RadioShack Warns of Bankruptcy as Losses Widen

RadioShack said Thursday it was seeking to restructure its finances and warned of possible bankruptcy as it reported a bigger loss for the second quarter.

The electronics retailer said it was in talks with lenders, bondholders, shareholders and landlords to refinance and restructure to compete in the fast-changing mobile technology sphere. Cash stood at just $30.5 million at the end of the quarter, down from $179.8 million at the end of 2013.

"There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement a long-term solution," RadioShack said in a securities filing.

"As a result, we may be required to seek to implement an in-court proceeding under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code."

With a corporate ancestry dating back to 1919, RadioShack operates nearly 5,400 retail stores and dealer outlets, most of which are in the US. The retailer has shuttered almost 200 outlets since last year.

The company grew as a popular source for electronics and electronic components, but has struggled to remain relevant in the mobile era and against online sales.

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RadioShack chief executive Joseph Magnacca noted some success with a program that repairs mobile phones in stores, but cited a "persistent industry-wide decline in consumer electronics" and a "soft" mobility market.

"The postpaid mobility business drove the majority of the weak performance this quarter due to lackluster consumer interest in the current handset assortment, consumers waiting for an iconic handset launch this fall, and intense promotional activities by the wireless carriers," he said.

RadioShack reported a loss of $137.4 million for the second quarter, compared with a loss of $80.2 million a year ago. Sales fell from $861.4 million to $673.8 million.

Shares rose 18 percent to $1.10 in late-morning trade.