Anthem Q4 Profit Falls

(RTTNews) - Anthem Inc. (ANTM) Wednesday announced 64.3 percent decline in fourth quarter net income to $180.9 million or $0.68 from $506.7 million or $1.80 per share last year. Adjusted net income was $1.14 per share.

On average, 21 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $1.20 per share. Analysts estimates usually exclude special items.

Revenue for the quarter increased 6.3 percent to $20.187 million from $18.984 million last year. Wall Street expected revenue of $19.90 billion.

Looking ahead, the company expects net income, including amortization charges of $0.45 per share, to be greater than $10.35 per share and adjusted net income to be greater than $10.80 per share. Operating revenue is exepcted to be in the range of $80 to $81 billion. Street expects $10.88 billion.