CVS Health posts strong Q3 results and lifts full‑year EPS and cash‑flow outlook

CVS Health reported adjusted earnings of $2.09 per share for the third quarter, well above analysts' consensus of $1.65. Revenue reached $108.4 billion, a 5.4% year‑over‑year increase. Management raised its adjusted full‑year EPS guidance to at least $8.20 and its operating cash‑flow target to at least $15.5 billion, while also confirming plans to split the business into two publicly traded companies by mid‑2028.

The higher EPS and cash‑flow forecasts suggest stronger profitability and cash generation, which could support dividend payments and potential share buybacks (the company said it expects to maintain its dividend). The announced split may create two focused entities, potentially affecting valuation and investor allocation decisions.

  • 1Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 2026 were $2.09, versus $1.60 a year earlier.
  • 2Revenue for the quarter was $108.4 billion, up 5.4% from $102.9 billion a year ago.
  • 3Management lifted the adjusted full‑year EPS guidance to a minimum of $8.20 per share.
  • 4Operating cash‑flow guidance was increased to at least $15.5 billion for the full year.
  • 5The company announced a plan to separate its retail pharmacy operations into a stand‑alone public company by early 2028.
  • 6GAAP diluted EPS for the quarter was $1.68, compared with a loss of $3.13 in the prior year, reflecting the lack of a $5.7 billion goodwill impairment recorded in 2025.

Sources