CVS Health
Annual Report 2017

Plain-text annual report

WE ARE A pharmacy innovation company OUR STRATEGY Reinventing pharmacy OUR PURPOSE Helping people on their path to better health OUR VALUES Innovation Collaboration Caring Integrity Accountability C C C V V V S S S H H H e e e a a a l l l t t t h h h 2 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 5 7 6 A A A n n n n n n u u u a a a l l l R R R e e e p p p o o o r r r t t t The CVS Health 2017 Annual Report achieved the following results by printing a portion of this project on paper contain- ing 10 percent post-consumer recycled content. FSC® is not responsible for any calculations from choosing this paper. Trees Saved 59 fully grown Water Saved 27,542 gallons Energy Saved Solid Waste Not Produced Greenhouse Gases Not Produced Hazardous Air Pollutants Not Produced 2,000,000 MM BTUs 1,843 pounds 5,078 pounds 4 pounds 2017 Annual Report CVS Health, One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895 | 401.765.1500 | cvshealth.com At the heart of health. Shareholder Information Officers Larry J. Merlo President and Chief Executive Officer David M. Denton Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jonathan C. Roberts Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lisa G. Bisaccia Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Eva C. Boratto Executive Vice President – Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Troyen A. Brennan, M.D. Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Directors C. Daniel Haron Executive Vice President and President – Omnicare J. David Joyner Executive Vice President, Sales and Account Services – CVS Caremark Thomas M. Moriarty Executive Vice President, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer and General Counsel Derica W. Rice Executive Vice President and President – CVS Caremark Carol A. DeNale Senior Vice President and Treasurer David A. Falkowski Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer John P. Kennedy Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Officer Michael P. McGuire Senior Vice President – Investor Relations Colleen M. McIntosh Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel – Corporate Services Thomas S. Moffatt Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel – Corporate Services OFFICERS’ CERTIFICATIONS The Company has filed the required certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the quality of our public disclosures as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. After our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, the Company filed with the New York Stock Exchange the CEO certification regarding its compliance with the NYSE corporate governance listing standards as required by NYSE Rule 303A.12(a). Richard M. Bracken (1) (2) (5) Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer HCA Holdings, Inc. Anne M. Finucane (1) (3) Vice Chairman Bank of America Corporation William C. Weldon (1) (3) Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Johnson & Johnson C. David Brown II (1) (3) (5) Chairman of the Firm Broad and Cassel Larry J. Merlo (5) President and Chief Executive Officer CVS Health Corporation Alecia A. DeCoudreaux (2) (4) Former President, Mills College and Former Executive, Eli Lilly & Company Jean-Pierre Millon (2) (4) Former President and Chief Executive Officer PCS Health Systems, Inc. Nancy-Ann M. DeParle (2) (4) Partner Consonance Capital Partners, LLC David W. Dorman (1) (3) (5) Chairman of the Board CVS Health Corporation Mary L. Schapiro (4) Vice Chair of the Advisory Board Promontory Financial Group Richard J. Swift (4) (5) Former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Foster Wheeler Ltd. Tony L. White (2) (3) Former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Applied Biosystems, Inc. (1) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (2) Member of the Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Committee (3) Member of the Management Planning and Development Committee (4) Member of the Audit Committee (5) Member of the Executive Committee Shareholder Information Corporate Headquarters CVS Health Corporation One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895 (401) 765-1500 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting June 4, 2018 CVS Health Corporate Headquarters Stock Market Listing The New York Stock Exchange Symbol: CVS designed and produced by see see eye Transfer Agent and Registrar Questions regarding stock holdings, certificate replacement/transfer, dividends and address changes should be directed to: Equiniti Trust Company P.O. Box 64874 St. Paul, MN 55164-0874 Toll-free: (877) CVS-PLAN (287-7526) International: +1 (651) 450-4064 Email: stocktransfer@eq-us.com Website: www.shareowneronline.com Direct Stock Purchase/Dividend Reinvestment Program Shareowner Services Plus PlanSM provides a convenient and economical way for you to purchase your first shares or additional shares of CVS Health common stock. The program is sponsored and administered by Equiniti Trust Company. For more information, including an enrollment form, please contact Equiniti Trust Company at (877) 287-7526. Financial and Other Company Information The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K will be sent without charge to any shareholder upon request by contacting: Michael P. McGuire Senior Vice President – Investor Relations CVS Health Corporation One CVS Drive, MC 1008 Woonsocket, RI 02895 (800) 201-0938 In addition, financial reports and recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K, as well as other Company information, are available via the Internet at investors.cvshealth.com. What does it mean to be at the heart of health? For CVS Health, it’s about addressing the unique challenges of today’s health care environment and developing solutions that will lead to better health care delivery in the years to come. Over the next few pages, you’ll learn about some of the many steps we’re taking to improve outcomes while also providing more value for clients and patients. We’re accomplishing this through a broad set of innovations across the spectrum of health care that leverage our unique suite of assets. Through them, we’re able to engage patients and help them live healthier lives in ways that no other health care company can. 2017 Annual Report 1 We bring optimal care closer to people who need it. Our streamlined authorization process for specialty customers and new delivery options are two ways in which we are improving access for patients. Our strategic initiatives with Epic, the most popular electronic health records (EHR) platform, are helping us meet the many challenges of care coordination in today’s fragmented health care system. For example, Epic has helped us streamline the often-challenging prior authorization process so that physicians can get their patients started on specialty therapies more rapidly. Given Epic’s compatibility with other EHR systems, we can work with physicians using different platforms as well. Across the enterprise, we’re making it even easier for patients to get the care they need. In addition to Maintenance Choice®, which gives customers the option of getting their 90-day prescriptions at one of our retail locations at the same low price as mail, our new Maintenance Choice All Access includes on-demand prescription delivery. In 2018, CVS Pharmacy® is launching nation- wide next-day delivery, and we’re offering same-day delivery for Manhattan customers. We expect to add same-day delivery in additional cities as the year progresses. 2 CVS Health 26 million lives enrolled in Maintenance Choice 30% more likely to achieve optimal adherence if enrolled in Maintenance Choice 6 cities to have same-day delivery in 2018 66% fewer touches are required for prior authorization process due to streamlining improvements ~38% conversion rate to the preferred medication when a prescriber is made aware of an alternative within an EHR Based on predictive models, adherence... increases 13% by optimizing timing of refill reminders increases 17% among digitally receptive patients decreases 5% due to inclement weather Research shows that plan members often feel they do not have adequate knowledge about the use of formularies or the drugs covered by their plan. Through real-time benefits, we’re putting member-specific information into the hands of health care professionals at the point of prescribing. As a result, prescribers can know the cost of a selected drug based on the patient’s plan design. We also suggest clinically appropriate alternatives, identify restrictions, and confirm whether a selected pharmacy is in network. Our integrated technology enables the pharmacist to see the same list of clinically appropriate formulary alternatives. CVS Health is also deploying a set of machine learning techniques to determine why a given individual stops taking his or her medications. We can microsegment our patient population, derive new insights into their behavior, and deliver appropriate interventions across our vast suite of enterprise assets. Innovation is central to promoting health. At the doctor’s office and at the pharmacy, we’re offering new solutions to drive adherence and provide plan members with transparent access to information at critical decision points. 2017 Annual Report 3 Targeted interventions through Pharmacy Advisor can deliver greater adherence up to: 10% for hypertension medication 9% for anti- diabetics 12% for cholesterol therapy HealthTag recipients were ~34% more likely to get a flu vaccine due to targeted HealthTag messaging, compared to a control group Our flagship Pharmacy Advisor® program has long provided plan members with one-on-one counseling at any CVS Pharmacy location or through one of our call centers. By applying predictive analytics to detailed member pharmacy data, we can also determine at what point in treatment a member may become non-adherent. Through our HealthTag® technology, we’re also making it easier for clients and strategic partners to include customized messages on prescription bags such as the need for an exam. Engagement takes many other forms as well. For example, about half of all patients on multiple medications report being confused about how and when to take them. That’s why every CVS Pharmacy now offers customers a ScriptPathTM Prescription Schedule on request. Using easy-to-follow icons, this personalized guide maps out exactly which prescriptions to take and when. Our unique suite of assets drives unmatched patient engagement. We’re serving customers and plan members on their own terms and addressing unique conditions with customized interventions. 4 CVS Health Our cost-effective model enhances value for payors and plan members alike. We’re helping clients and patients manage costs in the treatment of chronic conditions while new formulary strategies tie reimbursements to effectiveness. Chronic conditions account for 86 percent of health care spending in the United States. Our Transform CareTM programs help members manage these conditions effec- tively by drawing on the full range of CVS Health assets and identifying personalized improvement opportunities. Transform Diabetes CareTM has delivered nearly $3,000 in medical cost savings per enrolled diabetes patient since its launch just over a year ago. It also limits payors to single-digit price increases annually for anti-diabetic drugs. Among other innovations, our value-based contracting approaches maximize payor value by aligning a drug’s reimbursement to the actual health outcome it delivers. A drug’s value is determined by such factors as survival rates, quality of life, and the ability of patients to complete the course of therapy. CVS Health’s approach lessens the overall cost impact for payors and enables more favorable formulary placement for the most effective treatment options. Utilizing this strategy can help deliver the most cost- effective pricing per drug, per condition, and lower prices for all drugs within a category. 2017 Annual Report 5 More than $13 billion in aggregate client savings achieved from formulary strategies since 2012 Up to 8% in pharmacy spend savings through formulary strategies Up to $2,800 PMPY* in potential savings for each 1% improvement in A1C levels through Transform Diabetes Care * per member per year Helping people on their path to better health takes many forms. Through Health in Action, one of the pillars of our Prescription for a Better World Corporate Social Responsibility platform, we support a broad range of initiatives throughout CVS Health communities. CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation donated more than $100 million in 2017 through a combination of grants, in-kind product contributions, volunteer hours, and other community investments. We funded disaster relief efforts, smoking cessation programs, and a wide range of organiza- tions focused on understanding illness and improving access to quality health care. As a leader in fighting the opioid abuse epidemic, our commitment takes many forms. Among them, we’ve broadened our relationship with the National Association of Community Health Centers through a $2 million commitment — on top of previous investments — to increase access to medication-assisted treatment and other recovery services. We also expanded our Medication Disposal for Safer Communities Program to a total of 1,550 kiosks, including 750 additional disposal units we are rolling out in CVS Pharmacy locations across the country. 6 CVS Health $117 million worth of free medical services provided through Project Health since 2006 More than 300,000 students have been educated by CVS pharmacists about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs through our Pharmacists Teach program 7,150 stores have been retrofitted with LED lighting, realizing a cumulative savings of $30 million $425 million annual investment in long-term and sustainable wage increases and benefits resulting from tax reform 17,000 youths hired in full-time and part-time summer positions 4,700 Registered Apprenticeships in 18 states for roles such as store manager and pharmacy technician Our journey toward offering consumers more sustainable products continued in 2017 with our commitment to stop selling —by the end of 2019 —nearly 600 store-brand beauty and personal care products that contain parabens, phthalates, and the most prevalent formaldehyde donors. Additionally, CVS Pharmacy became the first national retail pharmacy chain to remove artificial trans fats from all of our exclusive store-brand food products. And, as part of our environmental focus, we joined more than 250 companies that are setting their emissions-reduction targets in line with climate science. We are strongly committed to promoting a diverse workforce and inclusive culture and were proud to earn a place for the first time on DiversityInc’s 2017 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list. For improving quality of life in the communities where we do business, CVS Health was also named to the presti- gious Points of Light Civic 50 list. We have a responsibility to be sustainable and to meet colleague expectations. Our Planet in Balance and Leader in Growth pillars encompass efforts at reducing our environmental impact and creating an engaging and inclusive workplace. 2017 Annual Report 7 Financial highlights in millions, except per share figures 2017 2016 % change Net revenues Operating profit Net income Diluted EPS from continuing operations Free cash flow* Stock price at year-end $ 184,765 $ 177,526 4.1% $ $ $ $ $ 9,517 $ 10,366 (8.2%) 6,623 6.45 6,354 72.50 $ $ $ $ 5,319 24.5% 4.91 31.5% 8,147 (22.0%) 78.91 (8.1%) Market capitalization at year-end $ 73,456 $ 84,153 (12.7%) * Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less net additions to properties and equipment (i.e., additions to property and equipment plus proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions). Net revenue in billions of dollars Diluted EPS from continuing operations in dollars Annual cash dividends in dollars per common share 126.8 139.4 153.3 177.5 184.8 3.75 3.96 4.62 4.91 6.45 0.90 1.10 1.40 1.70 2.00 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 8 CVS Health Dear fellow shareholders: Health care costs in the United States are rising at a remarkable pace, driven in large part by an aging population and the increased prevalence of chronic disease. To address today’s challenges and play a larger role in the evolution of health care, CVS Health has assembled a unique suite of assets that allows us to deliver superior outcomes at a lower cost. Beyond their formidable standalone capabilities, we’ve integrated these assets to fill unmet needs and create opportunities to redefine health care for all our stakeholders. Our planned acquisition of Aetna, one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, represents another leg of this journey. Through our unmatched patient touchpoints, CVS Health already owns the “front door” of our customers’ health care experience. Our combined companies will help to remake this experience, integrating more closely the work of doctors, pharmacists, other health care professionals, and health benefits companies. The deal is still going through regulatory approvals, and we currently anticipate it closing during the second half of 2018. Revenue continued to rise in 2017, with progress made on plan for sustainable earnings growth Before going into more detail on our accomplishments and challenges, I’ll first provide a brief overview of the past year’s financial performance. Net revenue for the year increased by 4.1 percent to a record $184.8 billion, with adjusted earnings per share up slightly at $5.90. I’m happy to report that we have also made meaningful gains in the four-point plan we laid out in 2016 to generate more robust levels of earnings growth in the years ahead. Let me highlight some key steps in the progress we have made. First, CVS Pharmacy® has partnered more broadly with pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and health plans. Our network arrangements with Cigna, OptumRx, and Express Scripts, as well as expanded Medicare Part D preferred network arrangements, should drive meaningful growth in CVS Pharmacy prescription volumes. On the innovation front, we continued to introduce PBM products — such as Transform Diabetes Care™ — that lower client costs while improving care for members. We also unveiled a new performance-based pharmacy network that is anchored by CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and up to 10,000 independent pharmacies. The network is designed not only to deliver unit cost savings, but also to improve clinical outcomes that will help lower overall health care costs. And through real-time benefits, we are putting member-specific formulary information at the prescriber’s fingertips. This allows Larry J. Merlo President and Chief Executive Officer doctors to select clinically appropriate alternatives that may also cost members less. Third, we finished the first year of our enterprise streamlining initiative and are on track to generate cumulative savings of $3 billion by 2021. Among our accomplishments, we have simplified the dispensing process by sharing workload across our mail, retail, and long-term care pharmacy platforms. We are also implementing processes to simplify claims adjudication, enrollment, benefit verification, and related client services. Finally, we used our cash flow to return $6.4 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in 2017. Due to the pending Aetna acquisition, we suspended our share repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2017 and plan to maintain our current annual dividend of $2.00 per share in 2018. Differentiated PBM offerings drive customer satisfaction and new business wins Our PBM, CVS Caremark®, delivered solid growth in 2017, with increases in both revenue and operating profit. Since 2014, we have achieved a 13.9 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for PBM revenue with a 10.6 percent CAGR for operating profit. Turning to 2018, we estimate that PBM net revenues will climb to approximately $134 billion while operating profit for the segment will approach $5 billion. Innovative offerings led to another outstanding selling season, with gross new business wins totaling $6.2 billion for 2018. That figure represents nearly half of all the business that switched PBMs in the latest selling season, with government and union clients accounting for the largest share of new business. Despite the fact that fewer health plans moved to a new PBM, this segment still added nearly $2 billion in revenue. Along with these gains, our PBM recorded a retention rate surpassing 96 percent. That is due in no small part to a continued rise in client satisfaction among the 94 million lives we serve. Moreover, our ability to retain clients has resulted in significant gains in enterprise dispensing. Over time we have developed new plan designs that save our clients money while simultaneously moving share into our channels. For example, the new plan members we enrolled over the past three selling seasons will contribute an additional 40 million prescriptions to the enterprise in 2018. With brand inflation, an aging population, and the rising utilization of specialty drugs, clients depend on us more than ever to slow the rate of drug spending growth — or “trend.” In 2017, we succeeded in reducing trend for commercial clients from 3.2 percent in 2016 to 1.9 percent, the lowest level in five years. We accomplished this through a variety of increasingly sophisticated cost-management strategies, such as our advanced approach to formularies and new or enhanced pharmacy networks. Among other innovations, we are enhancing our flagship Maintenance Choice® product by making it available to a 10 CVS Health broader range of clients, including fully insured health plans. By giving their members the option of getting 90-day prescriptions at our stores or by mail, we expect to save them money and improve adherence rates. Additionally, we’ve enhanced member benefits with the launch of on-demand home delivery, as well as the rollout of a digital tool that makes it easier to transfer a prescription into our network. Medicare and Medicaid remain important growth drivers, both for CVS Health and our payor clients. Our SilverScript Insurance Company subsidiary, the nation’s largest standalone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, continued to perform well in the marketplace. We have built deep expertise in Medicare quality and delivery through our support of 6.1 million members. For the third consecutive year, SilverScript earned four stars (out of a maximum of five) on the government’s annual quality measurement system. A D D I N G S H A R E H O L D E R V A L U E Turning to 2018, we estimate that PBM net revenues will climb to approximately $134 billion while operating profit for the segment will approach $5 billion. When you include our health plan clients, we support more than 13 million Medicare members. Our differentiated services offer clients a competitive advantage to help their businesses grow. Along with operational and consultative services, we make formulary and plan design recommendations, and also help prepare their annual bids to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The industry’s largest specialty pharmacy leads the way with multiple innovations At CVS Specialty®, revenue from prescriptions we dispense and manage rose 12 percent to $57 billion in 2017. Since 2013, dispensing revenue has increased at a 27 percent CAGR to $35 billion. We remain the largest specialty pharmacy by a considerable margin, resulting in greater scale and stronger purchasing economics. PBM clients value the breadth and depth of our specialty management innovations, which include Accordant nurse case management services, Coram infusion services, and our NovoLogix medical benefit management system. A key differentiator, NovoLogix has helped us win 70 percent of the standalone specialty contracts that have changed hands over the past three years. It currently has 65 million lives under management — spread across 31 health plans — delivering an estimated savings of $2.1 billion to our clients. Despite moderating brand drug inflation, the rising significance of specialty generics and biosimilars, and other dynamics that are expected to slow specialty growth, specialty will remain the pharmacy industry’s fastest-growing segment. Specialty’s clinical, administrative, and logistical complexities create opportunities for us to differentiate on price, product, and ser- vices. Looking at 2018, we expect to continue outpacing the marketplace by adding another $4 billion in specialty revenue. Innovation will play a key role in our specialty growth, and we have focused on applying it across three areas: driving optimal adherence, streamlining the prescribing process, and managing high-cost disease states. For example, our predictive analytics pilot is helping us understand why any given individual is non-adherent, allowing us to adjust the timing of our interven- tions and the methodologies we use to close gaps in care. Our Specialty Connect® solution, which allows for pick-up or drop-off of specialty prescriptions at our retail locations, was among our first and most successful efforts at simplifying the specialty patient experience. The ability to integrate with elec- tronic health record systems is now helping us streamline the often-challenging prior authorization process so that physicians get their patients started on specialty therapies more rapidly. CVS Pharmacy remains focused on making pharmacy and everyday health care better for consumers Flat same store prescription volumes, along with reimbursement pressure and generic introductions, led to a 2.6 percent decline in same store sales in 2017. On the plus side, prescriptions grew in our Target pharmacies thanks to the strength of our patient care programs and Maintenance Choice. CVS Pharmacy locations fill 1.1 billion prescriptions annually, and our share of U.S. retail prescriptions exceeds 23 percent. CVS Caremark members have certainly helped us capture market share, but we have also strengthened our relationships with other PBMs and payors. For example, OptumRx has made us the exclusive provider of 90-day in-store prescriptions for one of its networks, and we are also a preferred pharmacy in the Express Scripts diabetes network. In 2018, we expect to see same store prescription volumes rise by at least 6 percent, driven primarily by these broader part- nerships with PBMs and health plans, as well as our expanded participation as a preferred pharmacy in a greater number of Medicare Part D networks. We anticipate same store sales growth in the range of 2 percent to 3.5 percent. More than 94 million PBM members Nearly 6.1 million SilverScript members More than 13 million total Medicare members More than 9,800 retail locations 23.6% market share Client trend The rate of drug spending growth for CVS Health commercial pharmacy benefit management (PBM) clients 11.8% 5.0% 3.2% 1.9% 14 15 16 17 2.5 billion adjusted prescriptions dispensed or managed annually $57 billion in specialty revenue in 2017 2017 Annual Report 11 We remain focused on making pharmacy and everyday health care better for consumers, and we have the physical and digital assets that customers demand. Our 9,800 retail locations make ours the largest U.S. pharmacy chain, with nearly 70 percent of the population living within three miles of a store. In 2017, our 30,000 retail pharmacists provided more than 140 million face-to-face consultations with customers to discuss dosages, timing, and side effects. We have also expanded delivery options with nationwide next-day delivery and same-day delivery in select cities. Because approximately 50 percent of people do not continue prescriptions as prescribed, we have built the industry’s leading patient care platform. This includes new script pick-up counseling, adherence outreach calls, gaps in care counseling, prescription care counseling, and, where appropriate, helping customers move from 30- to 90-day prescriptions. We’re adding valuable services at retail and investing in the front-store shopping experience Beyond pharmacy, we are adding new services to our stores with the goal of enhancing our position as the front door to con- sumer health. We already operate more than 1,100 MinuteClinic® locations in 33 states and are expanding its offerings to include monitoring and treatment of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders. We will also begin rolling out audiology and optical centers in select locations in 2018 follow- ing successful pilots. Both offer significantly greater productivity per square foot than comparable areas of our average stores. In the front of the store, we are driving growth by making investments that improve the shopping experience. For example, by the end of 2018 we will have reset nearly 2,000 stores to our popular health and beauty format. Stores that we have already converted are showing an average of 2.5 percent gain in sales as well as improved profitability from their emphasis on these two high-margin categories. Among our other resets and refreshes, we will convert an additional 350 locations to the CVS Pharmacy y más® format to better serve the fast-growing Hispanic market. We are able to identify optimal reset candidates in part through the many insights we have gained from ExtraCare® card users. Launched back in 2001, ExtraCare today has 62 million actively engaged customers. It is supported by a broad range of tech- nologies that help us target and engage high-value shoppers with the right offers — both in the store and digitally — and adjust to changes in consumer behavior. In 2017, cardholders earned $3.6 billion in ExtraCare rewards and savings. threats facing our country, and we owe it to our patients and communities to help provide solutions. CVS Health has been working with policymakers across the country to increase access to naloxone, the medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose. In early 2018, we also introduced an enhanced opioid utilization management program that limits the supply of opioids dispensed to seven days for certain acute prescriptions for patients who are new to therapy. It also limits the daily dosage of opioids dispensed, based on the strength of the opioid, and requires the use of immediate-release formulations of opioids before extended-release opioids are dispensed. Initial results of this program show that the number of patients new to opioid therapy with an acute condition who received more than a seven-day supply decreased by 70 percent. 30,000 retail pharmacists delivered more than 140 million face-to-face consultations in 2017 $6.4 billion returned to shareholders in 2017 through dividends and share repurchases I also want to acknowledge here the outstanding work of our colleagues who helped ensure that customers in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico received vital medications both before and after the hurricanes that devastated their communities in 2017. CVS Health colleagues played a critical role in supporting so many of our outreach initiatives. We have proudly supported rebuilding efforts through a $4 million in-store fundraising campaign, along with the donation of more than $7 million worth of critical products and supplies. For a comprehensive review of our efforts, I encourage you to visit CVSHealth.com to download the newly published CVS Health 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility Report. In closing, I want to thank our board of directors, our shareholders, and the more than 240,000 colleagues who support our vision for the future of health care delivery. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to read the pages that preceded this letter to learn more about the unique capabilities that allow CVS Health to improve care, lower costs, and transform the patient experience. CVS Health has made addressing the opioid epidemic a cornerstone of our social responsibility initiatives Sincerely, You can read about some of our social responsibility and sustainability initiatives on pages 6 and 7. I do want to touch on just a couple here, starting with our response to the opioid epidemic. This has become one of the greatest public health 12 CVS Health Larry J. Merlo President and Chief Executive Officer February 14, 2018 2017 Financial Report 14 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 39 Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 40 Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 41 Consolidated Statements of Income 42 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 43 Consolidated Balance Sheets 44 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 45 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity 46 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 84 Five-Year Financial Summary 85 Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 86 Stock Performance Graph 13 2017 Annual Report The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements that are included in this Annual Report. Overview of Our Business CVS Health Corporation, together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “CVS Health,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”), is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. At the forefront of a changing health care landscape, the Company has an unmatched suite of capabilities and the expertise needed to drive innovations that will help shape the future of health care. We are currently the only integrated pharmacy health care company with the ability to impact consumers, payors, and providers with innovative, channel-agnostic solutions. We have a deep understanding of their diverse needs through our unique integrated model, and we are bringing them innovative solutions that help increase access to quality care, deliver better health outcomes and lower overall health care costs. Through more than 9,800 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in health care clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 94 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, we enable people, businesses, and communities to manage health in more affordable, effective ways. We are delivering break-through products and services, from advising patients on their medications at our CVS Pharmacy® locations, to introducing unique programs to help control costs for our clients at CVS Caremark®, to innovating how care is delivered to our patients with complex conditions through CVS Specialty®, to improving pharmacy care for the senior community through Omnicare®, or by expanding access to high-quality, low-cost care at CVS MinuteClinic®. We have three reportable segments: Pharmacy Services, Retail/LTC and Corporate. Overview of Our Pharmacy Services Segment Our Pharmacy Services business generates revenue from a full range of pharmacy benefit management (“PBM”) solutions, including plan design offerings and administration, formulary management, Medicare Part D services, mail order pharmacy, specialty pharmacy and infusion services, retail pharmacy network management services, prescription management systems, clinical services, disease management services and medical spend management. Our clients are primarily employers, insurance companies, unions, government employee groups, health plans, Medicare Part D plans, Managed Medicaid plans, plans offered on the public and private exchanges, other sponsors of health benefit plans, and individuals throughout the United States. A portion of covered lives primarily within the Managed Medicaid, health plan and employer markets have access to our services through public and private exchanges. As a pharmacy benefits manager, we manage the dispensing of prescription drugs through our mail order pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, national network of long-term care pharmacies and more than 68,000 retail pharmacies, consisting of approximately 41,000 chain pharmacies (which includes our CVS Pharmacy® pharmacies) and 27,000 independent pharmacies, to eligible mem- bers in the benefit plans maintained by our clients and utilize our information systems to perform, among other things, safety checks, drug interaction screenings and brand-to-generic substitutions. Our specialty pharmacies support individuals who require complex and expensive drug therapies. Our specialty pharmacy business includes mail order and retail specialty pharmacies that operate under the CVS Caremark®, Navarro® Health Services and Advanced Care Scripts (“ACS Pharmacy”) names. Substantially all of our mail service specialty pharmacies have been accredited by The Joint Commission, which is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs in the United States. We also offer specialty infusion services and enteral nutrition services through Coram LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Coram”). With Specialty Connect®, which integrates our specialty pharmacy mail and retail capabilities, we provide members with disease-state specific counseling from our experienced specialty pharmacists and the choice to bring their specialty prescriptions to any CVS Pharmacy location. Whether submitted through one of our mail order pharmacy or at a CVS Pharmacy, all prescriptions are filled through the Company’s specialty mail order pharmacies, so all revenue from this specialty prescription services program is recorded within the Pharmacy Services Segment. Members then can choose to pick up their medication at their local CVS Pharmacy or have it sent to their home through the mail. 14 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsWe also provide health management programs, which include integrated disease management for 18 conditions, through our AccordantCareTM rare disease management offering. The majority of these integrated programs are accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. In addition, through our SilverScript Insurance Company (“SilverScript”) subsidiary, we are a national provider of drug benefits to eligible beneficiaries under the federal government’s Medicare Part D program. As of December 31, 2017, we provided Medicare Part D plan benefits to approximately 5.5 million beneficiaries through SilverScript, including our individual and employer group waiver plans. The Pharmacy Services Segment operates under the CVS Caremark® Pharmacy Services, Caremark®, CVS Caremark®, CVS Specialty®, AccordantCareTM, SilverScript®, Wellpartner®, Coram®, NovoLogix®, Navarro® Health Services and ACS Pharmacy names. As of December 31, 2017, the Pharmacy Services Segment operated 23 retail specialty pharmacy stores, 18 specialty mail order pharmacies, four mail order dispensing pharmacies, and 83 branches for infusion and enteral services, including approximately 73 ambulatory infusion suites and three centers of excellence, located in 42 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Overview of Our Retail/LTC Segment Our Retail/LTC Segment sells prescription drugs and a wide assortment of general merchandise, including over-the-counter drugs, beauty products and cosmetics, personal care products, convenience foods, photo finishing, seasonal merchandise and greeting cards. With the acquisition of Omnicare’s long-term care (“LTC”) operations, the Retail/LTC Segment now also includes the distribution of prescription drugs, related pharmacy consulting and other ancillary services to chronic care facilities and other care settings. Omnicare operations also included commercialization services which were provided under the name RxCrossroads® (“RxC”), until the sale of RxC was completed on January 2, 2018. See Note 3 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” to our consoli- dated financial statements for more information. Our Retail/LTC Segment derives the majority of its revenues through the sale of prescription drugs, which are dispensed by our more than 32,000 pharmacists. The role of our retail pharmacists is expanding from primarily dispensing prescriptions to also providing services, including flu vaccinations as well as face-to-face patient counseling with respect to adherence to drug therapies, closing gaps in care, and more cost-effective drug therapies. Our integrated pharmacy services model enables us to enhance access to care while helping to lower overall health care costs and improve health outcomes. Our Retail/LTC Segment also provides health care services through our MinuteClinic® health care clinics. MinuteClinics are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who utilize nationally recognized protocols to diagnose and treat minor health conditions, perform health screenings, monitor chronic conditions, and deliver vaccinations. We believe our clinics provide high-quality services that are affordable and convenient. Our proprietary loyalty card program, ExtraCare®, has about 62 million active cardholders, making it one of the largest and most successful retail loyalty card programs in the country. As of December 31, 2017, our Retail/LTC Segment included 9,803 retail stores (of which 8,060 were our stores that operated a pharmacy and 1,695 were our pharmacies located within Target stores) located in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Brazil operating primarily under the CVS Pharmacy®, CVS®, CVS Pharmacy y más®, Longs Drugs®, Navarro Discount Pharmacy® and Drogaria OnofreTM names, 37 onsite pharmacies primarily operating under the CarePlus CVS PharmacyTM, CarePlus® and CVS Pharmacy® names, and 1,134 retail health care clinics operating under the MinuteClinic® name (of which 1,129 were located in our retail pharmacy stores or Target stores), and our online retail websites, CVS.com®, Navarro.comTM and Onofre.com.brTM. LTC operations are comprised of 145 spoke pharmacies that primarily handle new prescription orders, of which 30 are also hub pharmacies that use proprietary automation to support spoke pharmacies with refill prescriptions. LTC operates primarily under the Omnicare® and NeighborCare® names. Overview of Our Corporate Segment The Corporate Segment provides management and administrative services to support the Company. The Corporate Segment consists of certain aspects of our executive management, corporate relations, legal, compliance, human resources, information technology and finance departments. 