Chrysler Claims "Postive Operational Earnings"

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

Earlier today, automotive analysts blamed a large chunk of Daimler's Q4 profits downturn on its remaining 19.9 percent share in Chrysler. According to their calculations, Chrysler inflicted a $2.7b drag on Daimler. Although Market Watch duly reported that "the German automaker cautioned against making that calculation, citing the differences between international and U.S. accounting," Chrysler PR switched into damage control. An email pointed-out that the results are for Chrysler Holding LLC, which includes both the automotive and financial services operations. What's more, that accounting thing is a big deal. "There are significant differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP accounting standards. Major differences include the effects of the acquisition of Chrysler Holding LLC by Cerberus, including recent restructuring actions by Chrysler LLC and the accounting for pension costs under the 2007 UAW contract. Accordingly, the 2007 financial results of Chrysler LLC under U.S. GAAP are substantially better than the IFRS-based financial results utilized by Daimler." Chrysler flackmeister Katie Hepler told TTAC that ChryCo "enjoyed positive operational earnings during Q4." So what about CEO Bob Nardelli's statement back in December that his employer was " operationally bankrupt?" No comment.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

More by Robert Farago

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 10 comments
  • Martin Albright Martin Albright on Apr 29, 2008

    Is the Doctor Strangelove acronym (P.O.E.) intentional or coincidental? Where is General Jack D. Ripper when you need him?

  • Jthorner Jthorner on Apr 29, 2008
    "Accordingly, the 2007 financial results of Chrysler LLC under U.S. GAAP are substantially better than the IFRS-based financial results utilized by Daimler."" Hmmm, that sounds like it is harder to cook the books under IFRS rules than it is under GAAP.
  • Timd38 Timd38 on Apr 29, 2008

    The Chrysler Technical Center in Auburn Hills was designed so that it could be turned into a shopping mall if Chrysler failed. Home Depot is already there, when is Sears moving in?

  • The Luigiian The Luigiian on Apr 30, 2008

    I'm exhausted with Chrysler Co. This is a company that has really attractive and interesting cars in the Dodge and Jeep name and yet can't capitalize on their attractiveness. (Obviously, Chrysler the brand is made up of all ugly.) I looked at a Dodge Avenger today and immediately wanted one. My mom agreed with me, it was attractive, looked good on the road. Then I find out its fuel economy isn't so good, it's not sporty, it's not fun. It's not even class competitive. Jeep Patriot is attractive and has "real" four-wheel drive (trail rated), but suffers from the same problems. Yeesh. I have all the respect in the world for American workers and hope they can remain employed for as long as possible against the onslaught from newly-industrializing countries, but I kinda wish Chrysler--specifically Dodge--would go away and stop tempting me with its attractive but terrible cars.

Next