Short Reports

Fourth-quarter profits at Yahoo! Inc., the world’s leading Web destination, beat Wall Street expectations for the 15th consecutive quarter on strong holiday sales and advertising fees.

Net income for the three months ended Dec. 31 rose to $44.7 million, or 15 cents a share, from $3.8 million, or 1 cent a share the same period a year ago. Separately Tuesday, the company announced a 2-for-1 stock split effective Feb. 14.

Toys R Us Inc. has picked the top executive from exclusive FAO Schwarz to try to lead it to a recovery from sagging sales and profits. John Eyler’s appointment as president and chief executive of Toys R Us was lauded by analysts because of his extensive background in the toy business.

Federal regulators, who have been pushing for more accurate financial reporting by big companies, have accused database software maker Informix Corp. of fraudulently inflating its revenues by $295 million and its earnings by $244 million over several years. In a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Informix agreed to refrain from future violations and to cooperate with the SEC’s continuing investigation.

Investors led by Amazon.com Inc. are pumping $100 million of venture capital into Kozmo.com Inc., a fast-growing, closely held company that delivers movies, snacks and other items purchased over the Internet to customers in five larger U.S. markets, including Seattle.