CVS vs Rite Aid 2026: Locations, Prices & Services
CVS operates 9,600+ locations across the US with integrated pharmacy and MinuteClinic services, while Rite Aid operates 4,200+ locations with a smaller footprint and fewer clinic services. CVS generates significantly higher revenue ($322 billion vs $7 billion) and has better financial stability following Rite Aid's 2023 bankruptcy filing.
CVS Health Corporation
National pharmacy chain with integrated healthcare services and 9,600+ locations.
Customers seeking comprehensive healthcare services, nationwide convenience, and integrated urgent care options with strong company stability.
Rite Aid Corporation
Regional pharmacy chain with 4,200+ locations, primarily in Eastern US.
Customers in established Rite Aid markets in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic who value community pharmacy relationships and want to support local operations.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryCVS operates 9,600+ locations across the US with integrated pharmacy and MinuteClinic services, while Rite Aid operates 4,200+ locations with a smaller footprint and fewer clinic services. CVS generates significantly higher revenue ($322 billion vs $7 billion) and has better financial stability following Rite Aid's 2023 bankruptcy filing.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose CVS if you value nationwide accessibility, integrated healthcare services, financial stability, and comprehensive health offerings including MinuteClinic locations. Choose Rite Aid only if you're in a region where they operate and prefer their local presence, though be aware of their ongoing financial restructuring and potential store closures.
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Choose CVS Health Corporation if
Best pickCustomers seeking comprehensive healthcare services, nationwide convenience, and integrated urgent care options with strong company stability.
Choose Rite Aid Corporation if
Customers in established Rite Aid markets in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic who value community pharmacy relationships and want to support local operations.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Number of US Locations:✓ CVS Health Corporation wins(9,600+ vs 4,200+)
- Annual Revenue (2023):✓ CVS Health Corporation wins($322 billion vs $7 billion)
- MinuteClinic/Urgent Care Locations:✓ CVS Health Corporation wins(1,100+ vs 180+)
Key Facts & Figures
15 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | CVS Health Corporation | Rite Aid Corporation | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total US Store Locations(locations) | 9,600+ | 4,200+ | |
| States with Presence(states) | 50 states + DC | 31 states | |
| Average Prescription Wait Time(minutes) | 15-20 minutes | 12-18 minutes | |
| Total Store Locations (US)(locations) | 9,600+ | — | — |
| Healthcare Clinic Locations(locations) | 1,100+ MinuteClinic | — | — |
| Loyalty Rewards Rate(percent cash back) | 1% ExtraBucks | 1% Wellness+ | |
| Annual Revenue (2025)(billion USD) | $150+ | — | — |
| Market Capitalization (2026)(USD billions) | $27 | — | — |
| Generic Drug Price Match(# of drugs) | 10,000+ | — | — |
| Total Store Locations(stores) | 9,600 | — | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $322 billion | $7 billion | |
| Operating Margin(%) | 3.8% | — | — |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio(ratio) | 1.2x | — | — |
| MinuteClinic/Urgent Care Locations(locations) | 1,100+ | 180+ | |
| Loyalty Program Rewards Rate(percent cash back) | 60% of items earn ExtraBucks | — | — |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 9,600+(winner)Number of US Locations4,200+
- $322 billion(winner)Annual Revenue (2023)$7 billion
- 1,100+(winner)MinuteClinic/Urgent Care Locations180+
- Stable, profitable(winner)Financial Status (2023-2024)Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- ExtraBucks (1% back on most purchases)Loyalty Program RewardsWellness+ (1% back on most purchases)
- All 50 states + DC(winner)Store Geographic Coverage31 states (concentrated East Coast)
- MinuteClinic, pharmacy, dental, optical(winner)Health Services IntegrationBasic pharmacy, limited clinics
- Number of US Locations
CVS Health Corporation
9,600+(winner)
