Government-owned GMAC loses $US5b in fourth quarter

GMAC, which is owned by the federal government, is still working to sell its troubled home lending business, ResCap. Mortgage operations overall lost more than $US4 billion ($A4.53 billion) during the quarter, and GMAC $US3.3 billion ($A3.74 billion) charge related to its efforts to sell the unit.

The company has said that options for ResCap include selling the unit, selling off its bad assets, but keeping the subsidiary or putting it into bankruptcy.

GMAC's automotive operations proved to be a bright spot. The unit has been profitable recently and made $US369 million ($A417.7 million) during the quarter. GMAC is the main lender for the General Motors Co customers and dealers and recently took on the financing duties for Chrysler Group LLC.

The company said its auto financing business will continue to be its main focus in the future.

GMAC's fourth-quarter loss compares with a profit of $US7.5 billion ($A8.49 billion) in the same quarter last year.

In December, GMAC received a $US3.8 billion ($A4.3 billion) federal bailout - the third round of aid that now totals $US16.3 billion ($A18.45 billion). With the additional funds, the government's stake in GMAC stands at 56 per cent, up from 35 per cent. But that could go much higher if the government opts to convert more of its stake to common equity.

GMAC is instrumental to the operations of GM and Chrysler, which have also received billions in government help and count taxpayers as shareholders, and its survival is a crucial part of the Obama administration's restructuring of the auto industry. But the company has been haunted by bad loans it made during the housing boom.

The troubles have led to mounting losses and prompted GMAC's board of directors to oust CEO Alvaro de Molina in November. GMAC director Michael A. Carpenter, formerly a board member at CIT Group and a Citigroup executive was named his replacement.

Another bright spot for the Detroit company, which also has operations in New York, has been its Ally Bank unit. The heavily advertised online banking unit has been attracting new depositors by offering comparatively high interest rate. Retail deposits rose to $US16.9 billion ($A19.13 billion) from $US15.9 billion ($A18.0 billion) in the third quarter.

For the full year, GMAC lost $US10.29 billion ($A11.65 billion). It made $US1.87 billion ($A2.12 billion) in 2008.

AP