15 2017 Annual ReportProposed Acquisition of Aetna On December 3, 2017, we entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Aetna Inc. (“Aetna”) for a combination of cash and stock (“Aetna Acquisition”). Under the terms of the merger agreement, Aetna sharehold- ers will receive $145.00 per share in cash and 0.8378 CVS Health shares for each Aetna share. The transaction values Aetna at approximately $207 per share or approximately $69 billion based on the Company’s 5-day volume weighted average price ending December 1, 2017, of $74.21 per share. Including the assumption of Aetna’s debt, the total value of the transaction is approxi- mately $77 billion. The final purchase price will be determined based on the Company’s stock price on the date of closing of the transaction. We expect to finance the cash portion of the purchase price through a combination of cash on hand and by issuing approximately $45.0 billion of new debt, including senior notes and term loans (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”). We made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the merger agreement, including, among others, a covenant, subject to certain exceptions, to conduct our business in the ordinary course between the execution of the merger agreement and the closing of the transaction. The proposed acquisition is currently projected to close in the second half of 2018 and remains subject to approval by CVS Health and Aetna shareholders and customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and approvals of state departments of insurance and U.S. and interna- tional regulators. If the transaction is not completed, the Company could be liable to Aetna for a termination fee of $2.1 billion in connection with the merger agreement, depending on the reasons leading to such termination. Results of Operations Summary of our Consolidated Financial Results in millions, except per share amounts 2017 2016 2015 Year Ended December 31, Net revenues Cost of revenues Gross profit Operating expenses Operating profit Interest expense, net Loss on early extinguishment of debt Other expense Income before income tax provision Income tax provision Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest $ 184,765 156,220 28,545 19,028 9,517 1,041 — 208 8,268 1,637 6,631 (8) 6,623 (1) $ 177,526 $ 153,290 148,669 126,762 28,857 18,491 10,366 1,058 643 28 8,637 3,317 5,320 (1) 5,319 (2) 26,528 17,053 9,475 838 — 21 8,616 3,386 5,230 9 5,239 (2) Net income attributable to CVS Health $ 6,622 $ 5,317 $ 5,237 16 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Net revenues increased $7.2 billion in 2017 compared to 2016, and increased $24.2 billion in 2016 compared to 2015. As you review our performance in this area, we believe you should consider the following important information: • During 2017, net revenues in our Pharmacy Services Segment increased 8.9% and net revenues in our Retail/LTC Segment decreased 2.1% compared to the prior year. The Retail/LTC Segment decrease was primarily due to a decline in same store sales of 2.6% as a result of the previously-announced marketplace changes that restrict CVS Pharmacy from participating in certain networks. • During 2016, net revenues in our Pharmacy Services Segment increased by 19.5% and net revenues in our Retail/LTC Segment increased 12.6% compared to the prior year. The Retail/LTC Segment benefited from the 2015 acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. • In 2017 and 2016, the Pharmacy Services Segment continued to grow from net new business and specialty. The increase in our generic dispensing rates in both of our operating segments continued to have a negative effect on net revenue in 2017 as compared to 2016, as well as in 2016 as compared to 2015. Please see the Segment Analysis later in this document for additional information about our net revenues. Gross profit decreased $312 million, or 1.1%, in 2017, to $28.5 billion, as compared to $28.9 billion in 2016. Gross profit increased $2.3 billion, or 8.8%, in 2016, to $28.9 billion, as compared to $26.5 billion in 2015. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues declined to 15.4%, as compared to 16.3% in 2016 and 17.3% in 2015. • During 2017, gross profit in our Pharmacy Services Segment and Retail/LTC Segment increased by 2.4% and decreased by 1.8%, respectively, compared to the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2017, gross profit as a percentage of net revenues in our Pharmacy Services Segment and Retail/LTC Segment was 4.6% and 29.4%, respectively. • During 2016, gross profit in our Pharmacy Services Segment and Retail/LTC Segment increased by 12.9% and 7.9%, respec- tively, compared to the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2016, gross profit as a percentage of net revenues in our Pharmacy Services Segment and Retail/LTC Segment was 4.9% and 29.3%, respectively. • The increased weighting toward the Pharmacy Services Segment, which has a lower gross margin than the Retail/LTC Segment, resulted in a decline in consolidated gross profit as a percent of net revenues in 2017 as compared to 2016. In addition, gross profit for 2017 and 2016 has been negatively impacted by price compression in the Pharmacy Services Segment and reimbursement pressure in the Retail/LTC Segment. • Our gross profit continued to benefit from the increased utilization of generic drugs, which normally yield a higher gross profit rate than brand name drugs, in both the Pharmacy Services and Retail/LTC segments for 2017 and 2016, partially offsetting the negative impacts described above. Please see the Segment Analysis later in this document for additional information about our gross profit. Operating expenses increased $537 million, or 2.9%, in the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the prior year. Operating expenses as a percent of net revenues declined to 10.3% in the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 10.4% in the prior year. The increase in operating expense dollars in the year ended December 31, 2017, was primarily due to an increase in charges of $181 million associated with the closure of 71 retail stores in connection with our enterprise streamlining initiative, goodwill impairment charges of $181 million related to the RxCrossroads reporting unit within the Retail/LTC Segment, $57 million of hurricane related expenses which were predominately in the Retail/LTC Segment, and new store openings. The increase in operating expenses also reflects the lack of a favorable impact for the reversal of an accrual of $85 million, in the Pharmacy Services Segment, in connection with a legal settlement in the year ended December 31, 2016. These matters which led to the increase in operating expenses in 2017 were partially offset by a decrease in acquisition-related transaction and integration costs of $226 million due to the bulk of the Omnicare related integration costs being incurred in 2016. The improvement in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues in 2017 is primarily due to expense leverage from net revenue growth. Operating expenses increased $1.4 billion, or 8.4%, in the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the prior year. Operating expenses as a percent of net revenues declined to 10.4% in the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 11.1% in the prior year. The increase in operating expense dollars in the year ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to the acquisition of the Target pharmacy and clinic businesses in December 2015, the Omnicare acquisition in August 2015 and incremental store operating costs associated with a higher store count, partially offset by lower legal settlement costs, including the reversal of an accrual of $85 million, in the Pharmacy Services Segment, in the year ended December 31, 2016. The improvement in operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues in 2016 was primarily due to expense leverage from net revenue growth. Please see the Segment Analysis later in this document for additional information about operating expenses. 17 2017 Annual ReportInterest expense, net for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following: in millions Interest expense Interest income Interest expense, net 2017 $ 1,062 (21) $ 1,041 2016 1,078 (20) 1,058 $ $ $ $ 2015 859 (21) 838 Net interest expense decreased $17 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to the Company’s debt issuance and debt tender offers that occurred in 2016 which resulted in overall more favorable interest rates on the Company’s long-term debt. See Note 5 “Borrowings and Credit Agreements” to the consolidated financial statements for additional informa- tion. During 2016, net interest expense increased $220 million, primarily due to the $15 billion debt issuance in July 2015, the proceeds of which were used to fund the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target, and repay the majority of the debt assumed in the Omnicare acquisition. Loss on early extinguishment of debt During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company purchased approximately $4.2 billion aggregate principal amount of certain of its senior notes pursuant to its tender offer for such senior notes and option to redeem the outstanding senior notes (see Note 5 “Borrowings and Credit Agreements” to the consolidated financial state- ments). The Company paid a premium of $583 million in excess of the debt principal, wrote off $54 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, and incurred $6 million in fees, for a total loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $643 million. Income tax provision On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”). Among numerous changes to existing tax laws, the TCJA permanently reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The effects of changes in tax rates on deferred tax balances are required to be taken into consideration in the period in which the changes are enacted, regardless of when they are effective. As the result of the reduction of the corporate income tax rate under the TCJA, the Company estimated the revaluation of its net deferred tax liabilities and recorded a provi- sional noncash income tax benefit of approximately $1.5 billion for year ended December 31, 2017. The Company has not completed all of its processes to determine the TCJA’s final impact. The final impact may differ from this provisional amount due to, among other things, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made thus far and the issuance of addi- tional regulatory or other guidance. The accounting is expected to be completed by the time the 2017 federal corporate income tax return is filed in 2018. Our effective income tax rate was 19.8%, 38.4% and 39.3% in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective income tax rate was lower in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the provisional impact of the TCJA, including the revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities. The effective income tax rate was lower in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the resolution in 2016 of certain income tax matters in tax years through 2012, as well as other permanent items. Income (loss) from discontinued operations In connection with certain business dispositions completed between 1991 and 1997, the Company retained guarantees on store lease obligations for a number of former subsidiaries, including Linens ‘n Things, which filed for bankruptcy in 2008, and Bob’s Stores, which filed for bankruptcy in 2016. The Company’s loss from discontinued operations includes lease-related costs required to satisfy its Linens ‘n Things and Bob’s Stores lease guarantees. We incurred a loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $8 million and $1 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company’s income from discontinued operations in 2015 of $9 million, net of tax, was related to the release of certain store lease guarantees due to the settlement of a dispute with a landlord. See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies Discontinued Operations” to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about discontinued operations and Note 12 “Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information about our lease guarantees. 18 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Segment Analysis We evaluate the performance of our Pharmacy Services and Retail/LTC segments based on net revenues, gross profit and operating profit before the effect of nonrecurring charges and gains and certain intersegment activities. The Company evaluates the performance of its Corporate Segment based on operating expenses before the effect of nonrecurring charges and gains, and certain intersegment activities. The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s business segments to the consolidated financial statements: in millions 2017: Net revenues Gross profit (3) Operating profit (loss) (4) (5) 2016: Net revenues Gross profit (3) Operating profit (loss) (4) (5) (6) (7) 2015: Net revenues Gross profit Operating profit (loss) (4) (5) (6) (7) Pharmacy Services Segment (1) (2) Retail/LTC Segment (2) Corporate Segment Intersegment Eliminations (2) Consolidated Totals $ 130,596 6,040 4,755 $ 79,398 23,317 6,469 $ — — (966) $ (25,229) (812) (741) $ 184,765 28,545 9,517 119,963 5,901 4,676 100,363 5,227 3,992 81,100 23,738 7,302 72,007 21,992 7,146 — — (891) — — (1,035) (23,537) (782) (721) (19,080) (691) (628) 177,526 28,857 10,366 153,290 26,528 9,475 (1) Net revenues of the Pharmacy Services Segment include approximately $10.8 billion, $10.5 billion and $8.9 billion of Retail/LTC Co-Payments for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies – Revenue Recognition” to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about Retail/LTC Co-Payments. (2) Intersegment eliminations relate to intersegment revenue-generating activities that occur between the Pharmacy Services Segment and the Retail/LTC Segment. These occur in the following ways: when members of Pharmacy Services Segment clients (“members”) fill prescriptions at our retail pharmacies to purchase covered products, when members enrolled in programs such as Maintenance Choice® elect to pick up maintenance prescriptions at one of our retail pharmacies instead of receiving them through the mail, or when members have prescriptions filled at our long-term care pharmacies. When these occur, both the Pharmacy Services and Retail/LTC segments record the revenues, gross profit and operating profit on a standalone basis. (3) The Retail/LTC Segment gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 includes $2 million and $46 million, respectively, of acquisition-related integration costs. The integration costs in 2017 are related to the acquisition of Omnicare and the integration costs in 2016 are related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. (4) The Retail/LTC Segment operating profit for 2017, 2016 and 2015 includes $34 million, $281 million and $64 million, respectively, of acquisition-related integration costs. The integration costs in 2017 are related to the acquisition of Omnicare. The integration costs in 2016 and 2015 are related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. Operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2017, also includes $215 million of charges associated with store rationalization and $181 million of goodwill impairment charges related to the RxCrossroads reporting unit. For the year ended December 31, 2016, operating profit includes a $34 million asset impairment charge in connection with planned store closures in 2017 related to our enterprise streamlining initiative. (5) The Corporate Segment operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2017, includes a reduction of $3 million in integration costs for a change in estimate related to the acquisition of Omnicare, $34 million in acquisition-related transaction costs related to the proposed Aetna acquisition, and $9 million of transaction costs related to the divestiture of RxCrossroads. The Corporate Segment operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2016, includes integration costs of $10 million related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Corporate Segment operating loss includes $156 million of acquisition-related transaction and integration costs related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target and a $90 million charge related to a legacy lawsuit challenging the 1999 legal settlement by MedPartners of various securities class actions and a related derivative claim. (6) The Pharmacy Services Segment operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2016, includes the reversal of an accrual of $88 million in connection with a legal settlement. (7) Amounts revised to reflect the adoption of ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which increased consolidated operating profit by $28 million and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively. 19 2017 Annual Report Pharmacy Services Segment The following table summarizes our Pharmacy Services Segment’s performance for the respective periods: in millions Net revenues Gross profit Gross profit % of net revenues Operating expenses (1) (2) Operating expenses % of net revenues Operating profit (1) Operating profit % of net revenues Net revenues: Mail choice (3) Pharmacy network (4) Other Pharmacy claims processed (90 Day = 3 prescriptions) (5) (6): Total Mail choice (3) Pharmacy network (4) Generic dispensing rate (5) (6): Total Mail choice (3) Pharmacy network (4) Mail choice penetration rate (5) (6) Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 130,596 $ 6,040 4.6 % $ 1,285 1.0 % $ 4,755 3.6 % $ 45,709 $ 84,555 $ 332 1,781.9 265.2 1,516.7 87.0 % 83.1 % 87.7 % 14.9 % $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2016 119,963 5,901 4.9 % 1,225 1.0 % 4,676 3.9 % 42,783 76,848 332 1,639.2 251.5 1,387.7 85.9 % 81.4 % 86.7 % 15.3 % $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2015 100,363 5,227 5.2 % 1,235 1.2 % 3,992 4.0 % 37,828 62,240 295 1,325.8 241.1 1,084.7 83.9 % 79.4 % 84.9 % 18.2 % (1) Amounts revised to reflect the adoption of ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which decreased operating expenses and increased operating profit by $4 million and $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively. (2) The Pharmacy Services Segment operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, includes the reversal of an accrual of $88 million in connection with a legal settlement. (3) Mail choice is defined as claims filled at a Pharmacy Services mail facility, which includes specialty mail claims inclusive of Specialty Connect® claims picked up at retail, as well as prescriptions filled at our retail pharmacies under the Maintenance Choice® program. (4) Pharmacy network net revenues, claims processed, and generic dispensing rates do not include Maintenance Choice activity, which is included within the mail choice category. Pharmacy network is defined as claims filled at retail and specialty retail pharmacies, including our retail pharmacies and long-term care pharmacies, but excluding Maintenance Choice activity. (5) Includes the adjustment to convert 90-day prescriptions to the equivalent of three 30-day prescriptions. This adjustment reflects the fact that these prescriptions include approximately three times the amount of product days supplied compared to a normal prescription. (6) The pharmacy claims processed, the generic dispensing rate and the mail choice penetration rate for the year ended December 31, 2016, has been revised to reflect 90-day prescriptions to the equivalent of three 30-day prescriptions. Net revenues in our Pharmacy Services Segment increased $10.6 billion, or 8.9%, to $130.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the prior year. The increase is primarily due to growth in pharmacy network and specialty pharmacy volume as well as brand inflation, partially offset by continued price compression and increased generic dispensing. Net revenues increased $19.6 billion, or 19.5%, to $120.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the prior year. The increase is primarily due to increased pharmacy network claims, growth in specialty pharmacy, growth in Medicare Part D, the addition of ACS Pharmacy through the acquisition of Omnicare, and inflation, partially offset by increased generic dispensing and price compression. 20 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations As you review our Pharmacy Services Segment’s revenue performance, we believe you should also consider the following important information about the business: • Our mail choice claims processed increased 5.5% to 265.2 million claims, on a 30-day equivalent basis, in the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 251.5 million claims in the prior year. During 2016, our mail choice claims processed increased 4.3% to 251.5 million claims on a 30-day equivalent basis. The increases in mail choice claims were driven by growth in specialty pharmacy claims, an increase in net new business, and continued adoption of our Maintenance Choice offerings. • During 2017 and 2016, our average revenue per mail choice claim, on a 30-day equivalent basis, increased by 1.7% and 8.3%, compared to 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in both years was primarily due to growth in specialty phar- macy and inflation. • Our pharmacy network claims processed increased 9.3% to 1,516.7 million claims in the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 1,387.7 million claims in the prior year on a 30-day equivalent basis. During 2016, our pharmacy network claims processed, on a 30-day equivalent basis, increased 27.9% to 1,387.7 million compared to 1,084.7 million pharmacy network claims processed in 2015. These increases were primarily due to volume from net new business. • During 2017 and 2016, our average revenue per pharmacy network claim processed remained flat on a 30-day equivalent basis. • Our mail choice generic dispensing rate was 83.1%, 81.4% and 79.4% in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our pharmacy network generic dispensing rate was 87.7%, 86.7%, and 84.9% in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These continued increases in mail choice and pharmacy network generic dispensing rates were primarily due to the impact of new generic drug introductions, and our continuous efforts to encourage plan members to use generic drugs when they are available and clinically appropriate. We believe our generic dispensing rates will continue to increase in future periods, albeit at a slower pace. This increase will be affected by, among other things, the number of new brand and generic drug introductions and our success at encouraging plan members to utilize generic drugs when they are available and clinically appropriate. Gross profit in our Pharmacy Services Segment includes net revenues less cost of revenues. Cost of revenues includes (i) the cost of pharmaceuticals dispensed, either directly through our mail service and specialty retail pharmacies or indirectly through our pharmacy network, (ii) shipping and handling costs and (iii) the operating costs of our mail service dispensing pharmacies, customer service operations and related information technology support. Gross profit increased $139 million, or 2.4%, to $6.0 billion in the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the prior year. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 4.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 4.9% in the prior year. The increase in gross profit dollars in the year ended December 31, 2017, was primarily due to growth in specialty pharmacy, higher generic dispensing and favorable purchasing economics, partially offset by price compression. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net revenues was primarily due to changes in the mix of our business and continued price compression, partially offset by favorable generic dispensing and purchasing economics. Gross profit increased $674 million, or 12.9%, to $5.9 billion in the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the prior year. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 4.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 5.2% in the prior year. The increase in gross profit dollars in the year ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to growth in specialty pharmacy, growth in Medicare Part D lives, higher generic dispensing and favorable purchasing economics, partially offset by price compression. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net revenues was primarily due to changes in the mix of our business and continued price compression, partially offset by favorable generic dispensing and purchasing economics. As you review our Pharmacy Services Segment’s performance in this area, we believe you should consider the following import- ant information about the business: • Our efforts to (i) retain existing clients, (ii) obtain new business and (iii) maintain or improve the rebates and/or discounts we received from manufacturers, wholesalers and retail pharmacies continue to have an impact on our gross profit dollars and gross profit as a percentage of net revenues. In particular, competitive pressures in the PBM industry have caused us and other PBMs to continue to share with clients a larger portion of rebates and/or discounts received from pharmaceutical manufactur- ers. In addition, market dynamics and regulatory changes have limited our ability to offer plan sponsors pricing that includes retail network “differential” or “spread,” and we expect these trends to continue. The “differential” or “spread” is any difference between the drug price charged to plan sponsors, including Medicare Part D plan sponsors, by a PBM and the price paid for the drug by the PBM to the dispensing provider. 21 2017 Annual ReportOperating expenses in our Pharmacy Services Segment, which include selling, general and administrative expenses, deprecia- tion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative activities and administrative payroll, employee benefits and occupancy costs, were flat at 1.0% of net revenues in 2017 and 2016, compared to 1.2% in 2015. Operating expenses increased $60 million or 4.9% in the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year. Operating expenses decreased $10 million or 0.8% in the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the prior year. These changes in operating expense dollars are primarily due to an $88 million reversal of an accrual in connection with a legal settlement in 2016, partially offset by an increase in costs associated with the growth of our business. Retail/LTC Segment The following table summarizes our Retail/LTC Segment’s performance for the respective periods: in millions Net revenues Gross profit (1) Gross profit % of net revenues Operating expenses (2) (3) Operating expenses % of net revenues Operating profit (3) Operating profit % of net revenues Prescriptions filled (90 Day = 3 prescriptions) (4) Net revenue increase (decrease): Total Pharmacy Front Store Total prescription volume (90 Day = 3 prescriptions) (4) Same store sales increase (decrease) (5): Total Pharmacy Front Store (6) Prescription volume (90 Day = 3 prescriptions) (4) Generic dispensing rates Pharmacy % of net revenues Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 $ 79,398 $ 23,317 $ $ 81,100 23,738 29.4 % 29.3 % $ 16,848 $ 16,436 21.2 % 20.3 % $ 6,469 $ 7,302 8.1 % 9.0 % $ $ $ $ 2015 72,007 21,992 30.5 % 14,846 20.6 % 7,146 9.9 % 1,230.5 1,223.5 1,031.6 (2.1) % (2.2) % (1.9) % 0.6 % (2.6) % (2.6) % (2.6) % 0.4 % 87.3 % 75.0 % 12.6 % 15.9 % 0.3 % 18.6 % 1.9 % 3.2 % (1.5) % 3.6 % 85.7 % 75.0 % 6.2 % 9.5 % (2.5) % 10.2 % 1.7 % 4.5 % (5.0) % 4.8 % 84.5 % 72.9 % (1) Gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2017, and 2016 includes $2 million and $46 million, respectively, of acquisition-related integration costs. In 2017, the integration costs related to the acquisition of Omnicare. In 2016, the integration costs related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. (2) Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 include $32 million, $235 million and $64 million, respectively, of acquisition-related integration costs. In 2017, the integration costs related to the acquisition of Omnicare. In 2016 and 2015, the integration costs related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. For the year ended December 31, 2017, operating expenses include $215 million of charges associated with store closures and $181 million of goodwill impairment charges related to the segment’s RxCrossroads reporting unit. Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, also include a $34 million asset impairment charge in connection with planned store closures in 2017 related to our enterprise streamlining initiative. (3) Amounts revised to reflect the adoption of ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which decreased operating expenses and increased operating profit by $21 million and $16 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively. (4) Includes the adjustment to convert 90-day, non-specialty prescriptions to the equivalent of three 30-day prescriptions. This adjustment reflects the fact that these prescriptions include approximately three times the amount of product days supplied compared to a normal prescription. (5) Same store sales and prescriptions exclude revenues from MinuteClinic, and revenue and prescriptions from stores in Brazil, from LTC operations and from commercialization services. (6) Front store same store sales would have been approximately 520 basis points higher for the year ended December 31, 2015, if tobacco and the estimated associated basket sales were excluded from the year ended December 31, 2014. 22 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Net revenues decreased approximately $1.7 billion, or 2.1%, to $79.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, as com- pared to the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in same store sales as a result of the previously-announced marketplace changes that restrict CVS Pharmacy from participating in certain networks. Net revenues increased approximately $9.1 billion, or 12.6%, to $81.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, as com- pared to the prior year. This increase was primarily driven by the acquisitions of the pharmacies and clinics of Target and new stores, which accounted for approximately 640 basis points of our total net revenue percentage increase during the year, the acquisition of Omnicare’s LTC operations and a same store sales increase of 1.9%. As you review our Retail/LTC Segment’s performance in this area, we believe you should consider the following important information about the business: • Front store same store sales declined 2.6% in the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the prior year, and were negatively impacted approximately 30 basis points due to the absence of leap day in the current year. The decrease is primarily driven by softer customer traffic and efforts to rationalize promotional strategies, partially offset by an increase in basket size. • Pharmacy same store sales declined 2.6% in the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the prior year. Pharmacy same store sales were negatively impacted by approximately 390 basis points due to recent generic introductions. Same store prescription volumes increased 0.4%, including the approximately 420 basis point negative impact from previously-discussed marketplace changes that restrict CVS Pharmacy from participating in certain networks. • Pharmacy revenues continue to be negatively impacted by the conversion of brand name drugs to equivalent generic drugs, which typically have a lower selling price. The generic dispensing rate grew to 87.3% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 85.7% in the prior year. In addition, our pharmacy revenue growth has also been negatively affected by the mix of drugs sold, continued reimbursement pressure and the lack of significant new brand name drug introductions. • Pharmacy revenue growth may be impacted by industry changes in the LTC business, such as continuing lower occupancy rates at skilled nursing facilities. • Pharmacy revenue continued to benefit from our ability to attract and retain managed care customers, the increased use of pharmaceuticals by an aging population and as the first line of defense for health care. Gross profit in our Retail/LTC Segment includes net revenues less the cost of merchandise sold during the reporting period and the related purchasing costs, warehousing costs, delivery costs and actual and estimated inventory losses. Gross profit decreased $421 million, or 1.8%, to approximately $23.3 billion in the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the prior year. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased slightly to 29.4% in year ended December 31, 2017, from 29.3% in 2016. Gross profit increased $1.7 billion, or 7.9%, to approximately $23.7 billion in the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the prior year. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 29.3% in year ended December 31, 2016, from 30.5% in 2015. The decrease in gross profit dollars in both Retail Pharmacy and LTC in the year ended December 31, 2017, was primarily driven by the continued reimbursement pressure as well as a loss of prescriptions in Retail Pharmacy due to previously discussed network restrictions. In the year ended December 31, 2017, gross profit as a percentage of net revenues was relatively flat, driven by increased front store margins which offset the continued reimbursement pressure on pharmacy. Front store margins increased due to changes in the mix of products sold and efforts to rationalize promotional strategies. As you review our Retail/LTC Segment’s performance in this area, we believe you should consider the following important information about the business: • Front store revenues as a percentage of total Retail/LTC Segment net revenues for both of the years ended December 31, 2017, and 2016 was 23.6% and for the year ended December 31, 2015, was 26.5%. On average, our gross profit on front store revenues is higher than our gross profit on pharmacy revenues. The mix effect from a higher proportion of pharmacy sales had a negative effect on our overall gross profit as a percentage of net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015. This negative effect was partially offset by an increase in generic drugs dispensed and an improved front store gross margin rate, which includes efforts to rationalize promotional strategies. • During 2017 and 2016, our front store gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased compared to the prior year. In both years, the increase reflects a change in the mix of products sold, including store brand products, as a result of our efforts to rationalize promotional strategies. • Our pharmacy gross profit rates have been adversely affected by the efforts of managed care organizations, PBMs and governmental and other third-party payors to reduce their prescription drug costs, including the use of restrictive networks, as well as changes in the mix of our business within the pharmacy portion of the Retail/LTC Segment. In the event the reim- bursement pressure accelerates, we may not be able to grow our revenues and gross profit dollars could be adversely 23 2017 Annual Reportimpacted. The increased use of generic drugs has positively impacted our gross profit but has resulted in third-party payors augmenting their efforts to reduce reimbursement payments to retail pharmacies for prescriptions. This trend, which we expect to continue, reduces the benefit we realize from brand to generic product conversions. Operating expenses in our Retail/LTC Segment include store payroll, store employee benefits, store occupancy costs, selling expenses, advertising expenses, depreciation and amortization expense and certain administrative expenses. Operating expenses increased $412 million, or 2.5% to $16.8 billion, or 21.2% as a percentage of net revenues, in the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to $16.4 billion, or 20.3% as a percentage of net revenues, in the prior year. Operating expenses increased $1.6 billion, or 10.7%, to $16.4 billion, or 20.3% as a percentage of net revenues, in the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $14.9 billion, or 20.6% as a percentage of net revenues, in the prior year. The increase in operating expense dollars for the year ended December 31, 2017, was primarily due to $181 million increase in charges associated with the closure of 71 retail stores in connection with our enterprise streamlining initiative, $181 million of goodwill impairment charges related to the RxCrossroads reporting unit, which was subsequently sold on January 2, 2018, $55 million in hurricane-related costs, and new store openings. