Sears, once the monolith of American retail, says that there is ``substantial doubt'' that it will be able to keep its doors open.
Company shares, which hit an all-time low last month, tumbled more than 5% before the opening bell today.
Chairman and CEO Edward Lampert's hedge fund has forwarded millions in funding to keep Sears afloat but with sales fading, it is burning through cash.
According to its most recent regulatory filing late yesterday, Sears Holdings lost more than two-billion dollars last year. Adjusted for one-time charges, its loss was $887 million.
Sears, which employs 140 000 people, has been selling assets like its Craftsman tool brand.
But it says its pension agreements may prevent the spin-off of more businesses, potentially leading to a shortfall in funding.