PacifiCare Health CFO to Step Down

PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. said Thursday that its chief financial officer will step down as the managed-care company repeated its forecast for reduced operating profit and a charge in the fourth quarter.

Wayne Lowell, 42, said he will leave to pursue other interests. He will remain with the company until a replacement is found and during a transition period, PacifiCare said. The departure comes as PacifiCare, based in Santa Ana, is under fire for problems at FHP International Inc., which it acquired a year ago for $2.2 billion.

PacifiCare warned two months ago that losses from FHP’s Utah unit will cut profit in the fourth quarter and trim earnings until the unit is sold.

PacifiCare Class B nonvoting shares fell $1.88 to $58.13. The Class A voting shares fell $1.75 to $57.25.