Cigna Profits Hit $1.5 Billion Despite Higher Costs

Core Insights - Cigna Group reported a second quarter profit of $1.5 billion, driven by strong performance in its Evernorth health service business despite rising costs in its employer health benefits segment [2][3] - Total revenues for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 11% to $67.2 billion compared to the previous year [3] - Adjusted income from operations rose by 1% year-over-year, reflecting growth in Evernorth Health Services and improvements in Corporate, although offset by higher stop loss medical costs [4] Financial Performance - Net income for the second quarter was $1.5 billion, or $5.71 per share, compared to $5.45 per share in the same quarter of 2024 [3] - Cigna's medical cost ratio increased to 83.2% in the second quarter from 82.3% in the prior year, influenced by higher stop loss medical costs [7][6] Business Segments - The Evernorth health services business, which includes a major pharmacy benefit management company, saw growth in existing client relationships and strong specialty pharmacy growth [8] - Total pharmacy customers increased by 3% from December 31, 2024, reaching 121.9 million due to new sales and expanded relationships [8] Strategic Outlook - Cigna reaffirmed its 2025 outlook for adjusted income from operations of "at least $29.60 per share," emphasizing the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of patients and clients [8] - The company noted that its medical cost issues differ from those of competitors, who have faced challenges primarily in government-subsidized health insurance sectors [5]