Cigna Corp. (CI - Free Report) is a national health benefits company with a comprehensive portfolio of businesses which includes Employee Healthcare, Disability and Life.

Its organizational efficiency plans as well as expansion of Seniors and Medicare business position it well for long run.

The company has a large international presence, which provides diversification benefits.

Cigna is due to be acquired by Anthem Inc. The merger, however, is wrapped in uncertainty with the DoJ opposing to the merger on grounds that the deal would curb competition in the market.

With respect to earnings surprise, Cigna surpassed estimates in three of the past four quarters with an average earnings miss of 0.29%.

Currently, Cigna has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but that could definitely change following Cigna earnings report which was just released.

We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:

Earnings: Cigna surpassed the earnings estimate. Our consensus called for earning per share of $1.74, and the company reported earnings of $1.87 per share. Earnings per share were, however, flat year over year.

Revenue: Operating revenues of $9.88 billion also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.59 billion. Revenues also grew 3.2% year over year.

Cigna Corporation Price and EPS Surprise

Cigna Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Cigna Corporation Quote

Key Stats to Note:

Premiums of $7.6 billion increased 2.1% year over year, while mail order pharmacy revenues increased 10%

Total Medical Customers totaled 15.2 million as on Dec 31, 2016.

Cigna updated its 2017 earnings guidance. It expects earning per share in the range of $9.00 to $9.50. It expects revenues to grow 2% to 3%.  The company expects global medical customer growth within a range of 0.3 million to 0.5 million.