Also

* Visx Inc., a maker of lasers used to correct vision, said first-quarter profit fell 48% as royalties from doctors using its devices decreased when the company cut prices. Net income dropped to $6.5 million, or 12 cents a share, from $12.6 million, or 21 cents, a year earlier. Sales fell 28% to $36.6 million.

* Ross Stores Inc. said first-quarter profit would exceed estimates on higher sales. The discount retailer expects earnings to increase to 58 cents a share from 43 cents a year earlier. Analysts expected the 465-store chain to earn 52 cents in the quarter.

* Gymboree Corp. said first-quarter profit would be higher than it expected as sales of traditional, colorful clothing rose. Profit will be 14 cents to 16 cents a share, up from its previous forecast of 7 cents to 9 cents. Gymboree had a loss of 1 cent a year earlier.