Aetna’s net income increased 38 percent from $232 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 to $321 million at the same period in 2015.
The insurer’s operating earnings were 16 cents a share higher than anticipated. Analysts expected operating earnings of $1.21 per share, but the insurer posted earnings of $1.37 per share.
In addition, Aetna spent less on medical care than it did last year. In its commercial and government businesses, the insurer spent 81.9 cents of every dollar on medical care. In the fourth quarter of 2014, Aetna spent 83 cents of every dollar on care.
Aetna released a slightly more negative forecast its 2016 results, which include a membership decline, a rise in medical costs and narrowed operating margins. The forecast does not include the acquisition of Humana, according to Bloomberg.
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Anthem Q4 profit tumbles 64%
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