Cigna Group Raises 2026 Profit Guidance Following Strong First Quarter Growth

Cigna Group (CI) reported a robust start to the fiscal year, posting increased net income and revenue for the first quarter. Based on these results, the healthcare giant has upwardly revised its adjusted income from operations outlook for the full year 2026. The company's diversified portfolio continues to show resilience, with strong contributions from both Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services. This growth comes despite some headwinds, including the impact of the HCSC transaction. For the first quarter, shareholders' net income rose to $1.65 billion, or $6.26 per share, compared to $1.32 billion or $4.85 per share in the prior year. Adjusted income from operations grew 12% year-over-year to $2.06 billion, or $7.79 per share. Total revenue for the period increased 4.6% to $68.494 billion, up from $65.502 billion last year. Cigna now expects FY2026 adjusted income from operations to be at least $30.35 per share, a slight increase from its previous forecast of $30.25 per share. For comparison, adjusted income from operations in fiscal 2025 was $8.014 billion, or $29.84 per share. Operational metrics showed a mixed trend; while total customer relationships grew to 185.47 million, pharmacy customers saw a decline to 121.02 million. Conversely, total medical customers increased to 18.33 million. Despite the positive guidance and earnings beat, shares traded slightly lower in pre-market activity at $290.00, down 0.85%.