Saturday, November 24, 2012

Aetna Jumps After Another Strong Quarter, Low Benefit Ratio

Aetna (AET) stock rose 4.3% in morning trading after the company posted another sizable earnings beat.

The insurer posted $1.40 of earnings, 25 cents ahead of the Street. Once again, Aetna posted a relatively low medical benefit ratio (the percentage of premiums paid out in claims) at 78.9%, down from 81.8% last year. Consumers continued to use fewer medical services than they have in recent years. The company also raised its full-year EPS guidance again to $5, from a range of $4.60 to $4.70.

The company did see enrollment drop slightly, to 18.23 million from 18.24 million.

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