8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 14, 2005

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Virginia	1-15321	52-0845861
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

200 Commerce Street Smithfield, Virginia	23430
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (757) 365-3000

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Section 2 – Financial Information

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 14, 2005, the Registrant issued a press release commenting on its earnings for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending on May 1, 2005. The information contained in the press release, which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report, is incorporated herein by reference.

Section 9 – Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(c) Press release, dated as of February 14, 2005, commenting on the Registrant’s earnings for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending on May 1, 2005.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
Date: February 18, 2005	/s/ Michael H. Cole
	Michael H. Cole
	Vice President, Secretary and Deputy General Counsel

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit 99.1 Press release, dated as of February 14, 2005, commenting on the Registrant’s earnings for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending on May 1, 2005.

EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

Smithfield Foods Plans To Announce Sharply Higher Third Quarter Earnings

Smithfield, Virginia (February 14, 2005)—Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE: SFD) said today that it expected to announce earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 in the range of $.86 to $.87 per diluted share, versus $.38 per diluted share from continuing operations in the same quarter last year.

Smithfield attributed the sharp increase in earnings to the continuing success of its vertical integration strategy the company embarked upon a decade ago.

Smithfield will announce third quarter earnings on March 1.

With annualized sales of $10 billion, Smithfield Foods is the leading processor and marketer of fresh pork and processed meats in the United States, as well as the largest producer of hogs. For more information, please visit www.smithfieldfoods.com

This news release may contain “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking information may include statements concerning the company’s outlook for the future, as well as other statements of beliefs, future plans and strategies or anticipated events, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. The forward-looking information and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks and uncertainties include availability and prices of livestock, raw materials and supplies, livestock costs, product pricing, the competitive environment and related market conditions, operating efficiencies, access to capital, the cost of compliance with environmental and health standards, adverse results from ongoing litigation and actions of domestic and foreign governments.

Contact: Jerry Hostetter, (212) 758-2100

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

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