Aetna's quarterly profit beats estimates

U.S. health insurer Aetna Inc. reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit as memberships grew in its government business, which sells Medicaid and Medicare plans. The company, which is fighting a U.S. government lawsuit aimed at blocking its $34 billion Humana Inc. deal, said its net income rose to $603.9 million, or $1.70 per share, in the quarter, from $560.1 million, or $1.59 per share, a year earlier.