BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

• Total revenues for 2020 were $160.4 billion, and adjusted revenues¹ for 2020 were $160.1 billion
• Shareholders' net income for 2020 was $8.5 billion, or $22.96 per share
• Adjusted income from operations² for 2020 was $6.8 billion, or $18.45 per share
• Adjusted revenues^1,3 are projected to be at least $165 billion in 2021
• Adjusted income from operations^2,3 is projected to be at least $6.95 billion in 2021, or at least $20.00 per share³

Global health services company Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) today reported strong 2020 results driven by focused execution through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm extremely proud of the ways in which our 70,000-plus Cigna employees delivered for our customers, our clients, our providers, our partners, and our shareholders amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," said David M. Cordani, president and chief executive officer. "Our fourth quarter results were in line with expectations, as we continued to make investments in our customers, capabilities, and co-workers — all while covering elevated COVID-related costs. As a result, we have entered 2021 with great momentum, and our health services portfolio, fueled by the launch of Evernorth, is well-positioned for sustained long-term growth."

Total revenues for 2020 were $160.4 billion.  Adjusted revenues¹ were $160.1 billion and reflect strong contributions from each of Cigna's ongoing businesses.  

Shareholders' net income for 2020 of $8.5 billion, or $22.96 per share, includes an after tax gain of $3.2 billion, or $8.73 per share, from the sale of the Group Disability and Life business, and compares with $5.1 billion, or $13.44 per share, for 2019.

Cigna's adjusted income from operations² for 2020 was $6.8 billion, or $18.45 per share, compared with $6.5 billion, or $17.05 per share, for 2019 reflecting focused execution across the ongoing businesses, led by Evernorth.

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 2020 results reflect revenue and earnings growth in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment, driven by focused execution across the ongoing businesses, as well as actions taken to support customers, providers, and employees through the ongoing pandemic.
• In 2020, the company repurchased 21.9 million shares of common stock for $4.1 billion. Year to date through February 3, 2021, the Company repurchased 4.2 million shares of common stock for approximately $0.9 billion.
• The debt-to-capitalization ratio of 39.5% at December 31, 2020 represents a decrease from 45.2% at December 31, 2019 and is in line with the deleveraging target of less than 40% by year end 2020.
• The SG&A expense ratio⁴ was 8.5% for full year 2020, a decrease from 9.3% for full year 2019, driven by significant revenue growth, continued expense efficiency, and the realization of administrative synergies.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

The following table summarizes Cigna's medical customers and overall customer relationships:

Customer Relationships (in thousands):

 

• The pharmacy customer base⁵ at the end of 2020 grew to 89.2 million, an organic increase of 13.2 million from year end 2019, driven by strong new health plan sales.
• The total medical customer base⁵ at the end of 2020 was 16.7 million, a decrease of 472,000 customers from year end 2019, reflecting increased disenrollment resulting from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the fourth quarter, the loss of approximately 240,000 customers associated with one client, as expected. These declines were partially offset by growth in the Select segment and 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. 

 

• Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted revenues¹ increased 19% relative to fourth 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.
• Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² increased 3% relative to fourth 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 388 million adjusted pharmacy scripts⁹ in fourth quarter 2020, an increase of 19% over fourth 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.

 

• Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted revenues¹ grew 6% over fourth quarter 2019, reflecting customer growth in Medicare Advantage and the Select Segment, as well as premium increases.
• Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² and adjusted margin, pre-tax⁸ decreased relative to fourth quarter 2019 reflecting COVID-19 related impacts and the return of the health insurance tax. COVID-19 related impacts include the direct costs of COVID-19 testing and treatment, the costs of proactive actions taken to support customers, providers, and employees, and decreased specialty contributions, partially offset by a reduction in non-COVID utilization.
• The medical care ratio⁴ ("MCR") of 79.4% for full year 2020 compares to 80.8% for full year 2019 and reflects a reduction in non-COVID utilization and the pricing effect of the health insurance tax, partially offset by direct COVID-19 costs and the costs of actions we have taken to support customers. The fourth quarter 2020 MCR of 85.8% increased relative to the fourth quarter 2019 MCR of 82.3% due to COVID-19 related impacts, partially offset by the pricing effect of the health insurance tax.
• U.S. Medical net medical costs payable¹⁰ was $2.96 billion at December 31, 2020, $2.97 billion at September 30, 2020, and $2.59 billion at December 31, 2019. Favorable prior year reserve development on a gross pre-tax basis was $115 million and $165 million through full year 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):

 

• Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted revenues^1,7 grew 7% over fourth quarter 2019, reflecting continued business growth.
• Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² and adjusted margin, pre-tax⁸ decreased relative to fourth quarter 2019 reflecting the costs of actions taken to support customers and employees, and investments in the business for future growth.

