WebMD 2Q profit more than triples, tops forecast

NEW YORK – WebMD Health Corp. (WBMD) on Tuesday reported profit that more than tripled in its second quarter, and topped analysts' expectations.

The New York-based company said earnings increased to $9.7 million, or 23 cents per share, from $2.6 million, or 5 cents per share, in the same quarter a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for profit of 19 cents per share.

The health information website said revenue climbed 12 percent to $140.4 million from $125.3 million in the same quarter a year ago, and beat Wall Street forecasts. Analysts expected $139.1 million, according to Zacks.

WebMD Health shares ended regular trading down 1.6 percent to $47.95. The stock has increased 42.5 percent in the last 12 months.