Diebold Inc. (NYSE: DBD) has reported a big fourth-quarter loss compared to a small year-earlier profit as the company took a huge writedown in the latest fourth quarter for the writedown of goodwill connected with its European operations.

The producer of automated teller machines and bank security equipment said the net loss in the latest fourth quarter totaled $118.8 million, or $1.83 a share. It included asset impairment charges of $168.8 million and an income tax benefit of $23.8 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2009, Diebold earned $3.2 million, or two cents a share. It incurred an income tax expense of $23.5 million.Sales at Diebold rose 9%, to $791 million from $724.9 million. Gross profit at Dieold increased 7%, to $189.5 million from $176.6 million.In commenting on the company’s business, president and CEO Thomas W.

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