Better Buy: CVS Health Corporation vs. Walgreens Boots Alliance

The baby boomer generation is fast approaching retirement. Since age and prescription drug usage are correlated, pharmacy companies like CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) and Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ: WBA) appear to have the wind at their backs. But which of these two companies is the best choice for investors today? Let's compare these two businesses side by side using a few key metrics to see if we can figure out the answer.

Image source: Getty Images.

CVS Health has a number of growth initiatives in place. First and foremost is its pharmacy benefits management business. CVS Health uses its massive size to negotiate volume discounts from drug manufacturers and then passes along the savings to entities that provide health insurance -- think unions, governments, and businesses -- in exchange for a modest fee. Given the rising costs of prescription drugs, this business segment boasts strong renewal rates and cranks out predictable profits.

Source: Fool.com