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LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Health insurer Sierra Health Services Inc. narrowed its full-year profit forecast Monday, saying its products have stayed popular in the face of growing competition, but losses from its enhanced Medicare drug plan have increased. Sierra now expects to earn between $1.82 and $1.84 per share for the year 2007, down from a forecast of $1.80 to $1.86 per share in July. It forecast a larger loss from the Medicare prescription drug product, but the company said it has weathered challenges from earlier in the year, including greater competition. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect Sierra to report a profit of $2.28 per share. Sierra Health accepted a $2.6 billion buyout bid from UnitedHealth Group Inc. in March, and expects the deal to close during the fourth quarter. The stock slipped 50 cents, to $41.50, in aftermarket electronic trading. Shares closed at $42.
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