Who Owns Longs Drugs?
Longs Drugs is owned by CVS Health, a publicly traded American healthcare company. CVS Health acquired Longs Drug Stores in 2012, expanding its pharmacy retail presence in Hawaii and the western United States. The company is headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA.
Parent Company
CVS Health
Acquired
2012
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA
Who Owns Longs Drugs?
- Parent Company: CVS Health
- Ownership Type: Acquired
- Acquisition Year: 2012
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: CVS
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Longs Drugs | CVS Health | Acquired |
History of Longs Drugs
- Founded: 1928
- Founders: Joseph Long
- Acquired by CVS Health: 2012
Longs Drugs was founded in 1928 by Joseph Long in Oakland, California. The company established itself as a regional pharmacy and drugstore chain, focusing on providing quality healthcare products and services to customers in California and the western United States. Longs Drugs became particularly prominent in Hawaii, where it developed a strong market presence and community relationships.
Throughout the mid-20th century, Longs Drugs expanded its store footprint across the western United States and Hawaii. The company became known for its community involvement, competitive pricing, and customer service. Longs Drugs developed a loyal customer base, particularly in Hawaii where the brand maintained significant market share.
In 2012, CVS Health acquired Longs Drug Stores for approximately $2.7 billion. This acquisition allowed CVS to expand its pharmacy retail presence in Hawaii and the western United States, regions where Longs Drugs had established strong market positions and community relationships.
Under CVS Health ownership, Longs Drugs has maintained its regional presence while gaining access to CVS's broader resources, technology platforms, and pharmacy benefits management services. The brand continues to serve as an important pharmacy retailer in Hawaii and western markets.
About CVS Health
Who owns CVS Health?
CVS Health is an independent publicly traded company with no parent company. The company trades on the NYSE under CVS and is owned by institutional investors and individual shareholders.
What are CVS Health's main business segments?
CVS Health operates through three segments: Health Care Benefits (Aetna health insurance), Pharmacy Services (CVS Caremark pharmacy benefits management), and Retail and Long Term Care (CVS Pharmacy stores, MinuteClinic, Oak Street Health, and Omnicare).
What were CVS Health's FY2025 financial results?
CVS Health reported record FY2025 revenue of $402.1 billion, up 7.8% year over year, and adjusted EPS of $6.75, up from $5.42 in the prior year. Q4 2025 revenue was $105.7 billion, up 8.2%, with adjusted EPS of $1.09 beating analyst expectations.
Who is CVS Health's CEO?
David Joyner serves as CEO of CVS Health, having been appointed in late 2024 to lead a turnaround of the company following significant underperformance in 2024.
When did CVS acquire Aetna?
CVS Health acquired Aetna in 2018 for approximately $69 billion, transforming CVS from a pharmacy and PBM company into a fully integrated healthcare organization combining retail pharmacy, pharmacy benefits management, and health insurance.
How many CVS Pharmacy locations are there?
CVS Health operates nearly 10,000 CVS Pharmacy locations across all 50 states in the United States.
- Founded: 1963
- Headquarters: Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: CVS
- Revenue: $402.1 billion (FY2025)
- Employees: Approximately 300,000
Where Is Longs Drugs Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States
Longs Drugs Sustainability & Ethics
Longs Drugs operates under CVS Health's comprehensive sustainability framework, which integrates environmental responsibility, ethical business practices, and community health initiatives across all pharmacy operations. The brand's sustainability efforts focus on reducing environmental impact while maintaining accessible healthcare services and supporting community well-being in Hawaii and the western United States.
Environmental Sustainability and Healthy Planet Initiatives: As part of CVS Health's Healthy 2030 strategy, Longs Drugs contributes to the company's ambitious environmental goals. CVS Health has established comprehensive sustainability targets across four pillars: Healthy People, Healthy Business, Healthy Community, and Healthy Planet. The company's 2024 Impact Report details progress toward environmental goals including waste reduction, energy efficiency improvements, and sustainable pharmacy operations. Longs Drugs locations implement these initiatives through energy-efficient store designs, waste reduction programs, and sustainable product sourcing.
Pharmacy Waste Management and Responsible Disposal: Longs Drugs participates in CVS Health's comprehensive medication disposal programs and environmental stewardship initiatives. The company implements proper pharmaceutical waste management, including safe disposal of expired medications and environmentally responsible handling of pharmacy waste. These programs help prevent environmental contamination while supporting community health and safety. CVS Health's sustainability reporting includes detailed metrics on waste reduction and responsible disposal practices across all pharmacy locations.
