Aetna Profit Jumps More Than Forecast In Fourth Quarter

Healthcare insurance company Aetna Inc. on Monday reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, partly thanks to higher underwriting margins and higher fees. Net profit for the quarter jumped 38% to $320.8 million, or 91 cents a share, from $232 million, or 65 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings advanced 12% to $1.37 a share from $1.22 last year. Revenue inched up to $15.05 billion from $14.77 billion year-over-year. Analysts polled by FactSet expected adjusted earnings of $1.21 a share on revenue of $14.95 billion. In relation to its proposed takeover of Humana Inc. , Aetna said it's working "diligently" with the Department of Justice and state regulators toward getting final approval.