CVS Health Corp.

CVS Pharmacy is stepping up its home delivery game.

CVS Health on Monday reported earnings that beat analysts expectations as strength in its pharmacy services division helped offset falling retail sales.

Rumors of a blockbuster deal in which CVS Health would acquire insurance giant Aetna circulated late Thursday afternoon following a report by The Wall Street Journal.

CVS Pharmacy has brought its new store format to Times Square in Manhattan, opening a two-level, 13,000-sq.-ft. flagship with an expanded focus on beauty and health throughout the space.    On the health side, the store features a walk-in MinuteClinic that provides a wide array of prevention and wellness service, and also an Optical Center that offers comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of eye disease, along with contact lens fittings and prescriptions.   

CVS Pharmacy has brought its new store format to the "crossroads of the world."  

Target Corp. is adding more health clinics to its stores.    Target is opening clinics staffed and operated by Kaiser Permanente in 31 of the chain's stores In Southern California. The expansion builds on an existing collaboration the two companies launched in 2014.  

CVS Pharmacy is rolling out a convenient way for consumers on the go to easily buy necessities.    The drugstore chain on Thursday introduced automated vending machines that will be located in travel hubs and other places and contain such items as over-the-counter health products, better-for-you snacks and popular personal care products. The machines will also be used to showcase products from the company’s exclusive store brands while meeting customers at well-trafficked areas.  

The nation's second largest drugstore chain by store count posted a higher-than-expected quarterly profit amid stronger demand for its pharmacy benefits management business.    CVS’ net income rose 18.8% to $1.1 billion in the second quarter, ended June 30. Net revenues rose 4.5% to $45.7 billion, with a 9.5% increase in revenue in it pharmacy services segment, which includes its pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) business and specialty pharmacy services.  

CVS Pharmacy opened its first store in the Centennial State.    CVS Pharmacy’s newest location resides in Parker, Colorado. It is the first of three stores slated to open in the greater Denver market this year.  

CVS Health Corp. reported lower profit in its first quarter amid pressure by more generic drugs and softer customer traffic.    Net income for the three months ended March 31 decreased 16.9% year over year to $953 million. CVS said the decline was primarily driven by the decline in operating profit, partially offset by lower interest expense of $31 million related to refinancing activity in the prior year as well as the improvement in the effective income tax rate, from 39.4% to 37.3%.