Cigna Continues to Lead Response to COVID-19 and Delivers Strong First Quarter 2020 Results

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., April 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

• Total revenues in the first quarter were $38.5 billion. Adjusted revenues¹ were $38.4 billion.
• Shareholders' net income for the first quarter was $1.2 billion, or $3.15 per share
• Adjusted income from operations² for the first quarter was $1.8 billion, or $4.69 per share
• Adjusted income from operations^2,3 is projected to be in the range of $18.00 to $18.60 per share in 2020³

Global health service company Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) continues to lead a rapid response to the challenges presented by COVID-19 and today reported strong first quarter 2020 results driven by focused execution across its businesses.

"The world is facing an unprecedented health crisis from COVID-19, and Cigna recognizes the many challenges that our customers, clients, health care partners, and communities are facing.  We have always tackled the most complex health issues and are well prepared to continue meeting the needs of our customers and clients for greater affordability, predictability and simplicity, even in the most difficult times," said David M. Cordani, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Cigna entered 2020 with a long track record of growth, fueled by innovation and customer service.  We delivered first quarter results that build on that foundation, and we remain confident in the strength of our four well-positioned growth platforms."  

Total revenues for first quarter 2020 were $38.5 billion.  Adjusted revenues¹ were $38.4 billion and reflect strong contributions from each of Cigna's ongoing businesses.   

Shareholders' net income for first quarter 2020 was $1.2 billion, or $3.15 per share, compared with $1.4 billion, or $3.56 per share, for first quarter 2019.   

Cigna's adjusted income from operations² for first quarter 2020 was $1.8 billion, or $4.69 per share, compared with $1.5 billion, or $3.90 per share, for first quarter 2019.  This represents per share growth of 20% and reflects strong earnings contributions led by the Health Services, Integrated Medical, and International Markets segments. 

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:

• Cigna's first quarter results reflect strong revenue and earnings growth, driven by customer growth, focused execution, and ongoing innovation across our businesses. First quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations² also included a $48 million benefit from a favorable tax matter.
• Year to date through April 29, 2020, the Company repurchased 5.9 million shares of common stock for approximately $1.1 billion.
• The debt to capitalization ratio decreased to 44.7% at March 31, 2020, from 45.2% at December 31, 2019.
• The SG&A expense ratio⁴ was 8.5% for first quarter 2020, a decrease from 9.3% for first quarter 2019, driven by significant revenue growth and continued expense efficiency.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

The following table summarizes our medical customers and overall customer relationships:

• The pharmacy customer base⁵ at first quarter 2020 grew to 78.8 million, an organic increase of 2.9 million customers year to date, driven by strong new health plan sales.
• The total medical customer base⁵ at first quarter 2020 grew to 17.2 million, an organic increase of 73,000 customers year to date and 225,000 over first quarter 2019 driven by growth in Medicare Advantage and the Select and International segments, partially offset by a decline in National Accounts.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SEGMENT RESULTS

See Exhibit 1 for a reconciliation of adjusted income (loss) from operations² to shareholders' net income. 

Health Services

This segment includes a broad range of pharmacy services, including benefits management, specialty pharmacy services, clinical solutions, home delivery, and health management services.

• First quarter 2020 adjusted revenues¹ increased 21% relative to first quarter 2019, driven by growth in adjusted pharmacy script volumes, including the insourcing of Integrated Medical pharmacy volumes, as well as strong performance in specialty pharmacy services.
• First quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² increased 9% relative to first quarter 2019, reflecting growth in adjusted pharmacy script volumes, strong performance in specialty pharmacy services, and continued progress in integration and expense efficiency initiatives, partially offset by start-up costs associated with the Prime Therapeutics collaboration.
• Health Services fulfilled 360 million adjusted pharmacy scripts⁸ in first quarter 2020, an increase of 23% over first quarter 2019 driven by the insourcing of Integrated Medical pharmacy volumes and strong organic volume growth.

Integrated Medical

This segment includes Cigna's U.S. Commercial and Government businesses that provide comprehensive medical 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 to insured and self-insured customers.  Government solutions include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D plans for seniors, Medicaid plans, and individual health insurance coverage both on and off the public exchanges.

• First quarter 2020 adjusted revenues¹ increased 7% relative to first quarter 2019, reflecting customer growth in Medicare Advantage and in the Select segment and further deepening of relationships, as well as premium increases consistent with underlying cost trends.
• First quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² and adjusted margin, pre-tax⁷ reflect strong medical and specialty contributions, disciplined operating expense management, and continued effective medical cost management, partially offset by the resumption of the health insurance tax.
• Adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² for first quarter 2020 and first quarter 2019 included favorable prior year reserve development on a net pre-tax basis of $78 million and $50 million, respectively. On a gross pre-tax basis, favorable prior year development for the same periods was $152 million and $117 million, respectively.
• The medical care ratio⁴ ("MCR") of 78.3% for first quarter 2020 reflects continued effective execution in our commercial and government businesses. The first quarter 2020 MCR decreased relative to first quarter 2019 driven by the pricing effect of the health insurance tax and ongoing effective execution, partially offset by the impact of the additional calendar day in the quarter.
• Integrated Medical net medical costs payable⁹ was $2.80 billion at March 31, 2020, $2.72 billion at March 31, 2019, and $2.59 billion at December 31, 2019.