Sustainable Store Operations: Longs Drugs has implemented green building practices and energy-efficient technologies in its retail locations. The company focuses on reducing energy consumption through LED lighting, efficient HVAC systems, and renewable energy adoption where feasible. CVS Health's sustainability initiatives include increasing the percentage of non-medical waste recycled and implementing comprehensive recycling programs across all retail locations, including Longs Drugs stores.
Ethical Business Practices and Compliance: Longs Drugs maintains strict adherence to pharmaceutical regulations and ethical business practices. The company operates under comprehensive compliance programs that ensure proper prescription handling, patient privacy protection, and ethical business conduct. CVS Health's governance structure includes oversight mechanisms that hold the company accountable for ethical performance and transparent business practices across all operations.
Community Health and Accessibility: Longs Drugs demonstrates commitment to community health through localized healthcare services and accessible pharmacy care. The brand's integration with local Hawaiian communities includes partnerships with local organizations, support for community health initiatives, and investment in healthcare accessibility. Longs Drugs maintains strong relationships with local suppliers and community organizations, supporting economic sustainability while ensuring rapid response during normal operations and emergencies.
Supply Chain Sustainability: Longs Drugs works with suppliers who share CVS Health's commitment to environmental and ethical standards. The company emphasizes local sourcing when possible, supporting the Hawaiian economy and reducing transportation emissions. Longs Drugs partners with prominent local distributors including Webco Advantage Hawaii, S & K Sales Company, and The Islander Group to maintain sustainable supply chain practices while ensuring product availability and community support.
Awards & Recognition
Longs Drugs has received recognition for its community leadership, healthcare services, and commitment to Hawaii's residents, reflecting the brand's deep integration into Hawaiian communities and its role as a trusted healthcare provider.
Community Leadership Recognition: Longs Drugs has earned generations of trust as Hawaii's leading healthcare and wellness retailer, receiving acknowledgment from local business organizations and community groups for its sustained commitment to community health. The brand's uniquely localized business model, which integrates in-store and online services for convenience while partnering with local organizations, has been recognized as an effective approach to community healthcare delivery.
Healthcare Innovation Awards: Longs Drugs has been acknowledged for healthcare innovation through its comprehensive pharmacy services and accessible care models. The brand's integration with CVS Pharmacy's advanced healthcare services, including prescription refills, same-day Rx delivery, and convenient care options, has received recognition for improving healthcare accessibility in Hawaiian communities.
Business Excellence Recognition: Business View Magazine has featured Longs Drugs for its dedication to community support and healthcare innovation. The company's founding in 1938 and subsequent growth to approximately 500+ locations demonstrates sustained business excellence while maintaining community-focused values. Longs Drugs' ability to balance commercial success with community responsibility has been acknowledged as a model for retail pharmacy operations.
Customer Trust and Loyalty Recognition: Longs Drugs has received recognition for building and maintaining customer trust across generations of Hawaiian residents. The brand's consistent presence in local communities, combined with its commitment to personalized pharmacy services, has resulted in strong customer loyalty and recognition as a trusted healthcare provider.
Local Economic Impact Recognition: Longs Drugs has been acknowledged for its positive impact on the Hawaiian economy through local sourcing practices and community investment. The company's partnerships with local suppliers and distributors support economic sustainability while ensuring rapid response during emergencies and normal operations. These contributions to the local economy have been recognized by business organizations and community leaders.
Integration with CVS Health Excellence: As part of CVS Health, Longs Drugs benefits from and contributes to the parent company's recognition for healthcare innovation and sustainability leadership. CVS Health's comprehensive sustainability programs and healthcare initiatives have received industry recognition, reflecting positively on all CVS Health pharmacy locations including Longs Drugs stores.
Longs Drugs Recalls & Controversies
Longs Drugs, as part of CVS Health, has faced significant legal challenges primarily related to opioid dispensing practices and regulatory compliance issues. These controversies have drawn substantial scrutiny and resulted in major financial settlements affecting the entire CVS Health organization.
Opioid Crisis Litigation and Settlement: CVS Health, including its Longs Drugs subsidiary, has been involved in major litigation related to the opioid crisis. In December 2022, CVS agreed to pay approximately $5 billion over 10 years to settle thousands of lawsuits claiming the company contributed to the opioid epidemic by dispensing opioid drugs despite obvious red flags. This settlement was part of a broader $13 billion agreement involving CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart to resolve more than 3,000 lawsuits from states, municipalities, and Native American tribes.
Department of Justice Lawsuit: In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a nationwide lawsuit against CVS Pharmacy Inc. and various subsidiaries, including Longs Drugs operations. The civil complaint, unsealed in Providence, Rhode Island, alleges that CVS knowingly filled unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and sought reimbursement from federal healthcare programs. The Justice Department claims CVS continued to dispense suspicious opioid prescriptions despite obvious red flags, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis.
