BUSINESS BRIEFING / EARNINGS
From Times Wire Reports
Molina Healthcare Inc. said its profit shrank in the fourth quarter on higher medical costs, though the health insurer’s performance still met Wall Street estimates.
For the period ended Dec. 31 the Long Beach company reported net income of $15.5 million, or 58 cents a share, compared with $17.9 million, or 63 cents, a year earlier. Revenue climbed to $812.5 million from $678.6 million on increased membership and higher premium payments. However, those gains were offset by higher expenses, which rose to $785 million from $648 million, driven by rising medical costs.
Shares of Molina rose 37 cents to $19.20.
