(Reuters] Cigna Corp reports better than expected third-quarter profits on Thursday. The company modestly increases its full year adjusted profit forecast on the back growth in its healthcare unit which also includes pharmacy benefits management.

Cigna (NYSE)’s healthcare unit was rebranded last September to Evernorth. This has helped drive growth in spite of volatile medical expenses at the company’s insurance business.

Evernorth’s adjusted revenues for the September 30th quarter rose 12.7% from $29.83 billion to $33.61 million.

Cigna had an operating income of $5.73 per Share, which was higher than the analysts’ estimation of $5.23 per Share, according Refinitiv data.

Cigna slightly increased its expectations for 2021 adjusted profits from operations, to at least $23.35 per share. This is a slight increase from the prior estimate of only $20.20 per shareholder.

Cigna’s medical care ratio, the difference between income from premiums and medical claims, fell to 84.4% from 82.6% one year ago, as compared to an 83.93% estimate by four Refinitiv analysts.

Now, the company expects that 2021 MCR will range between 84.0%-84.5%. This is up from its earlier forecast of 83.0% or 84.0%.