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8 Business Review
Earnings impacted by restructuring charges and
market weakness. In 2001, DaimlerChrysler achieved
an operating profit excluding one-time effects of €1.3
billion (2000: €5.2 billion). This was within the target
range announced in February 2001, despite a signifi-
cantly more difficult environment. Particularly as a re-
sult of the charges for turnaround activities at Chrysler
Group, Freightliner and Mitsubishi Motors, there were
negative one-time effects in a total amount of €2.7 bil-
lion. Operating profit in 2000 was influenced by posi-
tive one-time effects in a total amount of €4.5 billion.
Including one-time effects, there was thus an operating
loss of €1.3 billion (2000: operating profit €9.8 billion).
The Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars & smart divi-
sion again increased its earnings. The earnings of the
Commercial Vehicles and Services divisions decreased,
however, and Chrysler Group reported an operating
loss excluding one-time effects of €2.2 billion. The main
reasons for the decline in earnings at Group level were
the extremely competitive US market for passenger
cars, minivans and light trucks, the dramatic contrac-
tion of demand for heavy trucks in North America,
continued pressure on margins in the financial services
business, and weakening demand in important
markets.
Earnings target achieved despite difficult
market conditions
■Successful restructuring programs
■Operating profit (adjusted for one-time effects) of €1.3 billion, within the target range
■Net loss of €0.7 billion (2000: net income of €7.9 billion);
excluding one-time effects, net income of €0.7 billion (2000: €3.5 billion)
■Proposed dividend: €1.00 per share (2000: €2.35)
The Group sustained a net loss of €0.7 billion
(2000: net income €7.9 billion) and a loss per share of
€0.66 (2000: earnings per share €7.87). Excluding one-
time effects, both income and earnings per share were
positive, but lower than in the prior year at €0.7 billion
and €0.73 respectively (2000: €3.5 billion and €3.47
respectively). (see pp. 54-60).
€1.00 dividend. The Board of Management and the
Supervisory Board will propose to the shareholders at
the Annual Meeting that a dividend of €1.00 per share
is distributed (2000: €2.35). The total dividend distribu-
tion will therefore amount to €1,003 million (2000:
€2,358 million). The dividend level proposed is related
to the year’s earnings. However, DaimlerChrysler is
confident that it will take profits to much higher levels
in the future.
Extensive measures to improve profitability. In order
to return DaimlerChrysler to a position of strong and
sustainable profitability, even with difficult market
conditions, and to improve the competitive position
of the company, we initiated extensive restructuring
programs during the year under review.
*) adjusted for one-time effects
DaimlerChrysler Group
Mercedes-Benz
Passenger Cars & smart*)
Chrysler Group*)
Commercial Vehicles*)
Services*)
Other Activities*)
DaimlerChrysler Group*)
9,752
2,874
531
1,253
641
67
5,213
(1,318)
2,961
(2,183)
51
578
205
1,345
(1,173)
2,636
(1,943)
45
514
182
1,197
2000
€
2001
€
2001
US $
In millions
Operating Profit