Particle.news
Download on the App Store

CVS Raises 2026 Profit Forecast After Strong Second Quarter

A more profitable pharmacy drug mix plus Aetna’s lower medical loss ratio with Medicare Star bonuses drove the upgrade.

Overview

  • CVS reported adjusted second-quarter earnings of $2.58 per share, well above analysts’ estimate, and net income of about $2.9 billion.
  • Quarterly revenue rose to roughly $106.1 billion, reflecting higher pharmacy volumes and PBM sales tied to drug mix and brand inflation.
  • The company raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $7.90–$8.10 as Aetna’s medical loss ratio improved to 87.4% and high Star ratings delivered government bonus payments.
  • CVS said health services operating profit climbed 10% to $1.73 billion while it plans to close 16 underperforming Oak Street primary-care sites and expand MinuteClinic access to weight-loss drug visits for $29.
  • Leadership warned that elevated medical costs, regulatory and reimbursement pressures, and macroeconomic risks remain and could limit future margin gains even as the company monetizes GLP-1 demand and restores insurer margins.