LOUISVILLE, Ky. (

TheStreet

) --

Humana

(HUM) - Get Report

said fourth-quarter earnings rose to $250.7 million, or $1.48 a share, from $174.1 million, or $1.03 a share, on lower prescription drug plan claim expenses.

The fourth-quarter earnings met the estimates of analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters.

Humana said Monday it anticipates 2010 earnings of $5.15 to $5.35 a share vs. its previous estimate of $5.05 to $5.25 a share. Humana said the increase reflects the expected retention of the company's South Region Tricare contract for an additional quarter during the year.

Analysts expect 2010 earnings of $5.41 a share.

Total revenue rose to $7.63 billion from $7.49 billion. Total premium and administrative services fees rose 2%.

-- Reported by Joseph Woelfel in New York.

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