CVS Health Corporation (CVS) Stock Analysis
Educational signal · not a buy or sell recommendation · How to read this
P/E 24.88 means the share price is 24.88 times one year of earnings per share; the S&P 500 usually sits near 20-25. Market cap $122B is the value of all shares combined. Beta 0.51: the stock has moved about 49% less than the S&P 500.
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Machine-generated analysis by Stock Expert AI — model gemini-2.0-flash, generated May 10, 2026. Editorial oversight is systemic, not page-by-page. Editorially accountable: Sedat ANAK, Founder and Editor-in-Chief. Data sources: Financial Modeling Prep, Yahoo Finance, SEC EDGAR
Quick AnswerCVS Health Corporation (CVS) trades at $95.29 with MoonshotScore 69/100 (Grade B+). CVS Health Corporation is a leading healthcare company providing a wide array of services, including health insurance, pharmacy benefit management, and retail pharmacy. Market cap: $122B, Sector: Healthcare.
Price as of Sep 11, 2026 · Last analyzed: May 10, 2026CVS stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $111.20 for CVS Health Corporation, suggesting 16.7% upside from the current price of $95.29. The AI MoonshotScore is 69/100, in the Strong band (65-79) — a research signal, not a recommendation. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
These figures come from statements filed 12 months ago — the most recent this company has published.
CVS: 1/3 scored disciplines lean bullish. Dominant signal: Ray Dalio bullish.
How is this calculated? →Strongest side: Valuation (9/10, Strong). Weakest side: Financial Safety (3/10, Weak).
AI simulations built from the named investors' published principles. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the opinion of these individuals. How these lenses are built
Why this analysis is different
- A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
CVS Health Corporation (CVS) Healthcare & Pipeline Overview
CVS Health Corporation, a diversified healthcare giant, integrates health insurance, pharmacy services, and retail clinics. With a vast network of pharmacies and MinuteClinics, CVS provides comprehensive healthcare solutions, leveraging its pharmacy benefit management to serve diverse clients, from employers to government entities, in a competitive healthcare landscape.
What Is the Investment Thesis for CVS?
The company's Pharmacy Services segment benefits from the increasing demand for prescription drugs and the growing adoption of PBM solutions. The Retail/LTC segment leverages its extensive network of retail pharmacies and MinuteClinics to capture a significant share of the consumer healthcare market. With a dividend yield of 2.94%, CVS offers a steady income stream for investors. However, the company's relatively low profit margin of 0.7% and high P/E ratio of 24.88 warrant careful consideration. Growth catalysts include expansion of MinuteClinic services and strategic partnerships to enhance its healthcare offerings. Potential risks include regulatory changes and increased competition in the healthcare industry.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
CVS Key Highlights
Market capitalization of $122B reflects CVS Health Corporation's significant presence in the healthcare industry.
- P/E ratio of 24.88 indicates investor expectations for future earnings growth.
- Gross margin of 13.9% demonstrates the company's ability to manage costs in its diverse operations.
- Dividend yield of 2.94% provides a steady income stream for investors.
- Beta of 0.51 suggests lower volatility compared to the overall market.
Who Are CVS's Competitors?
CVS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | MoonshotScore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMY Bristol-Myers Squibb Company | $63.34 | -0.64% | $129B | 905-pillar |
| VRTX Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated | $514.90 | +0.07% | $131B | 965-pillar |
| GSK GSK plc | $48.02 | -0.21% | $96.2B | 875-pillar |
| MDT Medtronic plc | $91.62 | -0.29% | $117B | 795-pillar |
| HCA HCA Healthcare, Inc. | $426.98 | +1.37% | $92.4B | 815-pillar |
| ANTM Elevance Health Inc. | $482.58 | +2.71% | $115B | — |
| CI Cigna Corporation | $280.91 | +0.99% | $74.2B | 805-pillar |
| HUM Humana Inc. | $407.26 | +1.63% | $48.9B | 535-pillar |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are CVS's Key Strengths?
Integrated healthcare model with diverse revenue streams.
- Extensive network of retail pharmacies and MinuteClinics.
- Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.
- Pharmacy benefit management (PBM) expertise.
What Are CVS's Weaknesses?
Relatively low profit margin.
- High P/E ratio.
- Exposure to regulatory changes in the healthcare industry.
- Dependence on prescription drug sales.
What Could Drive CVS Stock Higher?
Expansion of MinuteClinic services to offer a wider range of healthcare services.
- Strategic partnerships and acquisitions to enhance healthcare offerings.
- Expansion of pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services to serve a wider range of clients.
- Digital health initiatives to improve patient engagement and enhance healthcare services.
- Focus on specialty pharmacy to capitalize on the growing demand for specialty drugs.
What Are the Key Risks for CVS?
Insider selling — insiders were net sellers of roughly $279.9M recently.
