Core Insights - CVS Health projected double-digit earnings growth for 2026, indicating steady progress in its turnaround efforts after raising its 2025 profit forecast for the third time [1][3] - The company expects mid-teens percentage profit growth compared to 2025 and will provide a more detailed outlook in December [1] Financial Performance - CVS recorded a $5.73 billion writedown related to its healthcare delivery businesses, including MinuteClinics, Oak Street Health, and Signify Health, reflecting a restructuring of Oak Street and diminished value of Signify Health [2] - For full-year 2025, CVS anticipates a profit of $6.55 to $6.65 per share, an increase from the previous forecast of $6.30 to $6.40 per share, exceeding Wall Street estimates of $6.38 [4] Management and Strategy - CEO David Joyner has initiated a turnaround strategy, focusing on cost-cutting, exiting underperforming markets, and strengthening management to boost investor confidence [3] - The improved forecast is attributed to new customers acquired from the purchase of Rite Aid prescription files and growth in the Caremark pharmacy benefit business [7] Market Position and Industry Context - CVS's turnaround appears to be on track, with positive performance in the Aetna business and a strong market position for its retail pharmacies despite industry challenges [5] - The company, along with peers like UnitedHealth Group, is facing elevated costs in government-backed health plans due to increased medical service utilization and changes in reimbursement [6]

Core Viewpoint - CVS Health has raised its annual adjusted profit forecast despite announcing a significant writedown of $5.73 billion related to its healthcare businesses, indicating a mixed financial outlook for the company [1][2]. Financial Performance - CVS reported a net loss of $3.13 per share for the third quarter [1]. - The company achieved an adjusted quarterly profit of $1.60 per share, surpassing analysts' expectations of $1.37 per share [6]. - For the full year 2025, CVS raised its adjusted profit outlook to between $6.55 and $6.65 per share, up from a previous forecast of $6.30 to $6.40 per share [6]. Business Restructuring - The $5.73 billion writedown includes a restructuring of Oak Street Health and a diminished value of Signify Health, both of which focus on Medicare services [2]. - CVS took an $83 million charge for the closure of 16 Oak Street clinics and plans to reduce the number of new primary care clinics it will open in 2026 and beyond [4]. Strategic Outlook - CEO David Joyner indicated that the company is conservatively managing risks associated with its health insurance and healthcare delivery units [3]. - The company is taking a cautious approach to healthcare trends as it anticipates elevated conditions leading into 2026 [4]. - CVS has experienced four consecutive quarters of beating earnings estimates, signaling a turnaround after previous struggles with medical costs in its insurance business [5].

Core Insights - The healthcare sector is significantly influenced by major players like UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health, both of which integrate insurance and care delivery [1][2] - UnitedHealth's recent challenges include rising medical costs and regulatory shifts, while CVS is seen as a strong value play with a clear turnaround strategy [2] UnitedHealth Group (UNH) - UNH reported first-quarter revenues of $109.6 billion and adjusted net income of $6.6 billion, maintaining a 6% net margin [3] - The company missed earnings estimates once in the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 1.2% [4] - Medical costs surged 11.7% in the first quarter, following a 9.2% rise in 2024, with expectations of over 16% growth in 2025 [5] - UNH's pharmacy benefit manager, Optum Rx, may face regulatory challenges affecting pricing power [6] - The new CEO, Steve Hemsley, has pledged to rebuild shareholder trust after the company's first earnings miss in nearly two decades [7] CVS Health Corporation (CVS) - CVS reported first-quarter revenues of $94.6 billion and net income of $1.8 billion, with adjusted EPS of $2.25, beating last year's $1.31 by 31.6% [8][10] - The Health Care Benefits segment's medical benefit ratio improved to 87.3%, reflecting better cost control [8] - CVS has consistently beaten earnings estimates in the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 18.1% [9] - The company raised its 2025 EPS guidance to $6.00-$6.20, up from $5.75-$6.00, and anticipates $500 million in savings from retail store closures [10][14] - CVS's diversified model is showing momentum with rising retail script volumes and improved operating income across segments [12] Comparative Analysis - Zacks Consensus Estimates favor CVS, with upward revisions in EPS estimates, while UNH has seen multiple downward revisions [15] - CVS trades at a forward P/E of 10.31, compared to UNH's 12.98, indicating a more attractive risk-reward profile for CVS [16] - Year-to-date, UNH shares have dropped 39% due to medical cost concerns, while CVS shares have increased by 49.4% [18] Conclusion - UnitedHealth faces challenges with cost control and guidance uncertainties, while CVS is executing a successful turnaround with improving margins and positive analyst sentiment [21][22] - For investors seeking upside potential, CVS Health is positioned as the stronger investment option in the current healthcare landscape [22]