Healthcare Sector Resilience: Why CVS and UnitedHealth Lead in 2026 Quality Ratings

The post-pandemic healthcare sector has proven its resilience, with companies like CVS Health and UnitedHealth Group emerging as leaders in both operational adaptability and quality standards. As the U.S. government releases its 2026 quality ratings for health and prescription drug plans, these two giants stand out for their ability to balance financial performance with patient-centric innovation. For long-term quality investors, their strategies and results offer a compelling case for sustained growth in an evolving industry.

CVS Health: Leveraging Scale and Innovation

CVS Health's 2025 performance underscores its dominance in the healthcare landscape. In the second quarter of 2025, the company reported total revenues of $98.9 billion, an 8.4% year-over-year increase, driven by its Aetna and Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness segments, according to the CVS Q2 report. Despite challenges in its Health Services division, CVS raised its full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to $6.30–$6.40, reflecting confidence in its strategic focus on automation, process streamlining, and enhanced member experiences, as noted in a FierceHealthcare report.

The company's Q4 2024 results further highlight its resilience: revenue of $97.71 billion exceeded estimates, with the Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness segment growing by 7.5% to $33.51 billion, as shown in CVS Q4 results. This growth, coupled with over 81% of Aetna members enrolled in top-rated programs, positions CVS as a leader in 2026 quality ratings, according to a MarketScreener analysis. Analysts attribute this success to its integration of retail and health services, which allows for seamless care delivery and data-driven insights, as the CVS Q2 report also notes.

UnitedHealth Group: Navigating Challenges with Strategic Agility

UnitedHealth Group's 2025 journey has been more turbulent. A "frankly unusual and unacceptable" Q1 performance, marked by a surge in Medicare Advantage (MA) and Optum Health utilization, led to a downward revision of its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to $26–$26.50, according to a WCHSB analysis. However, the company's response-enhanced member engagement, improved health assessments for high-risk patients, and policy updates to capture care delivery data-demonstrates its agility in addressing systemic challenges, as the WCHSB analysis added.

Despite these hurdles, UnitedHealth's long-term fundamentals remain robust. Projected 2025 revenue of $453.2 billion and a forward P/E of 17.1x reflect its market leadership, according to Ditlev's analysis. The acquisition of Amedisys in August 2025, though initially dilutive to adjusted EPS, signals a commitment to expanding post-acute care services, as detailed in the SEC filing. With 78% of its members in high-rated plans for 2026 (per MarketScreener), UnitedHealth's focus on technological integration and regulatory adaptation ensures its place among quality leaders.

The Case for Long-Term Quality Investing

Both companies exemplify the principles of long-term quality investing: strong financial health, operational efficiency, and a commitment to innovation. CVS's emphasis on automation and member-centric care aligns with rising demand for convenience in healthcare, while UnitedHealth's investments in data analytics and care coordination address systemic inefficiencies.

For investors, the 2026 quality ratings are more than a metric-they are a testament to these firms' ability to navigate regulatory shifts and demographic trends. As the healthcare sector continues to prioritize value-based care, CVS and UnitedHealth's strategic initiatives position them to outperform peers in both profitability and patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The resilience of CVS Health and UnitedHealth Group in the post-pandemic era is a testament to their adaptability and foresight. While CVS leverages its retail and insurance synergies to drive quality, UnitedHealth's technological and operational agility ensures sustained relevance. For investors seeking long-term value, these companies represent not just financial stability but a blueprint for navigating the complexities of modern healthcare.