CVS Health Eyes Share Buybacks, Cutting $4 Billion in Debt This Year

CVS Health executives updated investors on the company’s financial strategy and growth outlook. CFO Brian Newman reported progress toward target margins at Aetna. Pharmacy operations have returned to growth.

The company paid down $4 billion in debt during 2024. CVS expects to resume share repurchases as early as late this year.

Management warned of headwinds in 2026 and 2027 due to the evolving 340B drug-pricing program. Separately, CVS launched updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines at all pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations.