Express Scripts (NASDAQ: ESRX) reported Q3 EPS of $2.43, in-line with the analyst estimate of $2.43. Revenue for the quarter came in at $25.56 billion versus the consensus estimate of $25.04 billion.

• Adjusted claims of 334.6 million, down 2.6%
• GAAP net income of $1,071.6 million, up 27.3%
• GAAP earnings per diluted share of $1.89, up 29.5%
• Adjusted EBITDA of $2,037.7 million, up 4.6%
• Adjusted net income of $1,380.7 million, up 26.3%
• Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $2.43, up 27.9%
• Net cash flow provided by operating activities of $759.4 million, down 60%

"Our momentum is strong: we achieve industry-leading drug trend, specialized care for patients and breakthrough pharmacy and healthcare solutions, which have helped us achieve strong client retention and increased interest from prospects. Across the board we are driving strong results, as we did in the third quarter," said Tim Wentworth, President and CEO. "As we look ahead to our planned combination with Cigna, we will offer greater affordability and differentiation through our relentless focus on patient care, cost containment and continuous innovation while delivering quality health outcomes for our patients and clients."

Business Outlook

The Company now expects its 2019 retention rate for the 2018 selling season to exceed 98%, an all-time high/2 for the Company. "We continue to earn the trust of those we serve through our ability to predict marketplace trends, create advantage for our clients, and develop innovative solutions that generate greater value. With trust comes the ability to help even more people achieve better outcomes. Now, more than ever, prospects and clients alike need more innovation, service and care, and we are well positioned to deliver. We are retaining our clients, winning prospects, and enrolling clients in more solutions and, as a result, expect to grow core business adjusted claims by 2% to 3% in 2019. From taking on the toughest challenges to uncovering innovative opportunities, Express Scripts is championing better healthcare every day," said Wentworth.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Express Scripts (ESRX) click here.