INSURANCE

Aetna Profits Up in Second Quarter: The Hartford, Conn.-based insurance firm reported a profit of $146.1 million in the second quarter, compared to a net loss in the same period a year ago. Earnings came to $1.32 per share, compared to a loss of $45.2 million, or 41 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier. Aetna’s year-ago results included a $96-million, after-tax reorganization charge and an after-tax loss of $30 million on a financial guarantee. Income from continuing operations excluding capital gains and losses was $153 million in the quarter, compared to a $32-million year-ago loss, Aetna said. Revenue grew 2% to $4.33 billion from $4.26 billion. Excluding the year-ago reorganization charge, Aetna said earnings for health and life insurance increased 26% while financial services earned $17 million, compared to a loss of $22 million a year ago. Aetna earned $35 million in commercial property-casualty insurance, compared to a loss of $25 million a year ago. In personal property-casualty, earnings doubled to $12 million.