- Increased competition in the healthcare industry could erode market share and profitability.
- Regulatory changes and healthcare reform could impact the company's business model and financial performance.
- Rising healthcare costs could put pressure on the company's margins.
- Economic downturn and reduced consumer spending could negatively impact retail sales.
- Dependence on prescription drug sales exposes the company to risks related to drug pricing and formulary management.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for CVS?
- Growth opportunity 1: Expansion of MinuteClinic Services: CVS has the opportunity to expand its MinuteClinic services to offer a wider range of healthcare services, such as chronic disease management and telehealth consultations. The market for convenient care clinics is projected to reach $40 billion by 2028, driven by increasing demand for accessible and affordable healthcare services. CVS can leverage its existing network of MinuteClinics and its brand recognition to capture a significant share of this market. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Growth opportunity 2: Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions: CVS can pursue strategic partnerships and acquisitions to enhance its healthcare offerings and expand its market reach. The company can partner with healthcare providers, technology companies, and other healthcare organizations to develop innovative solutions and improve patient outcomes. The market for healthcare partnerships and acquisitions is expected to grow at a rate of 8% per year, driven by the need for collaboration and consolidation in the healthcare industry. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Growth opportunity 3: Expansion of Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Services: CVS can expand its PBM services to serve a wider range of clients, including employers, insurance companies, and government entities. The market for PBM services is projected to reach $600 billion by 2027, driven by increasing demand for prescription drugs and the need to manage healthcare costs. CVS can leverage its expertise in formulary management and specialty pharmacy services to capture a significant share of this market. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Growth opportunity 4: Digital Health Initiatives: CVS can invest in digital health initiatives to improve patient engagement and enhance its healthcare services. The company can develop mobile apps, telehealth platforms, and other digital tools to provide patients with convenient access to healthcare information and services. CVS can leverage its brand recognition and its extensive network of retail pharmacies and MinuteClinics to capture a significant share of this market. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Growth opportunity 5: Focus on Specialty Pharmacy: CVS can further focus on its specialty pharmacy services to capitalize on the growing demand for specialty drugs. The specialty pharmacy market is expected to continue to grow rapidly, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the development of new specialty drugs. CVS can leverage its expertise in specialty pharmacy and its relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers to capture a significant share of this market. Timeline: Ongoing.
What Are CVS's Competitive Advantages?
- Extensive network of retail pharmacies and MinuteClinics provides convenient access to healthcare services.
- Integrated healthcare model allows for cost management and improved patient outcomes.
- Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.
- Pharmacy benefit management (PBM) expertise provides a competitive advantage in managing prescription drug costs.
- Scale and scope of operations provide economies of scale and bargaining power with suppliers.
What Does CVS Do?
Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, CVS Health Corporation has evolved from a retail pharmacy chain into a diversified healthcare services provider. Originally known as CVS Caremark Corporation, the company rebranded to CVS Health Corporation in September 2014 to reflect its broader healthcare focus. CVS operates through three main segments: Health Care Benefits, Pharmacy Services, and Retail/LTC. The Health Care Benefits segment offers traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products, serving employer groups, individuals, and government entities. The Pharmacy Services segment provides pharmacy benefit management (PBM) solutions, including formulary management and specialty pharmacy services, catering to employers, insurance companies, and government employee groups. The Retail/LTC segment operates retail pharmacies, MinuteClinics, and online retail pharmacy websites, offering prescription and over-the-counter drugs, consumer health products, and healthcare services. As of December 31, 2021, CVS operated approximately 9,900 retail locations and 1,200 MinuteClinic locations, solidifying its presence in the healthcare market. CVS's integrated model allows it to manage costs, improve patient outcomes, and provide convenient access to healthcare services.
What Products and Services Does CVS Offer?
- Provides health insurance products and related services through its Health Care Benefits segment.
- Offers pharmacy benefit management (PBM) solutions, including plan design and administration.
- Manages retail pharmacy networks, mail order pharmacy, and specialty pharmacy services.
- Operates retail pharmacies that sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
- Sells consumer health and beauty products, and personal care products.
- Provides healthcare services through its MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics.
- Distributes prescription drugs to care facilities and other care settings.
- Operates online retail pharmacy websites and LTC pharmacies.
How Does CVS Make Money?
- Generates revenue from premiums and fees for its health insurance products and services.
- Earns revenue from pharmacy benefit management services, including rebates and administrative fees.
- Generates revenue from the sale of prescription and over-the-counter drugs in its retail pharmacies.
- Earns revenue from the sale of consumer health and beauty products, and personal care products.
- Generates revenue from healthcare services provided in its MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics.
What Industry Does CVS Operate In?
