• EARNINGS
  • FEBRUARY 4, 2011, 2:28 P.M. ET

Aetna's Profit Rises 30%

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BY DINAH WISENBERG BRIN

Aetna Inc. posted a higher fourth-quarter profit and issued an upbeat forecast, as the health insurer benefited from constrained use of medical services and new pricing on its health plans.

The company also significantly raised its dividend.

Unlike some of its large peers, Aetna expects an increase in 2011 earnings per share, in spite of additional costs stemming from the U.S. health-coverage overhaul, a related shrinking of underwriting margins, ongoing enrollment declines, lower interest income and a likely acceleration in patients' demand for medical care. Aetna does expect lower operating earnings this year on a dollar basis.

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