Written by StockNews.com

CIGNA Corporation (NYSE: CI) early Friday posted market-beating first quarter earnings and lifted its full-year outlook, as it continues to attract customers to its healthcare plans.

The Bloomfield, CT-based health insurer reported Q1:

• earnings per share (EPS) of $2.77, which was $0.31 better than the Wall Street consensus estimate of $2.46 [and that]
• revenues rose 5.1% from last year to $10.38 billion, also topping analysts’ view for $10.11 billion.

Looking ahead, CI:

• forecast full year 2017 EPS of $9.25 to $9.75, up from a prior range of $9.00 to $9.50, and right in-line with Wall Street’s view of $9.50 per share for the year.
• [sees] 2017 revenues...rising 3% to 4% from last year to approximately $40.7 to $41.1 billion, above analysts’ current estimate of $40.57 billion. Cigna had previously forecast 2% to 3% revenue growth for the year.

...[David M. Cordani, President, and Chief Executive Officer] commented via press release:

“Cigna’s strong first quarter performance reflects the value we are delivering to our customers and clients through affordable, high-quality and personalized solutions.

We expect continued positive momentum and growth across targeted customer segments, fueled by ongoing investments in innovative products and services.”

...Year-to-date, CI has gained 17.53%, versus a 7.28% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

CI currently has a StockNews.com POWR Rating of A (Strong Buy), and is ranked #4 of 12 stocks in the Medical – Health Insurance category.