Aetna (AET) Reports In-Line Q4 EPS

Aetna (NYSE: AET) reported Q4 EPS of $1.22, in-line with the analyst estimate of $1.22. Revenue for the quarter came in at $14.77 million versus the consensus estimate of $14.59 million.

“Aetna achieved record annual operating revenue and operating earnings in 2014, and delivered full-year operating earnings per share at the high end of our most recent projection,” said Mark T. Bertolini, Aetna chairman and CEO. “Our 2014 operating earnings-per-share results represent an increase of more than 7 percent over 2013 and a compound annualized growth rate of 15 percent since 2010. We also ended the year serving more than 23.5 million medical members, an increase of approximately 1.4 million members from 2013.

“Our strong finish to 2014 combined with our early momentum in 2015 give us the confidence to increase our 2015 projection for operating earnings per share to at least $7.00 from our previous projection of at least $6.90.”

“We are pleased with our achievements in 2014, which include accelerating synergies from the Coventry acquisition, pricing or solving for nearly $1 billion in new fees and taxes related to health care reform, and closing the meaningful funding gap for 2014 Medicare Advantage rates,” said Shawn M. Guertin, Aetna executive vice president and CFO.

“Our strong cash generation in 2014 enabled us to make significant investments to support the growth of our businesses, close two acquisitions and return more than $1.5 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and an increased dividend. Our financial position, capital structure and liquidity all continue to be very strong and position us to achieve our 2015 projections and long-term goals.”

Aetna sees FY2015 EPS of $7.00, versus the consensus of $7.16. The company previously was looking for FY15 EPS of at least $6.90.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Aetna (AET) click here.

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