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017, increased due to a decline in expense leverage with the loss of business from restricted network changes. The increase in operating expense dollars for the year ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to the 2015 acquisitions of LTC and the pharmacies and clinics within Target stores, including acquisition-related integration costs of $235 million, as well as incremental store operating costs associated with operating more stores. Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, includes a gain from a legal settlement with certain credit card companies of $32 million and an asset impairment charge of $34 million in connection with planned store closures in 2017 related to our enterprise streamlining initiative. Additionally, in April 2016, the Retail/LTC Segment made a charitable contribution of $32 million to the CVS Foundation to fund future charitable giving. The CVS Foundation is a non-profit entity that focuses on health, education and community involvement programs. The charitable contribution was recorded as an operating expense in the year ended December 31, 2016. Corporate Segment Operating expenses increased $75 million, or 8.4%, to $966 million in the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the prior year. Operating expenses decreased $144 million, or 13.9%, to $891 million in the year ended December 31, 2016. Operating expenses within the Corporate Segment include executive management, corporate relations, legal, compliance, human resources, information technology and finance related costs. The increase in operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017, was partially driven by ongoing investments in strategic initiatives and increased employee benefit costs. Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017, include $34 million in transaction costs associated with the proposed acquisi- tion of Aetna, and $9 million of transaction costs associated with the divestiture of RxCrossroads. The decrease in operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to acquisition-related transaction and integration costs associated with the acquisition of Omnicare that occurred in August 2015 and the acquisition of the pharmacies and clinics of Target that occurred in December 2015. Liquidity and Capital Resources We maintain a level of liquidity sufficient to allow us to meet our cash needs in the short term. Over the long term, we manage our cash and capital structure to maximize shareholder return, maintain our financial position and maintain flexibility for future strategic initiatives. We continuously assess our working capital needs, debt and leverage levels, capital expenditure require- ments, dividend payouts, potential share repurchases and future investments or acquisitions. We believe our operating cash flows, commercial paper program, credit facilities, sale-leaseback program, as well as any potential future borrowings, will be sufficient to fund these future payments and long-term initiatives. The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows: in millions Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 8,007 $ 10,141 $ 8,539 (2,932) (6,751) 1 (2,470) (6,761) 2 912 (13,420) 4,879 (20) (22) $ Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (1,675) $ 24 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $2.1 billion in 2017 and increased by $1.6 billion in 2016. These changes are primarily related to the timing of payments for our Medicare Part D operations. Net cash used in investing activities increased by $462 million in 2017 and decreased $11.0 billion in 2016. The increase in 2017 is largely driven by an increase in acquisition activity as compared to 2016. The decrease in 2016 was primarily due to the $9.6 billion paid for the acquisition of Omnicare and the $1.9 billion paid for the acquisition of the pharmacies and clinics of Target in 2015, compared to the $539 million paid for acquisitions in 2016. In 2017, gross capital expenditures totaled approximately $1.9 billion, a decrease of approximately $306 million compared to the prior year. The decrease in 2017 capital expenditures is due to the Target integration being completed in 2016. During 2017, approximately 25% of our total capital expenditures were for new store construction, 30% were for store, fulfillment and support facilities expansion and improvements and 45% were for technology and other corporate initiatives. Gross capital expenditures totaled approximately $2.2 billion and $2.4 billion during 2016 and 2015, respectively. During 2016, approximately 31% of our total capital expenditures were for new store construction, 20% were for store, fulfillment and support facilities expansion and improvements and 49% were for technology and other corporate initiatives. Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions totaled $265 million in 2017. This compares to $230 million in 2016 and $411 million in 2015. Under the sale-leaseback transactions, the properties are generally sold at net book value, which generally approximates fair value, and the resulting leases generally qualify and are accounted for as operating leases. The specific timing and amount of future sale-leaseback transactions will vary depending on future market conditions and other factors. Below is a summary of our store development activity for the respective years: Total stores (beginning of year) New and acquired stores (1) Closed stores (1) Total stores (end of year) Relocated stores 2017 (2) 2016 (2) 2015 (2) 9,750 179 (83) 9,846 30 9,665 132 (47) 9,750 50 7,866 1,833 (34) 9,665 58 (1) Relocated stores are not included in new or closed store totals. (2) Includes retail drugstores, certain onsite pharmacy stores, specialty pharmacy stores and pharmacies within Target stores. Net cash used in financing activities was $6.8 billion in both 2017 and 2016 as net borrowings and net payments to shareholders were relatively flat in both years. Net cash provided by financing activities was $4.9 billion in 2015 versus net cash used in financing activities of $6.8 billion in 2016. The difference of $11.6 billion was primarily due to higher net borrowings in 2015, including the $14.8 billion in net proceeds received from the July 2015 debt issuance that was used to fund the acquisition of Omnicare and the acquisition of the pharmacies and clinics of Target. Share repurchase programs The following share repurchase programs were authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors: in billions Authorization Date November 2, 2016 (“2016 Repurchase Program”) December 15, 2014 (“2014 Repurchase Program”) December 17, 2013 (“2013 Repurchase Program”) Authorized $ 15.0 10.0 6.0 Remaining as of December 31, 2017 $ 13.9 — — The share Repurchase Programs, each of which was effective immediately, permit the Company to effect repurchases from time to time through a combination of open market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) transactions, and/or other derivative transactions. The 2016 Repurchase Program can be modified or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. 25 2017 Annual Report Pursuant to the authorization under the 2014 Repurchase Program, in August 2016, the Company entered into two fixed-dollar ASRs with Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) for a total of $3.6 billion. Upon payment of the $3.6 billion purchase price in January 2017, the Company received a number of shares of its common stock equal to 80% of the $3.6 billion notional amount of the ASRs or approximately 36.1 million shares, which were placed into treasury stock in January 2017. The ASRs were accounted for as an initial treasury stock transaction for $2.9 billion and a forward contract for $0.7 billion. In April 2017, the Company received 9.9 million shares of common stock, representing the remaining 20% of the $3.6 billion notional amount of the ASRs, thereby concluding the ASRs. The remaining 9.9 million shares of common stock delivered to the Company by Barclays were placed into treasury stock and the forward contract was reclassified from capital surplus to treasury stock in April 2017. Pursuant to the authorization under the 2014 Repurchase Program, in December 2015, the Company entered into a $725 million fixed-dollar ASR with Barclays. Upon payment of the $725 million purchase price in December 2015, the Company received a number of shares of its common stock equal to 80% of the $725 million notional amount of the ASR or approximately 6.2 million shares. The initial 6.2 million shares of common stock delivered to the Company by Barclays were placed into treasury stock in December 2015. The ASR was accounted for as an initial treasury stock transaction of $580 million and a forward contract of $145 million. The forward contract was classified as an equity instrument and was recorded within capital surplus on the consoli- dated balance sheet. In January 2016, the Company received 1.4 million shares of common stock, representing the remaining 20% of the $725 million notional amount of the ASR, thereby concluding the ASR. The remaining 1.4 million shares of common stock delivered to the Company by Barclays were placed into treasury stock in January 2016 and the forward contract was reclassified from capital surplus to treasury stock. Pursuant to the authorization under the 2013 Repurchase Programs, in January 2015, the Company entered into a $2.0 billion fixed-dollar ASR agreement with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank (“JP Morgan”). Upon payment of the $2.0 billion purchase price in January 2015, the Company received a number of shares of its common stock equal to 80% of the $2.0 billion notional amount of the ASR agreement or approximately 16.8 million shares, which were placed into treasury stock in January 2015. In May 2015, the Company received approximately 3.1 million shares of common stock, representing the remaining 20% of the $2.0 billion notional amount of the ASR, thereby concluding the ASR. The remaining 3.1 million shares of common stock delivered to the Company by JP Morgan were placed into treasury stock in May 2015. The ASR was accounted for as an initial treasury stock transaction of $1.6 billion and a forward contract of $0.4 billion. The forward contract was classified as an equity instrument and was initially recorded within capital surplus on the consolidated balance sheet and was reclassified to treasury stock upon the settlement of the ASR in May 2015. In the ASR transactions described above, the initial repurchase of the shares and delivery of the remainder of the shares to conclude the ASR resulted in an immediate reduction of the outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 55.4 million shares of common stock for approximately $4.4 billion under the 2014 and 2016 Repurchase Programs. As of December 31, 2017, there remained an aggre- gate of approximately $13.9 billion available for future repurchases under the 2016 Repurchase Program and the 2014 Repurchase Program was complete. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company suspended share repurchase activity as a result of the Aetna Acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 47.5 million shares of common stock for approximately $4.5 billion under the 2014 Repurchase Program. As of December 31, 2016, there remained an aggregate of approximately $18.2 billion available for future repurchases under the 2016 and 2014 Repurchase Programs. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 48.0 million shares of common stock for approximately $5.0 billion under the 2013 and 2014 Repurchase Programs. As of December 31, 2015, there remained an aggre- gate of approximately $7.7 billion available for future repurchases under the 2014 Repurchase Program and the 2013 Repurchase Program was complete. Short-term borrowings The Company had approximately $1.3 billion of commercial paper outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.0% as of December 31, 2017. The Company had approximately $1.9 billion of commercial paper outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 1.22% as of December 31, 2016. In connection with its commercial paper program, the Company maintains a $1.0 billion, 364-day unsecured back-up credit facility, which expires on May 17, 2018; a $1.25 billion, five-year unsecured back-up credit facility, which expires on July 24, 2019; a $1.25 billion, five-year unsecured back-up credit facility, which expires on July 1, 2020; and a $1.0 billion, five-year unsecured back-up credit facility, which expires on May 18, 2022. The credit facilities allow for borrowings at various rates that are dependent, in part, on the Company’s public debt ratings 26 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operationsand require the Company to pay a weighted average quarterly facility fee of approximately 0.02%, regardless of usage. As of December 31, 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding under the back-up credit facilities. During 2018, the Company intends to refinance the 364-day unsecured back-up credit facility, which expires on May 17, 2018. On December 3, 2017, in connection with the proposed acquisition of Aetna, the Company entered into a $49.0 billion unsecured bridge loan facility. The Company paid approximately $221 million in fees upon entering into the agreement. The fees were capitalized in other current assets and will be amortized as interest expense over the period the bridge facility is outstanding. The bridge loan facility was reduced to $44.0 billion on December 15, 2017, upon the Company entering into a $5.0 billion term loan agreement. The Company recorded $56 million of amortization of the bridge loan facility fees during the year ended December 31, 2017, which was recorded in interest expense. On December 15, 2017, in connection with the proposed acquisition of Aetna, the Company entered into a $5.0 billion unsecured term loan agreement. The term loan facility under the term loan agreement consists of a $3.0 billion three-year tranche and a $2.0 billion five-year tranche. The term loan facility allows for borrowings at various rates that are dependent, in part, on the Company’s debt ratings and require the Company to pay a weighted average quarterly commitment fee, regardless of usage. On January 3, 2017, the Company entered into a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility. The credit facility allows for borrowings at various rates that are dependent, in part, on the Company’s debt ratings and require the Company to pay a weighted average quarterly facility fee of approximately 0.03%, regardless of usage. The Company terminated the credit facility in May 2017. On May 20, 2015, in connection with the acquisition of Omnicare, the Company entered into a $13 billion unsecured bridge loan facility. The Company paid approximately $52 million in fees in connection with the facility. The fees were capitalized and amor- tized as interest expense over the period the bridge facility was outstanding. The bridge loan facility expired on July 20, 2015, upon the Company’s issuance of unsecured senior notes with an aggregate principal of $15 billion as discussed below. The bridge loan facility fees became fully amortized in July 2015. Long-term borrowings On May 16, 2016, the Company issued $1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.125% unsecured senior notes due June 1, 2021, and $1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.875% unsecured senior notes due June 1, 2026 (collectively, the “2016 Notes”) for total proceeds of approximately $3.5 billion, net of discounts and underwriting fees. The 2016 Notes pay interest semi-annually and may be redeemed, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, at the Company’s option at a defined redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. The net proceeds of the 2016 Notes were used for general corporate purposes and to repay certain corporate debt. On May 16, 2016, the Company announced tender offers for (1) any and all of its 5.75% Senior Notes due 2017, its 6.60% Senior Notes due 2019 and its 4.75% Senior Notes due 2020 (collectively, the “Any and All Notes”) and (2) up to $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of its 6.25% Senior Notes due 2027, its 6.125% Senior Notes due 2039, its 5.75% Senior Notes due 2041, the 5.00% Senior Notes due 2024 issued by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Omnicare, Inc. (“Omnicare”), the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 issued by Omnicare, its 4.875% Senior Notes due 2035 and its 3.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (collectively, the “Maximum Tender Offer Notes” and together with the Any and All Notes, the “Notes”). On May 31, 2016, the Company increased the aggregate principal amount of the tender offers for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes to $2.25 billion. The Company purchased approximately $835 million aggregate principal amount of the Any and All Notes and $2.25 billion aggregate principal amount of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes pursuant to the tender offers, which expired on June 13, 2016. The Company paid a premium of $486 million in excess of the debt principal in connection with the purchase of the Notes, wrote off $50 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and incurred $6 million in fees, for a total loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $542 million, which was recorded in income from continuing operations in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. On June 27, 2016, the Company notified the holders of the remaining Any and All Notes that the Company was exercising its option to redeem the outstanding Any and All Notes pursuant to the terms of the Any and All Notes and the Indenture dated as of August 15, 2006, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. Approximately $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of Any and All Notes was redeemed on July 27, 2016. The Company paid a premium of $97 million in excess of the debt principal and wrote off $4 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, for a total loss on early extin- guishment of debt of $101 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company recorded a total loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $643 million, which was recorded in the income from continuing operations in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. 27 2017 Annual ReportOn July 20, 2015, the Company issued an aggregate of $2.25 billion of 1.9% unsecured senior notes due 2018 (“2018 Notes”), an aggregate of $2.75 billion of 2.8% unsecured senior notes due 2020 (“2020 Notes”), an aggregate of $1.5 billion of 3.5% unsecured senior notes due 2022 (“2022 Notes”), an aggregate of $3 billion of 3.875% unsecured senior notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”), an aggregate of $2 billion of 4.875% unsecured senior notes due 2035 (“2035 Notes”), and an aggregate of $3.5 billion of 5.125% unsecured senior notes due 2045 (“2045 Notes” and, together with the 2018 Notes, 2020 Notes, 2022 Notes, 2025 Notes and 2035 Notes, the “Notes”) for total proceeds of approximately $14.8 billion, net of discounts and underwriting fees. The Notes pay interest semi-annually and contain redemption terms which allow or require the Company to redeem the Notes at a defined redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest at the redemption date. The net proceeds of the Notes were used to fund the Omnicare acquisition and the acquisition of the pharmacies and clinics of Target. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. Upon the closing of the Omnicare acquisition in August 2015, the Company assumed the long-term debt of Omnicare that had a fair value of approximately $3.1 billion, $2.0 billion of which was previously convertible into Omnicare shares that holders were able to redeem subsequent to the acquisition. During the period from August 18, 2015, to December 31, 2015, all but $5 million of the $2.0 billion of previously convertible debt was redeemed and repaid and approximately $0.4 billion in Omnicare term debt assumed was repaid for total repayments of Omnicare debt of approximately $2.4 billion in 2015. The remaining principal of the Omnicare debt assumed was comprised of senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $700 million ($400 million of 4.75% senior notes due 2022 and $300 million of 5% senior notes due 2024). In September 2015, the Company commenced exchange offers for the 4.75% senior notes due 2022 and the 5% senior notes due 2024 to exchange all validly tendered and accepted notes issued by Omnicare for notes to be issued by the Company. This offer expired on October 20, 2015, and the aggregate principal amounts of $388 million of the 4.75% senior notes due 2022 and $296 million of the 5% senior notes due 2024 were validly tendered and exchanged for notes issued by the Company. The Company recorded this exchange transaction as a modification of the original debt instruments. Consequently, no gain or loss on extinguishment was recognized in the Company’s consolidated income statement as a result of this exchange transaction and the issuance costs of the new debt were expensed as incurred. Our back-up credit facilities and unsecured senior notes (see Note 5 “Borrowings and Credit Agreements” to the consolidated financial statements) contain customary restrictive financial and operating covenants. The covenants do not materially affect the Company’s financial or operating flexibility. As of December 31, 2017, the Company is in compliance with all debt covenants. As of December 31, 2017, we had outstanding derivative financial instruments (see Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements). We had no outstanding derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2016. Debt Ratings As of December 31, 2017, our long-term debt was rated “Baa1” by Moody’s and “BBB+” by Standard & Poor’s, and our commercial paper program was rated “P 2” by Moody’s and “A 2” by Standard & Poor’s. In December 2017, subsequent to the announcement of the proposed acquisition of Aetna, Moody’s changed the outlook on our long-term debt to “Under Review” from “Stable.” Similarly, S&P placed our long-term debt outlook on “Watch Negative” from “Stable”. The outlook for the commercial paper program was unchanged. In assessing our credit strength, we believe that both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s considered, among other things, our capital structure and financial policies as well as our consolidated balance sheet, our historical acquisition activity and other financial information. Although we currently believe our long-term debt ratings will remain investment grade, we cannot guarantee the future actions of Moody’s and/or Standard & Poor’s. Our debt ratings have a direct impact on our future borrowing costs, access to capital markets and new store operating lease costs. Quarterly Cash Dividend In December 2016, our Board of Directors authorized an 18% increase in our quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.50 per share effective in 2017. This increase equated to an annual dividend rate of $2.00 per share. The Company expects to maintain its quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share throughout 2018. In December 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a 21% increase in our quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.425 per share. This increase equated to an annual dividend rate of $1.70 per share. In December 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a 27% increase to our quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.35 per share. This increase equated to an annual dividend rate of $1.40 per share. 28 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements In connection with executing operating leases, we provide a guarantee of the lease payments. We also finance a portion of our new store development through sale-leaseback transactions, which involve selling stores to unrelated parties and then leasing the stores back under leases that generally qualify and are accounted for as operating leases. We do not have any retained or contingent interests in the stores, and we do not provide any guarantees, other than a guarantee of the lease payments, in connection with the transactions. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, our operating leases are not reflected on our consolidated balance sheets. Between 1995 and 1997, we sold or spun off a number of subsidiaries, including Bob’s Stores, Linens ‘n Things, and Marshalls. In many cases, when a former subsidiary leased a store, the Company provided a guarantee of the store’s lease obligations. When the subsidiaries were disposed of, the Company’s guarantees remained in place, although each initial purchaser agreed to indemnify the Company for any lease obligations the Company was required to satisfy. If any of the purchasers or any of the former subsidiaries were to become insolvent and failed to make the required payments under a store lease, the Company could be required to satisfy these obligations. As of December 31, 2017, we guaranteed approximately 85 such store leases (excluding the lease guarantees related to Linens ‘n Things), with the maximum remaining lease term extending through 2029. Management believes the ultimate disposition of any of the remaining lease guarantees will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or future cash flows. Please see “Income (loss) from discontinued operations” previously in this document for further information regarding our guarantee of certain Linens ’n Things store lease obligations. Below is a summary of our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017: in millions Operating leases Lease obligations from discontinued operations Capital lease obligations Contractual lease obligations with Target (1) Long-term debt Interest payments on long-term debt (2) Other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet $ $ Total 27,151 11 1,342 1,924 25,224 10,469 468 Payments Due by Period 2018 2,493 3 74 — 3,523 893 52 $ 2019 to 2020 2021 to 2022 Thereafter $ 4,562 5 148 — 3,600 1,614 346 4,006 3 146 — 5,449 1,343 33 $ 16,090 — 974 1,924 12,652 6,619 37 $ 66,589 $ 7,038 $ 10,275 $ 10,980 $ 38,296 (1) The Company leases pharmacy and clinic space from Target Corporation (“Target”). See Note 7 “Leases” to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the lease arrangements with Target. Amounts related to the operating and capital leases with Target are reflected within the operating leases and capital lease obligations above. Amounts due in excess of the remaining estimated economic lives of the buildings are reflected herein assuming equivalent stores continue to operate through the term of the arrangements. (2) Interest payments on long-term debt are calculated on outstanding balances and interest rates in effect on December 31, 2017. Critical Accounting Policies We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, which require management to make certain estimates and apply judgment. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be important at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, we review our accounting policies and how they are applied and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements. While we believe the historical experience, current trends and other factors considered support the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, actual results could differ from our estimates, and such differences could be material. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements. We believe the following accounting policies include a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity and, thus, are considered to be critical accounting policies. We have discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and the Audit Committee has reviewed our disclosures relating to them. 29 2017 Annual Report Revenue Recognition Pharmacy Services Segment Our Pharmacy Services Segment sells prescription drugs directly through our mail service dispensing pharmacies and indirectly through our retail pharmacy network. We recognize revenues in our Pharmacy Services Segment from prescription drugs sold by our mail service dispensing pharmacies and under retail pharmacy network contracts where we are the principal using the gross method at the contract prices negotiated with our clients. Net revenue from our Pharmacy Services Segment includes: (i) the portion of the price the client pays directly to us, net of any volume-related or other discounts paid back to the client, (ii) the price paid to us (“Mail Co-Payments”) or a third party pharmacy in our retail pharmacy network (“Retail Co-Payments”) by individuals included in our clients’ benefit plans, and (iii) administrative fees for retail pharmacy network contracts where we are not the principal. Sales taxes are not included in revenue. We recognize revenue in the Pharmacy Services Segment when: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. The following revenue recognition policies have been established for the Pharmacy Services Segment. • Revenues generated from prescription drugs sold by mail service dispensing pharmacies are recognized when the prescription is delivered. At the time of delivery, the Pharmacy Services Segment has performed substantially all of its obligations under its client contracts and does not experience a significant level of returns or reshipments. • Revenues generated from prescription drugs sold by third party pharmacies in the Pharmacy Services Segment’s retail phar- macy network and associated administrative fees are recognized at the Pharmacy Services Segment’s point-of-sale, which is when the claim is adjudicated by the Pharmacy Services Segment’s online claims processing system. We determine whether we are the principal or agent for our retail pharmacy network transactions on a contract-by-contract basis. In the majority of our contracts, we have determined we are the principal due to us: (i) being the primary obligor in the arrange- ment, (ii) having latitude in establishing the price, changing the product or performing part of the service, (iii) having discretion in supplier selection, (iv) having involvement in the determination of product or service specifications, and (v) having credit risk. Our obligations under our client contracts for which revenues are reported using the gross method are separate and distinct from our obligations to the third party pharmacies included in our retail pharmacy network contracts. Pursuant to these contracts, we are contractually required to pay the third party pharmacies in our retail pharmacy network for products sold, regardless of whether we are paid by our clients. Our responsibilities under these client contracts typically include validating eligibility and coverage levels, communicating the prescription price and the co-payments due to the third party retail pharmacy, identifying possible adverse drug interactions for the pharmacist to address with the physician prior to dispensing, suggesting clinically appropriate generic alternatives where appropriate and approving the prescription for dispensing. Although we do not have credit risk with respect to Retail Co-Payments or inventory risk related to retail network claims, we believe that all of the other indicators of gross revenue reporting are present. For contracts under which we act as an agent, we record revenues using the net method. We deduct from our revenues the manufacturers’ rebates that are earned by our clients based on their members’ utilization of brand-name formulary drugs. We estimate these rebates at period-end based on actual and estimated claims data and our estimates of the manufacturers’ rebates earned by our clients. We base our estimates on the best available data at period-end and recent history for the various factors that can affect the amount of rebates due to the client. We adjust our rebates payable to clients to the actual amounts paid when these rebates are paid or as significant events occur. We record any cumulative effect of these adjustments against revenues as identified, and adjust our estimates prospectively to consider recurring matters. Adjustments generally result from contract changes with our clients or manufacturers, differences between the estimated and actual product mix subject to rebates or whether the product was included in the applicable formulary. We also deduct from our revenues pricing guarantees and guarantees regarding the level of service we will provide to the client or member as well as other payments made to our clients. Because the inputs to most of these estimates are not subject to a high degree of subjectivity or volatility, the effect of adjustments between estimated and actual amounts has not been material to our results of operations or financial position. We participate in the federal government’s Medicare Part D program as a PDP through our SilverScript subsidiary. Our net revenues include insurance premiums earned by the PDP, which are determined based on the PDP’s annual bid and related contractual arrangements with CMS. The insurance premiums include a beneficiary premium, which is the responsibility of the PDP member, but which is subsidized by CMS in the case of low-income members, and a direct premium paid by CMS. Premiums collected in advance are initially deferred as accrued expenses and are then recognized ratably as revenue over the period in which members are entitled to receive benefits. 30 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsIn addition to these premiums, our net revenues include co-payments, coverage gap benefits, deductibles and co-insurance (collectively, the “Member Co-Payments”) related to PDP members’ actual prescription claims. In certain cases, CMS subsidizes a portion of these Member Co-Payments and we are paid an estimated prospective Member Co-Payment subsidy, each month. The prospective Member Co-Payment subsidy amounts received from CMS are also included in our net revenues. These amounts represent 7.2%, 5.9% and 6.3% of consolidated net revenues in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. If the prospective Member Co-Payment subsidies received differ from the amounts based on actual prescription claims, the difference is recorded in either accounts receivable or accrued expenses. We account for fully insured CMS obligations and Member Co-Payments (including the amounts subsidized by CMS) using the gross method, consistent with our revenue recognition policies for Mail Co-Payments and Retail Co-Payments. We have recorded estimates of various assets and liabilities arising from our participation in the Medicare Part D program based on information in our claims management and enrollment systems. Significant estimates arising from our participation in the Medicare Part D program include: (i) estimates of low-income cost subsidy, reinsurance amounts and coverage gap discount amounts ultimately payable to or receivable from CMS based on a detailed claims reconcili- ation, (ii) an estimate of amounts payable to CMS under a risk-sharing feature of the Medicare Part D program design, referred to as the risk corridor and (iii) estimates for claims that have been reported and are in the process of being paid or contested and for our estimate of claims that have been incurred but have not yet been reported. Actual amounts of Medicare Part D-related assets and liabilities could differ significantly from amounts recorded. Historically, the effect of these adjustments has not been material to our results of operations or financial position. Retail/LTC Segment Retail Pharmacy We recognize revenue from the sale of front store merchandise at the time the merchandise is purchased by the retail customer and recognize revenue from the sale of prescription drugs when the prescription is picked up by the customer. Customer returns are not material. Sales taxes are not included in revenue. Long-term Care We recognize revenue when products are delivered or services are rendered or provided to our customers, prices are fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. A significant portion of our revenues from sales of pharmaceutical and medical products are reimbursed by the federal Medicare Part D program and, to a lesser extent, state Medicaid programs. Payments for services rendered to patients covered by these programs are generally less than billed charges. We monitor our revenues and receivables from these reimbursement sources, as well as other third party insurance payors, and record an estimated contractual allowance for sales and receivable balances at the revenue recognition date, to properly account for anticipated differences between billed and reimbursed amounts. Accordingly, the total net revenues and receivables reported in our consolidated financial statements are recorded at the amount expected to be ultimately received from these payors. Since billing functions for a portion of our revenue systems are largely computerized, enabling on-line adjudication at the time of sale to record net revenues, our exposure in connection with estimating contractual allowance adjustments is limited primarily to unbilled and initially rejected Medicare, Medicaid and third party claims (typically approved for reimbursement once additional information is provided to the payor). For the remaining portion of our revenue systems, the contractual allowance is estimated for all billed, unbilled and initially rejected Medicare, Medicaid and third party claims. We evaluate several criteria in developing the estimated contractual allowances on a monthly basis, including historical trends based on actual claims paid, current contract and reimbursement terms, and changes in customer base and payor/product mix. Contractual allowance estimates are adjusted to actual amounts as cash is received and claims are settled, and the aggregate impact of these resulting adjustments was not significant to our results of operations. Further, we do not expect the impact of changes in estimates related to unsettled contractual allowance amounts from Medicare, Medicaid and third party payors as of December 31, 2017, to be significant to our future consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Patient co-payments associated with Medicare Part D, certain state Medicaid programs, Medicare Part B and certain third party payors are typically not collected at the time products are delivered or services are rendered, but are billed to the individuals as part of our normal billing procedures and subject to our normal accounts receivable collections procedures. Health Care Clinics For services provided by our health care clinics, revenue recognition occurs for completed services provided to patients, with adjustments made for third party payor contractual obligations and patient direct bill historical collection rates. Loyalty Program Our customer loyalty program, ExtraCare®, is comprised of two components, ExtraSavingsTM and ExtraBucks® Rewards. ExtraSavings coupons redeemed by customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue when redeemed. ExtraBucks Rewards are accrued as a charge to cost of revenues when earned, net of estimated breakage. We determine breakage based on our historical redemption patterns. 