Also

* ConAgra Foods Inc. said fiscal fourth-quarter profit surged 58% to $192.2 million, or 36 cents a share, on virtually flat revenue of $6.41 billion.

* EarthShell Corp., a maker of biodegradable food packages, said it fired 65% of its work force during the last two months and reduced operating expenses by about 57% as it prepares to transfer production to other companies. The Santa Barbara-based company has stopped distributing its containers, known as “clamshells,” and expects to stop production in Goleta, Calif., within the next 60 days. The company had 144 employees as of Dec. 31.

* Denso Corp., Japan’s largest auto parts maker, eliminated 177 jobs in Southern California because of reduced demand for in-vehicle communications systems. The reductions will leave 63 employees at its Denso Wireless Systems America plant in Vista and 22 employees at its LA Laboratories in Carlsbad.

* Korn/Ferry International said co-founder Richard Ferry, 64, will resign from the company’s board and that three new members have been appointed.

* Invesco Funds Group Inc., a Denver-based mutual fund company owned by Britain’s Amvescap, said falling stock prices and slowing investor demand forced it to cut 111 jobs, or about 15% of its work force.