“SWOT is an acronym for the internal Strengths and Weaknesses of a firm and the environmental Opportunities and Threats facing that firm. SWOT analysis is a widely used technique through which managers create a quick overview of a company’s strategic situation. The technique is based on the assumption that an effective strategy derives from a sound “fit” between a firm’s internal resources (strengths and weaknesses) and its external situation (opportunities and threats). A good fit maximizes a firm’s strengths and opportunities and minimizes its weaknesses and threats. Accurately applied, this simple assumption has powerful implications for the design of a successful strategy.”

CVS Caremark 

CVS Caremark (CVS) operates 6,245 retail drugstores in 40 states and the District of Columbia, 56specialty pharmacies in 26 US states, 20 specialty mail service pharmacies, and nine mail service pharmacies. The company also provides healthcare services through its 462 Minute Clinic healthcare clinics located in 25 US states, of which 437 are located within CVS retail drugstores. In fiscal 2007,the company filled over 528 million prescriptions, or about 17% of total prescriptions filled by the US retail pharmacy market. The company's leading market position helps in establishing its brand image and in increasing its bargaining power. However, several drugstores from Canada which offer relatively easy access to buyers from the US have the potential to affect the CVS’ revenues.