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CVS vs ELV
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CVS Health Corporation (CVS) vs. Elevance Health (ELV) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CVS is a diversified, vertically integrated healthcare conglomerate spanning retail pharmacy, pharmacy benefit management, and insurance, while ELV is a pure-play health insurer expanding into adjacent services.
- CVS has shown stronger recent price momentum, rebounding sharply after a difficult prior year as its turnaround plan gained traction, while ELV has lagged amid margin pressure in government-sponsored plans.
- Both companies face elevated medical cost trends, but ELV carries more concentrated exposure to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace headwinds.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, relative momentum, and valuation, Tickeron's AI currently favors CVS over ELV in this stock comparison.
- For deeper coverage, explore CVS Major News and CVS Today's Price Move, as well as ELV Major News and ELV Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI trading systems are positioning across the market, explore the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the healthcare sector frequently weigh diversified giants against focused insurers. CVS (CVS Health Corporation) and ELV (Elevance Health, Inc.) represent two distinct approaches to healthcare: one a vertically integrated retail-and-services model, the other a managed-care leader expanding into care services. This stock comparison examines their relative performance, business drivers, and risk profiles in the current market environment. It is most relevant to traders and investors seeking to understand how momentum, valuation, and regulatory exposure interact across two large-cap healthcare names, and to those using data-driven tools to rank opportunities between comparable tickers.
CVS Overview and Recent Performance
CVS operates one of the largest U.S. pharmacy retail networks alongside a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), Caremark, and the Aetna insurance business, supported by a growing health-services and care-delivery segment. Recent market activity has reflected a notable turnaround. After a steep decline in the prior year, CVS shares advanced sharply in recent quarters, and full-year revenue reached a company record above $400 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) also rose materially year over year, aided by margin recovery at Aetna and steady Caremark performance. Management has raised its profit outlook multiple times and issued 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of roughly $7.00 to $7.20. Sentiment has improved as the company narrowed its focus, exiting underperforming markets, cutting costs, and emphasizing its integrated model. A modest forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and a dividend yield well above the broader market have reinforced its appeal to value-oriented investors.
ELV Overview and Recent Performance
ELV, formerly Anthem, is a leading health benefits company and Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee, serving commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, and individual markets. Its Carelon segment—spanning pharmacy services and risk-based care solutions—has been a key growth engine, with CarelonRx and Carelon Services both expanding rapidly in recent quarters. However, ELV has faced persistent headwinds from elevated medical cost trends and Medicaid eligibility reverifications, which have pressured membership and margins. Adjusted EPS declined year over year in recent reports even as revenue grew double digits. The company has also flagged uncertainty tied to potential changes in enhanced ACA subsidies, which could reduce marketplace enrollment. Despite strong top-line momentum and disciplined capital returns, including share repurchases and a quarterly dividend, the stock has underperformed the broader market in recent periods as investors weigh the durability of its margin recovery.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks lies in diversification versus focus. CVS blends retail, PBM economics, insurance, and care delivery, which spreads risk but also exposes the company to pharmacy reimbursement pressure and integration complexity. ELV is more concentrated in insurance premiums and government-sponsored programs, giving it greater leverage to membership trends and regulatory shifts. On valuation, CVS trades at a lower forward earnings multiple, while ELV commands a higher multiple historically associated with steadier managed-care earnings. Momentum also differs: CVS has benefited from a clearer improvement narrative, whereas ELV has been weighed down by Medicaid acuity and ACA-related uncertainty. Risk factors overlap—both face rising medical costs and Medicare Part D seasonality from the Inflation Reduction Act—but ELV carries comparatively higher sensitivity to government-program policy changes.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing observable factors such as trend consistency, relative momentum, catalyst visibility, and valuation, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward CVS over ELV. The signal is supported by CVS's stronger recent price trend, improving earnings trajectory, lower valuation, and a more clearly defined turnaround catalyst, contrasted with ELV's ongoing margin and regulatory pressures. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: market conditions can shift, and ELV's faster-growing Carelon segment remains a potential offset. Investors should treat this as a data-driven comparison of relative positioning rather than a forecast of future returns.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CVS is a Buy and ELV is a Hold.
CVS's RSI Indicator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for CVS moved out of oversold territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 32 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 22 of the 32 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
CVS moved above its 50-day moving average on November 11, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +5.01% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CVS advanced for three days, in 222 of 335 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
CVS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 173 of 253 cases where CVS Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 68%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 29, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CVS as a result. In 46 of 86 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CVS turned negative on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 29 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 57%.
The 10-day moving average for CVS crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 11 of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 55%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CVS declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 49 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: CVS's P/B Ratio (1.346) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.520). P/E Ratio (21.950) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.353). CVS's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.206) is slightly lower than the industry average of (0.786). CVS has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.032) as compared to the industry average of (0.009). P/S Ratio (0.283) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CVS’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CVS’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 81 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
ELV's RSI Oscillator recovers from overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ELV moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 28 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 20 of the 28 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ELV turned negative on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 26 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 51%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ELV declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
ELV broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 37 of 64 cases where ELV's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 10, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ELV as a result. In 62 of 99 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The 10-day moving average for ELV crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +4.98% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ELV advanced for three days, in 183 of 319 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 144 of 251 cases where ELV Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 57%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 29 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. ELV’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 64 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.057) is normal, around the industry mean (3.520). P/E Ratio (18.775) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.353). ELV's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.291) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.786). Dividend Yield (0.016) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.453) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 82 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ELV’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 99 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
CVS | ELV | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 65 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 49 Fair valued | 64 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 75 | 82 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 81 | 99 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 51 | 29 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 97 | 9 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CVS's Valuation (49) in the Drugstore Chains industry is in the same range as ELV (64) in the Managed Health Care industry. This means that CVS’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
CVS's Profit vs Risk Rating (75) in the Drugstore Chains industry is in the same range as ELV (82) in the Managed Health Care industry. This means that CVS’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
CVS's SMR Rating (81) in the Drugstore Chains industry is in the same range as ELV (99) in the Managed Health Care industry. This means that CVS’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's Price Growth Rating (29) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CVS (51) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that ELV’s stock grew similarly to CVS’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's P/E Growth Rating (9) in the Managed Health Care industry is significantly better than the same rating for CVS (97) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that ELV’s stock grew significantly faster than CVS’s over the last 12 months.
| CVS | ELV | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 58% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 51% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 8 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 61% | 3 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 57% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CVS’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while ELV’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CVS’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- ELV’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CVS’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ELV’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CVS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- ELV’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CVS (@Managed Health Care) experienced а -2.63% price change this week, while ELV (@Managed Health Care) price change was -1.08% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Managed Health Care industry was +1.16%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +4.68%, and the average quarterly price growth was +16.62%.
Reported Earning Dates
CVS is expected to report earnings on Feb 17, 2027.
ELV is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Managed Health Care (+1.16% weekly)Managed healthcare industry focuses on providing health/medical and disability insurance plans, generally intended to reduce the cost of for-profit health care. The insurance products might be provided through employer-paid (fully or partly) insurance and benefit programs, or through Medicare/Medicaid. Some of the largest providers of managed health care include Aetna, Humana Inc., and Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare.
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CVS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CVS has been loosely correlated with UNH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CVS jumps, then UNH could also see price increases.
ELV and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ELV has been closely correlated with UNH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 66% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ELV jumps, then UNH could also see price increases.