31 2017 Annual ReportAllowances for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable primarily includes amounts due from third party providers (e.g., pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies, governmental agencies and long-term care facilities), clients, members and private pay customers, as well as vendors and manufacturers. We provide a reserve for accounts receivable considered to be at increased risk of becoming uncollectible by establishing an allowance to reduce the carrying value of such receivables to their estimated net realizable value. We establish this allowance for doubtful accounts and consider such factors as historical collection experience, (i.e., payment history and credit losses) and creditworthiness, specifically identified credit risks, aging of accounts receivable by payor category, current and expected economic conditions and other relevant factors. We regularly review our allowance for doubtful accounts for appropriateness. Judgment is used to assess the collectability of account balances and the economic ability of a customer to pay. Our allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2017, was $307 million, compared with $286 million as of December 31, 2016. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represented 2.3% of gross receivables (net of contractual allowance adjustments) as of both December 31, 2017, and 2016. Unforeseen future developments could lead to changes in our provision for doubtful accounts levels and future allowance for doubtful accounts percentages. For example, a one percentage point increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of gross receivables as of December 31, 2017, would result in an increase to the provision of doubtful accounts of approximately $135 million. Given our experience, we believe that our aggregate reserves for potential losses are adequate, but if any of our larger customers were to unexpectedly default on their obligations, our overall allowances for doubtful accounts may prove to be inadequate. In particular, if economic conditions worsen, the payor mix shifts significantly or reimbursement rates are adversely affected, we may adjust our allowance for doubtful accounts accordingly, and our accounts receivable collections, cash flows, financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected. Vendor Allowances and Purchase Discounts Pharmacy Services Segment Our Pharmacy Services Segment receives purchase discounts on products purchased. Contractual arrangements with vendors, including manufacturers, wholesalers and retail pharmacies, normally provide for the Pharmacy Services Segment to receive purchase discounts from established list prices in one, or a combination, of the following forms: (i) a direct discount at the time of purchase, (ii) a discount for the prompt payment of invoices or (iii) when products are purchased indirectly from a manufacturer (e.g., through a wholesaler or retail pharmacy), a discount (or rebate) paid subsequent to dispensing. These rebates are recog- nized when prescriptions are dispensed and are generally calculated and billed to manufacturers within 30 days of the end of each completed quarter. Historically, the effect of adjustments resulting from the reconciliation of rebates recognized to the amounts billed and collected has not been material to the results of operations. We account for the effect of any such differences as a change in accounting estimate in the period the reconciliation is completed. The Pharmacy Services Segment also receives additional discounts under its wholesaler contracts if it exceeds contractually defined purchase volumes. In addition, the Pharmacy Services Segment receives fees from pharmaceutical manufacturers for administrative services. Purchase discounts and adminis- trative service fees are recorded as a reduction of “Cost of revenues.” Retail/LTC Segment Vendor allowances received by the Retail/LTC Segment reduce the carrying cost of inventory and are recognized in cost of revenues when the related inventory is sold, unless they are specifically identified as a reimbursement of incremental costs for promotional programs and/or other services provided. Amounts that are directly linked to advertising commitments are recog- nized as a reduction of advertising expense (included in operating expenses) when the related advertising commitment is satisfied. Any such allowances received in excess of the actual cost incurred also reduce the carrying cost of inventory. The total value of any upfront payments received from vendors that are linked to purchase commitments is initially deferred. The deferred amounts are then amortized to reduce cost of revenues over the life of the contract based upon purchase volume. The total value of any upfront payments received from vendors that are not linked to purchase commitments is also initially deferred. The deferred amounts are then amortized to reduce cost of revenues on a straight-line basis over the life of the related contract. We have not made any material changes in the way we account for vendor allowances and purchase discounts during the past three years. 32 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsInventory Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market using the weighted average cost method. We reduce the value of our ending inventory for estimated inventory losses that have occurred during the interim period between physical inventory counts. Physical inventory counts are taken on a regular basis in each store and a continuous cycle count process is the primary procedure used to validate the inventory balances on hand in each distribution center and mail facility to ensure that the amounts reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are properly stated. The accounting for inventory contains uncertainty since we must use judgment to estimate the inventory losses that have occurred during the interim period between physical inventory counts. When estimating these losses, we consider a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, historical physical inventory results on a location-by-location basis and current physical inventory loss trends. Our total reserve for estimated inventory losses covered by this critical accounting policy was $297 million as of December 31, 2017. Although we believe we have sufficient current and historical information available to us to record reasonable estimates for estimated inventory losses, it is possible that actual results could differ. In order to help you assess the aggregate risk, if any, associated with the uncertainties discussed above, a ten percent (10%) pre-tax change in our estimated inventory losses, which we believe is a reasonably likely change, would increase or decrease our total reserve for estimated inventory losses by about $30 million as of December 31, 2017. Although we believe that the estimates discussed above are reasonable and the related calculations conform to generally accepted accounting principles, actual results could differ from our estimates, and such differences could be material. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of trademarks, client contracts and relationships, favorable leases and covenants not to compete. These intangible assets arise primarily from the determination of their respective fair market values at the date of acquisition. Amounts assigned to identifiable intangible assets, and their related useful lives, are derived from established valuation tech- niques and management estimates. Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid for acquisitions over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. We evaluate the recoverability of certain long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, but excluding goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives which are tested for impairment using separate tests, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We group and evaluate these long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. When evaluating these long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying amount of the asset group to the asset group’s estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss calculation is prepared. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying amount of the asset group to the asset group’s estimated future cash flows (discounted and with interest charges). If required, an impairment loss is recorded for the portion of the asset group’s carrying value that exceeds the asset group’s estimated future cash flows (discounted and with interest charges). Our long-lived asset impairment loss calculation contains uncertainty since we must use judgment to estimate each asset group’s future sales, profitability and cash flows. When preparing these estimates, we consider historical results and current operating trends and our consolidated sales, profitability and cash flow results and forecasts. These estimates can be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, general economic and regulatory condi- tions, efforts of third party organizations to reduce their prescription drug costs and/or increased member co-payments, the continued efforts of competitors to gain market share and consumer spending patterns. Goodwill and indefinitely-lived intangible assets are subject to annual impairment reviews, or more frequent reviews if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Indefinitely-lived intangible assets are tested by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized and the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Our indefinitely-lived intangible asset impairment loss calculation contains uncertainty since we must use judgment to estimate the fair value based on the assumption that in lieu of ownership of an intangible asset, the Company would be willing to pay a royalty in order to utilize the benefits of the asset. Value is estimated by discounting the hypothetical royalty payments to their present value over the estimated economic life of the asset. These estimates can be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, availability of market information as well as the profitability of the Company. 33 2017 Annual ReportGoodwill is tested for impairment on a reporting unit basis. The impairment test is calculated by comparing the reporting unit’s fair value with its net book value (or carrying amount), including goodwill. The fair value of our reporting units is estimated using a combination of a discounted cash flow method and a market multiple method. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the reporting unit’s goodwill is considered to be impaired and an impairment is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The determination of the fair value of our reporting units requires the Company to make significant assumptions and estimates. These assumptions and estimates primarily include, but are not limited to, the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums and valuation multiples appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which the Company competes; discount rates, terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating profit, depreciation and amortization, capital expenditures and future working capital requirements. When determining these assumptions and preparing these estimates, we consider each reporting unit’s historical results and current operating trends and our consolidated revenues, profitability and cash flow results, forecasts and industry trends. Our estimates can be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, general eco- nomic and regulatory conditions, our market capitalization, efforts of customers and payers to reduce costs including their prescription drug costs and/or increase member co-payments, the continued efforts of competitors to gain market share and consumer spending patterns. The carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets covered by this critical accounting policy was $38.5 billion and $13.5 billion as of December 31, 2017, respectively. We recorded $181 million in goodwill impairments in 2017 related to our RxCrossroads reporting unit, see Note 3 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” to our consolidated financial statements. We did not record any impairment losses related to goodwill or other intangible assets during 2016 or 2015. During the third quarter of 2017, we performed our required annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinitely-lived trademarks. The goodwill impairment tests resulted in the fair values of our Pharmacy Services and Retail Pharmacy reporting units exceeding their carrying values by significant margins. The fair values of our LTC and RxC reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 1% and 6%, respectively. The balance of goodwill for our LTC and RxCrossroads reporting units at December 31, 2017 was approxi- mately $6.5 billion and $0.4 billion, respectively. On January 2, 2018, we sold our RxCrossroads reporting unit to McKesson Corporation for $725 million. Although we believe we have sufficient current and historical information available to us to test for impairment, it is possible that actual results could differ from the estimates used in our impairment tests. As previously discussed, the results of our annual goodwill impairment test resulted in the fair value of our LTC reporting unit exceeding its carrying value by approximately 1%. Our multi-year cash flow projections for our LTC reporting unit have declined from the prior year due to customer reimbursement pressures, industry trends such as lower occupancy rates in skilled nursing facilities, and client retention rates. Our projected discounted cash flow model assumes future script growth from our senior living initiative and the impact of acquisitions. Such projections also include expected cost savings from labor productivity and other initiatives. Our market multiple method is heavily dependent on earnings multiples of market participants in the pharmacy industry, including certain competitors and suppliers. If we do not achieve our forecasts, given the small excess of fair value over the related carrying value, as well as current market conditions in the healthcare industry, it is reasonably possible that the opera- tional performance of the LTC reporting unit could be below our current expectations in the near term and the LTC reporting unit could be deemed to be impaired by a material amount. We have not made any material changes in the methodologies utilized to test the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets for impairment during the past three years. Closed Store Lease Liability We account for closed store lease termination costs when a leased store is closed. When a leased store is closed, we record a liability for the estimated present value of the remaining obligation under the noncancelable lease, which includes future real estate taxes, common area maintenance and other charges, if applicable. The liability is reduced by estimated future sublease income. The initial calculation and subsequent evaluations of our closed store lease liability contain uncertainty since we must use judgment to estimate the timing and duration of future vacancy periods, the amount and timing of future lump sum settlement payments and the amount and timing of potential future sublease income. When estimating these potential termination costs and their related timing, we consider a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, historical settlement experience, the owner of the property, the location and condition of the property, the terms of the underlying lease, the specific marketplace demand and general economic conditions. 34 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsOur total closed store lease liability covered by this critical accounting policy was $344 million as of December 31, 2017. This amount is net of $156 million of estimated sublease income that is subject to the uncertainties discussed above. Although we believe we have sufficient current and historical information available to us to record reasonable estimates for sublease income, it is possible that actual results could differ. In order to help you assess the risk, if any, associated with the uncertainties discussed above, a ten percent (10%) pre-tax change in our estimated sublease income, which we believe is a reasonably likely change, would increase or decrease our total closed store lease liability by about $16 million as of December 31, 2017. We have not made any material changes in the reserve methodology used to record closed store lease reserves during the past three years. Self-Insurance Liabilities We are self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, workers’ compensation and auto liability, although we maintain stop loss coverage with third party insurers to limit our total liability exposure. We are also self-insured for certain losses related to health and medical liabilities. The estimate of our self-insurance liability contains uncertainty since we must use judgment to estimate the ultimate cost that will be incurred to settle reported claims and unreported claims for incidents incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. When estimating our self-insurance liability, we consider a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, historical claim experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other standard insurance industry actuarial assumptions. On a quarterly basis, we review our self-insurance liability to determine if it is adequate as it relates to our general liability, workers’ compensa- tion and auto liability. Similar reviews are conducted semi-annually to determine if our self-insurance liability is adequate for our health and medical liability. Our total self-insurance liability covered by this critical accounting policy was $696 million as of December 31, 2017. Although we believe we have sufficient current and historical information available to us to record reasonable estimates for our self-insurance liability, it is possible that actual results could differ. In order to help you assess the risk, if any, associated with the uncertainties discussed above, a ten percent (10%) pre-tax change in our estimate for our self-insurance liability, which we believe is a reasonably likely change, would increase or decrease our self-insurance liability by about $70 million as of December 31, 2017. We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to establish our self-insurance liability during the past three years. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for any temporary differences between financial and tax reporting bases and are adjusted as needed to reflect changes in the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Such adjustments are recorded in the period in which changes in tax laws are enacted, regardless of when they are effective. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance to the extent future realization of those losses, deductions or other tax benefits is sufficiently uncertain. Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and the related taxes payable and deferred tax assets and liabilities since, in the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Additionally, our tax returns are subject to audit by various domestic and foreign tax authorities that could result in material adjustments based on differing interpretations of the tax laws. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable and are based on the best available information at the time we prepare the provision, actual results could differ from these estimates resulting in a final tax outcome that may be materially different from that which is reflected in our consolidated financial statements. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in income tax expense. Significant judgment is required in determining our uncertain tax positions. We have established accruals for uncertain tax positions using our best judgment and adjust these accruals, as warranted, due to changing facts and circumstances. 35 2017 Annual ReportNew Accounting Pronouncements See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements for a description of New Accounting Pronouncements applicable to the Company. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. In addition, the Company and its representatives may, from time to time, make written or verbal forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in its reports to stockholders, press releases, webcasts, conference calls, meetings and other communications. Generally, the inclusion of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “will,” “should” and similar expressions identify statements that constitute forward-looking statements. All statements addressing operating performance of CVS Health Corporation or any subsidiary, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to corporate strategy; revenue growth; earnings or earnings per common share growth; adjusted earnings or adjusted earnings per common share growth; free cash flow; debt ratings; inventory levels; inventory turn and loss rates; store development; relocations and new market entries; retail pharmacy business, sales trends and operations; PBM business, sales trends and operations; specialty pharmacy business, sales trends and operations; LTC pharmacy business, sales trends and operations; the Company’s ability to attract or retain customers and clients; Medicare Part D competitive bidding, enrollment and operations; new product development; and the impact of industry and regulatory developments, as well as statements expressing optimism or pessimism about future operating results or events, are for- ward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. The forward-looking statements are and will be based upon management’s then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements for a number of reasons as described in our SEC filings, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section within the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and including, but not limited to: • Risks relating to the health of the economy in general and in the markets we serve, which could impact consumer purchasing power, preferences and/or spending patterns, drug utilization trends, the financial health of our PBM and LTC clients, retail and specialty pharmacy payors or other payors doing business with the Company and our ability to secure necessary financing, suitable store locations and sale-leaseback transactions on acceptable terms. • Efforts to reduce reimbursement levels and alter health care financing practices, including pressure to reduce reimbursement levels for generic drugs. • The possibility of PBM and LTC client loss and/or the failure to win new PBM and LTC business, including as a result of failure to win renewal of expiring contracts, contract termination rights that may permit clients to terminate a contract prior to expira- tion and early or periodic renegotiation of pricing by clients prior to expiration of a contract. • The possibility of loss of Medicare Part D business and/or failure to obtain new Medicare Part D business, whether as a result of the annual Medicare Part D competitive bidding process or otherwise. • Risks related to the frequency and rate of the introduction of generic drugs and brand-name prescription products. • Risks of declining gross margins attributable to increased competitive pressures, increased client demand for lower prices, enhanced service offerings and/or higher service levels and market dynamics and, with respect to the PBM industry, regulatory changes that impact our ability to offer plan sponsors pricing that includes the use of retail “differential” or “spread” or the use of maximum allowable cost pricing. • Regulatory changes, business changes and compliance requirements and restrictions that may be imposed by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”), Office of Inspector General or other government agencies relating to the Company’s participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal and state government-funded programs, including sanctions and remedial actions that may be imposed by CMS on our Medicare Part D business. 36 CVS HealthManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations• Risks and uncertainties related to the timing and scope of reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid and other govern- ment-funded programs, including the possible impact of sequestration, the impact of other federal budget, debt and deficit negotiations and legislation that could delay or reduce reimbursement from such programs and the impact of any closure, suspension or other changes affecting federal or state government funding or operations. • Possible changes in industry pricing benchmarks used to establish pricing in many of our PBM and LTC client contracts, pharmaceutical purchasing arrangements, retail network contracts, specialty payor agreements and other third party payor contracts. • Efforts to increase reimbursement rates in PBM pharmacy networks and to inhibit the ability of PBMs to audit network pharma- cies for fraud, waste and abuse. • Risks related to increasing oversight of PBM activities by state departments of insurance and boards of pharmacy. • A highly competitive business environment, including the uncertain impact of increased consolidation in the PBM industry, the possibility of combinations, joint ventures or other collaboration between PBMs and retailers, uncertainty concerning the ability of our retail pharmacy business to secure and maintain contractual relationships with PBMs and other payors on acceptable terms, uncertainty concerning the ability of our PBM business to secure and maintain competitive access, pricing and other contract terms from retail network pharmacies in an environment where some PBM clients are willing to consider adopting narrow or more restricted retail pharmacy networks, the possibility of our retail stores or specialty pharmacies being excluded from narrow or restricted networks, the potential of disruptive innovation from existing and new competitors and risks related to developing and maintaining a relevant experience for our customers. • The Company’s ability to timely identify or effectively respond to changing consumer preferences and spending patterns, an inability to expand the products being purchased by our customers, or the failure or inability to obtain or offer particular categories of products. • Risks relating to our ability to secure timely and sufficient access to the products we sell from our domestic and/or international suppliers, including limited distribution drugs. • Reform of the U.S. health care system, including ongoing implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (collectively, “ACA”) and the possible repeal and replacement of all or parts of ACA, continuing legislative efforts, regulatory changes and judicial interpretations impacting our health care system and the possibility of shifting political and legislative priorities related to reform of the health care system in the future. • Risks related to changes in legislation, regulation and government policy (including through the use of Executive Orders) that could significantly impact our business and the health care and retail industries, including, but not limited to, the possibility of major developments in tax policy or trade relations, such as the imposition of unilateral tariffs on imported products, changes with respect to the approval process for biosimilars, or changes or developments with respect to the regulation of drug pricing, including federal and state drug pricing programs. • Risks relating to any failure to properly maintain our information technology systems, our information security systems and our infrastructure to support our business and to protect the privacy and security of sensitive customer and business information. • Risks related to compliance with a broad and complex regulatory framework, including compliance with new and existing federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to health care, network pharmacy reimbursement and auditing, accounting standards, corporate securities, tax, environmental and other laws and regulations affecting our business. • Risks related to litigation, government investigations and other legal proceedings as they relate to our business, the pharmacy services, retail pharmacy, LTC pharmacy, specialty pharmacy or retail clinic industries, or to the health care industry generally. • The risk that any condition related to the closing of any proposed acquisition, including the Aetna Acquisition, may not be satisfied on a timely basis or at all, including the inability to obtain required regulatory approvals of any proposed acquisition, including the Aetna Acquisition, or on the terms desired or anticipated; the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the resulting combined company or the expected benefits of any proposed transac- tion, including the Aetna Acquisition; and the risk that the proposed transactions, including the Aetna Acquisition fail to close for any other reason, which could negatively impact our stock price and our future business and financial results. • The possibility that the anticipated synergies and other benefits from any acquisition by us, including the Aetna Acquisition, will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time periods. 37 2017 Annual ReportManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations • Other risks related to the Aetna Acquisition, including the possibility of failing to retain existing management including key executives of Aetna, the potential for disruption of our business relationships due to uncertainty associated with the Aetna Acquisition, the increased difficulty for us to pursue alternatives to the Aetna Acquisition, and the possibility that the Aetna Acquisition may not be accretive to our earnings per share. • The risks and uncertainties related to our ability to integrate the operations, products, services and employees of any entities acquired by us, including the Aetna Acquisition, and the effect of the potential disruption of management’s attention from ongoing business operations due to any pending acquisitions, including the Aetna Acquisition. • The accessibility or availability of adequate financing on a timely basis and on reasonable terms and the risks of increased indebtedness incurred to fund the Aetna Acquisition. • Risks related to the outcome of any legal proceedings related to or involving any entity that is a part of, any proposed acquisi- tion contemplated by us, including the risk that we may be subject to securities class action and derivative lawsuits in connection with the Aetna Acquisition. • The possibility of lower-than-expected valuations at the Company’s reporting units could result in goodwill impairment charges at those reporting units. • Other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that the Company has correctly identified and appropriately assessed all factors affecting its business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that it currently believes to be immaterial also may adversely impact the Company. Should any risks and uncertainties develop into actual events, these developments could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. For these reasons, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. 38 CVS HealthManagement’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report a system of internal accounting controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance, at an appropri- ate cost/benefit relationship, that the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets are prevented or timely detected and that transactions are authorized, recorded and reported properly to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and receipts and expenditures are duly authorized. In order to ensure the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective, management regularly assesses such controls and did so most recently for its financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. We conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). This evaluation included review of the documentation, evaluation of the design effectiveness and testing of the operating effectiveness of controls. Our system of internal control over financial reporting is enhanced by periodic reviews by our internal auditors, written policies and procedures and a written Code of Conduct adopted by our Company’s Board of Directors, applicable to all employees of our Company. In addition, we have an internal Disclosure Committee, comprised of management from each functional area within the Company, which performs a separate review of our disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal controls over financial reporting. Based on our assessment, we conclude our Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective and provides reason- able assurance that assets are safeguarded and that the financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements as of December 31, 2017. Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, is appointed by the Board of Directors and ratified by our Company’s shareholders. They were engaged to render an opinion regarding the fair presentation of our consolidated financial statements as well as conducting an audit of internal control over financial reporting. Their accompanying reports are based upon audits conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). February 14, 2018 39 2017 Annual ReportReport of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of CVS Health Corporation Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited CVS Health Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, CVS Health Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and 2016, the related consolidated state- ments of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and our report dated February 14, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assess- ment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be inde- pendent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Boston, Massachusetts February 14, 2018 40 CVS HealthConsolidated Statements of Income in millions, except per share amounts 2017 2016 2015 Year Ended December 31, Net revenues Cost of revenues Gross profit Operating expenses Operating profit Interest expense, net Loss on early extinguishment of debt Other expense Income before income tax provision Income tax provision Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest $ 184,765 156,220 28,545 19,028 9,517 1,041 — 208 8,268 1,637 6,631 (8) 6,623 (1) $ 177,526 $ 153,290 148,669 126,762 28,857 18,491 10,366 1,058 643 28 8,637 3,317 5,320 (1) 5,319 (2) 26,528 17,053 9,475 838 — 21 8,616 3,386 5,230 9 5,239 (2) Net income attributable to CVS Health $ 6,622 $ 5,317 $ 5,237 Basic earnings per share: Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Health Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CVS Health Net income attributable to CVS Health Weighted average shares outstanding Diluted earnings per share: Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Health Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CVS Health Net income attributable to CVS Health Weighted average shares outstanding Dividends declared per share See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 6.48 (0.01) 6.47 1,020 6.45 (0.01) 6.44 1,024 2.