CVS Quarterly Profit Beats; Expects to Close Aetna Deal This Month

CVS Quarterly Profit Beats; Expects to Close Aetna Deal This Month
Shoppers walk outside a CVS store and pharmacy in Medford, Massachusetts, U.S. December 4, 2017. Brian Snyder/File Photo/Reuters
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CVS Health Corp., which expects to close its $69 billion purchase of Aetna Inc. this month, reported third-quarter profit that beat analysts’ estimates on higher sales of prescription drugs.

The company said it believes the Aetna deal will help it save more than $750 million in costs in the second year after it closes, as the combination reduces corporate expenses as well as produces “some” cuts in medical costs from decreased emergency room visits.