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Cigna (CI) to Report Q2: Will it Continue to Beat Estimates?

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Health insurer Cigna Corp. (CI - Free Report) is expected to release second-quarter financial results before the market opens on Jul 29.

In the last reported quarter, the company beat the earnings estimate by 6.91%. Moreover, the company posted a positive earnings surprise in each of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 5.93%. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Why a Likely Positive Surprise?

Our proven model shows that Cigna is likely to beat on earnings as it has the right combination of the two key components. Note that a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) or at least #3 (Hold) to have a significantly higher chance of beating estimates.

Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for Cigna is +1.67%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate of $2.44 per share is above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.40.

Zacks Rank: Cigna’s Zacks Rank #3 increases the predictive power of ESP.

Factors to Drive Q2 Results

Cigna’s upcoming quarter results are expected to demonstrate its continued strength in operating performance.

We expect the company to continue posting favorable results on solid revenue growth in government business, disciplined expense management and effective medical cost management.

The company’s global supplements business is expected to add to its earnings.

Moreover, favorable medical utilization along with medical cost management should drive the bottom line.

A strong balance sheet should also lend support to results.

CIGNA CORP Price and EPS Surprise

Other Stocks to Consider

Here are three more stocks from the finance sector that you may want to consider as they also have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANIP - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +2.63% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter earnings results on Aug 2.

Humana Inc. (HUM - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +0.44% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter earnings results on Aug 3.

Aetna Inc. has an Earnings ESP of +3.32% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter earnings results on Aug 2.

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