Is CVS Health Stock Outperforming the S&P 500?

CVS Health Corp logo on building-by Mark Roger Bailey via Shutterstock

CVS Health Corporation (CVS), with a market cap of $83.15 billion, provides health solutions in the United States. Headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the company offers traditional, voluntary, and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, medical management capabilities, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement plans.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as “large-cap” stocks, and CVS fits this criterion perfectly, exceeding the mark. As a key player in the healthcare industry, CVS benefits from long-term stability and steady revenue growth.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for the stock as it has fallen 19.2% from its 52-week high of $80.75, recorded on March 28. Over the past three months, CVS shares have surged 18%, compared to the S&P 500 Index ($SPX), which declined 5.8% during the same period.

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CVS shares have surged 13% over the past six months and declined 12.2% over the past 52 weeks. By contrast, $SPX has surged 6.1% over the past six months and 12.4% over the past 52 weeks.

CVS has been trading above its 50-day moving average since mid-January and above its 200-day moving average since mid-February.

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CVS stock surged 5% following its Q4 earnings release on February 13. CVS announced a 4.2% increase in its total revenues, which amounted to $97.7 billion. Moreover, its EPS came in at $1.19, surpassing the Wall Street EPS estimates by 33.7%.

Its top rival, The Cigna Group (CI), has lagged behind, with its stock declining 10.7% over the past six months and 7.1% over the past 52 weeks.

Wall Street analysts are extremely hopeful for CVS, with a consensus rating of "Strong Buy" from 23 analysts. Its mean price target of $71.68 implies a potential upside of 9.9% from the current market prices.


On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.