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CVS Health reported stronger-than-expected financial results for the second quarter, prompting the healthcare company to raise its full-year earnings and revenue projections. The retailer now forecasts adjusted profit between $7.90 and $8.10 per share for 2026, a significant increase from its previous guidance of $7.30 to $7.50. Revenue expectations also climbed to at least $414 billion, up from the prior outlook of $405 billion or more.
All three of CVS’s business divisions—insurance, pharmacy, and health services—exceeded Wall Street’s revenue projections in the quarter. The company’s insurance unit Aetna demonstrated particularly strong performance, with its medical benefit ratio improving to 87.4% from 89.9% in the prior year. Aetna generated $37.54 billion in quarterly revenue, surpassing analyst expectations. The improved metrics reflect CVS’s ongoing restructuring efforts, which have included substantial cost reductions and strategic exits from unprofitable markets.
In other developments, CVS announced a partnership with Eli Lilly to offer weight management medications through its health app. The initiative will provide eligible patients access to Zepbound and Foundayo by early fourth quarter, extending availability to both insured individuals and those paying out of pocket. Despite the optimistic earnings report, CVS maintained caution about the remainder of 2026, citing persistent medical cost pressures and economic uncertainties.
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