CVS Health Corporation operates in the dynamic healthcare industry, which is characterized by increasing demand for healthcare services, rising healthcare costs, and evolving regulatory landscape. The industry is driven by factors such as an aging population, technological advancements, and growing prevalence of chronic diseases. CVS competes with other major players in the healthcare industry, including BMY: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, VRTX: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, GSK: GSK plc, MDT: Medtronic plc, and HCA: HCA Healthcare, Inc. The company's integrated model and extensive network of retail pharmacies and MinuteClinics provide a competitive advantage in capturing market share and delivering value to customers.
Who Are CVS's Key Customers?
- Employer groups seeking health insurance products and services for their employees.
- Individuals seeking health insurance coverage.
- Insurance companies seeking pharmacy benefit management solutions.
- Government employee groups seeking health insurance and pharmacy services.
- Consumers purchasing prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and consumer health products.
Research confidence
Broad, current evidence sits behind this analysis.
- ● Scored on 100% of our measures
- ● Price is current
- ● Latest filing 37 days ago
- ● Covered by analysts
Why 69?
Measured against companies in the same sector. The figures below are the factor contributions the scoring engine itself produced.
What is helping
- +0.54 Financial-health checklist (Financial Strength)
- +0.54 Enterprise value vs sales (Valuation)
- +0.36 Return on equity (Business Quality)
What is holding it back
- -0.60 Net debt vs earnings (Financial Strength)
- -0.60 Debt to equity (Financial Strength)
- -0.48 5-year net income per share (Growth)
Contribution = how far the company sits from its sector on that measure, weighted by how much the pillar counts. Not investment advice. How the score is built →
MoonshotScore History
Recorded daily since 2026-08-23 · 19 snapshots
| 2026-08-23 | 70 |
| 2026-08-26 | 70 |
| 2026-08-29 | 71 |
| 2026-09-01 | 70 |
| 2026-09-04 | 70 |
| 2026-09-07 | 69 |
| 2026-09-10 | 69 |
What changed?
The grade moved from 70 to 69 (-1).
What moved it up or down:
- -4 Valuation
- -3 Financial Safety
Held back by:
- +8 Momentum
- +2 Growth Durability
Over the same 18 days the stock moved +2.3%.
Company Profile
CVS Health Corporation operates in the Medical - Healthcare Plans industry within the Healthcare sector. It is headquartered in Woonsocket, US. The company is led by CEO J. David Joyner. CVS has traded publicly since 1973.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for CVS Health Corporation stands at 3.8%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 2.7%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. CVS trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 24.88, above the Healthcare sector average of ~21.50x. A current ratio of 0.87 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching.
CVS Valuation & Market Position
With a $122B market cap, CVS Health Corporation sits in the large-cap segment of the market. Analyst price targets span from $92.00 to $123.00, with a consensus of $111.20. At the current price of $95.29, that implies approximately 17% upside potential. Relative to its peer group, CVS's quantitative score of 69/100 is below the peer average of 81/100.
Quarterly Financial Performance: CVS Health Corporation
Revenue for CVS Health Corporation came in at $106.10B during Q2 FY2026, a 5.6% improvement versus the preceding quarter. The company recorded net income of $3.00B, with diluted EPS of $2.33. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a large-cap company operating in Healthcare. Across the four most recent quarters, CVS averaged $0.95 in diluted EPS.
Financial Health
CVS Health Corporation's Piotroski F-Score is 7/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 2.48 places it in the grey zone, a middle ground that warrants monitoring.
Earnings Track Record
CVS Health Corporation has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 7 of its last 8 reported quarters — a consistent record of delivering on expectations. Reported results have landed about 17.8% above estimates on average.
Insider Activity
Over the past six months, CVS Health Corporation insiders filed 51 SEC Form 4 transactions — 21 sales and 30 purchases. On net that is roughly 2.9M shares disposed (about $279.9M), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.
CVS Financials
CVS earnings history & estimates →
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Integrated healthcare model with diverse revenue streams.
- Extensive network of retail pharmacies and MinuteClinics.
- Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.
- Pharmacy benefit management (PBM) expertise.
Bear Case
- Relatively low profit margin.
- High P/E ratio.
- Exposure to regulatory changes in the healthcare industry.
- Dependence on prescription drug sales.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · September 2026
From the Earnings Call
“Our strong first quarter performance gave us the confidence to increase our full year 2026 adjusted earnings per share guidance to a range of $7.30 to $7.50, up from the previous range of $7 to $7.20.”
— David Joyner, Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“In the first quarter, we generated cash flows from operations of approximately $4.2 billion and returned nearly $850 million to our shareholders through our quarterly dividend. Our leverage ratio at the end of the first quarter improved to 3.84x.”
