UPDATE: UnitedHealth Reports 12.8% Increase In Q2 Earnings, Lifts Forecast

UnitedHealth Group Inc UNH reported a 12.8% rise in its second-quarter earnings. UnitedHealth's quarterly earnings surged to $1.27 billion, or $1.16 per share, from $1.12 billion, or $0.99 per share, in the year-ago period. Its revenue climbed to $25.2 billion from $23.3 billion. Analysts were expecting earnings of $0.91 per share. The company also lifted its full-year 2011 revenue projections to $101 billion. It now expects net earnings in the range of $4.15 to $4.25 per share, up from earlier forecast of $3.95 to $4.05 per share. Analysts project full-year earnings of $4.20 per share. UNH shares dropped 0.04% to close at $51.95 yesterday.