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 4.93 — 4.93 1,073 4.91 — 4.90 1,079 1.70 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 4.65 0.01 4.66 1,118 4.62 0.01 4.63 1,126 1.40 41 2017 Annual Report Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in millions Net income Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Net cash flow hedges, net of tax Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 6,623 $ 5,319 $ 5,239 (2) (10) 152 140 6,763 (1) 38 2 13 53 5,372 (2) (100) 2 (43) (141) 5,098 (2) Comprehensive income attributable to CVS Health $ 6,762 $ 5,370 $ 5,096 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 42 CVS Health Consolidated Balance Sheets in millions, except per share amounts Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Accounts receivable, net Inventories Other current assets Total current assets Property and equipment, net Goodwill Intangible assets, net Other assets Total assets Liabilities: Accounts payable Claims and discounts payable Accrued expenses Short-term debt Current portion of long-term debt Total current liabilities Long-term debt Deferred income taxes Other long-term liabilities Shareholders’ equity: CVS Health shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock, par value $0.01: 0.1 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding Common stock, par value $0.01: 3,200 shares authorized; 1,712 shares issued and 1,014 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017, and 1,705 shares issued and 1,061 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016 Treasury stock, at cost: 697 shares at December 31, 2017, and 643 shares at December 31, 2016 Shares held in trust: 1 share at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 Capital surplus Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total CVS Health shareholders’ equity Noncontrolling interest Total shareholders’ equity Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. December 31, 2017 2016 $ 1,696 $ 3,371 111 13,181 15,296 945 31,229 10,292 38,451 13,630 1,529 87 12,164 14,760 660 31,042 10,175 38,249 13,511 1,485 $ 95,131 $ 94,462 $ 8,863 $ 10,355 6,609 1,276 3,545 30,648 22,181 2,996 1,611 — 17 (37,765) (31) 32,079 43,556 (165) 37,691 4 37,695 7,946 9,451 6,937 1,874 42 26,250 25,615 4,214 1,549 — 17 (33,452) (31) 31,618 38,983 (305) 36,830 4 36,834 $ 95,131 $ 94,462 43 2017 Annual Report Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 176,594 (149,279) (15,348) 21 (1,072) (2,909) 8,007 $ 172,310 (142,511) (15,478) 20 (1,140) (3,060) 10,141 $ 148,954 (122,498) (14,035) 21 (629) (3,274) 8,539 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in millions Cash flows from operating activities: Cash receipts from customers Cash paid for inventory and prescriptions dispensed by retail network pharmacies Cash paid to other suppliers and employees Interest received Interest paid Income taxes paid Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and other assets Acquisitions (net of cash acquired) and other investments Purchase of available-for-sale investments Maturities of available-for-sale investments Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Increase (decrease) in short-term debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Repayments of long-term debt Purchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Payment of contingent consideration Dividends paid Proceeds from exercise of stock options Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards Repurchase of common stock Other Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Net income Adjustments required to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: (1,918) 265 33 (1,287) (86) 61 (2,932) (598) — — — — (2,049) 329 (71) (4,361) (1) (6,751) 1 (1,675) 3,371 $ 1,696 $ 6,623 $ $ Depreciation and amortization Goodwill impairments Losses on settlements of defined benefit pension plans Stock-based compensation Loss on early extinguishment of debt Deferred income taxes Other noncash items Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Accounts receivable, net Inventories Other current assets Other assets Accounts payable and claims and discounts payable Accrued expenses Other long-term liabilities 2,479 181 187 234 — (1,334) 53 (941) (514) (341) 3 1,710 (371) 38 (2,224) 230 37 (539) (65) 91 (2,470) 1,874 3,455 (5,943) (39) (26) (1,840) 296 (72) (4,461) (5) (6,761) 2 912 2,459 3,371 5,319 2,475 — — 222 643 18 135 (243) (742) 35 (43) 2,189 131 2 (2,367) 411 35 (11,475) (267) 243 (13,420) (685) 14,805 (2,902) — (58) (1,576) 362 (63) (5,001) (3) 4,879 (20) (22) 2,481 2,459 5,239 2,092 — — 230 — (252) (14) (1,594) (1,141) 355 2 2,834 892 (104) $ $ Net cash provided by operating activities $ 8,007 $ 10,141 $ 8,539 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 44 CVS Health Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity in millions 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Shares Year Ended December 31, Dollars Year Ended December 31, Common stock: Beginning of year Stock options exercised and issuance of stock awards End of year Treasury stock: Beginning of year Purchase of treasury shares Employee stock purchase plan issuances End of year Shares held in trust: Balance at beginning and end of year Capital surplus: Beginning of year Stock option activity, stock awards and other Excess tax benefit on stock options and stock awards 2015 accelerated share repurchase settled in 2016 End of year Retained earnings: Beginning of year Changes in inventory accounting principles Net income attributable to CVS Health Common stock dividends End of year Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Beginning of year Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Net cash flow hedges, net of tax Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax End of year Total CVS Health shareholders’ equity Noncontrolling interest: Beginning of year Business combinations Capital contributions Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (1) Distributions End of year Total shareholders’ equity 1,705 1,699 1,691 $ 17 $ 17 $ 7 1,712 6 1,705 8 1,699 $ — 17 $ — 17 $ 17 — 17 (643) (55) 1 (697) (597) (47) 1 (643) (550) (48) 1 (597) $ (33,452) (4,361) 48 $ (28,886) (4,606) 40 $ (24,078) (4,856) 48 $ (37,765) $ (33,452) $ (28,886) (1) (1) (1) $ (31) $ (31) $ (31) $ 31,618 461 $ 30,948 449 $ 30,418 533 — — 76 145 142 (145) $ 32,079 $ 31,618 $ 30,948 $ 38,983 — 6,622 (2,049) $ 35,506 — 5,317 (1,840) $ 31,849 (4) 5,237 (1,576) $ 43,556 $ 38,983 $ 35,506 $ (305) $ (358) $ (217) (2) (10) 152 (165) 38 2 13 (305) (100) 2 (43) (358) $ 37,691 $ 36,830 $ 37,196 $ $ 4 — 1 1 (2) 4 $ 7 — 1 1 (5) 4 5 1 2 1 (2) 7 $ 37,695 $ 36,834 $ 37,203 (1) Excludes $1 million attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest in 2016 and 2015 (See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies”). See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 45 2017 Annual Report Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 1 | Significant Accounting Policies Description of business CVS Health Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is the largest integrated pharmacy health care provider in the United States based upon revenues and prescriptions filled. The Company currently has three report- able business segments, Pharmacy Services, Retail/LTC and Corporate, which are described below. Pharmacy Services Segment (the “PSS”) The PSS provides a full range of pharmacy benefit management services including plan design offerings and administration, formulary management, Medicare Part D services, mail order, specialty pharmacy and infusion services, retail pharmacy network management services, prescription management systems, clinical services, disease management services and medical spend management. The Company’s clients are primarily employers, insurance companies, unions, government employee groups, health plans, Medicare Part D, Managed Medicaid plans, plans offered on the public and private exchanges, and other sponsors of health benefit plans and individuals throughout the United States. As a pharmacy benefits manager, the PSS manages the dispensing of pharmaceuticals through the Company’s mail order pharmacies and national network of more than 68,000 retail pharmacies, consisting of approximately 41,000 chain pharmacies and 27,000 independent pharmacies, to eligible members in the benefits plans maintained by the Company’s clients and utilizes its information systems to perform, among other things, safety checks, drug interaction screenings and brand to generic substitutions. The PSS’ specialty pharmacies support individuals that require complex and expensive drug therapies. The specialty pharmacy business includes mail order and retail specialty pharmacies that operate under the CVS Caremark®, CarePlus CVS PharmacyTM, Navarro® Health Services and Advanced Care Scripts (“ACS Pharmacy”) names. The Company enhanced its provides specialty infusion services and enteral nutrition services through Coram LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Coram”). In August 2015, the Company further expanded its specialty offerings with the acquisition of ACS Pharmacy which was part of the Omnicare, Inc. (“Omnicare”) acquisition. See Note 2 “Acquisitions.” The PSS also provides health management programs, which include integrated disease management for 18 conditions, through the Company’s AccordantCare rare disease management offering. In addition, through the Company’s SilverScript Insurance Company (“SilverScript”) subsidiary, the PSS is a national provider of drug benefits to eligible beneficiaries under the federal government’s Medicare Part D program. The PSS generates net revenues primarily by contracting with clients to provide prescription drugs to plan members. Prescription drugs are dispensed by the mail order pharmacies, specialty pharmacies and national network of retail pharmacies. Net revenues are also generated by providing additional services to clients, including administrative services such as claims processing and formulary management, as well as health care related services such as disease management. The PSS operates under the CVS Caremark® Pharmacy Services, Caremark®, CVS Caremark®, CVS Specialty®, AccordantCare, SilverScript®, Wellpartner®, Coram®, CVS Specialty®, NovoLogix®, Navarro® Health Services and ACS Pharmacy names. As of December 31, 2017, the PSS operates 23 retail specialty pharmacy stores, 18 specialty mail order pharmacies, four mail order dispensing pharmacies, and 83 branches for infusion and enteral services, including approximately 73 ambulatory infusion suites and three centers of excellence, located in 42 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Retail/LTC Segment (the “RLS”) The RLS sells prescription drugs and a wide assortment of general merchandise, including over-the-counter drugs, beauty products and cosmetics, personal care products, convenience foods, photo finishing services, seasonal merchandise, and greeting cards, through the Company’s CVS Pharmacy®, CVS®, CVS Pharmacy y más®, Longs Drugs®, Navarro Discount Pharmacy® and Drogaria OnofreTM retail stores and online through CVS.com®, Navarro.comTM and Onofre.com.brTM. The RLS also provides health care services through its MinuteClinic® health care clinics. MinuteClinics are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who utilize nationally recognized protocols to diagnose and treat minor health conditions, perform health screenings, monitor chronic conditions and deliver vaccinations. In 2015, the Company made two larger acquisitions which expanded the Retail/LTC Segment’s services. With the acquisition of Omnicare, the RLS began providing long-term care (“LTC”) operations, which is comprised of providing the distribution of pharmaceuticals, related pharmacy consulting and other ancillary services to chronic care facilities and other care settings, as well as commercialization services which are provided under the name RxCrossroads® (“RxC”). With the December 2015 acquisition of the pharmacies and clinics of Target Corporation (“Target”), the Company added 1,672 pharmacies and approximately 79 clinics. 46 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsAs of December 31, 2017, our Retail/LTC Segment included 9,803 retail stores (of which 8,060 were our stores that operated a pharmacy and 1,695 were our pharmacies located within Target stores) located in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Brazil operating primarily under the CVS Pharmacy®, CVS®, CVS Pharmacy y más®, Longs Drugs®, Navarro Discount Pharmacy® and Drogaria OnofreTM names, 37 onsite pharmacies primarily operating under the CarePlus CVS PharmacyTM, CarePlus® and CVS Pharmacy® names, and 1,134 retail health care clinics operating under the MinuteClinic® name (of which 1,129 were located in our retail pharmacy stores or Target stores), and our online retail websites, CVS.com®, Navarro.comTM and Onofre.com.brTM. LTC operations are comprised of 145 spoke pharmacies that primarily handle new prescription orders, of which 30 are also hub pharmacies that use proprietary automation to support spoke pharmacies with refill prescriptions. LTC operates primarily under the Omnicare® and NeighborCare® names. Corporate Segment The Corporate Segment provides management and administrative services to support the Company. The Corporate Segment consists of certain aspects of the Company’s executive management, corporate relations, legal, compliance, human resources, information technology and finance departments. Principles of consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company continually evaluates its investments to determine if they represent variable interests in a VIE. If the Company deter- mines that it has a variable interest in a VIE, the Company then evaluates if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The evaluation is a qualitative assessment as to whether the Company has the ability to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. The Company consolidates a VIE if it is considered to be the primary beneficiary. Assets and liabilities of VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary were not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. VIE creditors do not have recourse against the general credit of the Company. Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fair value hierarchy The Company utilizes the three-level valuation hierarchy for the recognition and disclosure of fair value measurements. The categorization of assets and liabilities within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement of fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy consist of the following: • Level 1 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. • Level 2 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument. • Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs based upon management’s best estimate of inputs market participants could use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date, including assumptions about risk. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and temporary investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. The Company invests in short-term money market funds, commercial paper and time deposits, as well as other debt securities that are classified as cash equivalents within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as these funds are highly liquid and readily convertible to known amounts of cash. These investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. Restricted cash As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $190 million and $149 million, respectively, of restricted cash held in a trust in its insurance captive to satisfy collateral requirements associated with the assignment of certain insurance policies. Such amounts are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017, the Company had $14 million of restricted cash held in escrow accounts in connection with certain recent acquisitions. Such amounts are included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. All restricted cash is invested in time deposits which are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. 47 2017 Annual ReportShort-term investments The Company’s short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with initial maturities of greater than three months when purchased that mature in less than one year from the balance sheet date. These investments, which were classified as available-for-sale within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, were carried at fair value, which approximated their historical cost at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Fair value of financial instruments As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their fair value due to the nature of these financial instruments. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of total long-term debt was $25.7 billion and $26.8 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated based on quoted rates currently offered in active markets for the Company’s debt, which is considered Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Derivative financial instruments The Company is exposed to interest rate risk and management considers it prudent to periodically reduce the Company’s exposure to cash flow variability resulting from interest rate fluctuations. In December 2017, the Company entered into several interest rate swap transactions. These agreements were designated as cash flow hedges and were used to hedge the exposure to variability in future cash flows resulting from changes in interest rates related to the antici- pated issuance of long-term debt in connection with the proposed acquisition of Aetna Inc. (“Aetna”). The interest rate swaps had notional amounts totaling $4.75 billion. At December 31, 2017, the fair value of these agreements were a $5 million asset recorded in other current assets and a $23 million liability recorded in accrued expenses. The fair value of these derivative financial instruments was determined using quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability and therefore they are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company has deferred gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income which are expected to be reclassified to interest expense over the life of the underlying forecasted debt. The hedges are expected to be highly effective; therefore, no ineffectiveness was recognized in earnings. There were no outstanding derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2016. Foreign currency translation and transactions For local currency functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period rates while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the period. Equity is translated at historical rates and the resulting cumulative translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other compre- hensive income (loss). For U.S. dollar functional currency locations, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at end-of- period exchange rates, except for nonmonetary balance sheet accounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during each period, except for those expenses related to the nonmonetary balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement are included in income. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions and the effects of remeasurements were not material for all periods presented. Accounts receivable Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The accounts receivable balance primarily includes amounts due from third party providers (e.g., pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies, governmental agencies and long-term care facilities), clients, members and private pay customers, as well as vendors and manufacturers. Charges to bad debt are based on both historical write-offs and specifically identified receivables. The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable for the years ended December 31 is as follows: in millions Beginning balance Additions charged to bad debt expense Write-offs charged to allowance Ending balance 2017 286 177 (156) 307 $ $ 2016 161 221 (96) 286 $ $ $ $ 2015 256 216 (311) 161 Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market. Physical inventory counts are taken on a regular basis in each retail store and long-term care pharmacy and a continuous cycle count process is the primary procedure used to validate the inventory balances on hand in each distribution center and mail facility to ensure that the amounts reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are properly stated. During the interim period between physical inventory counts, the Company accrues for anticipated physical inventory losses on a location-by-location basis based on historical results and current trends. 48 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements Property and equipment Property, equipment and improvements to leased premises are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or when applicable, the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Estimated useful lives generally range from 10 to 40 years for buildings, building improvements and leasehold improvements and 3 to 10 years for fixtures, equipment and internally developed software. Repair and maintenance costs are charged directly to expense as incurred. Major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated. Application development stage costs for significant internally developed software projects are capitalized and depreciated. The following are the components of property and equipment at December 31: in millions Land Building and improvements Fixtures and equipment Leasehold improvements Software Accumulated depreciation and amortization Property and equipment, net $ 2017 1,707 3,343 11,963 4,793 2,484 24,290 (13,998) $ 2016 1,734 3,226 10,956 4,494 2,392 22,802 (12,627) $ 10,292 $ 10,175 The gross amount of property and equipment under capital leases was $588 million and $547 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Accumulated amortization of property and equipment under capital lease was $140 million and $119 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Amortization of property and equipment under capital lease is included within depreciation expense. Depreciation expense totaled $1.7 billion in both 2017 and 2016, and $1.5 billion in 2015. Goodwill and other indefinitely-lived assets Goodwill and other indefinitely-lived assets are not amortized, but are subject to impairment reviews annually, or more frequently if necessary. See Note 3 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” for additional informa- tion on goodwill and other indefinitely-lived assets. Intangible assets Purchased customer contracts and relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives between 9 and 20 years. Purchased customer lists are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of up to 10 years. Purchased leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the lease. See Note 3 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” for additional information about intangible assets. Impairment of long-lived assets The Company groups and evaluates fixed and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment at the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, the Company first compares the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated future cash flows associated with the asset group (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the estimated future cash flows used in this analysis are less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss calculation is prepared. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying amount of the asset group to the asset group’s estimated future cash flows (discounted and with interest charges). If required, an impairment loss is recorded for the portion of the asset group’s carrying value that exceeds the asset group’s estimated future cash flows (discounted and with interest charges). Redeemable noncontrolling interest As a result of the acquisition of Omnicare in 2015, the Company obtained a 73% ownership interest in a limited liability company (“LLC”). Due to the change in control in Omnicare, the noncontrolling member of the LLC had the contractual right to put its membership interest to the Company at fair value. Consequently, the noncontrolling interest in the LLC was recorded as a redeemable noncontrolling interest at fair value. During 2016, the noncontrolling shareholder of the LLC exercised its option to sell its ownership interest and the Company purchased the noncontrolling interest in the LLC for approximately $39 million. 49 2017 Annual Report Below is a summary of the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest for the years ended December 31: in millions Beginning balance Acquisition of noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Distributions Purchase of noncontrolling interest Reclassification to capital surplus in connection with purchase of noncontrolling interest Ending balance Revenue Recognition PHARMACY SERVICES SEGMENT 2016 2015 $ $ 39 — 1 (2) (39) 1 — $ $ — 39 1 (1) — — 39 The PSS sells prescription drugs directly through its mail service dispensing pharmacies and indirectly through its retail pharmacy network. The PSS recognizes revenue from prescription drugs sold by its mail service dispensing pharmacies and under retail pharmacy network contracts where it is the principal using the gross method at the contract prices negotiated with its clients. Net revenues include: (i) the portion of the price the client pays directly to the PSS, net of any volume-related or other discounts paid back to the client (see “Drug Discounts” below), (ii) the price paid to the PSS by client plan members for mail order prescriptions (“Mail Co-Payments”) and the price paid to retail network pharmacies by client plan members for retail prescriptions (“Retail Co-Payments”), and (iii) administrative fees for retail pharmacy network contracts where the PSS is not the principal as discussed below. Sales taxes are not included in revenue. Revenue is recognized when: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. The following revenue recognition policies have been established for the PSS: • Revenues generated from prescription drugs sold by mail service dispensing pharmacies are recognized when the prescription is delivered. At the time of delivery, the PSS has performed substantially all of its obligations under its client contracts and does not experience a significant level of returns or reshipments. • Revenues generated from prescription drugs sold by third party pharmacies in the PSS’ retail pharmacy network and associ- ated administrative fees are recognized at the PSS’ point-of-sale, which is when the claim is adjudicated by the PSS online claims processing system. The PSS determines whether it is the principal or agent for its retail pharmacy network transactions on a contract by contract basis. In the majority of its contracts, the PSS has determined it is the principal due to it: (i) being the primary obligor in the arrangement, (ii) having latitude in establishing the price, changing the product or performing part of the service, (iii) having discretion in supplier selection, (iv) having involvement in the determination of product or service specifications, and (v) having credit risk. The PSS’ obligations under its client contracts for which revenues are reported using the gross method are separate and distinct from its obligations to the third party pharmacies included in its retail pharmacy network contracts. Pursuant to these contracts, the PSS is contractually required to pay the third party pharmacies in its retail pharmacy network for products sold, regardless of whether the PSS is paid by its clients. The PSS’ responsibilities under its client contracts typically include validating eligibility and coverage levels, communicating the prescription price and the co-payments due to the third party retail pharmacy, identifying possible adverse drug interactions for the pharmacist to address with the prescriber prior to dispensing, suggesting generic alternatives where clinically appropriate and approving the prescription for dispensing. Although the PSS does not have credit risk with respect to Retail Co-Payments or inventory risk related to retail network claims, management believes that all of the other applicable indicators of gross revenue reporting are present. For contracts under which the PSS acts as an agent, revenue is recognized using the net method. Drug Discounts The PSS deducts from its revenues any rebates, inclusive of discounts and fees, earned by its clients. Rebates are paid to clients in accordance with the terms of client contracts, which are normally based on fixed rebates per prescription for specific products dispensed or a percentage of manufacturer discounts received for specific products dispensed. The liability for rebates due to clients is included in “Claims and discounts payable” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 50 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements Medicare Part D The PSS, through its SilverScript subsidiary, participates in the federal government’s Medicare Part D program as a Prescription Drug Plan (“PDP”). Net revenues include insurance premiums earned by the PDP, which are determined based on the PDP’s annual bid and related contractual arrangements with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”). The insurance premiums include a direct premium paid by CMS and a beneficiary premium, which is the responsibility of the PDP member, but which is subsidized by CMS in the case of low-income members. Premiums collected in advance are initially deferred in accrued expenses and are then recognized in net revenues over the period in which members are entitled to receive benefits. In addition to these premiums, net revenues include co-payments, coverage gap benefits, deductibles and co-insurance (collec- tively, the “Member Co-Payments”) related to PDP members’ actual prescription claims. In certain cases, CMS subsidizes a portion of these Member Co-Payments and pays the PSS an estimated prospective Member Co-Payment subsidy amount each month. The prospective Member Co-Payment subsidy amounts received from CMS are also included in net revenues. SilverScript assumes no risk for these amounts. If the prospective Member Co-Payment subsidies received differ from the amounts based on actual prescription claims, the difference is recorded in either accounts receivable or accrued expenses. The PSS accounts for CMS obligations and Member Co-Payments (including the amounts subsidized by CMS) using the gross method consistent with its revenue recognition policies for Mail Co-Payments and Retail Co-Payments (discussed previously in this document). RETAIL/LTC SEGMENT Retail Pharmacy The retail drugstores recognize revenue at the time the customer takes possession of the merchandise. Customer returns are not material. Revenue generated from the performance of services in the RLS’ health care clinics is recog- nized at the time the services are performed. Sales taxes are not included in revenue. Long-term Care Revenue is recognized when products are delivered or services are rendered or provided to the customer, prices are fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. A significant portion of the revenues from sales of pharmaceuti- cal and medical products are reimbursed by the federal Medicare Part D program and, to a lesser extent, state Medicaid programs. Payments for services rendered to patients covered by these programs are generally less than billed charges. The Company monitors its revenues and receivables from these reimbursement sources, as well as other third party insurance payors, and record an estimated contractual allowance for sales and receivable balances at the revenue recognition date, to properly account for anticipated differences between billed and reimbursed amounts. Accordingly, the total net sales and receivables reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are recorded at the amount expected to be ultimately received from these payors. Since billing functions for a portion of the Company’s revenue systems are largely computerized, enabling on-line adjudication at the time of sale to record net revenues, the Company’s exposure in connection with estimating contractual allowance adjustments is limited primarily to unbilled and initially rejected Medicare, Medicaid and third party claims (typically approved for reimbursement once additional information is provided to the payor). For the remaining portion of the Company’s revenue systems, the contractual allowance is estimated for all billed, unbilled and initially rejected Medicare, Medicaid and third party claims. The Company evaluates several criteria in developing the estimated contractual allowances on a monthly basis, including historical trends based on actual claims paid, current contract and reimbursement terms, and changes in customer base and payor/product mix. Contractual allowance estimates are adjusted to actual amounts as cash is received and claims are settled, and the aggregate impact of these resulting adjustments was not significant to our results of operations for any of the periods presented. Patient co-payments associated with Medicare Part D, certain state Medicaid programs, Medicare Part B and certain third party payors are typically not collected at the time products are delivered or services are rendered, but are billed to the individuals as part of our normal billing procedures and subject to our normal accounts receivable collections procedures. Health Care Clinics For services provided by our health care clinics, revenue recognition occurs for completed services provided to patients, with adjustments taken for third party payor contractual obligations and patient direct bill historical collection rates. Loyalty Program The Company’s customer loyalty program, ExtraCare®, is comprised of two components, ExtraSavingsTM and ExtraBucks® Rewards. ExtraSavings coupons redeemed by customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue when redeemed. ExtraBucks Rewards are accrued as a charge to cost of revenues when earned, net of estimated breakage. The Company determines breakage based on historical redemption patterns. See Note 13 “Segment Reporting” for additional information about the revenues of the Company’s business segments. 51 2017 Annual ReportCost of revenues Pharmacy Services Segment The PSS’ cost of revenues includes: (i) the cost of prescription drugs sold during the reporting period directly through its mail service dispensing pharmacies and indirectly through its retail pharmacy network, (ii) shipping and handling costs, and (iii) the operating costs of its mail service dispensing pharmacies and client service operations and related information technology support costs including depreciation and amortization. The cost of prescription drugs sold component of cost of revenues includes: (i) the cost of the prescription drugs purchased from manufacturers or distributors and shipped to members in clients’ benefit plans from the PSS’ mail service dispensing pharmacies, net of any volume-related or other discounts (see “Vendor allowances and purchase discounts” below) and (ii) the cost of prescription drugs sold (including Retail Co-Payments) through the PSS’ retail pharmacy network under contracts where it is the principal, net of any volume-related or other discounts. Retail/LTC Segment The RLS’ cost of revenues includes: the cost of merchandise sold during the reporting period and the related purchasing costs, warehousing and delivery costs (including depreciation and amortization) and actual and estimated inventory losses. See Note 13 “Segment Reporting” for additional information about the cost of revenues of the Company’s business segments. Vendor allowances and purchase discounts The Company accounts for vendor allowances and purchase discounts as follows: Pharmacy Services Segment The PSS receives purchase discounts on products purchased. The PSS’ contractual arrangements with vendors, including manufacturers, wholesalers and retail pharmacies, normally provide for the PSS to receive purchase discounts from established list prices in one, or a combination, of the following forms: (i) a direct discount at the time of purchase, (ii) a discount for the prompt payment of invoices, or (iii) when products are purchased indirectly from a manufacturer (e.g., through a wholesaler or retail pharmacy), a discount (or rebate) paid subsequent to dispensing. These rebates are recognized when prescrip- tions are dispensed and are generally calculated and billed to manufacturers within 30 days of the end of each completed quarter. Historically, the effect of adjustments resulting from the reconciliation of rebates recognized to the amounts billed and collected has not been material to the PSS’ results of operations. The PSS accounts for the effect of any such differences as a change in accounting estimate in the period the reconciliation is completed. The PSS also receives additional discounts under its wholesaler contracts if it exceeds contractually defined annual purchase volumes. In addition, the PSS receives fees from pharmaceutical manufacturers for administrative services. Purchase discounts and administrative service fees are recorded as a reduction of “Cost of revenues.” Retail/LTC Segment Vendor allowances received by the RLS reduce the carrying cost of inventory and are recognized in cost of revenues when the related inventory is sold, unless they are specifically identified as a reimbursement of incremental costs for promotional programs and/or other services provided. Amounts that are directly linked to advertising commitments are recognized as a reduction of advertising expense (included in operating expenses) when the related advertising commitment is satisfied. Any such allowances received in excess of the actual cost incurred also reduce the carrying cost of inventory. The total value of any upfront payments received from vendors that are linked to purchase commitments is initially deferred. The deferred amounts are then amortized to reduce cost of revenues over the life of the contract based upon purchase volume. The total value of any upfront payments received from vendors that are not linked to purchase commitments is also initially deferred. The deferred amounts are then amortized to reduce cost of revenues on a straight-line basis over the life of the related contract. The total amortization of these upfront payments was not material to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Insurance The Company is self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, workers’ compensation and auto liability. The Company obtains third party insurance coverage to limit exposure from these claims. The Company is also self-insured for certain losses related to health and medical liabilities. The Company’s self-insurance accruals, which include reported claims and claims incurred but not reported, are calculated using standard insurance industry actuarial assumptions and the Company’s historical claims experience. Facility opening and closing costs New facility opening costs, other than capital expenditures, are charged directly to expense when incurred. When the Company closes a facility, the present value of estimated unrecoverable costs, including the remaining lease obligation less estimated sublease income and the book value of abandoned property and equipment, are charged to expense. The long-term portion of the lease obligations associated with facility closings was $306 million and $181 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Advertising costs Advertising costs are expensed when the related advertising takes place. Advertising costs, net of vendor funding (included in operating expenses), were $230 million, $216 million and $221 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 52 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsInterest expense, net The following are the components of net interest expense for the years ended December 31: in millions Interest expense Interest income Interest expense, net 2017 $ 1,062 (21) $ 1,041 2016 1,078 (20) 1,058 $ $ $ $ 2015 859 (21) 838 Capitalized interest totaled $8 million, $13 million and $12 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Shares held in trust The Company maintains grantor trusts, which held approximately one million shares of its common stock at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These shares are designated for use under various employee compensation plans. Since the Company holds these shares, they are excluded from the computation of basic and diluted shares outstanding. Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of changes in the net actuarial gains and losses associated with pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net losses on cash flow hedge derivative instruments associated with forecasted debt issuances, and foreign currency translation adjustments. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Company’s pension and postretirement plans was $34 million pre-tax ($21 million after-tax) as of December 31, 2017 and $284 million pre-tax ($173 million after-tax) as of December 31, 2016. The net impact on cash flow hedges totaled $24 million pre-tax ($15 million after-tax) and $9 million pre-tax ($5 million after-tax) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $129 million and $127 million, respectively. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component are shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2017 (1) in millions Foreign Currency Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Balance, December 31, 2016 $ Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (2) Net other comprehensive income (loss) $ (127) (2) — (2) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ (129) $ (5) (11) 1 (10) (15) Pension and Other Post- retirement Benefits $ $ (173) — 152 152 Total (305) (13) 153 140 $ (21) $ (165) Year Ended December 31, 2016 (1) in millions Foreign Currency Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Balance, December 31, 2015 $ Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (2) $ (165) 38 — 38 $ (127) $ (7) — 2 2 (5) Net other comprehensive income Balance, December 31, 2016 (1) All amounts are net of tax. Pension and Other Post- retirement Benefits $ (186) — 13 13 Total $ (358) 38 15 53 $ (173) $ (305) (2) The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for cash flow hedges are recorded within interest expense, net on the consolidated statement of income. The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for pension and other postretirement benefits are included in other expense on the consolidated statement of income. 