CVS Sees Quarterly Profit, Sales Rise

Chicago, CVS Corp. reported an 18% increase in quarterly profit and a 5.1% rise in July sales in stores open at least a year. The increases are attributed to the greater demand for prescription drugs and more general merchandise sales.

CVS surpassed its expected profits. Analysts had expected a profit of 31 cents per share, but the drugstore chain’s profit rose 33 cents per share to $275.9 million. Last year, profits were $234.5 million, or 28 cents per share.

Preliminary figures revealed a 6.1% increase in pharmacy same-store sales and a 2.9% increase in same-store general merchandise comparable sales for the month of July. CVS will release its final July sales numbers on Thursday.