ALSO. . .

* Smithfield Foods Inc., the largest U.S. hog processor, posted better-than-expected profit for its fiscal fourth quarter, helped by higher hog prices--a trend it sees continuing into the start of its new fiscal year. Net income rose 6.7% to $28.5 million, or 51 cents a share, up 6.7% from $26.7 million, or 63 cents, in the year-earlier period, when there were fewer shares outstanding. Analysts expected 47 cents. Sales climbed 40% to $1.4 billion.

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