53 2017 Annual Report Stock-based compensation Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the applicable requisite service period of the stock award (generally 3 to 5 years) using the straight-line method. Variable interest entity In 2014, the Company and Cardinal Health, Inc. (“Cardinal”) established Red Oak Sourcing, LLC (“Red Oak”), a generic pharmaceutical sourcing entity in which the Company and Cardinal each own 50%. The Red Oak arrangement has an initial term of ten years. Under this arrangement, the Company and Cardinal contributed their sourcing and supply chain expertise to Red Oak and agreed to source and negotiate generic pharmaceutical supply contracts for both companies through Red Oak; however, Red Oak does not own or hold inventory on behalf of either company. No physical assets (e.g., property and equipment) were contributed to Red Oak by either company and minimal funding was provided to capitalize Red Oak. The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity because it has the ability to direct the activities of Red Oak. Consequently, the Company consolidates Red Oak in its consolidated financial statements within the Retail/ LTC Segment. Cardinal is required to pay the Company 39 quarterly payments beginning in October 2014. As milestones are met, the quarterly payments increase. The Company received approximately $183 million, $163 million and $122 million from Cardinal during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The payments reduce the Company’s carrying value of inventory and are recognized in cost of revenues when the related inventory is sold. Revenues associated with Red Oak expenses reim- bursed by Cardinal for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, as well as amounts due to or due from Cardinal at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were immaterial. Related party transactions The Company has an equity method investment in SureScripts, LLC (“SureScripts”), which operates a clinical health information network. The Pharmacy Services and Retail/LTC segments utilize this clinical health information network in providing services to its client plan members and retail customers. The Company expensed fees of approximately $35 million, $39 million and $50 million in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for the use of this network. The Company’s investment in and equity in earnings of SureScripts for all periods presented is immaterial. The Company has an equity method investment in Heartland Healthcare Services (“Heartland”). Heartland operates several long-term care pharmacies in four states. Heartland paid the Company approximately $139 million, $140 million and $25 million for pharmaceutical inventory purchases during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additionally, the Company performs certain collection functions for Heartland and then passes those customer cash collections to Heartland. The Company’s investment in and equity in earnings of Heartland as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is immaterial. In 2016, the Company made charitable contributions of $32 million to the CVS Foundation (the “Foundation”) to fund future giving. The Foundation is an unconsolidated non-profit entity managed by employees of the Company that focuses on health, education and community involvement programs. The charitable contributions were recorded as operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. Income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the consolidated financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year or years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in the tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the “TCJA”). Among numerous changes to existing tax laws, the TCJA permanently reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The effects on deferred tax balances of changes in tax rates are required to be taken into consideration in the period in which the changes are enacted, regardless of when they are effective. As the result of the reduction of the corporate income tax rate under the TCJA, the Company estimated the revaluation of its net deferred tax liabilities and recorded a provisional noncash income tax benefit of approximately $1.5 billion for year ended December 31, 2017. The Company has not completed all of its processes to determine the TCJA’s final impact. The final impact may differ from this provisional amount due to, among other things, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made thus far and the issuance of additional regulatory or other guidance. The accounting is expected to be completed by the time the 2017 federal income tax return is filed in 2018. 54 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsThe Company recognizes net deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and results of recent operations. To the extent that the Company does not consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is established. The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in income tax expense. Discontinued operations In connection with certain business dispositions completed between 1991 and 1997, the Company retained guarantees on store lease obligations for a number of former subsidiaries, including Bob’s Stores and Linens ‘n Things which filed for bankruptcy in 2016 and 2008, respectively. Additionally, the Company’s recently acquired Bluegrass Pharmacy is considered held for sale and is included in discontinued operations (see Note 2 “Acquisitions” for additional information). The Company’s loss from discontinued operations in 2017 and 2016 primarily includes lease-related costs which the Company believes it will likely be required to satisfy pursuant to its lease guarantees. The Company’s income from discontinued operations in 2015 of $9 million, net of tax, was related to the release of certain store lease guarantees due to a settlement with a landlord. See Note 12 “Commitments and Contingencies” of the consolidated financial statements. Below is a summary of the results of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31: in millions Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income tax benefit (expense) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 2017 2016 2015 $ $ (13) 5 (8) $ $ (2) 1 (1) $ $ 15 (6) 9 Earnings per common share Earnings per share is computed using the two-class method. Options to purchase 10.4 million, 6.7 million and 2.7 million shares of common stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive. New accounting pronouncements recently adopted In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-11, Inventory, which amends Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 330. This ASU simplifies current accounting treatments by requiring entities to measure most inventories at “the lower of cost and net realizable value” rather than using lower of cost or market. This guidance does not apply to inventories measured using the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this new guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which amends the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees in ASC Topic 718, Compensation Stock Compensation. The new guidance eliminates the accounting for any excess tax benefits and deficiencies through equity, and requires all excess tax benefits and deficiencies related to employee share-based compensation arrangements to be recorded in the income state- ment. This aspect of the guidance is required to be applied prospectively. The guidance also requires the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows as an operating activity rather than a financing activity, a change which may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The guidance further provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than utilizing the estimated amount of forfeitures at the time of issuance. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017. The primary impact of adopting this guidance was the recognition of excess tax benefits in the income statement instead of recognizing them in equity. This income statement guidance was adopted on a prospective basis. As a result, a discrete tax benefit of $53 million was recognized in the income tax provision in the year ended December 31, 2017. 55 2017 Annual Report The Company elected to retrospectively adopt the guidance on the presentation of excess tax benefits in the statement of cash flows. The following is a reconciliation of the effect of the resulting reclassification of the excess tax benefits on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: in millions Year Ended December 31, 2016: Cash paid to other suppliers and employees Net cash provided by operating activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Net cash used in financing activities Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Accrued expenses Year Ended December 31, 2015: Cash paid to other suppliers and employees Net cash provided by operating activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Net cash provided by financing activities Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Accrued expenses As Previously Reported Adjustments As Revised $ (15,550) $ 10,069 72 (6,689) 59 (14,162) 8,412 127 5,006 765 72 72 (72) (72) 72 127 127 (127) (127) 127 $ (15,478) 10,141 — (6,761) 131 (14,035) 8,539 — 4,879 892 The Company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in each period. None of the other provisions in this guidance had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which amends ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits. ASU 2017-07 requires entities to disaggregate the current service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement and present the other components of net benefit cost elsewhere in the income statement and outside of operating income. Only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of any annual periods for which an entity’s financial statements have not been issued. Entities are required to retrospectively apply the requirement for a separate presentation in the income statement of service costs and other components of net benefit cost and prospectively adopt the requirement to limit the capitalization of benefit costs to the service component. The Company adopted the income statement presentation aspects of this new guidance on a retrospective basis effective January 1, 2017. Nearly all of the Company’s net benefit costs for the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretire- ment plans do not contain a service cost component as most of these defined benefit plans have been frozen for an extended period of time. The following is a reconciliation of the effect of the reclassification of the net benefit cost from operating expenses to other expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: in millions Year Ended December 31, 2016: Operating expenses Operating profit Other expense Year Ended December 31, 2015: Operating expenses Operating profit Other expense 56 As Previously Reported Adjustments As Revised $ 18,519 $ 10,338 — 17,074 9,454 — (28) 28 28 (21) 21 21 $ 18,491 10,366 28 17,053 9,475 21 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which amends ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. This ASU requires the Company to perform its annual, or applicable interim, goodwill impair- ment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge must be recognized at the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit; however, the charge recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Income tax effects resulting from any tax deductible goodwill should be considered when measuring a goodwill impairment charge, if applicable. The guidance in ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company elected to early adopt this standard as of January 1, 2017. At the date of adoption of this new guidance, the guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends ASC Topic 815, Derivative and Hedging. ASU 2017-12 expands an entity’s ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components and reduces complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk. It eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. ASU 2017-12 also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interims periods with those years. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance with respect to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships existing on the date of adoption must be applied on a modified retrospective basis, and the new presentation and disclosure requirements must be applied on a prospective basis. The Company elected to early adopt this standard as of October 1, 2017. As the date of adoption of this new guidance, the guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows since the Company did not have any outstanding derivative instruments at that time. New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for companies to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Principal Versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net),” which amends the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance and in April 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” which amends the guidance in those areas in the new revenue recognition standard. The new revenue standard is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect that the implementation of the new standard will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position. The new standard will however require more extensive revenue-related disclosures. The Company has identified one difference in its Retail/LTC Segment related to the accounting for its ExtraBucks Rewards customer loyalty program, which is currently accounted for under a cost deferral method. Under the new standard, this program will be accounted for under a revenue deferral method. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new revenue standard on a modified retrospective basis and recorded an after-tax transition adjustment to reduce retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 by approximately $13 million. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This ASU requires equity investments, except those under the equity method of accounting or those that result in the consolidation of an investee, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determin- able fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. This simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments previously held at cost. Separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category is required. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early adop- tion is permitted for fiscal years or interim periods that have not yet been issued as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Entities are required to apply the guidance retrospectively, with the exception of the amendments related to equity investments without readily determinable fair values, which must be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this guidance but does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, a dual model was retained, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance leases. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current operating leases) while finance leases will 57 2017 Annual Reportresult in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current capital leases). Lessor accounting is similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model (e.g., certain definitions, such as initial direct costs, have been updated) and the new revenue recognition standard. The standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company believes that the new standard will have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that implementation of this standard will have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows, financial position and related disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 is intended to add or clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows and to eliminate the diversity in practice related to such classifications. The guidance in ASU 2016-15 is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this guidance but does not expect the adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated cash flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows, which amends ASC Topic 230. This ASU requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the state- ment of cash flows. As a result, entities will no longer be required to present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. When cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, the new guidance requires a reconcilia- tion of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the balance sheet. Entities will also have to disclose the nature of their restricted cash and restricted cash equivalent balances. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. Entities are required to apply the guid- ance retrospectively. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this guidance but does not expect the adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated cash flows. 2 | Acquisitions Proposed Aetna Acquisition On December 3, 2017, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Aetna for a combination of cash and stock. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Aetna shareholders will receive $145.00 per share in cash and 0.8378 CVS Health shares for each Aetna share. The transaction values Aetna at approximately $207 per share or approximately $69 billion based on the Company’s 5-day volume weighted average price ending December 1, 2017 of $74.21 per share. Including the assumption of Aetna’s debt, the total value of the transaction is approximately $77 billion. The final purchase price will be determined based on the Company’s stock price on the date of closing of the transaction. The proposed acquisition remains subject to approval by CVS Health and Aetna shareholders and customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and approvals of state departments of insurance and U.S. and international regulators. If the transaction is not completed, the Company could be liable to Aetna for a termination fee of $2.1 billion in connection with the merger agreement, depending on the reasons leading to such termination. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $34 million of transaction-related costs in operating expenses in connection with the proposed acquisition. Wellpartner Acquisition On November 30, 2017, the Company acquired Wellpartner, Inc. (“Wellpartner”) for approximately $380 million. The purchase price is subject to a working capital adjustment. Wellpartner is a provider of specialty pharmacy services which provides products and services under the Section 340B drug discount program, which is a U.S. federal government program that requires drug manufacturers participating in the Medicaid program to provide outpatient drugs to eligible health care organizations and covered entities at significantly reduced prices. Wellpartner has two specialty pharmacies, one in Oregon, and the other, Bluegrass Pharmacy of Lexington, LLC (“Bluegrass Pharmacy”), is located in Kentucky. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were $532 million and $152 million, respectively, which included identifiable intangible assets of $233 million and goodwill of $182 million that were recorded in the PSS. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and is based on information that was available to management at the time the consolidated financial statements were prepared, accordingly, the allocation may change. The Company has classified the assets of Bluegrass Pharmacy as held for sale, and has reported Bluegrass Pharmacy as a discontinued operation. The assets held for sale and the operating results of Bluegrass Pharmacy as of and for the month ended December 31, 2017 are immaterial. 58 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsTarget Pharmacy Acquisition On December 16, 2015, the Company acquired the pharmacy and clinic businesses of Target for approximately $1.9 billion, plus contingent consideration of up to $60 million based on future prescription growth over a three year period through 2019. The Company acquired Target’s 1,672 pharmacies which operate in 47 states and will operate them through a store-within-a- store format, branded as CVS Pharmacy. The Company also acquired 79 Target clinic locations which were rebranded as MinuteClinic. The Company acquired the Target pharmacy and clinic businesses primarily to expand the geographic reach of its retail pharmacy business. The fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition were approximately as follows: in millions Accounts receivable Inventories Property and equipment Intangible assets Goodwill Total cash consideration $ 2 467 9 490 900 $ 1,868 Intangible assets acquired include customer relationships with an estimated useful life of 13 years. The goodwill represents future economic benefits expected to arise from the Company’s expanded geographic presence in the retail pharmacy market, the assembled workforce acquired, expected purchasing and revenue synergies, as well as operating efficiencies and cost savings. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, no liability for any potential contingent consideration has been recorded based on projections for future prescription growth over the relevant period. In connection with the closing of the transaction, the Company and Target entered into pharmacy and clinic operating and master lease agreements. See Note 7 “Leases” of the consolidated financial statements for disclosures of the Company’s leasing arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $26 million associated with the acquisition that were recorded within operating expenses. The results of the Target pharmacies and clinics are included in the Company’s Retail/LTC Segment beginning on December 16, 2015. Pro forma financial information for this acquisition is not presented as such results are immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Omnicare Acquisition On August 18, 2015, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares and voting interests of Omnicare, for $98 per share for a total of $9.6 billion and assumed long-term debt with a fair value of approximately $3.1 billion. Omnicare is a leading health care services company that specializes in the management of complex pharmaceutical care. Omnicare’s LTC business is the nation’s largest provider of pharmaceuticals, related pharmacy consulting and other ancillary services to chronic care facilities and other care settings. In addition, Omnicare has a specialty pharmacy business operating primarily under the name of ACS Pharmacy, and provides commercialization services under the name of RxCrossroads®. The Company includes LTC and the commercialization services business in the Retail/LTC Segment, and includes the specialty pharmacy business in its Pharmacy Services Segment. The Company acquired Omnicare to expand its operations in dispensing prescription drugs to assisted-living and long-term care facilities, and to broaden its presence in the specialty pharmacy business as the Company seeks to serve a greater percentage of the growing senior patient population in the United States. 59 2017 Annual Report The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: in millions Current assets (including cash of $298) Property and equipment Goodwill Intangible assets Other noncurrent assets Current liabilities Long-term debt Deferred income tax liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Redeemable noncontrolling interest Total consideration $ 1,657 313 9,139 3,962 63 (773) (3,110) (1,498) (69) (39) $ 9,645 The goodwill represents future economic benefits expected to arise from the Company’s expanded presence in the pharmaceuti- cal care market, the assembled workforce acquired, expected purchasing and revenue synergies, as well as operating efficiencies and cost savings. Goodwill of $8.7 billion was allocated to the Retail/LTC Segment and the remaining goodwill of $0.4 billion was allocated to the Pharmacy Services Segment. Approximately $0.4 billion of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. Intangible assets acquired include customer relationships and trade names of $3.9 billion and $74 million, respectively, with estimated weighted average useful lives of 19.1 and 2.9 years, respectively, and 18.8 years in total. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company incurred transaction costs of $70 million associated with the acquisition of Omnicare that were recorded within operating expenses. The Company’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, include $2.6 billion of net revenues and net income of $61 million associated with the operating results of Omnicare from August 18, 2015 to December 31, 2015. These Omnicare operating results include severance costs and accelerated stock-based compensation. The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the Company’s combined results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 as if the Omnicare acquisition and the related financing transactions had occurred on January 1, 2015. The following pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transactions been effected on the assumed date, nor is it necessarily an indication of trends in future results for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, differences between the assumptions used to prepare the pro forma information, basic shares outstanding and dilutive equivalents, cost savings from operating efficiencies, potential synergies, and the impact of incremental costs incurred in integrating the businesses. in millions, except per share data Total revenues Income from continuing operations Basic earnings per share from continuing operations Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 156,798 5,277 4.70 4.66 Pro forma income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, excludes $135 million related to severance costs, accelerated stock-based compensation and transaction costs incurred in connection with the Omnicare acquisition. 60 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements 3 | Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill and other indefinitely-lived assets are not amortized, but are subject to annual impairment reviews, or more frequent reviews if events or circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. When evaluating goodwill for potential impairment, the Company compares the fair value of its reporting units to their respective carrying amounts. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a combination of a discounted cash flow method and a market multiple method. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. During 2017, the Company began pursuing various strategic alternatives for its RxC reporting unit. In connection with this effort, the Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test in the second quarter of 2017. The results of the impairment test determined that the fair value of the RxC reporting unit was lower than the carrying value, resulting in a $135 million goodwill impairment charge within operating expenses during the second quarter of 2017. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company performed its required annual impairment tests of its reporting units and concluded there was no impairment of goodwill. On January 2, 2018, the Company sold RxC to McKesson Corporation for $725 million. The transaction is subject to a working capital adjustment. The TCJA enacted on December 22, 2017 reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018 (see Note 11 “Income Taxes”). As a result, the RxC deferred income tax liabilities were reduced by $47 million and an income tax benefit of $47 million was recorded in the 2017 income statement. The reduction in the deferred income tax liabilities increased the carrying value of the RxC reporting unit by $47 million which triggered an additional goodwill impairment in the RxC reporting unit of $46 million during the fourth quarter of 2017. The Company has cumulative goodwill impairments of $181 million as of December 31, 2017. Below is a summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016: in millions Balance, December 31, 2015 Acquisitions Foreign currency translation adjustments Other (1) Balance, December 31, 2016 Acquisitions Foreign currency translation adjustments Impairments Balance, December 31, 2017 Pharmacy Services Retail/LTC Total $ 21,685 $ 16,421 $ 38,106 — — (48) 126 17 48 126 17 — 21,637 16,612 38,249 182 — — 203 (2) (181) 385 (2) (181) $ 21,819 $ 16,632 $ 38,451 (1) “Other” represents immaterial purchase accounting adjustments for acquisitions. Indefinitely-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset to its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of its indefinitely-lived trademark using the relief from royalty method under the income approach. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized and the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company performed its annual impairment test of the indefinitely-lived trademark and concluded there was no impairment as of the testing date. 61 2017 Annual Report The following table is a summary of the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31: in millions Trademark (indefinitely-lived) Customer contracts and relationships and covenants not to compete Favorable leases and other 2017 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount $ 6,398 $ — $ 6,398 $ 6,398 $ — $ 6,398 12,341 1,190 (5,536) (763) 6,805 427 11,485 1,123 (4,802) (693) 6,683 430 $ 19,929 $ (6,299) $ 13,630 $ 19,006 $ (5,495) $ 13,511 The Company amortizes intangible assets with finite lives over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which have a weighted average useful life of 15.4 years. The weighted average useful life of the Company’s customer contracts and relation- ships and covenants not to compete is 15.3 years. The weighted average life of the Company’s favorable leases and other intangible assets is 16.2 years. Amortization expense for intangible assets totaled $817 million, $795 million and $611 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The anticipated annual amortization expense for these intangible assets for the next five years is as follows: in millions 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 $ 817 771 600 539 494 4 | Share Repurchase Programs The following share repurchase programs were authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors: in billions Authorization Date November 2, 2016 (“2016 Repurchase Program”) December 15, 2014 (“2014 Repurchase Program”) December 17, 2013 (“2013 Repurchase Program”) Authorized Remaining as of December 31, 2017 $ 15.0 10.0 6.0 $ 13.9 — — The share Repurchase Programs, each of which was effective immediately, permit the Company to effect repurchases from time to time through a combination of open market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) transactions, and/or other derivative transactions. The 2016 Repurchase Program can be modified or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. Pursuant to the authorization under the 2014 Repurchase Program, in August 2016, the Company entered into two fixed dollar ASRs with Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) for a total of $3.6 billion. Upon payment of the $3.6 billion purchase price in January 2017, the Company received a number of shares of its common stock equal to 80% of the $3.6 billion notional amount of the ASRs or approximately 36.1 million shares, which were placed into treasury stock in January 2017. The ASRs were accounted for as an initial treasury stock transaction for $2.9 billion and a forward contract for $0.7 billion. In April 2017, the Company received 9.9 million shares of common stock, representing the remaining 20% of the $3.6 billion notional amount of the ASRs, thereby concluding the ASRs. The remaining 9.9 million shares of common stock delivered to the Company by Barclays were placed into treasury stock and the forward contract was reclassified from capital surplus to treasury stock in April 2017. 62 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements Pursuant to the authorization under the 2014 Repurchase Program, in December 2015, the Company entered into a $725 million fixed dollar ASR with Barclays. Upon payment of the $725 million purchase price in December 2015, the Company received a number of shares of its common stock equal to 80% of the $725 million notional amount of the ASR or approximately 6.2 million shares. The initial 6.2 million shares of common stock delivered to the Company by Barclays were placed into treasury stock in December 2015. The ASR was accounted for as an initial treasury stock transaction of $580 million and a forward contract of $145 million. The forward contract was classified as an equity instrument and was recorded within capital surplus on the consoli- dated balance sheet. In January 2016, the Company received 1.4 million shares of common stock, representing the remaining 20% of the $725 million notional amount of the ASR, thereby concluding the ASR. The remaining 1.4 million shares of common stock delivered to the Company by Barclays were placed into treasury stock in January 2016 and the forward contract was reclassified from capital surplus to treasury stock. Pursuant to the authorization under the 2013 Repurchase Programs, in January 2015, the Company entered into a $2.0 billion fixed dollar ASR agreement with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank (“JP Morgan”). Upon payment of the $2.0 billion purchase price in January 2015, the Company received a number of shares of its common stock equal to 80% of the $2.0 billion notional amount of the ASR agreement or approximately 16.8 million shares, which were placed into treasury stock in January 2015. In May 2015, the Company received approximately 3.1 million shares of common stock, representing the remaining 20% of the $2.0 billion notional amount of the ASR, thereby concluding the ASR. The remaining 3.1 million shares of common stock delivered to the Company by JP Morgan were placed into treasury stock in May 2015. The ASR was accounted for as an initial treasury stock transaction of $1.6 billion and a forward contract of $0.4 billion. The forward contract was classified as an equity instrument and was initially recorded within capital surplus on the consolidated balance sheet and was reclassified to treasury stock upon the settlement of the ASR in May 2015. In the ASR transactions described above, the initial repurchase of the shares and delivery of the remainder of the shares to conclude the ASR, resulted in an immediate reduction of the outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 55.4 million shares of common stock for approximately $4.4 billion under the 2014 and 2016 Repurchase Programs. As of December 31, 2017, there remained an aggre- gate of approximately $13.9 billion available for future repurchases under the 2016 Repurchase Program and the 2014 and 2013 Repurchase Programs were complete. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 47.5 million shares of common stock for approximately $4.5 billion under the 2014 Repurchase Program. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 48.0 million shares of common stock for approximately $5.0 billion under the 2013 and 2014 Repurchase Programs. 63 2017 Annual Report5 | Borrowings and Credit Agreements The following table is a summary of the Company’s borrowings as of December 31: in millions Short-term debt Commercial paper Long-term debt 1.9% senior notes due 2018 2.25% senior notes due 2018 2.25% senior notes due 2019 2.8% senior notes due 2020 2.125% senior notes due 2021 4.125% senior notes due 2021 2.75% senior notes due 2022 3.5% senior notes due 2022 4.75% senior notes due 2022 4% senior notes due 2023 3.375% senior notes due 2024 5% senior notes due 2024 3.875% senior notes due 2025 2.875% senior notes due 2026 6.25% senior notes due 2027 3.25% senior exchange debentures due 2035 4.875% senior notes due 2035 6.125% senior notes due 2039 5.75% senior notes due 2041 5.3% senior notes due 2043 5.125% senior notes due 2045 Capital lease obligations Other Total debt principal Debt premiums Debt discounts and deferred financing costs Less: Short-term debt (commercial paper) Current portion of long-term debt Long-term debt 2017 2016 $ 1,276 $ 1,874 2,250 1,250 850 2,750 1,750 550 1,250 1,500 399 1,250 650 299 2,828 1,750 372 1 652 447 133 750 3,500 670 43 27,170 28 (196) 27,002 (1,276) (3,545) 2,250 1,250 850 2,750 1,750 550 1,250 1,500 399 1,250 650 299 2,828 1,750 372 1 652 447 133 750 3,500 648 23 27,726 33 (228) 27,531 (1,874) (42) $ 22,181 $ 25,615 The Company had approximately $1.3 billion of commercial paper outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.0% as of December 31, 2017. The Company had approximately $1.9 billion of commercial paper outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 1.22% as of December 31, 2016. In connection with its commercial paper program, the Company maintains a $1.0 billion 364-day unsecured back-up credit facility, which expires on May 17, 2018, a $1.25 billion, five-year unsecured back-up credit facility, which expires on July 24, 2019, a $1.25 billion, five-year unsecured back-up credit facility, which expires on July 1, 2020, and a $1.0 billion, five-year unsecured back-up credit facility, which expires on May 18, 2022. The credit facilities allow for borrowings at various rates that are dependent, in part, on the Company’s public debt ratings and require the Company to pay a weighted average quarterly facility fee of approximately 0.02%, regardless of usage. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding under the back-up credit facilities. 64 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements On December 3, 2017, in connection with the proposed acquisition of Aetna, the Company entered into a $49.0 billion unsecured bridge loan facility. The Company paid approximately $221 million in fees upon entering into the agreement. The fees were capitalized in other current assets and will be amortized as interest expense over the period the bridge facility is outstanding. The bridge loan facility was reduced to $44.0 billion on December 15, 2017 upon the Company entering into a $5.0 billion term loan agreement. The Company recorded $56 million of amortization of the bridge loan facility fees during the three months and year ended December 31, 2017, which was recorded in interest expense. On December 15, 2017, in connection with the proposed acquisition of Aetna, the Company entered into a $5.0 billion unsecured term loan agreement. The term loan facility under the term loan agreement consists of a $3.0 billion three-year tranche and a $2.0 billion five-year tranche. The term loan facility allows for borrowings at various rates that are dependent, in part, on the Company’s debt ratings and require the Company to pay a weighted average quarterly commitment fee, regardless of usage. On January 3, 2017, the Company entered into a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility. The credit facility allows for borrowings at various rates that are dependent, in part, on the Company’s debt ratings and require the Company to pay a weighted average quarterly facility fee of approximately 0.03%, regardless of usage. The Company terminated the credit facility in May 2017. On May 16, 2016, the Company issued $1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.125% unsecured senior notes due June 1, 2021 and $1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.875% unsecured senior notes due June 1, 2026 (collectively, the “2016 Notes”) for total proceeds of approximately $3.5 billion, net of discounts and underwriting fees. The 2016 Notes pay interest semi-annually and may be redeemed, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, at the Company’s option at a defined redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. The net proceeds of the 2016 Notes were used for general corporate purposes and to repay certain corporate debt. On May 16, 2016, the Company announced tender offers for (1) any and all of its 5.75% Senior Notes due 2017, its 6.60% Senior Notes due 2019 and its 4.75% Senior Notes due 2020 (collectively, the “Any and All Notes”) and (2) up to $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of its 6.25% Senior Notes due 2027, its 6.125% Senior Notes due 2039, its 5.75% Senior Notes due 2041, the 5.00% Senior Notes due 2024 issued by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Omnicare, Inc. (“Omnicare”), the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 issued by Omnicare, its 4.875% Senior Notes due 2035 and its 3.