— Brian Newman, Chief Financial Officer
CVS Q1 FY2026 earnings call transcript · 2026-05-07
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 FY2026 | $106.10B | $3.00B | $2.33 |
| Q1 FY2026 | $100.43B | $2.94B | $2.30 |
| Q4 FY2025 | $105.69B | $2.94B | $2.30 |
| Q3 FY2025 | $102.87B | -$3.98B | -$3.13 |
Q2 FY2026 · filed 5 Aug 2026 · SEC EDGAR →
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
CVS Latest News
-
Trump's Surgeon General Pick Has Tobacco, Cola Stocks In Portfolio Even as Robert Kennedy Jr. Wages War On Sugary Drinks, Processed Food
benzinga · Sep 11, 2026
-
Should You Buy Elevance Health Stock For The Margin It Lost?
Yahoo! Finance: CVS News · Sep 10, 2026
-
Should You Buy Elevance Health Stock For The Margin It Lost?
Trefis · Sep 10, 2026
-
Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic Across the U.S.
Yahoo! Finance: CVS News · Sep 10, 2026
CVS Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations collected by Financial Modeling Prep for CVS.
Price Targets
Median: $112.00 (+16.7% from current price)
Source: FMP analyst consensus · as of Sep 11, 2026 · an estimate, not advice
CVS MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
MoonshotScore is Stock Expert AI's proprietary 0-100 research rating, not a buy or sell recommendation. CVS scores 69/100 (Grade B+): the number comes from the five-pillar engine (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum), re-ranked daily against sector peers.
Latest News
Trump's Surgeon General Pick Has Tobacco, Cola Stocks In Portfolio Even as Robert Kennedy Jr. Wages War On Sugary Drinks, Processed Food
Should You Buy Elevance Health Stock For The Margin It Lost?
Should You Buy Elevance Health Stock For The Margin It Lost?
Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic Across the U.S.
Latest CVS Health Corporation Analysis
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2 min readLeadership: J. David Joyner
CEO
J. David Joyner is the CEO of CVS Health Corporation, leading a workforce of 300,000 employees. His career spans several leadership roles within the healthcare and retail sectors. Joyner has a strong background in operations, supply chain management, and customer service. He has held executive positions at major retail companies, demonstrating his expertise in managing large-scale organizations and driving operational efficiency. His experience includes overseeing complex supply chains, implementing customer-centric strategies, and driving revenue growth.
Track Record: Since becoming CEO, J. David Joyner has focused on expanding CVS Health Corporation's healthcare services and enhancing its digital capabilities. He has overseen the expansion of MinuteClinic services and the development of new digital health solutions. Under his leadership, CVS has strengthened its position as a leading healthcare provider and innovator. Joyner has also emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction and employee engagement, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the company.
Common Questions About CVS (Healthcare)
What does the AI Score mean for CVS?
CVS holds an AI Score of 69/100 (Grade: B+). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. The number comes from the five-pillar engine (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum), re-ranked daily against sector peers.
Is CVS a good stock?
Stock Expert AI does not rate CVS buy, sell or hold. CVS Health Corporation carries a MoonshotScore of 69/100 on the five-pillar engine, a research rating against its peers. Whether it fits is your call: check what it sells, whether it earns, what the price assumes, and what would prove you wrong.
What do analysts say about CVS stock?
Analysts generally view CVS Health Corporation as a stable and well-positioned player in the healthcare industry. The consensus rating on CVS stock is typically a 'Hold' or 'Buy,' reflecting expectations for steady growth and consistent profitability. Key valuation metrics, such as the P/E ratio and dividend yield, are closely monitored by analysts.
What are the key factors to evaluate for CVS?
CVS Health Corporation (CVS) holds a MoonshotScore of 69/100 (moderate). P/E: 24.88x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Analysts target $111.20 (+17%). Not financial advice.
How frequently does CVS data refresh on this page?
CVS's price was last updated on Sep 11, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours; the quote is a provider snapshot, not an exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven CVS's recent stock price performance?
CVS Health Corporation (CVS) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Integrated healthcare model with diverse revenue streams. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider CVS overvalued or undervalued right now?
CVS Health Corporation (CVS) trades at 24.88x earnings. Analysts target $111.20 (+17%) — upside seen. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
Can I buy fractional shares of CVS?
Yes, most major brokerages offer fractional shares of CVS Health Corporation (CVS) with no minimum purchase requirement. This means you can invest any dollar amount regardless of the share price. Check your brokerage platform for specific terms, fees, and fractional share availability.
How can I track CVS's earnings and financial reports?
CVS Health Corporation (CVS) reports quarterly earnings approximately 4-6 weeks after each fiscal quarter ends. You can track earnings dates, revenue and EPS estimates, and actual results on this page's Financials tab. Earnings surprises (beats or misses) often cause significant short-term price moves. Your brokerage can send alerts for CVS earnings announcements.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- The information provided in this dossier is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended as investment advice.
- The analyst has no financial interest in CVS Health Corporation or any of its competitors.