HARTFORD, Conn. — Health insurer Aetna says its fourth quarter net income rose 30 percent as it benefited from higher pricing and a slowdown in health care use that also has helped its competitors.

The Hartford, Conn., insurer said today it earned $215.6 million, or 53 cents per share, in the three months that ended Dec. 31. That’s up from $165.9 million, or 38 cents per share, in the same period last year. Revenue was down 2 percent to $8.54 billion.

The company earned 63 cents per share, excluding charges. Analysts forecast earnings of 62 cents per share on $8.32 billion in revenue.

Aetna also is increasing its dividend to shareholders.

By The Associated Press