Global health services company Cigna Corporation reported solid third quarter 2020 performance led by strong execution by its Evernorth segment.
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Nov. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --
- Total revenues in the third quarter were $41.0 billion. Adjusted revenues1 were $40.8 billion.
- Shareholders’ net income for the third quarter was $1.4 billion, or $3.78 per share
- Adjusted income from operations2 for the third quarter was $1.6 billion, or $4.41 per share
- Adjusted income from operations2,3 is projected to be in the range of $18.30 to $18.60 per share in 20203
Global health services company Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) today reported solid third quarter 2020 performance led by strong execution by its Evernorth segment.
“In these dynamic and challenging times, we at Cigna continue to act as champions for our customers, clients, and communities as we deliver on our promises to make health care more affordable, predictable and simple,” said David M. Cordani, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We delivered attractive revenue growth and strong earnings, while further improving our capital position, driving strategic flexibility. Additionally, our launch of Evernorth accelerates our strategy, broadens our reach and expands our opportunities for growth, further enhancing the value we deliver to the marketplace each and every day.”
Total revenues for third quarter 2020 were $41.0 billion. Adjusted revenues1 were $40.8 billion and reflect strong contributions from each of Cigna’s ongoing businesses.
Shareholders’ net income for third quarter 2020 was $1.4 billion, or $3.78 per share, compared with $1.4 billion, or $3.57 per share, for third quarter 2019.
Cigna’s adjusted income from operations2 for third quarter 2020 was $1.6 billion, or $4.41 per share, compared with $1.7 billion, or $4.54 per share, for third quarter 2019 reflecting strong fundamental performance across our businesses as well as the return of medical utilization to more typical levels and COVID-19 related impacts.
Reconciliations of total revenues to adjusted revenues1 and of shareholders’ net income to adjusted income from operations2 are provided on the following page and on Exhibit 1 of this earnings release.
CONSOLIDATED HIGHLIGHTS
The following table includes highlights of results and reconciliations of total revenues to adjusted revenues1 and shareholders’ net income to adjusted income from operations2:
Consolidated Financial Results (dollars in millions): | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months | |||||||||||
September 30, | June 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||
Total Revenues | $ | 40,955 | $ | 38,556 | $ | 39,265 | $ | 118,689 | ||||
Net Realized Investment (Gains) Losses from Equity Method Investments1 | (37) | (5) | (60) | (87) | ||||||||
Special Items1 | (117) | — | — | (204) | ||||||||
Transitioning Client Contributions1 | — | (2,718) | — | — | ||||||||
Adjusted Revenues1 | $ | 40,801 | $ | 35,833 | $ | 39,205 | $ | 118,398 | ||||
Consolidated Earnings, net of taxes | ||||||||||||
Shareholders’ Net Income | $ | 1,388 | $ | 1,351 | $ | 1,754 | $ | 4,323 | ||||
Net Realized Investment (Gains) Losses2 | (64) | (49) | (88) | (75) | ||||||||
Amortization of Other Acquired Intangible Assets2 | 376 | 558 | 376 | 1,061 | ||||||||
Special Items2 | (82) | 65 | 110 | 219 | ||||||||
Transitioning Client Contributions1,2 | — | (207) | — | — | ||||||||
Adjusted Income from Operations2 | $ | 1,618 | $ | 1,718 | $ | 2,152 | $ | 5,528 | ||||
Shareholders’ Net Income, per share | $ | 3.78 | $ | 3.57 | $ | 4.73 | $ | 11.66 | ||||
Adjusted Income from Operations2, per share | $ | 4.41 | $ | 4.54 | $ | 5.81 | $ | 14.91 |
- Cigna’s third quarter results reflect revenue growth driven by strong fundamental performance across our businesses led by our Evernorth segment. Third quarter earnings reflect the return of medical utilization to more typical levels and COVID-19 related impacts, as well as focused execution in our businesses.
- Year to date through November 4, 2020, the Company repurchased 16.0 million shares of common stock for approximately $2.9 billion.
- The debt to capitalization ratio decreased to 42.8% at September 30, 2020 from 45.2% at December 31, 2019.
