Core Insights - Cigna reported fourth-quarter income and revenue that surpassed analyst expectations, driven by strong growth in its specialty pharmacy operations, which helped mitigate rising medical costs [1][4] - The company's shares rose over 3% intra-day following the positive results [1] Financial Performance - Cigna's adjusted operating earnings for the quarter were $8.08 per share, exceeding Bloomberg consensus estimates of $7.88 [4] - Adjusted revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $72.50 billion, significantly above analyst expectations of $69.53 billion [4] - The quarterly medical care ratio rose to 88% from 87.9% a year earlier, surpassing expectations of 87.4%, indicating increased spending on medical care [4] Business Segments - Evernorth, Cigna's division for pharmacy benefit management, saw a 20% year-over-year revenue increase to $36.3 billion, aided by new client additions and growth in the specialty pharmacy unit focusing on high-cost medications [3] - Cigna has shifted its focus away from offering Medicare Advantage plans for individuals aged 65 and older, instead relying more on its pharmacy benefits business and employer-sponsored health plans [2] Future Projections - For fiscal 2026, Cigna anticipates adjusted operating earnings per share of at least $30.25 and adjusted revenue of approximately $280 billion [5] - The company projects a full-year healthcare medical care ratio of 83.0% to 84.7% [5]