EARNINGS

* Visx Inc., the Santa Clara, Calif.-based maker of laser vision correction equipment, reported a lower fourth-quarter profit because of merger-related expenses. Visx, which in November agreed to be acquired by Advanced Medical Optics Inc., posted a net profit of $5.9 million, or 11 cents a share, compared with $8.8 million, or 17 cents, a year earlier. Revenue rose 6% to $40.4 million.