Eli Lilly and Co. had a net loss of $3.629 billion in the fourth quarter citing charges from the acquisition of ImClone Systems Inc.

The loss amounted to $3.31 per share compared to a net income of $854.4 million and earnings of 78 cents per share in the same period a year ago.

Eli Lilly completed the buyout of cancer drugs maker ImClone for $6.3 billion in November, according to Bloomberg.

The Indianapolis-based firm said sales increased to $5.21 billion from $5.19 billion in the period.

Lilly kept its profit forecast of $4 to $4.25 per share for the year 2009. Analysts expect $4.19 per share according to the Associated Press.

Citigroup New york city