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (collectively, the “Maximum Tender Offer Notes” and together with the Any and All Notes, the “Notes”). On May 31, 2016, the Company increased the aggre- gate principal amount of the tender offers for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes to $2.25 billion. The Company purchased approximately $835 million aggregate principal amount of the Any and All Notes and $2.25 billion aggregate principal amount of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes pursuant to the tender offers, which expired on June 13, 2016. The Company paid a premium of $486 million in excess of the debt principal in connection with the purchase of the Notes, wrote off $50 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and incurred $6 million in fees, for a total loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $542 million which was recorded in income from continuing operations in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. On June 27, 2016, the Company notified the holders of the remaining Any and All Notes that the Company was exercising its option to redeem the outstanding Any and All Notes pursuant to the terms of the Any and All Notes and the Indenture dated as of August 15, 2006, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. Approximately $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of Any and All Notes was redeemed on July 27, 2016. The Company paid a premium of $97 million in excess of the debt principal and wrote off $4 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, for a total loss on early extin- guishment of debt of $101 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company recorded a total loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $643 million which was recorded in the income from continuing operations in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. On May 20, 2015, in connection with the acquisition of Omnicare, the Company entered into a $13 billion unsecured bridge loan facility. The Company paid approximately $52 million in fees in connection with the facility. The fees were capitalized and amor- tized as interest expense over the period the bridge facility was outstanding. The bridge loan facility expired on July 20, 2015 upon the Company’s issuance of unsecured senior notes with an aggregate principal of $15 billion as discussed below. The bridge loan facility fees became fully amortized in July 2015. 65 2017 Annual ReportOn July 20, 2015, the Company issued an aggregate of $2.25 billion of 1.9% unsecured senior notes due 2018 (“2018 Notes”), an aggregate of $2.75 billion of 2.8% unsecured senior notes due 2020 (“2020 Notes”), an aggregate of $1.5 billion of 3.5% unsecured senior notes due 2022 (“2022 Notes”), an aggregate of $3 billion of 3.875% unsecured senior notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”), an aggregate of $2 billion of 4.875% unsecured senior notes due 2035 (“2035 Notes”), and an aggregate of $3.5 billion of 5.125% unsecured senior notes due 2045 (“2045 Notes” and, together with the 2018 Notes, 2020 Notes, 2022 Notes, 2025 Notes and 2035 Notes, the “Notes”) for total proceeds of approximately $14.8 billion, net of discounts and underwriting fees. The Notes pay interest semi-annually and contain redemption terms which allow or require the Company to redeem the Notes at a defined redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest at the redemption date. The net proceeds of the Notes were used to fund the Omnicare acquisition and the acquisition of the pharmacies and clinics of Target. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. Upon the closing of the Omnicare acquisition in August 2015, the Company assumed the long-term debt of Omnicare that had a fair value of approximately $3.1 billion, $2.0 billion of which was previously convertible into Omnicare shares that holders were able to redeem subsequent to the acquisition. During the period from August 18, 2015 to December 31, 2015, all but $5 million of the $2.0 billion of previously convertible debt was redeemed and repaid and approximately $0.4 billion in Omnicare term debt assumed was repaid for total repayments of Omnicare debt of approximately $2.4 billion in 2015. The remaining principal of the Omnicare debt assumed was comprised of senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $700 million ($400 million of 4.75% senior notes due 2022 and $300 million of 5% senior notes due 2024). In September 2015, the Company commenced exchange offers for the 4.75% senior notes due 2022 and the 5% senior notes due 2024 to exchange all validly tendered and accepted notes issued by Omnicare for notes to be issued by the Company. This offer expired on October 20, 2015 and the aggregate principal amounts of $388 million of the 4.75% senior notes due 2022 and $296 million of the 5% senior notes due 2024 were validly tendered and exchanged for notes issued by the Company. The Company recorded this exchange transaction as a modification of the original debt instruments. Consequently, no gain or loss on extinguishment was recognized in the Company’s consolidated income statement as a result of this exchange transaction and the issuance costs of the new debt were expensed as incurred. The back-up credit facilities and unsecured senior notes contain customary restrictive financial and operating covenants. The covenants do not materially affect the Company’s financial or operating flexibility. As of December 31, 2017, the Company is in compliance with all debt covenants. The following is a summary of the Company’s required principal debt repayments due during each of the next five years and thereafter, as of December 31, 2017: in millions 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total $ 4,821 873 2,775 2,327 3,178 13,196 $ 27,170 6 | Store Closures In December 2016, the Company announced an enterprise streamlining initiative designed to reduce costs and enhance operating efficiencies to allow the Company to be more competitive in the current health care environment. In connection with the enterprise streamlining initiative, the Company announced its intention to rationalize the number of retail stores by closing approximately 70 underperforming stores during the year ending December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company closed 71 retail stores and recorded charges of $215 million within operating expenses in the Retail/LTC Segment. The charges are primarily comprised of provisions for the present value of noncancelable lease obligations. The noncancelable lease obligations associated with stores closed during the year ended December 31, 2017 extend through the year 2039. 66 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7 | Leases The Company leases most of its retail and mail order locations, 13 of its distribution centers and certain corporate offices under noncancelable operating leases, typically with initial terms of 15 to 25 years and with options that permit renewals for additional periods. The Company also leases certain equipment and other assets under noncancelable operating leases, typically with initial terms of 3 to 10 years. In December 2015, in connection with the acquisition of the pharmacy and clinic businesses of Target, the Company entered into lease agreements with Target for the pharmacy and clinic space within Target stores. Given that the noncancelable contractual term of the pharmacy lease arrangement exceeds the remaining estimated economic life of the buildings being leased, the Company concluded for accounting purposes that the lease term was the remaining economic life of the buildings. Consequently, most of the individual pharmacy leases are capital leases. Approximately $0.3 billion of capital lease obligations were recorded in connection with this transaction. Minimum rent on operating leases is expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. In addition to minimum rental payments, certain leases require additional payments based on sales volume, as well as reimbursement for real estate taxes, common area maintenance and insurance, which are expensed when incurred. The following table is a summary of the Company’s net rental expense for operating leases for the years ended December 31: in millions Minimum rentals Contingent rentals Less: sublease income 2017 2016 2015 $ 2,455 $ 2,418 $ 2,317 29 2,484 (24) 35 2,453 (24) 34 2,351 (22) $ 2,460 $ 2,429 $ 2,329 The following table is a summary of the future minimum lease payments under capital and operating leases as of December 31, 2017: in millions 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total future lease payments (2) Less: imputed interest Present value of capital lease obligations $ Capital Leases Operating Leases (1) 74 74 74 73 73 974 $ 2,493 2,361 2,201 2,072 1,934 16,090 1,342 $ 27,151 (672) 670 $ (1) Future operating lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $171 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases. (2) The Company leases pharmacy and clinic space from Target. Amounts related to such capital and operating leases are reflected above. Amounts due in excess of the remaining estimated economic life of the buildings of approximately $1.9 billion are not reflected herein since the estimated economic life of the buildings is shorter than the contractual term of the lease arrangement. The Company finances a portion of its store development program through sale-leaseback transactions. The properties are generally sold at net book value, which generally approximates fair value, and the resulting leases generally qualify and are accounted for as operating leases. The operating leases that resulted from these transactions are included in the above table. The Company does not have any retained or contingent interests in the stores and does not provide any guarantees, other than a guarantee of lease payments, in connection with the sale-leaseback transactions. Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions totaled $265 million in 2017, $230 million in 2016 and $411 million in 2015. 67 2017 Annual Report 8 | Medicare Part D The Company offers Medicare Part D benefits through SilverScript, which has contracted with CMS to be a PDP and, pursuant to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, must be a risk-bearing entity regulated under state insurance laws or similar statutes. SilverScript is a licensed domestic insurance company under the applicable laws and regulations. Pursuant to these laws and regulations, SilverScript must file quarterly and annual reports with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) and certain state regulators, must maintain certain minimum amounts of capital and surplus under a formula established by the NAIC and must, in certain circumstances, request and receive the approval of certain state regulators before making dividend payments or other capital distributions to the Company. The Company does not believe these limitations on dividends and distributions materially impact its financial position. The Company has recorded estimates of various assets and liabilities arising from its participation in the Medicare Part D program based on information in its claims management and enrollment systems. Significant estimates arising from its participation in this program include: (i) estimates of low-income cost subsidy, reinsurance amounts, and coverage gap discount amounts ultimately payable to or receivable from CMS based on a detailed claims reconciliation that will occur in the following year; (ii) an estimate of amounts receivable from or payable to CMS under a risk-sharing feature of the Medicare Part D program design, referred to as the risk corridor and (iii) estimates for claims that have been reported and are in the process of being paid or contested and for our estimate of claims that have been incurred but have not yet been reported. 9 | Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Defined Contribution Plans The Company sponsors several voluntary 401(k) savings plans that cover all employees who meet plan eligibility requirements. The Company makes matching contributions consistent with the provisions of the plans. At the participant’s option, account balances, including the Company’s matching contribution, can be transferred without restric- tion among various investment options, including the Company’s common stock fund under one of the defined contribution plans. The Company also maintains a nonqualified, unfunded deferred compensation plan for certain key employees. This plan provides participants the opportunity to defer portions of their eligible compensation and receive matching contributions equivalent to what they could have received under the CVS Health 401(k) Plan absent certain restrictions and limitations under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company’s contributions under the above defined contribution plans were $314 million, $295 million and $251 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Defined Benefit Pension Plans As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company sponsored seven defined benefit pension plans, all of which are closed to new participants. Two of the plans are tax-qualified plans that are funded based on actuarial calculations and applicable federal laws and regulations. The other five plans are unfunded nonqualified supplemental retirement plans. In 2015, the Company terminated its largest tax-qualified plan and in 2017, the Company terminated the other tax-qualified plan. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company settled the pension obligations of its two tax-qualified plans by irrevo- cably transferring pension liabilities to an insurance company through the purchase of group annuity contracts and through lump sum distributions. These purchases, funded with pension plan assets, resulted in pre-tax settlement losses of $187 million in the year ended December 31, 2017, related to the recognition of accumulated deferred actuarial losses. The settlement losses are included in other expense in the consolidated statement of income. The following tables outline the change in benefit obligations and plan assets over the comparable periods: in millions Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year Interest cost Actuarial loss (gain) Benefit payments Settlements Benefit obligation at end of year 68 2017 2016 $ 844 $ 20 (31) (35) (667) 131 $ $ 844 27 13 (37) (3) 844 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements in millions Change in plan assets: 2017 2016 Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year $ 624 $ Actual return on plan assets Employer contributions Benefit payments Settlements Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year Funded status 32 46 (35) (667) — $ (131) $ 613 26 25 (37) (3) 624 (220) The components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31 are shown below: in millions Components of net periodic benefit cost: Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Amortization of net loss Settlement losses Net periodic pension cost Pension Plan Assumptions 2017 2016 2015 $ $ 20 (20) 21 187 208 $ $ 27 (32) 32 — 27 $ $ 31 (33) 21 — 19 The Company uses a series of actuarial assumptions to determine the benefit obligations and the net benefit costs. The discount rate is determined by examining the current yields observed on the measurement date of fixed-interest, high quality investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the related benefits on a plan by plan basis. In 2016, the discount rate for the qualified plan that had been terminated was determined by examining the current assumed lump sum and annuity purchase rates. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is determined by using the plan’s target allocation and historical returns for each asset class on a plan by plan basis. Certain of the Company’s pension plans use assumptions on expected compensation increases of plan participants. These increases are determined by an actuarial analysis of the plan participants, their expected compensation increases, and the duration of their earnings period until retirement. Each of these assumptions is reviewed as plan characteristics change and on an annual basis with input from senior pension and financial executives and the Company’s external actuarial consultants. The discount rate for determining plan benefit obligations was 3.5% in 2017 and 4.0% in 2016 for all plans, except the terminated qualified plan. The discount rate for the terminated qualified plan was 3.09% in 2016. The expected long-term rate of return for the plans ranged from 4.0% to 5.5% in 2017 and 2016. The rate of compensation increases for certain of the plans with active participants ranged from 4.0% to 6.0% in 2017 and 2016. Return on Plan Assets The Company’s investment strategy for its two qualified pension plans was liability management driven. The asset allocation targets were to hold fixed income investments based upon this strategy. The following tables show the fair value allocation of plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2016. Cash and money market funds Fixed income funds Equity mutual funds Total assets at fair value Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ $ 8 3 33 44 $ $ — 580 — 580 $ $ — — — — $ $ Total 8 583 33 624 69 2017 Annual Report As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s qualified defined benefit pension plan assets consisted of 5% equity, 94% fixed income and 1% money market securities of which 7% were classified as Level 1 and 93% as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company had no investments in Level 3 alternative investments during the year ended December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, the assets in the Company’s qualified defined benefit pension plans had been fully liquidated through the purchase of group annuity contracts and through lump sum distributions. Cash Flows The Company contributed $46 million, $25 million and $22 million to the pension plans during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company plans to make approximately $21 million in contributions to the pension plans during 2018. These contributions include contributions made to certain nonqualified benefit plans for which there is no funding requirement. The Company esti- mates the following future benefit payments which are calculated using the same actuarial assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation as of December 31, 2017: in millions 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter $ 21 14 12 23 8 31 Multiemployer Pension Plans The Company also contributes to a number of multiemployer pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-em- ployer pension plans in the following aspects: (i) assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers, (ii) if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers, and (iii) if the Company chooses to stop participating in some of its multiemployer plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability. None of the multiemployer pension plans in which the Company participates are individually significant to the Company. Total Company contributions to multiemployer pension plans were $17 million in 2017, $15 million in 2016 and $14 million in 2015. Other Postretirement Benefits The Company provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to certain retirees who meet eligibility requirements. The Company’s funding policy is generally to pay covered expenses as they are incurred. For retiree medical plan accounting, the Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for health care costs to determine the health care cost trend rates. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s other postretirement benefits had an accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of $25 million and $24 million, respectively. Net periodic benefit costs related to these other postretirement benefits were $1 million in both 2017 and 2016, and $2 million in 2015. Pursuant to various collective bargaining agreements, the Company also contributes to multiemployer health and welfare plans that cover certain union-represented employees. The plans provide postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to certain employees who meet eligibility requirements. Total Company contributions to multiemployer health and welfare plans were $58 million, $52 million and $60 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 70 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements 10 | Stock Incentive Plans Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period of the stock award (generally three to five years) using the straight-line method. The following table is a summary of stock-based compensation for each of the respective periods: in millions Stock options (1) Restricted stock awards (2) Total stock-based compensation 2017 65 169 234 $ $ 2016 79 143 222 $ $ 2015 90 140 230 $ $ (1) Includes the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) (2) Stock-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2015 includes $38 million associated with accelerated vesting of restricted stock replacement awards issued to Omnicare executives who were terminated subsequent to the acquisition. The ESPP provides for the purchase of up to 30 million shares of common stock. Under the ESPP, beginning in 2016, eligible employees could purchase common stock at the end of each six month offering period at a purchase price equal to 90% of the lower of the fair market value on the first day or the last day of the offering period. Prior to 2016, the purchase price was equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value on the first day or the last day of the offering period. During 2017, approximately one million shares of common stock were purchased under the provisions of the ESPP at an average price of $71.66 per share. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 11 million shares of common stock were available for issuance under the ESPP. The fair value of stock-based compensation associated with the ESPP is estimated on the date of grant (the first day of the six month offering period) using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table is a summary of the assumptions used to value the ESPP awards for each of the respective periods: Dividend yield (1) Expected volatility (2) Risk-free interest rate (3) Expected life (in years) (4) 2017 1.24 % 22.70 % 0.86 % 0.5 2016 0.88 % 20.64 % 0.45 % 0.5 2015 0.71 % 13.92 % 0.11 % 0.5 Weighted-average grant date fair value $ 13.01 $ 14.98 $ 18.72 (1) The dividend yield is calculated based on semi-annual dividends paid and the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the grant date. (2) The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s daily stock market prices over the previous six month period. (3) The risk-free interest rate is based on the Treasury constant maturity interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected term of ESPP options (i.e., six months). (4) The expected life is based on the semi-annual purchase period. The terms of the Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan (“ICP”) provide for grants of annual incentive and long-term perfor- mance awards to executive officers and other officers and employees of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company. Payment of such annual incentive and long-term performance awards will be in cash, stock, other awards or other property, at the discretion of the Management Planning and Development Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. The ICP allows for a maximum of 74 million shares to be reserved and available for grants. The ICP is the only compensation plan under which the Company grants stock options, restricted stock and other stock-based awards to its employees, with the exception of the Company’s ESPP. As of December 31, 2017, there were approximately 32 million shares available for future grants under the ICP. The Company’s restricted awards are considered nonvested share awards and require no payment from the employee. Compensation cost is recorded based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. As of December 31, 2017, there was $350 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the restricted stock units that are expected to vest. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.25 years. The total fair value of restricted shares vested during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $175 million, $218 million and $164 million, respectively. 71 2017 Annual Report The following table is a summary of the restricted stock unit and restricted share award activity for the year ended December 31, 2017. Units in thousands Nonvested at beginning of year Granted Vested Forfeited Nonvested at end of year Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $ $ $ $ $ 55.56 78.35 78.92 89.21 86.92 Units 4,876 2,873 (2,340) (395) 5,014 All grants under the ICP are awarded at fair value on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Stock options granted generally become exercisable over a four-year period from the grant date. Stock options generally expire seven years after the grant date. Cash received from stock options exercised, which includes the ESPP, totaled $329 million, $296 million and $362 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Payments for taxes for net share settlement of equity awards totaled $71 million in 2017, $72 million in 2016 and $63 million in 2015, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $176 million, $244 million and $394 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $341 million, $298 million and $334 million, respectively. The fair value of each stock option is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following assump- tions at the time of grant: Dividend yield (1) Expected volatility (2) Risk-free interest rate (3) Expected life (in years) (4) 2017 2.56 % 18.39 % 1.77 % 4.1 2016 1.62 % 17.22 % 1.24 % 4.2 2015 1.37 % 18.07 % 1.24 % 4.2 Weighted-average grant date fair value $ 9.43 $ 13.00 $ 14.01 (1) The dividend yield is based on annual dividends paid and the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the grant date. (2) The expected volatility is estimated using the Company’s historical volatility over a period equal to the expected life of each option grant after adjustments for infrequent events such as stock splits. (3) The risk-free interest rate is selected based on yields from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the options being valued. (4) The expected life represents the number of years the options are expected to be outstanding from grant date based on historical option holder exercise experience. As of December 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested options totaled $57 million, which the Company expects to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.76 years. After considering anticipated forfeitures, the Company expects approximately 9 million of the unvested stock options to vest over the requisite service period. 72 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements The following table is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2017: Shares in thousands Outstanding at December 31, 2016 Granted Exercised Forfeited Expired Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 Vested at December 31, 2017 and expected to vest in the future Shares 23,275 3,513 (4,814) (889) (555) 20,530 11,365 20,114 Weighted Average Exercise Price $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 68.60 78.05 43.07 94.25 60.00 75.32 61.37 75.00 Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value 3.62 2.30 $ 180,318,054 $ 179,628,690 3.57 $ 180,299,134 11 | Income Taxes The income tax provision for continuing operations consisted of the following for the years ended December 31: in millions Current: Federal State Deferred: Federal State Total 2017 2016 2015 $ 2,594 $ 2,803 $ 464 3,058 (1,435) 14 (1,421) 511 3,314 5 (2) 3 3,065 555 3,620 (180) (54) (234) $ 1,637 $ 3,317 $ 3,386 On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”). Among numerous changes to existing tax laws, the TCJA permanently reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective on January 1, 2018. The effects on deferred tax balances of changes in tax rates are required to be taken into consideration in the period in which the changes are enacted, regardless of when they are effective. As the result of the reduction of the corporate income tax rate under the TCJA, the Company estimated the revaluation of its net deferred tax liabilities and recorded a provisional income tax benefit of approximately $1.5 billion for year ended December 31, 2017. The Company has not completed all of its processes to determine the TCJA’s final impact. The final impact may differ from this provisional amount due to, among other things, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made thus far and the issuance of additional regulatory or other guidance. The accounting is expected to be completed by the time the 2017 federal corporate income tax return is filed in 2018. The following table is a reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the years ended December 31: Statutory income tax rate State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Provisional effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Other Effective income tax rate 2017 35.0 % 4.1 (18.3) (1.0) 19.8 % 2016 35.0 % 4.1 — (0.7) 2015 35.0 % 4.0 — 0.3 38.4 % 39.3 % 73 2017 Annual Report The Company has $3.0 billion and $4.2 billion of net deferred income tax liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respec- tively. The following table is a summary of the components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31: in millions Deferred income tax assets: Lease and rents Inventory Employee benefits Allowance for doubtful accounts Retirement benefits Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards Deferred income Other Valuation allowance Total deferred income tax assets Deferred income tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization Total deferred income tax liabilities Net deferred income tax liabilities 2017 2016 $ 291 31 246 187 40 101 93 18 (77) 930 (3,926) (3,926) $ 375 57 400 301 65 125 144 336 (135) 1,668 (5,882) (5,882) $ (2,996) $ (4,214) The Company assesses positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not some portion of a deferred tax asset would not be realized. When it would not, a valuation allowance is established for such portion of a deferred tax asset. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: in millions Beginning balance Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Additions based on tax positions related to prior years Reductions for tax positions of prior years Expiration of statutes of limitation Settlements Ending balance 2017 $ 307 $ 62 32 (28) (10) (19) $ 344 $ 2016 338 68 70 (100) (22) (47) 307 $ $ 2015 188 57 122 (11) (13) (5) 338 The Company and most of its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of numerous state and local jurisdictions. The Company is a participant in the Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”), which is a program made available by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to certain qualifying large taxpayers, under which participants work collabora- tively with the IRS to identify and resolve potential tax issues through open, cooperative and transparent interaction prior to the annual filing of their federal income tax return. The IRS is currently examining the Company’s 2016 and 2017 consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns. The Company and its subsidiaries are also currently under income tax examinations by a number of state and local tax authori- ties. As of December 31, 2017, no examination has resulted in any proposed adjustments that would result in a material change to the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Substantially all material state and local income tax matters have been concluded for fiscal years through 2011. Certain state exams are expected to/likely to be concluded and certain state statutes will lapse in 2018, but the change in the balance of our uncertain tax positions will be immaterial. In addition, it is reasonably possible that the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits could change within the next twelve months due to the anticipated conclusion of various examinations with the IRS for various years. An estimate of the range of the possible change cannot be made at this time. 74 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements The Company records interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income tax expense. The Company accrued interest expense of approximately $11 million in 2017, $10 million in 2016 and $5 million in 2015. The Company had approximately $34 million and $30 million accrued for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There are no material uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2017 the ultimate deductibility of which is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing. As of December 31, 2017, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate is approximately $317 million, after considering the federal benefit of state income taxes. 12 | Commitments and Contingencies Lease Guarantees Between 1995 and 1997, the Company sold or spun off a number of subsidiaries, including Bob’s Stores, Linens ‘n Things, and Marshalls. In many cases, when a former subsidiary leased a store, the Company provided a guarantee of the store’s lease obligations. When the subsidiaries were disposed of and accounted for as discontinued operations, the Company’s guarantees remained in place, although each initial purchaser has agreed to indemnify the Company for any lease obligations the Company was required to satisfy. If any of the purchasers or any of the former subsidiaries were to become insolvent and failed to make the required payments under a store lease, the Company could be required to satisfy these obligations. As of December 31, 2017, the Company guaranteed approximately 85 such store leases (excluding the lease guarantees related to Linens ‘n Things, which have been recorded as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet), with the maximum remaining lease term extending through 2029. Legal Matters The Company is a party to legal proceedings, investigations and claims in the ordinary course of its business, including the matters described below. The Company records accruals for outstanding legal matters when it believes it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal matters that could affect the amount of any accrual and developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. If a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, the Company does not establish an accrued liability. None of the Company’s accruals for outstanding legal matters are material individually or in the aggregate to the Company’s financial position. Except as otherwise noted, the Company cannot predict with certainty the timing or outcome of the legal matters described below, and is unable to reasonably estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss in excess of amounts already accrued for these matters. • Indiana State District Council of Laborers and HOD Carriers Pension and Welfare Fund v. Omnicare, Inc., et al. (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky). In February 2006, two substantially similar putative class action lawsuits were filed and subsequently consolidated. The consolidated complaint was filed against Omnicare, three of its officers and two of its directors and purported to be brought on behalf of all open-market purchasers of Omnicare common stock from August 3, 2005 through July 27, 2006, as well as all purchasers who bought shares of Omnicare common stock in Omnicare’s public offering in December 2005. The complaint alleged violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 and sought, among other things, compensatory damages and injunctive relief. After dismissals and appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the United States Supreme Court remanded the case to the district court. In October 2016, Omnicare filed an answer to plaintiffs’ third amended complaint, and discovery commenced. In August 2017, the plaintiffs moved for class certification, which Omnicare has opposed. • FTC and Multi-State Investigation. In March 2010, the Company learned that various State Attorneys General offices and certain other government agencies were conducting a multi-state investigation of certain of the Company’s business practices similar to those being investigated at that time by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). Twenty-eight states, the District of Columbia and the County of Los Angeles are known to be participating in this investigation. The prior FTC investigation, which commenced in August 2009, was officially concluded in May 2012 when the consent order entered into between the FTC and the Company became final. The Company has cooperated with the multi-state investigation. 