The online news service 24/7 Wall St., ranked the most-hated companies in America based upon ratings and surveys of customer service, employee satisfaction and financial performance. The worst companies were:
1. Equifax, target of one of the largest data breaches last year affecting 145 million Americans.
2. Fox Entertainment Group, parent company of Fox News criticized by some for its right-wing slant.
3. NFL, criticized for both concussions for players and for players who kneel during the National Anthem.
4. University of Phoenix, for-profit college investigated for aggressive recruiting, advertising and financial aid practices.
5. Electronic Arts, the video game maker, has been criticized for buying up smaller studios and controversy over the release of "Star Wars Battlefront II."
6. Foxconn Technology Group, consumer electronics maker criticized for its poor working conditions in China and record incentive package negotiated to locate in Wisconsin.
7. Sprint, the mobile phone company, ranks behind rivals for speed, data and reliability despite often cheaper prices.
8. Vice Media, a media company blamed for a culture of sexism and harassment in a recent investigation by The New York Times.
9. Spirit Airlines, the discount airline offers cheaper flights but its no-frills approach lowered customer ratings.
10. Cigna, the health insurance giant, had the highest share of customers reporting a negative experience in a Zogby poll.
Source: 24/7 Wall St.