Rosy outlook for 2021

CVS Health hiked its 2021 forecast and beat Wall Street’s firstquarter expectations as a growing insurance business offset hits the health care giant took from a weak cold and flu season. The company covered more people through Medicaid and Medicare Advantage, and adjusted operating earnings from health insurance jumped nearly 20% in the first quarter to $1.78 billion.

CVS Health said Tuesday that it also delivered more than 23 million COVID19 tests and 17 million vaccine doses through April, which helped its drugstore business.

But the pandemic has disrupted business at CVS as well. A weak cough, cold and flu season brought on in part by mask wearing and social distancing hurt sales.