- The SG&A expense ratio4 was 8.1% for third quarter 2020, a decrease from 9.2% for third quarter 2019, driven by significant revenue growth and continued expense efficiency.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
The following table summarizes Cigna’s medical customers and overall customer relationships:
Customer Relationships (in thousands): | ||||||||
As of the Periods Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | June 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||
Total Customer Relationships | 189,702 | 169,712 | 188,211 | 171,760 | ||||
Total Pharmacy Customers5 | 86,604 | 75,663 | 84,919 | 75,903 | ||||
U.S. Commercial6 | 13,901 | 14,121 | 14,000 | 14,187 | ||||
U.S. Government6 | 1,413 | 1,374 | 1,415 | 1,361 | ||||
International Markets | 1,668 | 1,576 | 1,668 | 1,597 | ||||
Total Medical Customers5 | 16,982 | 17,071 | 17,083 | 17,145 | ||||
Behavioral Care | 37,236 | 28,744 | 37,061 | 30,361 | ||||
Dental | 17,671 | 17,079 | 17,850 | 17,231 | ||||
Medicare Part D | 3,296 | 3,269 | 3,300 | 3,276 | ||||
International Markets Supplemental Policies5,7 | 12,013 | 12,486 | 12,098 | 12,444 | ||||
Group Disability and Life Covered Lives5 | 15,900 | 15,400 | 15,900 | 15,400 |
- The pharmacy customer base5 at third quarter 2020 grew to 86.6 million, an organic increase of 10.7 million customers year to date, driven by strong new health plan sales.
- The total medical customer base5 at third quarter 2020 was 17.0 million, a decrease of 163,000 customers year to date, driven by a decline in National Accounts, partially offset by growth in the Select and International Markets segments and in Medicare Advantage.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SEGMENT RESULTS
See Exhibit 1 for a reconciliation of adjusted income (loss) from operations2 to shareholders’ net income.
Evernorth6
This segment includes a broad range of coordinated and point solution health services, including pharmacy services, benefits management, care solutions and data and analytics, which are provided to health plans, employers, government organizations, and health care providers.
Financial Results (dollars in millions): | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months | |||||||||||
September 30, | June 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||
Adjusted Revenues1 | $ | 29,827 | $ | 24,880 | $ | 28,602 | $ | 85,597 | ||||
Adjusted Income from Operations, Pre-Tax2 | $ | 1,443 | $ | 1,399 | $ | 1,249 | $ | 3,774 | ||||
Adjusted Margin, Pre-Tax8 | 4.8% | 5.6% | 4.4% | 4.4% |
- Third quarter 2020 adjusted revenues1 increased 20% relative to third quarter 2019 driven by the insourcing of U.S. Medical pharmacy volumes and strong organic growth, including growth in retail network and specialty pharmacy services.
- Third quarter adjusted income from operations, pre-tax2 increased 3% relative to third quarter 2019, reflecting customer growth, higher adjusted pharmacy scripts volumes, benefits from the effective management of the supply chain, and continued strong performance in specialty pharmacy services, partially offset by increased operating expenses to support growth.
- Evernorth fulfilled 381 million adjusted pharmacy scripts9 in third quarter 2020, an increase of 22% over third quarter 2019 driven by the insourcing of U.S. Medical pharmacy volumes and strong organic growth.
U.S. Medical6
This segment includes Cigna’s U.S. Commercial and U.S. Government businesses that provide comprehensive medical and coordinated solutions to clients and customers. U.S. Commercial products and services include medical, pharmacy, behavioral health, dental, vision, health advocacy programs and other products and services for insured and self-insured customers. U.S. Government solutions include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D plans for seniors, Medicaid plans, and individual health insurance plans both on and off the public exchanges.
Financial Results (dollars in millions): | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months | |||||||||||
September 30, | June 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||
Adjusted Revenues1 | $ | 9,629 | $ | 9,148 | $ | 9,237 | $ | 28,726 | ||||
Adjusted Income from Operations, Pre-Tax2 | $ | 757 | $ | 953 | $ | 1,523 | $ | 3,479 | ||||
Adjusted Margin, Pre-Tax8 | 7.9% | 10.4% | 16.5% | 12.1% |
- Third quarter 2020 adjusted revenues1 grew 5% over third quarter 2019, reflecting customer growth in the Select segment and Medicare Advantage, as well as premium increases.
