The Wall Street Journal-20080124-Earnings Digest -- Financial Services- WellPoint Inc-

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Earnings Digest -- Financial Services: WellPoint Inc.

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WellPoint Inc. posted a 7.2% rise in fourth-quarter profit, reported an increase in enrollment, and reaffirmed its 2008 profit outlook, but the managed-care company caused concern with unexpectedly high medical costs relative to premium revenue. The ratio was 82.9%, up from 81% a year earlier. Executives of Indianapolis-based WellPoint voiced confidence that the company is in a good position this year as far as premium pricing and medical costs. The company trimmed its membership and revenue forecasts for 2008, as it plans to exit an Ohio Medicaid program.