Cigna raises annual profit forecast on strength in health services unit
CI•Cigna raised its 2026 adjusted profit forecast to at least $30.60 per share after beating third-quarter estimates. Adjusted revenue rose 6% to $73.79 billion, and adjusted earnings were $7.98 per share.
1. Raised profit forecast
Cigna now expects 2026 adjusted profit of at least $30.60 per share, 15 cents above its previous forecast. Analysts had expected $30.51 per share. Third-quarter adjusted earnings were $7.98 per share, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $7.50.
2. Revenue and health services
Total quarterly adjusted revenue rose 6% year over year to $73.79 billion, topping analysts’ estimate of $72.72 billion. Evernorth Health Services, which includes Cigna’s pharmacy-benefit, specialty-pharmacy and care-services businesses, reported adjusted revenue of $63.77 billion, up about 6%.
3. Business focus
Cigna has shifted its focus to employer-sponsored healthcare and pharmacy benefits management as it reduces exposure to government-backed health plans. Its medical loss ratio rose to 85% from 84.8% a year earlier, while analysts had expected 85.18%. Cigna expects its specialty and care-services business to account for more than 40% of total earnings by 2030.
