CVS Health stock gains on higher 2026 guidance
Published on 09/16/2026 at 21:01 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
CVS Health stock (ISIN US1266501006) traded below USD 94 on September 16, 2026, after 24/7 Wall St said the shares were near USD 94, a 19 percent discount to the USD 116 average analyst target. The same report said CVS Health raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to USD 7.90 to USD 8.10 and lifted operating cash flow guidance to at least USD 11.5 billion.
Guidance reset matters
24/7 Wall St said Q2 2026 adjusted EPS was USD 2.58, 37.97 percent above consensus, and that Aetna's medical benefit ratio improved to 87.4 percent from 89.9 percent. It also said full-year 2026 consensus EPS has seen 22 upward revisions and zero downward revisions in the trailing 30 days.
The market is still pricing in risk, because the same report put CVS Health at a 25x trailing P/E and an 11x forward P/E. That gap leaves the stock cheaper on next year's numbers than on its recent earnings base.
Analysts stay positive
According to The Globe and Mail on September 16, 2026, Stephen Baxter at Wells Fargo kept a Buy rating on CVS Health and a USD 123 price target. The same report said the Street's average price target stands at USD 114.37, while Jefferies kept a Buy rating with a USD 120 target in a separate August 31 note.
The key issue for investors is whether the 87.4 percent medical benefit ratio can stay near that level as CVS moves through the second half of 2026. 24/7 Wall St said the bull case depends on durable Aetna margin recovery, while PBM re-regulation and drug pricing rules remain the main threats.
Stock near support
CVS Health shares were quoted below USD 94 on September 16, 2026, and 24/7 Wall St said the stock has ranged between a 52-week high of USD 110.68 and a low of USD 69.51. On the same valuation snapshot, the average analyst target was USD 116.28.
CVS Health stock data
- Company: CVS Health Corporation
- ISIN: US1266501006
- Ticker: CVS
- Trading venue: NYSE
- Price (as of September 16, 2026): below USD 94
- Market capitalization: not available from the cited price snapshot
- Sector / Industry: Health Care / Healthcare Providers & Services
- Index membership: S&P 500
