Aetna Reports Third-Quarter 2008 Results

HARTFORD, Conn., Oct 29, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- --Net income was $0.58 per share, a 39 percent decrease over the prior-year quarter; primarily as a result of net realized capital losses --Net realized capital losses totaled $232 million after tax; capital adequacy and holding company liquidity remain strong --Medical membership increased by 169,000 to 17.7 million in the third quarter of 2008 --Commercial Medical Benefit Ratio was 79.2 percent, excluding unfavorable reserve development --Guidance: full-year 2008 operating earnings per share projected to be $3.

90 to $3.95, a decrease from prior guidance due primarily to lower fourth quarter net investment income --Preliminary 2009 guidance: operating earnings per share projected to increase 3 to 5 percent over full-year 2008 operating earnings per share guidance. This includes a projected $0.30 to $0.40 per share increase in the company's 2009 pension expense driven by 2008 equity market performa...
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