PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. of Cypress reaffirmed Wall Street’s outlook for the health plan provider in 2005.
The company said it sees growth in its commercial membership,plans offered by employers to their workers,growing this year.
Total revenue for the year could rise 15% from 2004 to $14 billion, PacifiCare said.
Earnings for the year could be $360 million to $375 million. The estimate includes projected first-quarter profit of about $72 million.
PacifiCare shares closed up 1% on Tuesday to nearly $59.
The company, which provides health plans to Medicare enrollees as well as employers, said it has about 3 million members.
Growth in commercial membership,a key effort for PacifiCare as it tries to lessen its reliance on Medicare,is seen at 3% to 3.5% this year, the company said.
Much of the insurer’s enrollment comes from seniors in the government-backed Medicare program.
