FILE- This July 17, 2012, file photo, shows the corporate headquarters of WellPoint in Indianapolis. WellPoint Inc. reports quarterly financial results on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
January 29, 2014 - 3:35 AM
INDIANAPOLIS - WellPoint says its fourth-quarter earnings tumbled 68 per cent, as the nation's second largest health insurer booked a business sale charge and saw the amount it paid in medical claims spike.
The Indianapolis company says it earned $148.2 million, or 49 cents per share, in the quarter. That's down from $464.2 million, or $1.51 per share, in the final quarter of 2012.
Earnings excluding one-time items totalled 87 cents per share. Analysts expected 86 cents per share.
Operating revenue jumped 16 per cent to $17.65 billion. That excludes investment gains or losses. Analysts expected $17.8 billion.
WellPoint Inc. says it expects 2014 earnings to be above $8 per share.
The insurer runs Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states.
Its shares are falling in early morning trading.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014