reported on Thursday that it lost $137.4 million, or $1.35 per share, for the period ended Aug. 2. Revenue dropped 22 percent to $673.8 million from $861.4 million.

RadioShack has been working on turning around its business for the past 18 months. The company's efforts have included cutting costs, renovating and closing stores, and shuffling management. It reported another quarterly loss on Thursday on lower revenue.

CEO Joseph Magnacca said efforts to fix the company's problems could include debt restructuring, closing more stores and other cost-cutting measures. He said the company is reviewing several alternatives, some that would need consent from its lenders.

RadioShack is quickly running out of cash and warned Thursday that it doesn't have enough left to fund its operations beyond the "very near term." The company reported $30.5 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand as of Aug. 2. That's down from $179.8 million at the end of last year.

The company has struggled to find its place in the evolving retail and technology landscape. It's sought to remake itself, focusing on wireless devices and accessories, but growth in that business is slowing as more people have smartphones and see fewer reasons to upgrade. The company says it is working on becoming less dependent on that business.

RadioShack's shares rose 10 cents to $1.03 in midday trading.

Doualy Xaykaothao is a newscaster and reporter for NPR, based in Culver City. She returned to NPR for this role in 2018, and is responsible for writing, producing, and delivering national newscasts. She also reports on breaking news stories for NPR.