AOL Time Warner has posted a 2002 loss of nearly $100 billion (€100.8 billion) - the largest annual loss in US corporate history.
The world's largest media company took $45 billion fourth-quarter charge to write down the value of its embattled America Online business and other assets.
In a sign of further turmoil, media mogul Mr Ted Turner said he will step down as vice-chairman. Mr Turner (64) said he was stepping down to devote more time to his philanthropic and other interests.
The New York-based company, already reeling from the recent departure of Chairman Mr Steve Case and CNN head Mr Walter Isaacson, reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $44.9 billion, or $10.04 a share last night. That compared to a loss a year-ago of $1.8 billion, or 41 cents a share.
Although analysts said overall operating numbers came in near expectations, some were taken aback at the size of the charge - which came on top of a $54 billion charge AOL took in the first quarter.
Shares of AOL fell to $13 in after-hours trade, after closing at $13.96 in regular New York Stock Exchange trade.
Chief Executive Mr Richard Parsons said the company expects only modest growth in revenues in 2003 and flat operating earnings.