International Markets

This segment includes supplemental health, life and accident insurance products and health care coverage in our international markets, as well as health care benefits for globally mobile individuals and employees of multinational organizations.

• First quarter 2020 adjusted revenues^1,6 grew 5% over first quarter 2019, reflecting continued business growth.
• First quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² and adjusted margin, pre-tax⁷ reflect the impact of an update to our deferral processes for acquisition costs as well as continued business growth and operational efficiency.

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.

• First quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² and adjusted margin, pre-tax⁷ reflect unfavorable claims in our Disability business and the impact of a low interest rate environment.
• On December 18, 2019, we announced a definitive agreement whereby New York Life will acquire Cigna's Group Disability and Life business for $6.3 billion. We continue to expect the transaction to close in the third 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. 

• First quarter 2020 adjusted loss from operations, pre-tax² decreased relative to first quarter 2019 primarily as a result of lower interest expense.

COVID-19 Response

As the world fights the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Cigna remains focused on delivering peace of mind during these unprecedented times. We've taken several actions to drive affordability and remove uncertainty for our customers, increase flexibility for providers, support mental health in our communities, and care for our colleagues around the world. To date, these actions include:

Answering the Call for Affordability

• Waived customer out-of-pockets costs, through May 31, 2020, for COVID-19 related:
• Diagnostic testing
• Office visits for testing
• Telehealth screenings (medical and dental)
• Treatment¹⁰
• Cigna has not requested or retained any proceeds under the CARES Act.

Ensuring Access to Care

• Offered free standard shipping of up to 90-day supplies for prescription maintenance medications and 24/7 access to pharmacists.
• Implemented protective quantity limits on select medications to guarantee access and protect supply.
• Deployed hundreds of Cigna clinicians to telehealth provider MDLIVE to increase capacity.
• Provided Buoy Health symptom checker for U.S. Cigna customers and Express Scripts members and the multi-language symptom checker Infermedica for international customers.
• Maintained in-home medication infusions by Accredo nurses so vulnerable patients can avoid travel.
• Expanded our Employee Assistance Program services for Cigna customers and household members.
• Added a new furlough package that offers a prescription savings program (Inside Rx), a dental savings card, and more for customers.

Supporting the Medical Community

• Made it easier for hospitals to transfer patients to long-term acute care hospitals and subacute facilities.
• Waived prior authorizations for patient transfers, emergency department visits, and home health care services.
• Donated medications to Washington University for a clinical trial on COVID-19 treatment.

Advocating Whole Person Health

• Launched a social connector initiative for Medicare Advantage customers to help mitigate feelings of loneliness.
• Offered free on-demand webinars and other resources to the public to help manage fear and anxiety while building resiliency.
• Created a 24/7 toll-free help line to the public to speak with behavior health clinicians.
• Established partnership with SilverCloud Health, a digital mental health platform for Express Scripts clients and members.
• Sent 5,000+ greeting cards to seniors from our employees and their families.

Taking Care of Our Workforce

• All U.S. employees able to do so are working from home until further notice.
• Allotted 10 Emergency Time Off (ETO) days (80 hours) for our U.S. colleagues to use for COVID-19 related absences through 2020.
• Lifted the restriction on Paid Time Off (PTO) being used before it is accrued, until further notice.
• U.S.-based employees with worksite-essential roles receive a 20% pay premium.
• Created an employee-focused COVID-19 resource site on our company's Intranet.
• Enhanced our employee recognition program, Cigna Standout, to strengthen recognition for our employees during this time.

Assisting Our Communities

• Cigna and the Cigna Foundation¹¹ have:
• Launched the Brave of Heart Fund with a $25 million grant to provide financial assistance to survivors of front-line U.S. healthcare workers who gave their lives in the fight against COVID-19. The Fund was created in partnership with the New York Life Foundation. Cigna will also provide emotional support services to their families.
• Committed over $1 million to nonprofits addressing food insecurity and health care support needs in the U.S.
• Donated $250K towards relief efforts in China during the earliest days of the outbreak.

2020 OUTLOOK

Cigna's outlook for full year 2020 adjusted revenues^1,3 is $154 billion to $156 billion.  Cigna's outlook for full year 2020 consolidated adjusted income from operations^2,3 on a per share basis is in the range of $18.00 to $18.60 per share.  Cigna's outlook excludes the impact of additional prior year reserve development of medical costs and potential effects of any future share repurchase³.  Also, while we continue to expect to close the sale of Cigna's Group Disability and Life business in the third 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 revenues^1,3 and adjusted income from operations^2,3 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 (http://www.cigna.com/aboutcigna/investors).  Management will be hosting a conference call to review first 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
            (888) 324-7575   (Domestic)
            (210) 234-0013   (International)
            Passcode: 4302020

            Replay
            (866) 358-4539   (Domestic)
            (203) 369-0140   (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, 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 more than 180 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna^®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

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 ("Express Scripts") and the sale of our 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, which may heighten the potential adverse impact of each of the risks and uncertainties described above and result in additional risks and uncertainties, including decreased worker productivity, reductions in revenue or increased costs, and prioritization of COVID-19 matters resulting in delays in responsiveness by regulatory agencies and other third parties; as well as more specific risks and uncertainties discussed in our most recent report on Form 10-K 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:
Will McDowell
215-761-4198
[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ellie Polack
860-902-4906
[email protected]

SOURCE Cigna

Related Links

https://www.cigna.com

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