Compiled from wire reports

Intel beats analysts' profit expectations

Computer chip giant Intel Corp. injected some vigor into the listless technology industry Tuesday with fourth-quarter results that outstripped expectations.

The Santa Clara-based company earned $1.05 billion, or 16 cents per share, more than doubling the profit of $504 million, or 7 cents per share, posted at the same time in the previous year.

Wal-Mart to enter Safeway bidding war

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, plans to make a cash offer for Safeway Plc, creating a three-way contest for a supermarket chain with a British market share of 10 percent.

J Sainsbury Plc has said it may make a $7 billion offer in stock, cash and assumed debt. That's 20 percent more than William Morrison Supermarkets Plc's stock-and-debt bid.

WorldCom CEO outlines turnaround

WorldCom Inc. chairman and CEO Michael D. Capellas, in a speech some analysts described as a pep rally, told employees Tuesday the bankrupt phone carrier will file a reorganization plan by April 15.

In an hourlong broadcast to the telecom giant's 60,000 employees, Capellas outlined a 100-day plan for WorldCom to emerge from the largest-ever U.S. bankruptcy and from the $9 billion accounting scandal that almost destroyed it.