Cigna has officially confirmed that it is not pursuing an acquisition of Humana, putting to rest recent speculation regarding a potential merger.
The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining a strategic approach to mergers and acquisitions, stating that any future deals would need to align with its established criteria, which include strategic alignment, financial attractiveness, and a high probability of closure.
Cigna's CEO, David Cordani, had previously indicated during the company's third-quarter earnings call on October 31 that the focus would be on utilizing free cash flow for stock buybacks rather than pursuing acquisitions. This sentiment was echoed in the recent statement, which highlighted that Cigna has already completed $6 billion in stock buybacks this year, with $1 billion executed in the fourth quarter alone.
The company plans to allocate a significant portion of the proceeds from the sale of its Medicare business, expected to close this quarter, towards further buybacks.
Following the announcement, Cigna's shares experienced a notable increase, rising by 6.58% around 10 a.m. ET on Monday. In contrast, Humana's stock saw a decline of 4.25%.
The potential merger between Cigna and Humana would likely have faced significant scrutiny from federal regulators, especially given the heightened antitrust enforcement under the Biden administration. Cigna is currently engaged in a dispute with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concerning the pharmacy benefit management sector, which adds another layer of complexity to any potential merger discussions.
Cigna's recent communications highlight a strategic focus on delivering shareholder value through disciplined capital deployment. The company has reiterated its commitment to operational and financial targets, emphasizing the importance of stock buybacks and dividends as part of its capital allocation strategy.
The decision to forgo a merger with Humana allows Cigna to concentrate on its existing operations and enhance shareholder value without the uncertainties that accompany large-scale acquisitions. By redirecting resources towards stock buybacks, Cigna aims to bolster its stock price and provide immediate returns to investors.
As Cigna prepares for upcoming meetings with investors, the focus will likely remain on its operational performance and financial health. The company’s proactive stance in managing its capital and prioritizing shareholder interests positions it favorably in the competitive landscape of the healthcare sector.
With the sale of its Medicare business on the horizon, Cigna is poised to leverage the proceeds for further stock repurchases, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing shareholder value in the near term.