Emergency Medical Services Corp. (EMS) announced Tuesday that its second quarter profit increased from last year, boosted by higher rates and volumes on its contracts, gains on insurance collateral investments and lower interest expense. The company also raised its earnings outlook for the full year 2008.
Net income for the second quarter was $18.3 million or $0.43 per share, up from $15.1 million or $0.35 per share in the prior year quarter. On average, eight analysts polled by First Call/Thomson Financial expected the company to earn $0.39 per share for the second quarter.
Net revenue increased 10.5% to $571.1 million from $516.7 million in the same quarter of last year. Eight analysts had a consensus revenue estimate of $566.97 million for the second quarter.
For the first six months of 2008, net income was $35.4 million or $0.82 per share, compared to $31.7 million or $0.74 per share in the previous year period.
Net revenue for the year-to-date period increased 9.3% to $1.14 billion from $1.04 billion in the preceding year period.
For the full year 2008, the company has raised its earnings outlook to a range of $1.70 to $1.75 per share from its prior estimate of $1.57 to $1.63 per share. Street expects earnings of $1.62 per share for the year.
EMS is currently trading at $28.63, up 83 cents or 3.10%.
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