Express Scripts (ESRX) Guides 2017 EPS In-Line

Express Scripts Holding Company (Nasdaq: ESRX) anticipates achieving adjusted earnings per diluted share for 2017 in the range of $6.82 to $7.02, representing growth of 7% to 10% from the midpoint of our 2016 adjusted EPS guidance range. The consensus is $6.93.

"Our value proposition is clear; our opportunities to help patients and payers contain healthcare costs and improve clinical outcomes have never been greater," said Tim Wentworth, CEO and President. "As we continue to evolve our technological capabilities, expand the reach of our pharmacies, and enhance our patient experience, we believe we are well positioned to grow as a unique market force creating value and driving out waste in healthcare."

To better reflect utilization patterns that have developed over time as we align our products and offerings to deliver greater value through both the retail and home delivery channels, the Company is revising its methodology for reporting network claims for its 2017 financial guidance and for reporting periods beginning with the year ending December 31, 2016. Specifically, the revised methodology includes an adjustment to reflect non-specialty network claims filled through our 90-day network programs. These claims are now multiplied by three, as these claims, on average, typically cover a time period three times longer than other network claims. Home delivery claims will continue to be multiplied by three, consistent with prior practice. Solely as the direct result of the revised methodology, the Company is updating its previously issued 2016 total adjusted claims guidance from a range of 1,265 million to 1,280 million to a range of 1,400 million to 1,415 million.

The Company updates its previously issued 2016 EPS guidance from a range of $4.47 to $4.53 to a range of $5.28 to $5.34, driven by the previously disclosed impact from discrete tax benefits per diluted share of $0.81 related to the disposition of PolyMedica Corporation (Liberty). The Company reaffirms its previously issued 2016 full year adjusted EPS guidance range of $6.36 to $6.42 and EBITDA guidance range of $7,230 million to $7,330 million.

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