UPDATE: WellPoint Q3 Profit Declines 5.1%

WellPoint WLP reported a 5.1% drop in its third-quarter earnings. WellPoint now projects full-year adjusted earnings of at least $8.40 per share. WellPoint's quarterly profit fell to $656.2 million, from $691.2 million, in the year-ago period. On a per-share basis, its earnings climbed to $2.16 per share versus $2.15. Excluding one-time items, its adjusted earnings came in at $2.10 per share. Its total operating revenue climbed 17% to $17.73 billion. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $1.82 per share on revenue of $17.62 billion. WellPoint shares closed at $88.43 yesterday.