UPDATE: Cigna Posts Higher Q4 Profit, Lifts 2013 Forecast

Cigna (NYSE: CI) reported a better-than-expected Q4 profit and lifted its 2013 forecast.

Cigna now projects 2913 earnings of $5.85 to $6.30 per share, versus its earlier view of $5.80 to $6.25 per share.

Cigna's quarterly net income surged to $406 million, or $1.41 per share, versus $273 million, or $0.98 per share, in the year-ago period. Excluding items, it earned $1.57 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $1.48 per share.

Its revenue rose to $7.62 billion, from $5.43 billion.

Cigna shares closed at $59.67 yesterday.

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