The Cigna Group: Strong Results, Increased Dividend, and Positive Outlook for 2025

The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI) reported strong fourth quarter and full year 2024 results, reflecting continued strength in Evernorth Health Services, while Cigna Healthcare results were impacted by higher stop loss medical costs. The company also announced an 8% increase in the quarterly dividend and an increase of $6.0 billion in incremental share repurchase authorization, bringing total authorization to $10.3 billion. The Board of Directors reaffirmed the previously provided outlook for full-year 2024 and projected adjusted EPS growth of at least 10% in 2025.



Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
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* Total revenues for fourth quarter and full year 2024 increased 28% and 27%, respectively, relative to fourth quarter and full year 2023, primarily driven by significant growth in Evernorth Health Services.
* Adjusted income from operations1 for fourth quarter 2024 decreased 8% from fourth quarter 2023, primarily driven by lower contributions from Cigna Healthcare due to higher stop loss medical costs, partially offset by strong contributions from Evernorth Health Services, particularly within Specialty and Care Services.
* Adjusted income from operations1 for 2024 increased 4% from 2023, primarily reflecting strong contributions from Evernorth Health Services.
* Shareholders' net income for fourth quarter 2024 was $1.4 billion, or $5.13 per share, compared with $1.0 billion, or $3.49 per share, for fourth quarter 2023.
* Shareholders' net income for 2024 was $3.4 billion, or $12.12 per share, including a non-cash after tax investment loss of $2.7 billion, or $9.53 per share related to the impairment of VillageMD equity securities. This compares with $5.2 billion, or $17.39 per share, for 2023.
* Adjusted income from operations1 for 2024 was $7.7 billion, or $27.33 per share, compared with $7.4 billion, or $25.09 per share, for 2023.



2025 Outlook and Dividend Increase
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* The Board of Directors reaffirmed the previously provided outlook for full-year 2024 and projected adjusted EPS growth of at least 10% in 2025.
* The Board of Directors declared a cash quarterly dividend of $1.51 per share of Cigna common stock to be paid on March 20, 2025, to shareholders of record as of the close of trading on March 5, 2025. This reflects an 8% increase from the 2024 cash quarterly dividend of $1.41 per share.
* The Board of Directors also approved an increase of $6.0 billion in incremental share repurchase authorization, bringing the company's total share repurchase authority to $10.3 billion as of December 31, 2024.



The Cigna Group's strategic initiatives and positive financial trends support the projected 2025 adjusted income from operations1,2 of at least $7.9 billion, or at least $29.50 per share. Key drivers for this growth include significant growth in Evernorth Health Services, strong contributions from Cigna Healthcare, business mix shift, strong revenue growth, continued operating efficiency, disciplined capital deployment, and the divestiture of Medicare businesses. The company's focus on building a sustainable model for healthcare by addressing areas that matter most to patients and clients, including greater transparency, support, and value, further enhances its long-term growth prospects.

In conclusion, The Cigna Group's strong fourth quarter and full year 2024 results, increased dividend, and positive 2025 outlook reflect the company's strategic initiatives and positive financial trends. The company's focus on building a sustainable model for healthcare and addressing areas that matter most to patients and clients positions it well for continued success in the dynamic healthcare environment.