Core Insights - CVS Health's Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness segment has experienced an 11.1% year-over-year revenue growth in Q1 2025, driven by high vaccine demand and an extended flu season, raising questions about sustaining this momentum throughout fiscal 2025 [1][9] Group 1: Business Performance - The favorable pharmacy drug mix, particularly the rising demand for high-cost branded GLP-1 medications, is expected to benefit CVS [2] - CVS Pharmacy's inclusion in Novo Nordisk's NovoCare pharmacy network allows for expanded access to Wegovy at over 9,000 community health locations [2] - The implementation of the CostVantage pharmacy reimbursement model is anticipated to enhance future results by reducing market cross-subsidization [2] Group 2: Sales and Market Trends - Rising same-store sales and prescription volumes are projected to boost adjusted operating income for CVS Health's PCW business [3] - Retail pharmacy remains crucial, supported by demographic trends and increasing prescription drug usage [3] Group 3: Strategic Developments - CVS completed a three-year plan to close 900 stores, achieving a retail pharmacy script share of 27.6% in Q1 2025, an increase of nearly 70 basis points year over year [4] - The company's consistent execution and commitment to pharmacy access are expected to maintain its market position despite a smaller footprint [4] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Walmart reported strong health and wellness sales growth in fiscal 2026, with a 91% year-over-year increase in deliveries under three hours [6] - Walgreens Boots Alliance achieved 7.8% year-over-year sales growth in its U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment, focusing on a retail-pharmacy-led turnaround strategy [7] Group 5: Financial Metrics - CVS shares have increased by 18.9% over the past year, outperforming the industry's 14.6% decline [8] - The stock is trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 10.18X, lower than the industry average of 14.07X, and carries a Value Score of A [10]

CVS Health Corporation (CVS) is scheduled to report first-quarter 2025 results on May 1, before the opening bell. 3 Factors to Focus on Ahead of CVS' Q1 Earnings A Turnaround at Aetna Expected: Aetna's underperformance in 2024 was concerning. However, CVS expected benefit redesigns and improved rate negotiations to lead to margin recovery starting from 2025. While utilization trends remained elevated in the fourth quarter of 2024, data showed moderation in inpatient costs, a positive sign for medical cost c ...