UPDATE: Aetna Posts Upbeat Q3 Profit

Aetna

reported a 1.8% rise in its third-quarter net income. Aetna's quarterly profit climbed to $499.2 million, or $1.47 per share, versus $490.4 million, or $1.30 per share, in the year-ago quarter. Its operating earnings came in at $1.55 per share. Its revenue rose to $8.92 billion, from $8.48 billion. However, analysts were expecting a profit of $1.33 per share on revenue of $8.83. Aetna raised its full-year operating-profit forecast to $5.10 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $5.08 per share. Aetna shares closed at $43.95 yesterday.