Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) shares gained 1.5% in premarket trading on Thursday after the US health insurer reported third-quarter earnings and revenue above analysts’ expectations and raised its adjusted earnings guidance for 2026.
The company reported adjusted earnings of $7.98 per share, exceeding the consensus estimate of $7.52. Quarterly revenue increased 6% year over year to $73.7 billion, compared with analysts’ expectations of $72.65 billion.
Cigna also increased its full-year adjusted earnings forecast to $30.60 per share, up $0.15 from its previous guidance and above the market consensus of $30.51.
Third-Quarter Revenue Increases 6%
Cigna generated third-quarter revenue of $73.7 billion, representing a 6% increase from the corresponding period last year.
The result exceeded analysts’ revenue forecast of $72.65 billion by approximately $1.05 billion.
Adjusted earnings per share reached $7.98, compared with the consensus estimate of $7.52, a difference of $0.46 per share.
The results reflected revenue growth across the company’s two principal operating businesses, Evernorth Health Services and Cigna Healthcare.
However, profitability trends differed between the segments, with Evernorth reporting a decline in adjusted pretax operating income despite higher revenue.
Evernorth Revenue Rises While Operating Profit Declines
Evernorth Health Services, which includes Cigna’s pharmacy benefit management operations, reported a 6% increase in adjusted revenue during the third quarter.
The business provides pharmacy-related and other healthcare services.
Despite the increase in revenue, Evernorth’s adjusted pretax income from operations declined 4% compared with the previous year.
The figures indicate that revenue growth did not translate into higher adjusted operating profit for the segment during the period.
The company did not provide further details in the reported figures about the specific factors contributing to the decline in Evernorth’s adjusted pretax operating income.
Cigna Healthcare Revenue Grows 9%
Cigna Healthcare, the company’s health insurance business, recorded a 9% increase in adjusted revenue during the quarter.
The increase was primarily attributed to higher insurance premium rates introduced to account for expected increases in medical costs.
Premium pricing is one of the mechanisms insurers use to reflect anticipated healthcare expenses when establishing coverage rates.
The segment’s revenue growth therefore reflected pricing adjustments intended to address changes in expected medical spending.
The reported information did not include a separate adjusted operating income figure for Cigna Healthcare or additional details about membership trends.
Cigna Raises Full-Year Adjusted Earnings Guidance
Following the third-quarter results, Cigna increased its adjusted earnings outlook for 2026.
The company now expects adjusted earnings of $30.60 per share for the full year, compared with its previous forecast of $30.45.
The revised guidance represents an increase of $0.15 per share and exceeds the analyst consensus estimate of $30.51.
The adjustment follows the company’s third-quarter performance, during which both adjusted earnings per share and revenue exceeded market expectations.
The company did not announce a revised full-year revenue forecast in the information provided.
Cigna Outlook
Cigna’s third-quarter results showed a 6% increase in consolidated revenue to $73.7 billion, alongside adjusted earnings of $7.98 per share, above analysts’ forecasts.
Both principal business segments recorded revenue growth. Evernorth Health Services reported a 6% increase in adjusted revenue but a 4% decline in adjusted pretax operating income, while Cigna Healthcare recorded 9% adjusted revenue growth, primarily reflecting higher premium rates.
The company raised its full-year adjusted earnings forecast to $30.60 per share, exceeding the market consensus of $30.51.
Investors will continue to assess earnings performance across Cigna’s healthcare services and insurance operations, including the relationship between premium pricing, medical costs and segment profitability.