Is CVS Health Stock Outperforming the Nasdaq?
/CVS%20Health%20Corp%20corporate%20office-by%20JHVEPhoto%20via%20iStock.jpg)
With a market cap of $80.4 billion, CVS Health Corporation (CVS) is a leading pharmacy innovation company headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It operates through three main segments - Health Care Benefits; Health Services; and Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness, offering a wide range of health solutions including insurance, pharmacy benefit management, and retail pharmacy services.
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally considered "large-cap" stocks, and CVS Health fits this criterion perfectly. Serving diverse clients from individuals to government programs, CVS Health plays a key role in the U.S. healthcare ecosystem.
Despite this, shares of the Woonsocket, Rhode Island-based company have declined 11.8% from its 52-week high of $72.51. CVS stock has decreased 3.8% over the past three months, lagging behind the Nasdaq Composite’s ($NASX) 7.8% rise over the same time frame.
In the longer term, shares of CVS Health have risen 3.3% over the past 52 weeks, compared to NASX’s 14.5% return over the same time frame. However, CVS stock is up 42.1% on a YTD basis, outperforming NASX’s 1.6% gain.
The stock has been trading above its 200-day moving average since early February.
Shares of CVS Health rose 4.1% on May 1 after the company reported strong Q1 2025 results, with adjusted EPS of $2.25, up 71.8% year-over-year and beating the consensus estimate. Revenues grew 7% year-over-year to $94.6 billion, surpassing expectations, driven by solid performance across all segments, including an 11.1% increase in Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness and an 8% rise in Health Care Benefits. Additionally, CVS raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $6 - $6.20.
Moreover, CVS Health stock has outperformed its rival UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH). UNH stock has declined 38.2% over the past 52 weeks and 40.1% on a YTD basis.
Due to the stock’s strong performance on a YTD basis, analysts remain bullish on CVS Health. The stock has a consensus rating of “Strong Buy” from 23 analysts in coverage, and as of writing, CVS is trading below the mean price target of $79.14.
On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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.