AM Best Assigns Issue Credit Ratings to Cigna Corporation’s New Senior Unsecured Notes

Rhea-AI Summary

AM Best has issued Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings of “bbb” for various senior unsecured notes by Cigna Corporation, totaling $4.3 billion. The notes, due between 2024 and 2051, aim to redeem maturing debts and support general corporate purposes. Cigna's financial leverage stands at over 39%, with expectations to decrease to below 40% by year-end 2021 due to improved earnings and asset sales. The outlook remains stable, as existing ratings for Cigna and its subsidiaries are unchanged.

Positive

• Cigna's strong earnings from 2020 support financial deleveraging.
• Improved financial leverage expected post-redeeming maturing debt.
• Stable outlook on credit ratings reinforces investor confidence.

Negative

• Temporary increase in financial leverage following new debt issuance.

AM Best has assigned Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings of “bbb” to the $500 million .613% senior unsecured notes due 2024, $800 million 1.25% senior unsecured notes due 2026, $1.5 billion 2.375% senior unsecured notes due 2031 and $1.5 billion 3.4% senior unsecured notes due 2051 recently issued by Cigna Corporation (Cigna) (headquartered in Bloomfield, CT) [NYSE:CI]. The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The existing ratings of Cigna and its subsidiaries are unchanged. The proceeds of the recent $4.3 billion of aggregate debt, issued on March 1, 2021, will be used to redeem upcoming 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues held at various entities, as well as for general corporate purposes.

AM Best notes that Cigna has maintained relatively high financial leverage, which had come down to just over 39% at year-end 2020 and coverage improving noticeably given strong earnings reported for the year. While the March 2021 debt issues will be used to redeem upcoming 2021, 2022 and 2023 maturities, with additional legacy Cigna Holding Company debt also maturing this month, this debt issue will cause a temporary increase in financial leverage in the interim. However, Cigna has moderated its leverage post transaction, which was over 50% at the time of the close of the Express Scripts, Inc. acquisition. Cigna remains committed to deleveraging, and management has indicated it expects the company’s financial leverage to return to its targeted range of below 40% by year-end 2021.

AM Best expects Cigna’s financial deleveraging to be driven by the stronger earnings reported in 2020 and related dividends from Cigna’s insurance entities, solid nonregulated earnings from its Evernorth health services segment and additional one-time capital sources, such as a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its group employee benefits business - which closed at year-end 2020 - to help reduce outstanding debt.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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FAQ

What credit ratings were assigned to Cigna by AM Best?

AM Best assigned Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings of 'bbb' to Cigna's recent senior unsecured notes.

How much debt did Cigna issue according to the press release?

Cigna issued a total of $4.3 billion in new debt through various senior unsecured notes.

What is the purpose of Cigna's recent debt issuance?

The proceeds will be used to redeem upcoming debt maturities and for general corporate purposes.

What is Cigna's financial leverage as of year-end 2020?

Cigna's financial leverage was just over 39% at year-end 2020.

When does Cigna expect to reduce its financial leverage?

Cigna expects to return its financial leverage to below 40% by year-end 2021.