March 12 (Reuters) - Archer-Daniels-Midland ( ADM )

reported lower-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings on Tuesday,

after an investigation into accounting practices at the

company's nutrition unit delayed the release of its financial

results for nearly two months.

The global grains merchant reported adjusted earnings of

$1.36 per share for the fourth quarter, while analysts had

expected earnings of $1.43 per share, according to LSEG data.

It also announced an additional $2 billion in share

repurchases.