The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) shareholders are probably feeling a little disappointed, since its shares fell 3.6% to US$279 in the week after its latest second-quarter results. Cigna Group beat revenue expectations by 2.1%, at US$72b. Statutory earnings per share (EPS) came in at US$6.29, some 2.3% short of analyst estimates. The analysts typically update their forecasts at each earnings report, and we can judge from their estimates whether their view of the company has changed or if there are any new concerns to be aware of. So we gathered the latest post-earnings forecasts to see what estimates suggest is in store for next year.

Taking into account the latest results, Cigna Group's 17 analysts currently expect revenues in 2026 to be US$285.9b, approximately in line with the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are predicted to rise 2.5% to US$24.90. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analysts had been anticipated revenues of US$284.5b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$25.15 in 2026. So it's pretty clear that, although the analysts have updated their estimates, there's been no major change in expectations for the business following the latest results.

It will come as no surprise then, to learn that the consensus price target is largely unchanged at US$343. That's not the only conclusion we can draw from this data however, as some investors also like to consider the spread in estimates when evaluating analyst price targets. Currently, the most bullish analyst values Cigna Group at US$400 per share, while the most bearish prices it at US$290. As you can see, analysts are not all in agreement on the stock's future, but the range of estimates is still reasonably narrow, which could suggest that the outcome is not totally unpredictable.

These estimates are interesting, but it can be useful to paint some more broad strokes when seeing how forecasts compare, both to the Cigna Group's past performance and to peers in the same industry. It's pretty clear that there is an expectation that Cigna Group's revenue growth will slow down substantially, with revenues to the end of 2026 expected to display 2.5% growth on an annualised basis. This is compared to a historical growth rate of 12% over the past five years. By way of comparison, the other companies in this industry with analyst coverage are forecast to grow their revenue at 4.9% per year. Factoring in the forecast slowdown in growth, it seems obvious that Cigna Group is also expected to grow slower than other industry participants.

The Bottom Line

The most obvious conclusion is that there's been no major change in the business' prospects in recent times, with the analysts holding their earnings forecasts steady, in line with previous estimates. On the plus side, there were no major changes to revenue estimates; although forecasts imply they will perform worse than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates.

With that in mind, we wouldn't be too quick to come to a conclusion on Cigna Group. Long-term earnings power is much more important than next year's profits. We have estimates - from multiple Cigna Group analysts - going out to 2028, and you can see them free on our platform here.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.