Updated
Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 22
CVS Health Gains 18% in 2026 as Wall Street Sees Another 22% Upside
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 22

CVS Health Gains 18% in 2026 as Wall Street Sees Another 22% Upside

1 articles · Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 22

Summary

  • CVS shares have climbed more than 18% this year, outpacing the S&P 500's sub-13% gain, while analysts' consensus target of $114.59 implies roughly 22% more upside.
  • Three 2026 quarterly reports all beat revenue and profit estimates, with adjusted EPS at $2.57 versus $2.21 in the first quarter and $2.58 versus $1.83 in the second.
  • CVS also raised full-year revenue and earnings guidance after both quarters, reinforcing investor confidence that the earnings strength can continue.
  • Aetna's medical benefit ratio fell from 94.8% in late 2025 to 84.6% in the first quarter and 87.4% in the next two periods, helping healthcare benefits operating income jump 52% to over $3 billion and 85% to $2.4 billion.

Insights

Aetna lost 600,000 members but doubled its profits—can this strategy of shrinking to grow actually sustain CVS's massive stock rally?
As CVS slashes benefits to boost margins, will looming 2027 pharmacy headwinds unravel Wall Street's newest healthcare darling?