AE Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in CVS Health Corporation by 6.2% during the third quarter, adding 14,983 shares to bring its total holding to 257,204 shares valued at $19.39 million as of the period end, according to its latest 13F SEC filing. Other major funds also reshuffled their stakes: Vanguard Group increased its holding by 1.7%, adding more than 2 million shares for a total exceeding 120 million shares; State Street lifted its position by 1.4%, adding just over 800,000 shares; Geode Capital Management added roughly 676,000 shares, a 2.4% increase; and Invesco expanded its stake by 15.3%, acquiring more than 3.1 million additional shares. Norges Bank initiated a new position valued at approximately $1.36 billion. Collectively, institutional and hedge fund ownership stands at around 80.7% of outstanding shares.

Nineteen research firms currently recommend a Buy rating on CVS stock, while four issue Holds, resulting in a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Recent revisions include Wolfe Research raising its target from 85 to 100 and maintaining an Outperform stance; TD Cowen increasing its objective from 100 to 105 with a Buy recommendation; Bank of America trimming its target from 100 to 95 but retaining a Buy rating; and Wells Fargo lowering its outlook from 103 to 102 while keeping an Overweight designation. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an Outperform recommendation, underscoring broad analyst confidence in the company’s growth prospects and cash flow stability.

In the third quarter, CVS reported earnings per share of 1.60, surpassing consensus estimates by 0.24, while revenue rose 7.8% year-over-year to 102.87 billion, outpacing expectations by over 4 billion. The company achieved a return on equity of 11.45% and maintained a net margin of 0.12%. These results were driven by strong pharmacy benefit management performance and growth in clinical services, with same-store sales at retail locations also contributing. Year-to-date, analysts project full-year EPS of approximately 5.89, reflecting continued strength in the company’s integrated healthcare model.

CVS declared a quarterly dividend of 0.665 per share, payable on February 2 to shareholders of record as of January 22, representing an annualized payout of 2.66 and yielding 3.6%. The dividend payout ratio stands at 700%, reflecting the company’s commitment to return excess cash to investors while maintaining investment in growth initiatives such as HealthHUB clinic expansions and digital health solutions. Management reiterated its intention to deploy free cash flow toward debt reduction and share repurchases, aiming to optimize the balance sheet and enhance shareholder value.