Key insights
- Cigna reported strong Q1 earnings, beating estimates and raising its full-year outlook. Cigna Healthcare's improved medical care ratio drove profitability, while Evernorth Health Services saw revenue growth. Despite the positive results, shares declined slightly. The raised guidance, though marginally above consensus, signals continued confidence and could positively influence the healthcare sector.
Investing.com -- The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI) reported first-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations, with adjusted earnings per share of $7.79, beating the consensus estimate of $7.61 by $0.18.
Revenue for the quarter rose 5% YoY to $68.5 billion, surpassing the analyst consensus of $66.2 billion. The company raised its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings outlook to at least $30.35 per share, up $0.10 from its prior projection. The midpoint of this guidance slightly exceeds the analyst consensus of $30.33. Shares declined 0.1% following the announcement.
"Our strong first quarter results were driven by disciplined execution, deliberate portfolio shaping and a continued focus on targeted innovation," said David M. Cordani, chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group.
Adjusted income from operations increased 12% to $2.1 billion compared to $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The improvement was driven by higher contributions primarily from Cigna Healthcare, as well as Evernorth Health Services.
Cigna Healthcare’s adjusted income from operations, pre-tax, increased 18% to $1.5 billion, driven by improved margins across both U.S. Employer and Individual and Family Plan businesses. The segment’s medical care ratio improved to 79.8% from 82.2% in the prior year quarter. However, adjusted revenues for the segment decreased 21% to $11.5 billion, primarily reflecting the impact of the HCSC transaction.
Evernorth Health Services reported adjusted revenues of $58.4 billion, up 9% YoY, with adjusted income from operations, pre-tax, rising 2% to $1.5 billion. Specialty and Care Services adjusted income from operations, pre-tax, increased 20% to $1.1 billion, reflecting strong organic growth in specialty businesses and increased generic and biosimilar adoption.
Total medical customers increased 1% to 18.3 million at quarter end, while total pharmacy customers decreased 2% to 121.0 million.