UPDATE: WellPoint Reports Better-Than-Expected Q1 Earnings, Raises Earnings Forecast

WellPoint Inc WLP reported a 6% rise in its first-quarter net profit. WLP's net profit came in at $927 million, or $2.44 per share, up from $877 million, or $1.96 per share, in the year-ago period. The latest quarter results included an investment gain of $0.09 per share. Excluding one-time items, the company's earnings came in at $2.35 per share. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $1.89 per share. The company's total operating revenue dropped 1.3% to $14.65 billion. WellPoint also raised its full-year earnings forecast. WLP shares gained 1.05% to close at $72.97 yesterday. Read more from Benzinga's Company news.