Cigna Corp. (NYSE:CI) is scheduled to report first-quarter 2017 results on May 5, before the opening bell.
Last quarter, Cigna beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.47%. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this announcement.
Q1 Flash Back
Cigna’s upcoming results are expected to demonstrate its continued strong operating performance from the Commercial Healthcare business and Global Supplemental Benefits business, as well as improving results in its Group Disability and Life segment.
In its Government business, we expect revenues to decline due to CMS enrollment sanctions.
Within its Global Health Care segment, we expect the quarter to show membership increases from strong retention and customer growth in each of its employer segments – national accounts, middle-market, select and international. Its U.S. Individual customer base is also expected to grow.
During the quarter, the company rejected Anthem Inc.’s (NYSE:ANTM) $48 billion acquisition offer.
Earnings Whispers
Our proven model does not conclusively show that Cigna is likely to beat on earnings this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of #1, 2 or 3 for this to happen. That is not the case here as you will see below.
Zacks ESP: Cigna has an Earning ESP of -0.41%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate stands at a $2.43 per share, which is below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.44. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Zacks Rank: Though Cigna carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), its Earnings ESP of -0.41% makes surprise prediction difficult.
Stocks That Warrant a Look
Here are some companies that you may consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:
Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) will report first-quarter 2017 earnings results on May 4. The company has an Earnings ESP of +6.67% and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
eGain Corporation (NASDAQ:EGAN) has an Earnings ESP of +50% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is expected to report first-quarter earnings results on May 4.
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eGain Corporation (EGAN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Cigna Corporation (CI): Free Stock Analysis Report
Anthem, Inc. (ANTM): Free Stock Analysis Report
Wingstop Inc. (WING): Free Stock Analysis Report
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