- Third quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² and adjusted margin, pre-tax8 reflect unfavorable prior period development primarily related to second quarter 2020, COVID-19 related impacts, and the return of the health insurance tax. COVID-19 related impacts include the net impact of the return of medical utilization to more typical levels and direct COVID-19 costs as well as the costs of actions we have taken to support customers and providers, decreased specialty contributions, and lower net investment income.
- The medical care ratio4 (“MCR”) of 82.6% for third quarter 2020 reflects continued effective execution in our U.S. Commercial and U.S. Government segments. The third quarter 2020 MCR increased relative to third quarter 2019 due to unfavorable prior period development primarily related to second quarter 2020 and COVID-19 related impacts, partially offset by the pricing effect of the health insurance tax.
- U.S. Medical net medical costs payable10 was $2.97 billion at September 30, 2020, $2.73 billion at September 30, 2019, and $2.59 billion at December 31, 2019. Favorable prior year reserve development on a gross pre-tax basis was $126 million and $159 million through third quarter 2020 and 2019, respectively.
International Markets
This segment includes supplemental health, life and accident insurance products and health care coverage in Cigna’s international markets, as well as health care benefits for globally mobile individuals and employees of multinational organizations.
Financial Results (dollars in millions): | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months | |||||||||||
September 30, | June 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||
Adjusted Revenues1,7 | $ | 1,440 | $ | 1,402 | $ | 1,432 | $ | 4,342 | ||||
Adjusted Income from Operations, Pre-Tax2 | $ | 208 | $ | 194 | $ | 319 | $ | 809 | ||||
Adjusted Margin, Pre-Tax8 | 14.4% | 13.8% | 22.3% | 18.6% |
- Third quarter 2020 adjusted revenues1,7 grew 3% over third quarter 2019, reflecting continued business growth.
- Third quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax2 and adjusted margin, pre-tax8 reflect continued operational efficiency, lower claim levels driven by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and business growth.
Group Disability and Other Operations
This segment includes Cigna’s Group Disability and Life business which offers group long-term and short-term disability, and group life, accident, voluntary and specialty insurance products and services. Additionally, this segment includes Corporate Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”) and the Company’s run-off operations.
Financial Results (dollars in millions): | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months | |||||||||||
September 30, | June 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||
Adjusted Revenues1 | $ | 1,314 | $ | 1,284 | $ | 1,328 | $ | 3,981 | ||||
Adjusted Income from Operations, Pre-Tax2 | $ | 70 | $ | 143 | $ | 132 | $ | 279 | ||||
Adjusted Margin, Pre-Tax8 | 5.3% | 11.1% | 9.9% | 7.0% |
- Third quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax2 and adjusted margin, pre-tax8 reflect elevated claims in Cigna’s Life business primarily related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- On December 18, 2019, Cigna announced a definitive agreement whereby New York Life will acquire Cigna’s Group Disability and Life business for $6.3 billion. Cigna continues to expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2020, subject to applicable regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Corporate
Corporate reflects interest expense, as well as amounts not allocated to operating segments and includes intersegment eliminations.
Financial Results (dollars in millions): | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months | |||||||||||
September 30, | June 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||
Adjusted (Loss) from Operations, Pre-Tax2 | $ | (366) | $ | (442) | $ | (400) | $ | (1,171) |
- Third quarter 2020 adjusted loss from operations, pre-tax2 decreased relative to third quarter 2019 as a result of lower interest expense.
2020 OUTLOOK
Cigna’s outlook for full year 2020 adjusted revenues1,3 is approximately $158 billion. Cigna’s outlook for full year 2020 consolidated adjusted income from operations2,3 on a per share basis is in the range of $18.30 to $18.60 per share. Cigna’s outlook excludes potential effects of any future share repurchase3. Also, while Cigna continues to expect to close the sale of Cigna’s Group Disability and Life business in the fourth quarter of 2020, Cigna’s outlook assumes a full year of contributions from the Group Disability and Life business.
The foregoing statements represent the Company’s current estimates of Cigna’s 2020 consolidated adjusted revenues1,3 and adjusted income from operations2,3 on a per share basis as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially depending on a number of factors. Investors are urged to read the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included in this release. Management does not assume any obligation to update these estimates.