Group Disability and Other Operations⁶

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):

 

• Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted income from operations, pre-tax² and adjusted margin, pre-tax⁸ decreased relative to fourth quarter 2019 reflecting elevated life claims primarily related to the COVID-19 pandemic and unfavorable disability claims.
• On December 31, 2020, Cigna completed the sale of its Group Disability and Life business to New York Life for $6.2 billion.

Corporate

Corporate reflects interest expense, as well as amounts not allocated to operating segments and includes intersegment eliminations. 

 

• Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted loss from operations, pre-tax² decreased relative to fourth quarter 2019 as a result of lower interest expense due to a lower level of outstanding debt.

2021 OUTLOOK

Cigna's outlook for full year 2021 adjusted revenues^1,3 is projected to be at least $165 billion. Cigna's outlook for full year 2021 consolidated adjusted income from operations^2,3 is at least $6.95 billion, or at least $20.00 per share. This outlook includes approximately $1.25 per share in net unfavorable impacts of COVID-19. Additionally, this outlook includes the impact of future share repurchases and anticipated 2021 dividends.

The foregoing statements represent the Company's current estimates of Cigna's 2021 consolidated and segment adjusted income from operations^2,3 and other key metrics 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 full year 2020 results and discuss full year 2021 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: 242021

Replay
(866) 451-8962   (Domestic)
(203) 369-1203   (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, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. 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. 

Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 175 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 adjusted income from operations outlook for 2021 on a consolidated per share, and segment basis; projected adjusted revenue outlook for 2021; projected total medical customer growth over year end 2020; projected adjusted pharmacy scripts for 2021; projected medical care and SG&A expense ratios; projected consolidated adjusted tax rate; projected interest expense; projected adjusted margin; projected cash flow from operations; projected capital expenditures; future dividends; projected weighted average shares outstanding; future financial or operating performance, including our ability to deliver affordable, personalized and innovative solutions for our customers and clients, including in light of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; future growth, business strategy, strategic or operational initiatives; 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; and other statements regarding Cigna's future beliefs, expectations, plans, intentions, liquidity, cash flows, 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 strategic and operational initiatives; our ability to adapt to changes in an evolving and rapidly changing industry; the scale, scope and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on our business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition, our ability to compete effectively, differentiate our products and services from those of our competitors and maintain or increase market share; price competition and other pressures that could compress our margins or result in premiums that are insufficient to cover the cost of services delivered to our customers; the potential for actual claims to exceed our estimates related to expected medical claims; our ability to develop and maintain satisfactory relationships with physicians, hospitals, other health service providers and with producers and consultants; our ability to maintain relationships with one or more key pharmaceutical manufacturers or if payments made or discounts provided decline; changes in the pharmacy provider marketplace or pharmacy networks; changes in drug pricing or industry pricing benchmarks; political, legal, operational, regulatory, economic and other risks that could affect our multinational operations; risks related to strategic transactions and realization of the expected benefits of such transactions, as well as integration difficulties or underperformance relative to expectations; dependence on success of relationships with third parties; risk of significant disruption within our operations or among key suppliers or third parties; our ability to invest in and properly maintain our information technology and other business systems; our ability to prevent or contain effects of a potential cyberattack or other privacy or data security incident; potential liability in connection with managing medical practices and operating pharmacies, onsite clinics and other types of medical facilities; 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; uncertainties surrounding participation in government-sponsored programs such as Medicare; the outcome of litigation, regulatory audits, investigations; compliance with applicable privacy, security and data laws, regulations and standards; potential failure of our prevention, detection and control systems; unfavorable economic and market conditions, stock market or interest rate declines, risks related to a downgrade in financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries; the impact of our significant indebtedness and the potential for further indebtedness in the future; unfavorable industry, economic or political conditions; credit risk related to our reinsurers; 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-K, 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:
Jim Cohn
224-214-8781
James.Cohn@cigna.com