Rite Aid Corporation
4,200+
- Annual Revenue (2023)
CVS Health Corporation
$322 billion(winner)
Rite Aid Corporation
$7 billion
- MinuteClinic/Urgent Care Locations
CVS Health Corporation
1,100+(winner)
Rite Aid Corporation
180+
- Financial Status (2023-2024)
CVS Health Corporation
Stable, profitable(winner)
Rite Aid Corporation
Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- Loyalty Program Rewards
CVS Health Corporation
ExtraBucks (1% back on most purchases)
Rite Aid Corporation
Wellness+ (1% back on most purchases)
- Store Geographic Coverage
CVS Health Corporation
All 50 states + DC(winner)
Rite Aid Corporation
31 states (concentrated East Coast)
- Health Services Integration
CVS Health Corporation
MinuteClinic, pharmacy, dental, optical(winner)
Rite Aid Corporation
Basic pharmacy, limited clinics
Full Comparison
| Attribute | CVS Health Corporation | Rite Aid Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Total US Store Locations(locations) | 9,600+(winner) | 4,200+ |
| States with Presence(states) | 50 states + DC(winner) | 31 states |
| Financial Status | Profitable, stable operations | Chapter 11 bankruptcy (Oct 2023) |
| Integrated Health Services | Pharmacy, MinuteClinic, optical, dental | Pharmacy, limited clinics |
| Average Prescription Wait Time(minutes) | 15-20 minutes | 12-18 minutes(winner) |
| Total Store Locations (US)(locations) | 9,600+ | — |
| Healthcare Clinic Locations(locations) | 1,100+ MinuteClinic | — |
| Insurance Integration(major partner) | Aetna (owned by CVS) | — |
| MinuteClinic/Urgent Care Locations(locations) | 1,100+(winner) | 180+ |
| Loyalty Rewards Rate(percent cash back) | 1% ExtraBucks | 1% Wellness+ |
| Loyalty Program Rewards Rate(percent cash back) | 60% of items earn ExtraBucks | — |
| Annual Revenue (2025)(billion USD) | $150+ | — |
| Market Capitalization (2026)(USD billions) | $27 | — |
| Generic Drug Price Match(# of drugs) | 10,000+ | — |
| Specialty Pharmacy Services(service availability) | Comprehensive specialty network with mail delivery | — |
| Digital App Telemedicine(availability) | Full telemedicine integration | — |
| Total Store Locations(stores) | 9,600 | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $322 billion(winner) | $7 billion |
| Operating Margin(%) | 3.8% | — |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio(ratio) | 1.2x | — |
| Health Insurance Subsidiary(yes/no) | Yes (Aetna with 47M members) | — |
Rite Aid CorporationPros & Cons
9 pros·6 cons across both
CVS Health Corporation
Pros
- 9,600+ locations nationwide across all 50 states for maximum convenience
- 1,100+ MinuteClinic urgent care locations offering primary care and vaccinations
- ExtraBucks loyalty program offering 1% cash back on most purchases
- Integrated health services including pharmacy, optical, dental, and clinics in one location
- Strong financial position with $322 billion annual revenue and consistent profitability
Cons
- Higher prices on many OTC items compared to competitors like Walmart and Target
- Slower service during peak hours at popular urban locations due to high traffic
Rite Aid Corporation
Pros
- Wellness+ loyalty program offering 1% cash back rewards on purchases
- Strong community presence in Eastern states with established customer relationships
- Smaller store format allows for intimate neighborhood pharmacy experience
- Competitive pricing on select items in regional markets
Cons
- Only 4,200 locations primarily concentrated in 31 Eastern states; limited national reach
- Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in October 2023 creates uncertainty for future viability
- Just 180+ health clinics vs CVS's 1,100+, limiting healthcare integration
- Risk of ongoing store closures and reduced service hours during restructuring
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023 and is undergoing restructuring. The company is closing underperforming stores and reducing locations from approximately 4,800 to 4,200+. While not liquidating entirely, the company faces significant operational challenges and uncertainty about long-term viability. Store closures may continue as the restructuring proceeds through 2024-2025.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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