The increase in the fourth quarter of 2009 over the comparable period in 2008 was due to the effect of reserving at higher rates for new markets, the March 1, 2009 rate decrease for our CHIP/Perinate product in Texas which brought the HBR more in line with our normal range and the impact of additional costs related to the flu. We also experienced improvements in our ABD product, particularly in Ohio and South Carolina. Sequentially, the increase in the HBR reflects the impact of the aforementioned new markets, additional costs related to the flu along with the effect of rate increases, including the rate increase in Georgia for the period July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, recorded in the fourth quarter.
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Consolidated G&A expense as a percent of premium and service revenues was 12.7% in the fourth quarter of 2009, a decrease from 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2008. The reduction in the G&A ratio between years reflects improved leveraging of our costs over a higher revenue base and the impact of additional revenue from new business (Florida and South Carolina). | ||
Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $0.53, compared to $0.53 in the fourth quarter of 2008. When compared to the fourth quarter of 2008, we anticipated and experienced an increase in costs related to the flu of approximately $8.3 million. This was partially offset by decreases in pharmacy and other medical expense categories and a lower G&A expense ratio as discussed above. | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2009, Premium and Service Revenues increased 18.4% to $3.9 billion in 2009 from $3.3 billion in 2008. G&A expenses as a percent of Premium and Service Revenues decreased to 13.3% in 2009, compared to 13.6% in 2008. Earnings from operations increased to $138.1 million in 2009 from $131.6 million in 2008. Net earnings from continuing operations, were $86.1 million, or $1.94 per diluted share in 2009 compared to $84.2 million, or $1.90 per diluted share in 2008. | ||
Recording the Georgia premium rate increase for the period from July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 during the first quarter of 2008 had the effect of increasing our 2008 revenue and pre-tax earnings by $20.8 million, or $0.28 per diluted share. | ||
