Recently, we reiterated our Neutral recommendation on CVS Caremark Corporation ( CVS , Analyst Report ) with a target price of $47.00. CVS Caremark reported first quarter 2012 EPS of 59 cents, up 13.5% year over year. However, after excluding the impact of certain one time items from both the periods, adjusted EPS came in at 65 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 63 cents and up 14.0% year over year. 
Share:  Recently, we reiterated our Neutral recommendation on <span class="company">CVS</span> Caremark Corporation ( <span class="company">CVS</span> , Analyst Report ) with a target price of $47.00. <span class="company">CVS</span> Caremark reported first quarter 2012 EPS of 59 cents, up 13.5% year over year. However, after excluding the impact of certain one time items from both the periods, adjusted EPS came in at 65 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 63 cents and up 14.0% year over year. Tweet this   read full story

Andrew Sussman , M. D., president, MinuteClinic and senior vice president/ associate chief medical officer, CVS Caremark Corporation , believes MinuteClinic can help alleviate the severe primary care shortage that is expected to worsen over the coming decade in Texas ."Our innovative model of care can be part of the solution to help broaden access to high quality, convenient and affordable health care services in the San Antonio community and elsewhere in the state," Sussman said. The clinics are staffed by MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants who specialize in family health care and can diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions, skin conditions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumonia and hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. In addition, MinuteClinic administers a series of wellness services designed to help consumers identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their current and future health, including screenings and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 
Share:  Andrew <span class="analyst">Sussman</span> , M. D., president, MinuteClinic and senior vice president/ associate chief medical officer, <span class="company">CVS Caremark Corporation</span> , believes MinuteClinic can help alleviate the severe primary care shortage that is expected to worsen over the coming decade in Texas ."Our <span class="sent">innovative model of care can be part of the solution to help broaden access to high quality, convenient and affordable health care services in the San Antonio community and elsewhere in the state," <span class="analyst">Sussman</span> said.</span> The clinics are staffed by MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants who specialize in family health care and can diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions, skin conditions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumonia and hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. In addition, MinuteClinic administers a series of wellness services designed to help consumers identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their current and future health, including screenings and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Tweet this   read full story

CVS Caremark ( NYSE:CVS) has impressively turned around the outlook of its pharmacy services business within a year, becoming the industry's second largest player having won multiple high profile contracts. It also acquired a leadership position in the federally sponsored Medicare Part D prescription business through acquisitions, achieved high growth in specialty pharmacy segment, and leveraged its integrated business model to greatly expand its Maintenance Choice program. Last quarter, its PBM revenues grew 32% as it processed 17% more mail choice and 26% more pharmacy network claims compared to the prior year period. 
Share:  <span class="company">CVS</span> Caremark ( NYSE:<span class="company">CVS</span>) has impressively turned around the outlook of its pharmacy services business within a year, becoming the industry's second largest player having won multiple high profile contracts. It also acquired a leadership position in the federally sponsored Medicare Part D prescription business through acquisitions, achieved high growth in specialty pharmacy segment, and leveraged its integrated business model to greatly expand its Maintenance Choice program. Last quarter, its PBM revenues grew 32% as it processed 17% more mail choice and 26% more pharmacy network claims compared to the prior year period. Tweet this   read full story

CVS Caremark ( NYSE:CVS), the second largest drug retailer in the United States, has significantly benefited from the Walgreen Express fallout as Express members looked for non Walgreen pharmacies to fill their prescriptions and many ended up on CVS stores as the most convenient alternative. If the dispute remains unresolved for much longer, those new customers might turn more loyal to CVS, which is already well positioned to attract customers with its integrated and convenient retail pharmacy services business model. Anticipating further benefits from the continued impasse, the company has further improved its full year earnings guidance, with higher prescriptions and operating profits. CVS Caremark is an integrated pharmacy services provider and drugstore chain that competes with Walgreen ( NYSE:WAG), Wal Mart ( NYSE:WMT) and Rite Aid ( NYSE:RAD) in its prescription drugs, OTC drugs and general merchandise segment. 
Share:  <span class="company">CVS</span> Caremark ( NYSE:<span class="company">CVS</span>), the second largest drug retailer in the United States, has significantly benefited from the Walgreen Express fallout as Express members looked for non Walgreen pharmacies to fill their prescriptions and many ended up on <span class="company">CVS</span> stores as the most convenient alternative. If the dispute remains unresolved for much longer, those new customers might turn more loyal to <span class="company">CVS</span>, which is already well positioned to attract customers with its integrated and convenient retail pharmacy services business model. Anticipating further benefits from the continued impasse, the company has further improved its full year earnings guidance, with higher prescriptions and operating profits. <span class="company">CVS</span> Caremark is an integrated pharmacy services provider and drugstore chain that competes with Walgreen ( NYSE:WAG), Wal Mart ( NYSE:WMT) and Rite Aid ( NYSE:RAD) in its prescription drugs, OTC drugs and general merchandise segment. Tweet this   read full story

According to the Wall Street Journal , the company was also encouraged to raise its target thanks "to the expected benefits of the contract impasse between pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts Holding ( ESRX ) and rival Walgreen ( WAG ).". CVS is working hard to keep the growth going that came after the contract between Walgreen and Express Scripts ended . As reported by the Associated Press : "CEO Larry Merlo estimates that his company filled about 5.7 million to 6.5 million additional prescriptions in the first quarter due to Walgreen Express Scripts dispute, which added about 3 cents per share to his company's earnings. All told, CVS Caremark filled more than 179 million prescriptions at its retail pharmacies in the first three months of 2012." To keep the increased number of customers, CVS is focusing on keeping the transition from Walgreen to CVS as smooth as possible. 
Share:  According to the Wall Street Journal , the company was also encouraged to raise its target thanks "to the expected benefits of the contract impasse between pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts Holding ( ESRX ) and rival Walgreen ( WAG ).". CVS is working hard to keep the growth going that came after the contract between Walgreen and Express Scripts ended . <span class="sent">As reported by the Associated Press : "CEO <span class="analyst">Larry Merlo</span> estimates that his company filled about 5.7 million to 6.5 million additional prescriptions in the first quarter due to Walgreen Express Scripts dispute, which added about 3 cents per share to his company's earnings.</span> All told, <span class="company">CVS Caremark</span> filled more than 179 million prescriptions at its retail pharmacies in the first three months of 2012." To keep the increased number of customers, CVS is focusing on keeping the transition from Walgreen to CVS as smooth as possible. Tweet this   read full story

GAAP earnings per diluted share from continuing operations attributable to CVS Caremark for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.59 and $0.52 , respectively. Larry Merlo , president and CEO, stated: "We posted an outstanding first quarter with strong results across the board. Results in both our retail and PBM segments came in at the high end of our guidance, while EPS exceeded expectations. We also generated $2.4 billion in free cash during the quarter, which places us comfortably on track to achieve our goal for the year.". 
Share:  GAAP earnings per diluted share from continuing operations attributable to <span class="company">CVS Caremark</span> for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.59 and $0.52 , respectively. <span class="sent"><span class="analyst">Larry Merlo</span> , president and CEO, stated: "We posted an outstanding first quarter with strong results across the board.</span> Results in both our retail and PBM segments came in at the high end of our guidance, while EPS exceeded expectations. We also generated $2.4 billion in free cash during the quarter, which places us comfortably on track to achieve our goal for the year.". Tweet this   read full story