Is CVS Health (CVS) a Buy for 2026 Amid Industry Volatility?

In a healthcare sector marked by regulatory shifts and margin pressures, CVS Health (CVS) has emerged as a standout performer, leveraging strategic reforms to bolster its financial resilience. With updated guidance for 2025 and forward-looking projections for 2026, the company is positioning itself as a compelling long-term investment. This analysis evaluates CVS's fundamental strength, valuation metrics, and analyst sentiment to determine whether it warrants a "buy" designation in a stabilizing industry.

Fundamental Resilience: A Turnaround in Motion

CVS's recent financial updates underscore its ability to adapt to industry headwinds. For 2025, the company raised its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) guidance to $6.60–$6.70, up from $6.55–$6.65, while projecting total revenue of at least $400.0 billion, a $2.7 billion increase from prior estimates. Looking ahead, CVS anticipates adjusted EPS of $7.00–$7.20 for 2026, surpassing Wall Street's expectations and signaling confidence in its long-term strategy.

Analyst sentiment aligns with this optimism. Over the past 90 days, 17 analysts revised their EPS estimates upward, reflecting a consensus of 22.7% year-over-year growth for the current fiscal year. While the current quarter's earnings are projected to decline 16.8% year-over-year, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has risen 3.1% in the past 30 days, indicating improving short-term expectations. This upward revision trend highlights CVS's ability to stabilize its core operations amid sector-wide volatility.

Valuation Attractiveness: A Discount to Peers

CVS's valuation metrics further reinforce its appeal. The stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 11.7–12.9, significantly below the Medical Services industry average of 15.5–16.7. Its PEG ratio-0.77 to 0.9-also outperforms the sector's 1.5–1.71 average, suggesting the stock is undervalued relative to its expected earnings growth.

Zacks Rank analysis corroborates this view. CVS holds a Value Style Score of "A", indicating it trades at a discount compared to peers, based on metrics like price-to-earnings, price-to-sales, and price-to-cash flow ratios. Despite a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), which implies neutral near-term performance, the company's low valuation multiples and strong earnings trajectory position it as a value play with upside potential.

Analyst Sentiment: Upgrades and Price Targets Signal Confidence

Recent analyst activity underscores growing confidence in CVS. As of December 2025, 26 Wall Street analysts rate the stock as a "Moderate Buy," with 22 buy ratings, four holds, and two strong buys. The average one-year price target of $94.67 implies a 20.79% upside from its current price, with high-end targets reaching $105.00.

Notably, Truist Securities and TD Cowen recently raised their price targets to $100.00 and $105.00, respectively, citing CVS's operational improvements and strategic focus on healthcare innovation. UBS upgraded its rating in August 2025, raising the price target to $79 after previously adopting a neutral stance. These upgrades contrast with a 2024 downgrade from TD Cowen, which had reduced its target to $59, highlighting the evolving narrative around CVS's long-term prospects.

Strategic Positioning in a Stabilizing Sector

CVS's strength lies in its diversified business model, spanning pharmacy retail, insurance, and healthcare services. Its recent investments in digital health and cost-containment initiatives have enhanced margins, while its Aetna integration continues to drive synergies. These factors position CVS to outperform peers in a sector increasingly focused on value-based care and cost efficiency.

While the Zacks Rank of #3 suggests caution in the near term, the company's valuation discounts and analyst optimism point to a favorable risk-reward profile for 2026. With a projected 22.7% earnings growth and a PEG ratio below 1, CVS offers a compelling entry point for investors seeking exposure to a resilient healthcare player.

Conclusion: A Buy for the Long-Term

CVS Health's combination of fundamental resilience, attractive valuation, and improving analyst sentiment makes it a strategically positioned stock for 2026. Despite sector volatility, the company's operational reforms and strong guidance provide a solid foundation for growth. For investors prioritizing value and long-term upside, CVS represents a compelling case for a "buy" decision.