CVS Caremark issues slightly lowered forecast for 2009

WOONSOCKET, R.I. In a conference call held Friday morning, CVS Caremark issued a 2009 forecast that falls short of expectations but maintained its 2008 guidance.

During call, the pharmacy retailer told analysts that its 2009 profit is expected to be between $2.53 and $2.61 per share. This includes costs of 6 cents to 7 cents per share for the buyout of Longs Drug Stores.

According to Thomson Reuters, analysts had expected a 2009 profit of $2.74 per share on average.

The company maintained its forecast for 2008 of between $2.42 and $2.47 in profit.