Anthem raises dividend almost 43 pct, tops 4Q forecasts

FILE - In this Dec. 3, 2014 file photo, a pedestrian walks past the corporate headquarters of health insurer Anthem, in Indianapolis. Anthem reports quarterly financial results on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File) FILE - In this Dec. 3, 2014 file photo, a pedestrian walks past the corporate headquarters of health insurer Anthem, in Indianapolis. Anthem reports quarterly financial results on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

By Associated Press January 28, 2015 1 min read

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Anthem is hiking the quarterly dividend it pays shareholders nearly 43 percent after reporting fourth-quarter results that topped Wall Street expectations.

The nation’s second-largest health insurer says it will begin offering a payout of 62.5 cents per share, up from its previous dividend of 43.75 cents per share.

The Indianapolis company also says its net income more than tripled in the fourth quarter to $506.7 million, or $1.80 per share. Adjusted earnings totaled $1.73 per share, which beat average analyst expectations by a penny.

Anthem Inc. runs Blue Cross-Blue Shield coverage in several states. The insurer changed its name late last year from WellPoint to reflect a brand that is more familiar to consumers in part because it sells coverage on the health care overhaul’s public insurance exchanges.