Cigna (NYSE:CI) reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results, with adjusted operating earnings reaching $8.08 per share, surpassing Bloomberg consensus forecasts of $7.88 per share.
The health insurer posted adjusted revenue of $72.50 billion for the quarter, representing a 10% increase compared with the same period a year earlier and exceeding analyst expectations of $69.53 billion.
Cigna’s medical care ratio — which reflects the portion of insurance premiums spent on healthcare services — stood at 88% for the quarter. This compares with 87.9% in the prior year and was slightly above market expectations of 87.4%. A higher ratio generally indicates that a greater share of premium income is being directed toward medical costs rather than administrative expenses or profit.
Looking ahead, Cigna forecast adjusted operating earnings of at least $30.25 per share for fiscal 2026, alongside projected adjusted revenue of approximately $280 billion. The company expects its full-year medical care ratio to fall within a range of 83.0% to 84.7%.
Cigna shares edged slightly higher in premarket U.S. trading on Thursday following the earnings release.