Sears Goes Bankrupt: Are ASX Retailers To Follow?

A form of bankruptcy which involves reorganization of assets, debts and debtor’s business affairs is known as Chapter 11 form of bankruptcy. Following years of declining sales in the coming days, Sears Holdings is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection which is causing doubts of what the world’s largest retailer was once, is now questioned over the survival.

What would involve asset sales and a debt restructuring which is proposed by chief executive Eddie Lampert and formed by the company a special board committee to consider a rescue plan. Sears Canada folded one year ago laying off 12,000 workers and closing 150 stores. Over it being too favorable for Lampert, amid concerns that creditors and shareholders would sue the committee has been resisting the plan.Â

One of the sources said that both the parties now accept that the company's future can be determined by only a court-supervised process. Added by the sources, for a bankruptcy filing that could come in the next few days, discussions are under way to arrange debtor-in-possession financing.

Sears has to meet on Monday, a $US134 million ($189.5 million) debt payment which has added pressure to find a resolution on both Lampert and the special committee.

A key player in almost every big mall across the United States, Sears sold everything from toys to mail-order homes and auto parts in the 1960s, during its peak. From companies such as Amazon.com, in the light of online competition, as well as Walmart which is a brick and mortar retailer and other retailers. After revenue failed to meet their expectations during last year's holiday season, Toys 'R' Us' creditors lost faith in the retailer.

Key to Sears remaining operational retaining the confidence of vendors, to see it through bankruptcy vendors will be looking to see if Sears can secure enough financing. Sears shares were down at 40.5 cents down by 31 percent, giving the company a market capitalization of just $US40 million and Sears borrowing was around $US 5 billion as at Aug 4, 2018.

Australian retailers are behind US Amazon and other retailers like eBay operating for many years now. This should bring to the attention of Australian retailers which could be following a similar path as Sears.

Dividend Stocks To Buy

The Income available from dividends remains attractive for many investors.

We take a look at the best yields on the market and assess what they say about a company’s prospect.

One Thing is certain, though, Australia interest rates are still low, making income difficult to come by and keeping the focus for many investors on high yielding stocks. Kalkine’s team of analysts bought you handpicked report for “Top 25 Dividend Stocks For 2018.”

ASX-relevant Special Reports are published year-round to provide a detailed analysis into an investing opportunity or a potential risk to your portfolio.

Click here to get your free report.

Disclaimer

The advice given by Kalkine Pty Ltd and provided on this website is general information only and it does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. You should therefore consider whether the advice is appropriate to your investment objectives, financial situation and needs before acting upon it. You should seek advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice) as necessary before acting on any advice. Not all investments are appropriate for all people. Kalkinemedia.com and associated websites are published by Kalkine Pty Ltd ABN 34 154 808 312 (Australian Financial Services License Number 425376). website), employees and/or associates of Kalkine Pty Ltd do not hold positions in any of the stocks covered on the website. These stocks can change any time and readers of the reports should not consider these stocks as advice or recommendations.

Â

Â