75 2017 Annual Report• United States ex rel. Jack Chin v. Walgreen Company, et al. (U.S. District Court for the Central District of California). In March 2010, the Company received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General requesting information about programs under which the Company has offered customers remuneration conditioned upon the transfer of prescriptions for drugs or medications to the Company’s pharmacies in the form of gift cards, cash, non-prescription merchandise or discounts or coupons for non-prescription merchandise. In October 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California unsealed a qui tam complaint, filed in April 2009 against CVS Pharmacy and other retail pharmacies, alleging that the Company violated the federal False Claims Act, and the False Claims Acts of several states, by offering such programs. The complaint was served on the Company in January 2017. In December 2017, the same court unsealed a second qui tam complaint filed by the same relator in September 2017. The complaint is based on the same factual allegations but asserts a legal theory the Court did not permit him to add to the original case. The federal government has declined intervention in both cases. The Company is defending both lawsuits. • United States ex rel. Anthony R. Spay v. CVS Caremark Corporation, et al. (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania). In January 2012, the court unsealed a first amended qui tam complaint filed in August 2011 by an individual relator, Anthony Spay, who is described in the complaint as having once been employed by a firm providing pharmacy prescrip- tion benefit audit and recovery services. The complaint seeks monetary damages and alleges that CVS Caremark’s processing of Medicare claims on behalf of one of its clients violated the federal False Claims Act. The United States declined to intervene in the lawsuit. In September 2015, the Court granted CVS Caremark’s motion for summary judgment in its entirety, and entered judgment in favor of CVS Caremark and against Spay. Spay appealed. In December 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the court’s judgment in favor of CVS Caremark. • State of Texas ex rel. Myron Winkelman and Stephani Martinson, et al. v. CVS Health Corporation, (Travis County Texas District Court). In February 2012, the Attorney General of the State of Texas issued Civil Investigative Demands and has issued a series of subsequent requests for documents and information in connection with its investigation concerning the CVS Health Savings Pass program and other pricing practices with respect to claims for reimbursement from the Texas Medicaid program. In January 2017, the court unsealed a first amended petition. The amended petition alleges the Company violated the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act by submitting false claims for reimbursement to Texas Medicaid by, among other things, failing to use the price available to members of the CVS Health Savings Pass program as the usual and customary price. The amended petition was unsealed following the Company’s filing of CVS Pharmacy, Inc. v. Charles Smith, et al. (Travis County District Court), a declaratory judgment action against the State of Texas in December 2016 seeking a declaration that the prices charged to members of the CVS Health Savings Pass program do not constitute usual and customary prices under the Medicaid regulation. The State of Texas is also pursuing temporary injunctive relief. • Subpoena Concerning PBM Administrative Fees. In March 2014, the Company received a subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, requesting documents and information concerning bona fide service fees and rebates received from pharmaceutical manufacturers in connection with certain drugs utilized under Medicare Part D, as well as the reporting of those fees and rebates to Part D plan sponsors. The Company has been cooperating with the government and providing documents and information in response to the subpoena. • Corcoran et al. v. CVS Health Corporation (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California) and Podgorny et al. v. CVS Health Corporation (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois). These putative class actions were filed against the Company in July and September 2015. The cases were consolidated in United States District Court in the Northern District of California. Plaintiffs seek damages and injunctive relief on behalf of a class of consumers who purchased certain prescription drugs under the consumer protection statutes and common laws of certain states. Several third-party payors filed similar putative class actions on behalf of payors captioned Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 20 Welfare and Benefit Fund v. CVS Health Corp. and Plumbers Welfare Fund, Local 130 v. CVS Health Corporation (both pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island) in February and August 2016. In all of these cases the plaintiffs allege the Company overcharged for certain prescription drugs by not submitting the price available to members of the CVS Health Savings Pass program as the pharma- cy’s usual and customary price. In the consumer case (Corcoran), the Court granted summary judgment to CVS on plaintiffs’ claims in their entirety and certified certain subclasses in September 2017. The plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal to the Ninth Circuit. The Company continues to defend these actions. 76 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements• Omnicare DEA Subpoena. In September 2015, Omnicare was served with an administrative subpoena by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). The subpoena seeks documents related to controlled substance policies, procedures, and practices at eight pharmacy locations from May 2012 to the present. In September 2017, the DEA expanded the investigation to include an additional pharmacy. The Company has been cooperating and providing documents in response to this adminis- trative subpoena. • Omnicare Cycle Fill Civil Investigative Demand. In October 2015, Omnicare received a Civil Investigative Demand from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York requesting information and documents concerning Omnicare’s cycle fill process for assisted living facilities. The Company has been cooperating with the government and provid- ing documents and information in response to the Civil Investigative Demand. In July 2017, Omnicare also received a subpoena from the California Department of Insurance requesting documents on similar subject matter. • PBM Pricing Civil Investigative Demand. In October 2015, the Company received from the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) a Civil Investigative Demand requesting documents and information in connection with a federal False Claims Act investigation concerning allegations that the Company submitted, or caused to be submitted, to the Medicare Part D program prescription drug event data that misrepresented true prices paid by the Company’s PBM to pharmacies for drugs dispensed to Part D beneficiaries with prescription benefits administered by the Company’s PBM. The Company has been cooperating with the government and providing documents and information in response to the Civil Investigative Demand. • United States ex rel. Sally Schimelpfenig and John Segura v. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc. (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania). In November 2015, the court unsealed a second amended qui tam complaint filed in September 2015. The DOJ declined to intervene in this action. The relators allege that the Company, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories violated the federal and various state False Claims Acts by dispensing prescriptions in unit dose packaging supplied by Dr. Reddy’s that was not compliant with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act and the Poison Preventive Packaging Act and thereby allegedly rendering the drugs misbranded under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. In March 2017, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss with leave to file an amended complaint. In June 2017, the Company moved to dismiss relators’ third amended complaint. • Barchock et al. v. CVS Health Corporation, et al. (U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island). In February 2016, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company, the Benefit Plans Committee of the Company, and Galliard Capital Management, Inc., by Mary Barchock, Thomas Wasecko, and Stacy Weller, purportedly on behalf of the 401(k) Plan and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan of the Company (the “Plan”), and participants in the Plan. The complaint alleged that the defendants breached fiduciary duties owed to the plaintiffs and the Plan by investing too much of the Plan’s Stable Value Fund in short-term money market funds and cash management accounts. The court recently granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ amended complaint. In May 2017, plaintiffs appealed that ruling in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. • State of California ex rel. Matthew Omlansky v. CVS Caremark Corporation (Superior Court of the State of California, County of Sacramento). In April 2016, the court unsealed a first amended qui tam complaint filed in July 2013. The government has declined intervention in this case. The relator alleges that the Company submitted false claims for payment to California Medicaid in connection with reimbursement for drugs available through the CVS Health Savings Pass program as well as certain other generic drugs. The case has been stayed pending the relator’s appeal of the judgment against him in a similar case against another retailer. • Retail DEA Matters. The Company has been also undergoing several audits by the DEA Administrator and is in discussions with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in several locations concerning allegations that the Company has violated certain requirements of the Controlled Substance Act. • National Opioid Litigation. In December 2017, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered consolidated numerous cases filed against various defendants by plaintiffs such as counties, cities, hospitals, Indian tribes, and third-party payors, alleging claims generally concerning the impacts of widespread opioid abuse. The consolidated multidistrict litigation is In re National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL No. 2804), pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. This multidistrict litigation presumptively includes relevant federal court cases that name the Company, including actions filed by several counties in West Virginia; actions filed by several counties and cities in Michigan; actions filed by hospitals in Florida and Mississippi; and an action filed by the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. Similar cases that name the Company in some capacity have been filed in state courts, including cases filed by Shelby County, Tennessee, Shelby County (Tennessee) v. Purdue Pharma, L.P., et al. (Shelby County Circuit Court, No. CT-004500-17), and several counties in West Virginia, Brooke County (West Virginia) et al. v. Purdue Pharma, L.P., et al. (Marshall County Circuit Court, Nos. 17-C-248 – 17-C-255). The Company is defending all such matters. 77 2017 Annual Report• Cherokee Nation Opioid Litigation. In April 2017, the Company was named as a defendant in an action filed on behalf of the Cherokee Nation in the District Court of Cherokee Nation (the “Cherokee Action”) asserting various causes of action allegedly arising from the widespread abuse of opioids. In June 2017, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the Cherokee Action. The Cherokee Nation has since filed an amended petition in the Cherokee Action. Also in June 2017, the six defendants in the Cherokee Action collectively filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, McKesson, et al. v. Hembree, et al., seeking a declaration and preliminary injunction prohibiting the District Court of Cherokee Nation from exercising jurisdiction over the Cherokee Action. In January 2018, the U.S. District Court granted the preliminary injunction motion and issued an order enjoining the Cherokee Nation Attorney General and the judicial officers of the Cherokee Nation District Court from taking any action with respect to the Cherokee Action pending resolution of the federal court case. • State of Mississippi v. CVS Health Corporation, et al. (Chancery Court of DeSoto County, Mississippi, Third Judicial District). In July 2016, the Company was served with a complaint filed on behalf of the State of Mississippi alleging that CVS retail pharma- cies in Mississippi submitted false claims for reimbursement to Mississippi Medicaid by not submitting the price available to members of the CVS Health Savings Pass program as the pharmacy’s usual and customary price. The Company has responded to the complaint, filed a counterclaim, and moved to transfer the case to circuit court. The motion to transfer was granted, which the State has appealed, and the motion to dismiss remains pending. • Part B Insulin Products Civil Investigative Demand. In December 2016, the Company received a Civil Investigative Demand from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, requesting documents and information in connection with a False Claims Act investigation concerning whether the Company’s retail pharmacies improperly submitted certain insulin claims to Medicare Part D rather than Part B. The Company has cooperated with the government and provided documents and information in response to the Civil Investigative Demand. • Cold Chain Logistics Civil Investigative Demand. In September 2016, the Company received from the DOJ a Civil Investigative Demand in connection with an investigation as to whether the Company’s handling of certain temperature-sensitive pharma- ceuticals violates the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the False Claims Act. The Company has been cooperating with the government and providing documents and information in response to the Civil Investigative Demand. • Amburgey, et al. v. CaremarkPCS Health, L.L.C. (U.S. District Court for the Central District of California). In March 2017, the Company was served with a complaint challenging the policies and procedures used by CVS Specialty pharmacies to ship temperature-sensitive medications. The case is similar to a matter already pending against the Company in the Superior Court of California (Los Angeles County), Bertram v. Immunex Corp., et al., which was filed in October 2014. In November 2017, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the Amburgey case without prejudice. The Company continues to defend the Bertram matter. • Barnett, et al. v. Novo Nordisk Inc., et al. and Boss, et al. v. CVS Health Corporation, et al., and Christensen, et al., v. Novo Nordisk Inc. et al., (all pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey). These putative class actions were filed against the Company and other PBMs and manufacturers of insulin in March and April 2017. Plaintiffs in all cases allege that the PBMs and manufacturers have engaged in a conspiracy whereby the PBMs sell access to their formularies by demanding the highest rebates, which in turn causes increased list prices for insulin. The primary claims are antitrust claims, claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), violations of state unfair competition and consumer protec- tion laws and in Boss, claims pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). In December 2017, the attorney appointed as interim lead counsel in Barnett, Boss and Christensen filed a consolidated amended class action com- plaint in a related action, In re Insulin Pricing Litigation, against only the drug manufacturers, and not against the PBMs. • Insulin Products Investigation. In April 2017, the Company received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Attorney General of Washington, seeking documents and information regarding pricing and rebates for insulin products in connection with a pending investigation into unfair and deceptive acts or practice regarding insulin pricing. We have been notified by the Office of the Attorney General of Washington that information provided in response to the Civil Investigative Demand will be shared with the Attorneys General of California, Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico and the District of Columbia. In July 2017, the Company received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Attorney General of Minnesota, seeking documents and information regarding pricing and rebates for insulin and epinephrine products in connection with a pending investigation into unfair and deceptive acts or practices regarding insulin and epinephrine pricing. 78 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements• Bewley, et al. v. CVS Health Corporation, et al. and Prescott, et al. v. CVS Health Corporation, et al. (both pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington). These putative class actions were filed in May 2017 against the Company and other pharmacy benefit managers and manufacturers of glucagon kits (Bewley) and diabetes test strips (Prescott). Both cases allege that, by contracting for rebates with the manufacturers of these diabetes products, the Company and other PBMs caused list prices for these products to increase, thereby harming certain consumers. The primary claims are made under federal antitrust laws, RICO, state unfair competition and consumer protection laws, and ERISA. These cases have both been transferred to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on defendants’ motions. The Company is defending these lawsuits. • Klein, et al. v. Prime Therapeutics, et al. (U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota). In June 2017, a putative class action complaint was filed against the Company and other pharmacy benefit managers on behalf of ERISA plan members who purchased and paid for EpiPen or EpiPen Jr. Plaintiffs allege that the pharmacy benefit managers are ERISA fiduciaries to plan members and have violated ERISA by allegedly causing higher inflated prices for EpiPen through the process of negotiating increased rebates from EpiPen manufacturer, Mylan. The Company is defending this lawsuit. • Medicare Part D Civil Investigative Demand. In May 2017, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York issued a Civil Investigative Demand to the Company concerning possible false claims submitted to Medicare in connection with reimbursements for prescription drugs under the Medicare Part D program. The Company has been cooperating with the government and providing documents and information in response to the Civil Investigative Demand. • Shareholder Matters. In August and September 2017, four complaints were filed by putative derivative plaintiffs against certain officers and directors of the Company. Three of those actions, Sherman v. Merlo, et al., Feghali v. Merlo, et al., and Banchalter v. Merlo, et al., were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. A fourth, Boron v. Bracken, et al., was filed in Rhode Island Superior Court. These matters assert a variety of causes of action, including breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, civil conspiracy and violation of Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act, and are premised on the allegation that the defendants approved business plans that exposed the Company to various litigations and investigations. The three federal matters have been stayed pending resolution of certain of the underlying matters, and the Company has filed a motion to stay the state court action. • MSP Recovery Claims Series, LLC, et al. v. CVS Health Corporation, et al. (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas). In September 2017, a putative class action complaint was filed against the company, Express Scripts, Inc., and the manufacturers of insulin on behalf of assignees of claims of Medicare Advantage Organizations. Plaintiffs assert that the PBMs and manufac- turers have engaged in a conspiracy whereby the PBMs sell access to their formularies by demanding the highest rebates, which in turn causes increased list prices for insulin. The plaintiffs assert claims on behalf of two putative classes: (1) all Medicare C payors and (2) all Medicare D payors. The complaint asserts claims under RICO, and for common law fraud and unjust enrichment. The Company is also a party to other legal proceedings, government investigations, inquiries and audits, and has received and is cooperating with subpoenas or similar process from various governmental agencies requesting information, all arising in the normal course of its business, none of which is expected to be material to the Company. The Company can give no assurance, however, that its business, financial condition and results of operations will not be materially adversely affected, or that the Company will not be required to materially change its business practices, based on: (i) future enactment of new health care or other laws or regulations; (ii) the interpretation or application of existing laws or regulations as they may relate to the Company’s business, the pharmacy services, specialty pharmacy, retail pharmacy, long-term care pharmacy or retail clinic industries or to the health care industry generally; (iii) pending or future federal or state governmental investigations of the Company’s business or the pharmacy services, specialty pharmacy, retail pharmacy, long-term care pharmacy or retail clinic industry or of the health care industry generally; (iv) pending or future government enforcement actions against the Company; (v) adverse developments in any pending qui tam lawsuit against the Company, whether sealed or unsealed, or in any future qui tam lawsuit that may be filed against the Company; or (vi) adverse developments in pending or future legal proceedings against the Company or affecting the pharmacy services, specialty pharmacy, retail pharmacy, long-term care pharmacy or retail clinic industry or the health care industry generally. 79 2017 Annual ReportNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements 13 | Segment Reporting The Company currently has three reportable segments: Pharmacy Services, Retail/LTC and Corporate. The Retail/LTC Segment includes the operating results of the Company’s Retail Pharmacy and LTC/RxCrossroads operating segments as the operations and economics characteristics are similar. The Company’s segments maintain separate financial information for which operating results are evaluated on a regular basis by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company evaluates its Pharmacy Services and Retail/LTC segments’ performance based on net revenue, gross profit and operating profit before the effect of nonrecurring charges and gains and certain intersegment activities. The Company evaluates the performance of its Corporate Segment based on operating expenses before the effect of nonrecurring charges and gains and certain intersegment activities. The chief operating decision maker does not use total assets by segment to make decisions regarding resources, therefore the total asset disclosure by segment has not been included. See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies” for a description of the Pharmacy Services, Retail/LTC and Corporate segments and related significant accounting policies. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, approximately 12.3%, 11.7% and 10.0%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated net revenues were from Aetna, a Pharmacy Services Segment client. More than 99% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues are earned in, and long-lived assets are located in the United States. 80 CVS HealthThe following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s business segments to the consolidated financial statements: in millions 2017: Net revenues Gross profit (3) Operating profit (loss) (4) (5) Depreciation and amortization Additions to property and equipment 2016: Net revenues Gross profit (3) Operating profit (loss) (4) (5) (6) (7) Depreciation and amortization Additions to property and equipment 2015: Net revenues Gross profit Operating profit (loss) (4) (5) (7) Depreciation and amortization Additions to property and equipment Pharmacy Services Segment (1)(2) Retail/LTC Segment (2) Corporate Segment Intersegment Eliminations (2) Consolidated Totals $ $ 130,596 6,040 4,755 712 311 $ 79,398 23,317 6,469 1,651 1,398 119,963 5,901 4,676 714 295 100,363 5,227 3,992 654 359 81,100 23,738 7,302 1,642 1,732 72,007 21,992 7,146 1,336 1,883 — — (966) 117 340 — — (891) 119 252 — — (1,035) 102 125 $ (25,229) (812) (741) — — (23,537) (782) (721) — — (19,080) (691) (628) — — $ 184,765 28,545 9,517 2,480 2,049 $ 177,526 28,857 10,366 2,475 2,279 $ 153,290 26,528 9,475 2,092 2,367 (1) Net revenues of the Pharmacy Services Segment include approximately $10.8 billion, $10.5 billion and $8.9 billion of Retail Co-Payments for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about Retail Co-P ayments. (2) Intersegment eliminations relate to intersegment revenue generating activities that occur between the Pharmacy Services Segment and the Retail/LTC Segment. These occur in the following ways: when members of Pharmacy Services Segment clients (“members”) fill prescriptions at the Company’s retail pharmacies to purchase covered products, when members enrolled in programs such as Maintenance Choice® elect to pick up maintenance prescriptions at one of the Company’s retail pharmacies instead of receiving them through the mail, or when members have prescriptions filled at the Company’s long-term care pharmacies. When these occur, both the Pharmacy Services and Retail/LTC segments record the revenues, gross profit and operating profit on a standalone basis. (3) The Retail/LTC Segment gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 includes $2 million and $46 million, respectively of acquisition-related integration costs. The integration costs in 2017 are related to the acquisition of Omnicare and the integration costs in 2016 are related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. (4) The Retail/LTC Segment operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes $215 million of charges associated with store closures and $181 million of goodwill impairment charges related to its RxCrossroads reporting unit. The Retail/LTC Segment operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes a $34 million asset impairment charge in connection with planned store closures in 2017 related to the Company’s enterprise streamlining initiative. The Retail/LTC Segment operating profit for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, include $34 million, $281 million and $64 million, respectively, of acquisition-re- lated integration costs. The integration costs in 2017 are related to the acquisition of Omnicare and the integration costs in 2016 are related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. (5) The Corporate Segment operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes a $3 million reduction in integration costs for a change in estimate related to the acquisition of Omnicare. In addition, the Corporate Segment operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes $34 million in acquisition-related transaction costs related to the proposed Aetna acquisition and $9 million of transaction costs related to the divestiture of RxCrossroads. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Corporate Segment operating loss includes $10 million of integration costs related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Corporate Segment operating loss includes $156 million of acquisition-related transaction and integration costs related to the acquisitions of Omnicare and the pharmacies and clinics of Target. The Corporate Segment operating loss for 2015 also includes a $90 million charge related to a legacy lawsuit challenging the 1999 legal settlement by MedPartners of various securities class actions and a related derivative claim. (6) The Pharmacy Services Segment operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes the reversal of an accrual of $88 million in connection with a legal settlement. (7) Amounts revised to reflect the adoption of ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which increased consolidated operating profit by $28 and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 81 2017 Annual Report 14 | Earnings Per Share The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31: in millions, except per share amounts 2017 2016 2015 Numerator for earnings per share calculation: Income from continuing operations Income allocated to participating securities Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest $ 6,631 $ 5,320 $ 5,230 (24) (1) (27) (2) (26) (2) Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Health $ 6,606 $ 5,291 $ 5,202 Denominator for earnings per share calculation: Weighted average shares, basic Effect of dilutive securities Weighted average shares, diluted Earnings per share from continuing operations: Basic Diluted 1,020 4 1,024 1,073 6 1,079 $ $ 6.48 6.45 $ $ 4.93 4.91 $ $ 1,118 8 1,126 4.65 4.62 82 CVS HealthNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements 15 | Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) in millions, except per share amounts First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Year 2017: Net revenues Gross profit Operating profit Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income attributable to CVS Health Basic earnings per share: Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Health Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CVS Health Net income attributable to CVS Health Diluted earnings per share: Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Health Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CVS Health Net income attributable to CVS Health Dividends per share Stock price: (New York Stock Exchange) High Low in millions, except per share amounts 2016: Net revenues Gross profit Operating profit Income from continuing operations Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income attributable to CVS Health Basic earnings per share: Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Health Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CVS Health Net income attributable to CVS Health Diluted earnings per share: Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Health Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CVS Health Net income attributable to CVS Health Dividends per share Stock price: (New York Stock Exchange) High Low $ 44,514 6,580 1,793 962 $ 45,685 6,935 2,117 1,097 $ 46,181 7,126 2,499 1,285 $ 48,385 7,904 3,108 3,287 $ 184,765 28,545 9,517 6,631 (9) 952 0.93 (0.01) 0.92 0.92 (0.01) 0.92 0.50 83.92 74.80 First Quarter 43,215 6,744 2,185 1,147 — 1,146 1.04 — 1.04 1.04 — 1.04 0.425 104.05 89.65 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1 1,098 — 1,285 — 3,287 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1.07 — 1.07 1.07 — 1.07 0.50 82.79 75.95 Second Quarter 43,725 7,015 2,357 924 — 924 0.86 — 0.86 0.86 — 0.86 0.425 106.10 93.21 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1.26 — 1.26 1.26 — 1.26 0.50 83.31 75.35 Third Quarter 44,615 7,492 2,824 1,542 (1) 1,540 1.44 — 1.44 1.43 — 1.43 0.425 98.06 88.99 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3.23 — 3.23 3.22 — 3.22 0.50 80.91 66.80 Fourth Quarter 45,971 7,606 3,000 1,707 — 1,707 1.60 — 1.60 1.59 — 1.59 0.425 88.80 73.53 (8) 6,622 6.48 (0.01) 6.47 6.45 (0.01) 6.44 2.00 83.92 66.80 Year 177,526 28,857 10,366 5,320 (1) 5,317 4.93 — 4.93 4.91 — 4.90 1.70 106.10 73.53 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 83 2017 Annual Report Five-Year Financial Summary in millions, except per share amounts 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 $ 184,765 28,545 19,028 $ 177,526 28,857 18,491 $ 153,290 26,528 17,053 $ 139,367 25,367 16,545 $ 126,761 23,783 15,713 Statement of operations data: Net revenues Gross profit Operating expenses (1) Operating profit Interest expense, net Loss on early extinguishment of debt Other expense (1) Income tax provision Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 9,517 1,041 — 208 1,637 6,631 (8) 6,623 (1) 10,366 1,058 643 28 3,317 5,320 (1) 5,319 (2) 9,475 838 — 21 3,386 5,230 9 5,239 (2) Net income attributable to CVS Health $ 6,622 $ 5,317 $ 5,237 $ Per share data: Basic earnings per share: Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Health Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CVS Health Net income attributable to CVS Health Diluted earnings per share: Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Health Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CVS Health Net income attributable to CVS Health Cash dividends per share Balance sheet and other data: Total assets Long-term debt Total shareholders’ equity Number of stores (at end of year) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 6.48 (0.01) 6.47 6.45 (0.01) 6.44 2.00 $ 95,131 $ 22,181 $ 37,695 9,846 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 4.93 — 4.93 4.91 — 4.90 1.70 94,462 25,615 36,834 9,750 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 4.65 0.01 4.66 4.62 0.01 4.63 1.40 92,437 26,267 37,203 9,681 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 8,822 600 521 23 3,033 4,645 (1) 4,644 — 4,644 3.98 — 3.98 3.96 — 3.96 1.10 73,202 11,630 37,963 7,866 8,070 509 — 33 2,928 4,600 (8) 4,592 — 4,592 3.78 (0.01) 3.77 3.75 (0.01) 3.74 0.90 70,550 12,767 37,938 7,702 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (1) As of January 1, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which resulted in a retrospective reclassification of $28 million, $21 million, $23 million and $33 million of net benefit costs from operating expenses to other expense in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. 84 CVS Health Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of CVS Health Corporation Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CVS Health Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consoli- dated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 14, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007. Boston, Massachusetts February 14, 2018 85 2017 Annual ReportStock Performance Graph The following graph shows changes over the past five-year period in the value of $100 invested in: (1) our common stock; (2) S&P 500 Index; (3) S&P 500 Food and Staples Retailing Industry Group Index, which currently includes seven retail companies; (4) S&P 500 Health Care Sector Group Index, which currently includes 61 health care companies. Relative Total Returns Since 2012 – Annual December 31, 2012 to December 29, 2017 $275 $250 $225 $200 $175 $150 $125 $100 $75 $50 $25 $0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 CVS Health S&P 500 S&P 500 Food & Staples Retail Group Index S&P 500 Health Care Group Index CVS Health Corporation S&P 500 (1) S&P 500 Food & Staples 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 YEAR END 1 YR CAGR 2016-17 3 YR CAGR 2014-17 5 YR CAGR 2012-17 $100 $100 $150 $132 $205 $150 $211 $153 $174 $171 $164 $208 -5.7% 21.8% -7.3% 11.4% 10.3% 15.8% Retail Group Index (2) $100 $133 $163 $161 $160 $181 13.4% 3.5% 12.6% S&P 500 Health Care Group Index (3) $100 $141 $177 $190 $184 $225 22.1% 8.3% 17.6% Note: Analysis assumes reinvestment of dividends. (1) Includes CVS Health. (2) Includes seven companies: (COST, CVS, KR, SYY, WBA, WFM, WMT). (3) Includes 61 companies. The year-end values of each investment shown in the preceding graph are based on share price appreciation plus dividends, with the dividends reinvested as of the last business day of the month during which such dividends were ex-dividend. The calculations exclude trading commissions and taxes. Total stockholder returns from each investment, whether measured in dollars or percent- ages, can be calculated from the year-end investment values shown beneath the graph. 86 CVS Health Shareholder Information Officers Larry J. Merlo President and Chief Executive Officer David M. Denton Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jonathan C. Roberts Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lisa G. Bisaccia Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Eva C. Boratto Executive Vice President – Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Troyen A. Brennan, M.D. Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Directors C. Daniel Haron Executive Vice President and President – Omnicare J. David Joyner Executive Vice President, Sales and Account Services – CVS Caremark Thomas M. Moriarty Executive Vice President, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer and General Counsel Derica W. Rice Executive Vice President and President – CVS Caremark Carol A. DeNale Senior Vice President and Treasurer David A. Falkowski Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer John P. Kennedy Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Officer Michael P. McGuire Senior Vice President – Investor Relations Colleen M. McIntosh Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel – Corporate Services Thomas S. Moffatt Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel – Corporate Services OFFICERS’ CERTIFICATIONS The Company has filed the required certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the quality of our public disclosures as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. After our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, the Company filed with the New York Stock Exchange the CEO certification regarding its compliance with the NYSE corporate governance listing standards as required by NYSE Rule 303A.12(a). Richard M. Bracken (1) (2) (5) Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer HCA Holdings, Inc. Anne M. Finucane (1) (3) Vice Chairman Bank of America Corporation William C. Weldon (1) (3) Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Johnson & Johnson C. David Brown II (1) (3) (5) Chairman of the Firm Broad and Cassel Larry J. Merlo (5) President and Chief Executive Officer CVS Health Corporation Alecia A. DeCoudreaux (2) (4) Former President, Mills College and Former Executive, Eli Lilly & Company Jean-Pierre Millon (2) (4) Former President and Chief Executive Officer PCS Health Systems, Inc. Nancy-Ann M. DeParle (2) (4) Partner Consonance Capital Partners, LLC David W. Dorman (1) (3) (5) Chairman of the Board CVS Health Corporation Mary L. Schapiro (4) Vice Chair of the Advisory Board Promontory Financial Group Richard J. Swift (4) (5) Former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Foster Wheeler Ltd. Tony L. White (2) (3) Former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Applied Biosystems, Inc. (1) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (2) Member of the Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Committee (3) Member of the Management Planning and Development Committee (4) Member of the Audit Committee (5) Member of the Executive Committee Shareholder Information Corporate Headquarters CVS Health Corporation One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895 (401) 765-1500 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting June 4, 2018 CVS Health Corporate Headquarters Stock Market Listing The New York Stock Exchange Symbol: CVS designed and produced by see see eye Transfer Agent and Registrar Questions regarding stock holdings, certificate replacement/transfer, dividends and address changes should be directed to: Equiniti Trust Company P.O. Box 64874 St. Paul, MN 55164-0874 Toll-free: (877) CVS-PLAN (287-7526) International: +1 (651) 450-4064 Email: stocktransfer@eq-us.com Website: www.shareowneronline.com Direct Stock Purchase/Dividend Reinvestment Program Shareowner Services Plus PlanSM provides a convenient and economical way for you to purchase your first shares or additional shares of CVS Health common stock. The program is sponsored and administered by Equiniti Trust Company. For more information, including an enrollment form, please contact Equiniti Trust Company at (877) 287-7526. Financial and Other Company Information The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K will be sent without charge to any shareholder upon request by contacting: Michael P. McGuire Senior Vice President – Investor Relations CVS Health Corporation One CVS Drive, MC 1008 Woonsocket, RI 02895 (800) 201-0938 In addition, financial reports and recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K, as well as other Company information, are available via the Internet at investors.cvshealth.com. WE ARE A pharmacy innovation company OUR STRATEGY Reinventing pharmacy OUR PURPOSE Helping people on their path to better health OUR VALUES Innovation Collaboration Caring Integrity Accountability C C C V V V S S S H H H e e e a a a l l l t t t h h h 2 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 5 7 6 A A A n n n n n n u u u a a a l l l R R R e e e p p p o o o r r r t t t The CVS Health 2017 Annual Report achieved the following results by printing a portion of this project on paper contain- ing 10 percent post-consumer recycled content. FSC® is not responsible for any calculations from choosing this paper. Trees Saved 59 fully grown Water Saved 27,542 gallons Energy Saved Solid Waste Not Produced Greenhouse Gases Not Produced Hazardous Air Pollutants Not Produced 2,000,000 MM BTUs 1,843 pounds 5,078 pounds 4 pounds 2017 Annual Report CVS Health, One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895 | 401.765.1500 | cvshealth.com At the heart of health. 

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