Aetna Q1 Profit Rises; Lifts Full Year EPS View - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Diversified healthcare benefits company Aetna, Inc. (AET) Tuesday said first-quarter net income rose to $777.5 million from $665.5 million reported last year, with earnings per share increasing to $2.20 from $1.82. The latest results include $0.19 per share of charges.

Operating earnings per share were $2.39, while it totaled $1.98 in the comparable quarter last year. On average, 19 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of $1.95 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Total revenue climbed 8 percent to $15.09 billion from last year's $13.99 billion. Analysts expected revenues of $15.46 billion.

Looking ahead, the company is increasing its 2015 operating earnings per share to $7.20 to $7.40 per share, from its previous projection of at least $7.00. Analysts expect earnings of $7.19 per share for the year.