Regulatory Compliance Issues: The Department of Justice lawsuit highlights systemic compliance issues across CVS Health's pharmacy operations, including Longs Drugs locations. The complaint alleges that CVS failed to implement adequate systems to identify and prevent suspicious prescription orders, despite having access to prescription monitoring programs and other tools designed to detect potential diversion and abuse.
Financial Impact and Business Consequences: The opioid litigation has resulted in significant financial costs for CVS Health, affecting the company's profitability and shareholder value. The $5 billion settlement, combined with ongoing legal defense costs and potential additional penalties, represents a substantial financial burden that affects all CVS Health subsidiaries including Longs Drugs.
Reputational Damage: The opioid crisis involvement has damaged CVS Health's reputation as a trusted healthcare provider. The lawsuits and settlement have raised questions about the company's commitment to patient safety and responsible pharmacy practices, potentially affecting customer trust across all CVS Health locations including Longs Drugs stores.
Enhanced Compliance Requirements: As a result of these controversies, CVS Health has implemented enhanced compliance programs and monitoring systems across all pharmacy locations. These changes include stricter prescription monitoring, enhanced staff training, and improved systems for identifying suspicious prescription orders. Longs Drugs locations must comply with these enhanced requirements as part of the CVS Health network.
Community Impact in Hawaii: The opioid crisis has particularly affected Hawaiian communities, and Longs Drugs' involvement in the litigation has raised concerns among local community leaders and healthcare providers. The company's role in the opioid dispensing controversy has affected its relationships with local healthcare organizations and community groups in Hawaii.
Brands Owned by CVS Health
- Aetna - American health insurance company founded in 1853, owned by CVS Health since 201...
- Caremark - American pharmacy benefits management company and one of the largest PBMs in the...
- CVS Pharmacy - American pharmacy retail chain and one of the largest pharmacy networks in the U...
- MinuteClinic - American retail healthcare clinic chain providing urgent care and preventive hea...
- Navarro Discount Pharmacies - American pharmacy retail chain serving Hispanic and Latino communities, owned by...
- Omnicare - American pharmacy services provider specializing in long-term care and senior li...
Longs Drugs Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong regional presence in Hawaii and western United States
- +Access to CVS Health's broader resources and technology platforms
- +Integration with Caremark pharmacy benefits management
- +Community-focused approach and established customer relationships
- +Competitive pricing and customer service traditions
- +Coordination with Aetna health insurance for seamless coverage
Considerations
- -Potential loss of independent decision-making authority
- -Dependency on CVS Health's corporate policies and strategies
- -Integration challenges with larger corporate structure
- -Limited independence in pricing and formulary decisions
- -Regulatory scrutiny over integrated healthcare model
- -Balance between maintaining regional focus and corporate efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions About Longs Drugs
Sources & Further Reading
- CVS Health Impact and Sustainability Report -
- CVS Health Healthy 2030 Strategy -
- CVS Health 2024 Impact Report Appendix -
- Longs Drugs Official Website -
- Business View Magazine: Longs Drugs Hawaii -
- Business View Magazine: Longs Drugs USA -
- Longs Drugs Wikipedia -
- Justice Department CVS Lawsuit -
- NPR: CVS Opioid Settlement Coverage -
- BMJ: Pharmacy Opioid Lawsuit Settlement -
- National Opioids Settlement Executive Summary -
- Class Action U: CVS Historic Lawsuits -
- CVS Group Sustainability Initiatives -
- DitchCarbon: CVS Health Environmental Score -
- ResponsibilityReports.com: CVS Health ESG Reports -
- Hawaii Business and Community Publications -- Local economic impact assessments
- Longs Drugs Official Website
- CVS Health Corporate Responsibility
- CVS Pharmacy Services Information
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to Longs Drugs
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna | USA | 1982 | Mass market | United states | All-ages | |
| Unitedhealth Group | USA | 1977 | Mass market | United states | All-ages | |
| Elevance Health | USA | 1946 | Mass market | United states | All-ages |
Learn More About Competitors

Cigna Healthcare
Owned by The Cigna Group
American health insurance brand providing medical coverage, health plans, and wellness services for individuals, families, and employers through various insurance products.

UnitedHealthcare
Owned by UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group's health insurance brand providing coverage for individuals, employers, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients.

Anthem Blue Shield
Owned by Elevance Health Inc.
Health insurance brand providing medical, pharmacy, behavioral, and dental coverage to individuals and employers, owned by Elevance Health.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Longs Drugs competes with 3 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
CVS Health Stock Information
Jobs at CVS Health
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