20 companies that lost the most

The grocery giant emerged as a private company in early 2012, after more than a year in bankruptcy. Over a century old, the company's chains include A&P, Waldbaum's and The Food Emporium. It operates more than 300 stores in the U.S.

A&P is largely credited for the creation of the modern supermarket, but in recent years it increasingly struggled under the twin burdens of big debts (including employee pensions) and weak sales. It exited bankruptcy with a new management team, some refurbished stores and renegotiated contracts. It also has $490 million in debt and equity financing, though S&P rated its corporate credit a so-so B-.

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