This quarterly earnings release and the Quarterly Financial Supplement are available on Cigna’s website in the Investor Relations section (https://www.cigna.com/aboutcigna/investors). Management will be hosting a conference call to review third quarter 2020 results and discuss full year 2020 outlook beginning today at 8:30 a.m. ET. A link to the conference call is available in the Investor Relations section of Cigna’s website located at https://www.cigna.com/aboutcigna/investors/events/index.page.
The call-in numbers for the conference call are as follows:
Live Call
(800) 857-1657 (Domestic)
(773) 799-3811 (International)
Passcode: 1152020
Replay
(800) 839-8789 (Domestic)
(203) 369-3037 (International)
It is strongly suggested you dial in to the conference call by 8:15 a.m. ET.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability and access to quality care through integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, Express Scripts companies or their affiliates, and Life Insurance Company of North America. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance.
Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has approximately 190 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
Notes: | |||
1. | At the consolidated level, the measure “adjusted revenues” is not determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and should not be viewed as a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP measure, “total revenues.” Cigna defines adjusted revenues as total revenues excluding net realized investment results from equity method investments and special items. Special items are identified in Exhibit 1 of this earnings release. For periods prior to 2020, Cigna also excludes revenue contributions from transitioning pharmacy benefit management clients, Anthem Inc. and Coventry Health Care, Inc. (the “transitioning clients”). Cigna excludes these items from this measure because they are not indicative of past or future underlying performance of the business. See Exhibit 1 for a reconciliation of consolidated adjusted revenues to total revenues. | ||
2. | Adjusted income (loss) from operations is defined as shareholders’ net income (loss) excluding the following adjustments: net realized investment results, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and special items. For periods prior to 2020, Cigna also excludes earnings contributions from transitioning clients. Adjusted income (loss) from operations is measured on an after-tax basis for consolidated results and on a pre-tax basis for segment results. | ||
Adjusted income (loss) from operations is a measure of profitability used by Cigna’s management because it presents the underlying results of operations of Cigna’s businesses and permits analysis of trends in underlying revenue, expenses and shareholders’ net income. This consolidated measure is not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP measure, shareholders’ net income. See Exhibit 1 for a reconciliation of consolidated adjusted income from operations to shareholders’ net income. | |||
3. | Certain adjusted metrics presented for 2019 exclude contributions from transitioning clients. As previously disclosed, beginning in 2020, Cigna no longer excludes contributions from transitioning clients from its adjusted metrics, as the transition for those clients was substantially complete as of December 31, 2019. | ||
Management is not able to provide a reconciliation of adjusted income from operations to shareholders’ net income (loss) or adjusted revenues to total revenues on a forward-looking basis because it is unable to predict, without unreasonable effort, certain components thereof including (i) future net realized investment results (from equity method investments with respect to adjusted revenues) and (ii) future special items. These items are inherently uncertain and depend on various factors, many of which are beyond Cigna’s control. As such, any associated estimate and its impact on shareholders’ net income and total revenues could vary materially. | |||
The Company’s outlook excludes the potential effects of any share repurchases or business combinations that may occur after the date of this earnings release. Additionally, the Company’s outlook assumes a full year of contributions from Cigna’s Group Disability and Life business. | |||
4. | Operating ratios are defined as follows: | ||
• | Medical care ratio represents medical costs as a percentage of premiums for all U.S. commercial risk products, including medical, pharmacy, dental, stop loss and behavioral products provided through guaranteed cost or experience-rated funding arrangements, as well as Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Medicare Supplement, Medicaid, and individual on and off-exchange products, within Cigna’s U.S. Medical segment. | ||
• | SG&A expense ratio represents enterprise selling, general and administrative expenses excluding special items and, prior to 2020, expenses from transitioning clients, as a percentage of adjusted revenue at a consolidated level. | ||
5. | Customer relationships are defined as follows: | ||
• | Total medical customers includes individuals in Cigna’s U.S. Medical and International Markets segments who meet any one of the following criteria: are covered under a medical insurance policy, managed care arrangement, or service agreement issued by Cigna; have access to Cigna’s provider network for covered services under their medical plan; or have medical claims and services that are administered by Cigna. | ||
• | Pharmacy customer relationships for periods prior to 2020 excludes transitioning clients. | ||
• | International Markets medical customers excludes medical customers served by less than 100% owned subsidiaries. | ||
• | International Markets supplemental policies exclude International Markets medical customers included in total medical customers. | ||
• | Group Disability and Life covered lives are estimated. | ||
