Aetna Profit Climbs 21% on Membership Gains

Aetna Inc., the third-largest U.S. health insurer, said fourth-quarter earnings jumped 21% because of an increase in enrollment and premiums. The company split its stock and doubled its dividend payout.

Net income rose to $300.7 million, or $1.95 a share, from $249.5 million, or $1.56, a year earlier, Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna said. Revenue climbed 13% to $5.2 billion.

Aetna said enrollment in its medical plans rose 5% last year, the first increase since 1999, and it forecast an almost 8% rise for this year.

Aetna shares rose $5.43, or 4.2%, to $133.98 on the NYSE.