6. | As of the third quarter 2020, the segment previously reported as “Health Services” is reported as “Evernorth”, and the segment previously reported as “Integrated Medical” is reported as “U.S. Medical”. Additionally, U.S. Medical’s two operating segments previously reported as “Commercial” and “Government” are now reported as “U.S. Commercial” and “U.S. Government”. There are no changes to the underlying businesses reported in any of these segments. | ||
7. | Cigna owns a 50% non-controlling interest in its China joint venture. Cigna’s 50% share of the joint venture’s earnings is reported in Fees and Other Revenues using the equity method of accounting under GAAP. As such, the adjusted revenues and policy counts for the International Markets segment do not include the China joint venture. | ||
8. | Adjusted margin, pre-tax, is calculated by dividing adjusted income (loss) from operations, pre-tax by adjusted revenues for each segment. | ||
Adjusted margin, after-tax, is calculated by dividing consolidated adjusted income (loss) from operations by consolidated adjusted revenues. Adjusted income (loss) from operations is measured on an after-tax basis for consolidated results. | |||
9. | For Evernorth adjusted pharmacy scripts, non-specialty network scripts filled through 90-day programs and home delivery scripts are multiplied by three. All other network and specialty scripts are counted as one script. | ||
10. | Medical costs payable within the U.S. Medical segment are presented net of reinsurance and other recoverables. The gross medical costs payable balance was $3.20 billion as of September 30, 2020, $2.89 billion as of December 31, 2019, and $3.06 billion as of September 30, 2019. |
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release, and oral statements made in connection with this release, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on Cigna’s current expectations and projections about future trends, events and uncertainties. These statements are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements concerning our projected consolidated adjusted income from operations outlook for 2020 on a per share basis; projected adjusted revenue outlook for 2020; future financial or operating performance, including our ability to deliver affordable, personalized and innovative solutions for our customers and clients, in light of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; future growth, business strategy, strategic or operational initiatives, including our organizational efficiency plan; economic, regulatory or competitive environments, particularly with respect to the pace and extent of change in these areas; financing or capital deployment plans and amounts available for future deployment; our prospects for growth in the coming years; strategic transactions, including the merger (the “Merger”) with Express Scripts Holding Company and the sale of our U.S. Group Disability and Life business; our ongoing operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and other statements regarding Cigna’s future beliefs, expectations, plans, intentions, financial condition or performance. You may identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “may,” “should,” “will” or other words or expressions of similar meaning, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: our ability to achieve our financial, strategic and operational plans or initiatives; our ability to predict and manage medical and pharmacy costs and price effectively; our ability to adapt to changes or trends in an evolving and rapidly changing industry; our ability to effectively differentiate our products and services from those of our competitors and maintain or increase market share; our ability to develop and maintain good relationships with physicians, hospitals, other health care providers, producers, consultants, and pharmaceutical manufacturers; changes in the pharmacy provider marketplace or pharmacy networks; changes in drug pricing; the impact of modifications to our operations and processes; our ability to identify potential strategic transactions and realize the expected benefits (including anticipated synergies) of such transactions in full or within the anticipated time frame, including with respect to the Merger and the sale of our Group Disability and Life business, as well as our ability to integrate or separate operations, resources and systems; the substantial level of government regulation over our business and the potential effects of new laws or regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations; the outcome of litigation, regulatory audits, investigations, actions or guaranty fund assessments; uncertainties surrounding participation in government-sponsored programs such as Medicare; the effectiveness and security of our information technology and other business systems and those of our key suppliers or other third parties; the impact of our debt service obligations on the availability of funds for other business purposes; unfavorable industry, economic or political conditions, including foreign currency movements; acts of civil unrest, war, terrorism, natural disasters or pandemics; reinsurance credit risk; the scale and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on our business, operating results, cash flows and financial condition, as well as on our employees, clients, customers, suppliers and partners and on the U.S. and global economies; as well as more specific risks and uncertainties discussed in our most recent report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K available through the Investor Relations section of www.cigna.com. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, are not guarantees of future performance or results, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Cigna undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
Alexis Jones
215-761-3637
alexis.jones@cigna.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ellie Polack
860-902-4906
elinor.polack@cigna.com
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SOURCE Cigna
Company Codes: NYSE:CI