The Quarterly
ESRX 2015 10-K

Express Scripts Holding Co (ESRX) SEC Quarterly Report (10-Q) for Q1 2016

ESRX Q2 2016 10-Q
ESRX 2015 10-K ESRX Q2 2016 10-Q

Table of Contents


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF

1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 .

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF

1934

For the transition period from ____________ to _____________.

Commission File Number: 1-35490

EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

45-2884094

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Express Way, St. Louis, MO

63121

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (314) 996-0900

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒  No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒  No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐  No ☒

Common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2016:

632,536,000


Shares


Table of Contents


EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY

INDEX

Part I

Financial Information

Item 1.

Financial Statements (unaudited)

3


a)

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet

3


b)

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations

4


c)

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

5


d)

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

6


e)

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

7


f)

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

8


Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

24


Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

33


Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

33


Part II

Other Information

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

34


Item 1A.

Risk Factors – (Not Applicable)

-


Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

35


Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities – (Not Applicable)

-


Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures – (Not Applicable)

-


Item 5.

Other Information – (Not Applicable)

-


Item 6.

Exhibits

35


Signatures

36


Index to Exhibits

37




2

Table of Contents


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet

(in millions)

March 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,771.1


$

3,186.3


Receivables, net

6,758.4


6,721.3


Inventories

1,733.4


2,023.1


Prepaid expenses and other current assets

136.9


128.8


Total current assets

10,399.8


12,059.5


Property and equipment, net

1,259.7


1,291.3


Goodwill

29,278.6


29,277.3


Other intangible assets, net

10,026.5


10,469.7


Other assets

143.0


145.5


Total assets

$

51,107.6


$

53,243.3


Liabilities and stockholders' equity

Current liabilities:

Claims and rebates payable

$

8,956.4


$

9,397.7


Accounts payable

3,681.8


3,451.8


Accrued expenses

2,390.1


2,659.4


Current maturities of long-term debt

2,208.6


1,646.4


Total current liabilities

17,236.9


17,155.3


Long-term debt

14,382.7


13,946.3


Deferred taxes

3,957.0


4,069.8


Other liabilities

681.8


691.4


Total liabilities

36,258.4


35,862.8


Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)





Stockholders' equity:

Preferred stock, 15.0 shares authorized, $0.01 par value per share; no shares issued and outstanding

-


-


Common stock, 2,985.0 shares authorized, $0.01 par value; shares issued: 855.8 and 854.5, respectively; shares outstanding: 632.5 and 676.9, respectively

8.6


8.5


Additional paid-in capital

22,514.7


22,204.7


Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(7.7

)

(14.0

)

Retained earnings

8,922.9


8,396.8


31,438.5


30,596.0


Common stock in treasury at cost, 223.3 and 177.6 shares, respectively

(16,597.4

)

(13,223.2

)

Total Express Scripts stockholders' equity

14,841.1


17,372.8


Non-controlling interest

8.1


7.7


Total stockholders' equity

14,849.2


17,380.5


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

51,107.6


$

53,243.3


See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

3

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EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations

Three Months Ended 
 March 31,

(in millions, except per share data)

2016

2015

Revenues (1)

$

24,791.8


$

24,899.6


Cost of revenues (1)

22,944.8


23,065.6


Gross profit

1,847.0


1,834.0


Selling, general and administrative

906.2


1,007.4


Operating income

940.8


826.6


Other (expense) income:

Interest income and other

8.8


5.3


Interest expense and other

(138.6

)

(116.4

)

(129.8

)

(111.1

)

Income before income taxes

811.0


715.5


Provision for income taxes

278.8


268.4


Net income

532.2


447.1


Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

6.1


6.0


Net income attributable to Express Scripts

$

526.1


$

441.1


Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period:

Basic

645.0


728.4


Diluted

649.7


735.4


Earnings per share:

Basic

$

0.82


$

0.61


Diluted

$

0.81


$

0.60



1

Includes retail pharmacy co-payments of $2,541.0 million and $2,634.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements



4


EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Three Months Ended 
 March 31,

(in millions)

2016

2015

Net income

$

532.2


$

447.1


Other comprehensive income (loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustment

6.3


(8.0

)

Comprehensive income

538.5


439.1


Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest

6.1


6.0


Comprehensive income attributable to Express Scripts

$

532.4


$

433.1


See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements



5

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EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

Number

of Shares

Amount

(in millions)

Common Stock

Common Stock

Additional

Paid-in Capital

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Retained Earnings

Treasury Stock

Non-controlling Interest

Total

Balance at December 31, 2015

854.5


$

8.5


$

22,204.7


$

(14.0

)

$

8,396.8


$

(13,223.2

)

$

7.7


$

17,380.5


Net income

-


-


-


-


526.1


-


6.1


532.2


Other comprehensive income

-


-


-


6.3


-


-


-


6.3


Treasury stock acquired

-


-


265.0


-


-


(3,374.2

)

-


(3,109.2

)

Changes in stockholders' equity related to employee stock plans

1.3


0.1


45.0


-


-


-


-


45.1


Distributions to non-controlling interest

-


-


-


-


-


-


(5.7

)

(5.7

)

Balance at March 31, 2016

855.8


$

8.6


$

22,514.7


$

(7.7

)

$

8,922.9


$

(16,597.4

)

$

8.1


$

14,849.2


See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


6

Table of Contents


EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31,

(in millions)

2016

2015

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$

532.2


$

447.1


Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

525.3


556.7


Deferred income taxes

(112.8

)

(114.2

)

Employee stock-based compensation expense

27.9


26.9


Other, net

(3.7

)

(32.2

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

(45.4

)

129.8


Inventories

289.7


227.2


Other current and noncurrent assets

(8.1

)

123.8


Claims and rebates payable

(441.4

)

(559.9

)

Accounts payable

229.0


(72.3

)

Accrued expenses

(232.2

)

(467.2

)

Other current and noncurrent liabilities

(9.3

)

15.7


Net cash flows provided by operating activities

751.2


281.4


Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment

(82.6

)

(48.3

)

Other, net

2.8


(19.7

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(79.8

)

(68.0

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Treasury stock acquired

(3,109.2

)

-


Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discounts

1,991.0


-


Repayment of long-term debt

(972.2

)

(1,210.5

)

Net proceeds from employee stock plans

11.1


48.8


Excess tax benefit relating to employee stock-based compensation

8.2


33.8


Other, net

(19.3

)

(8.6

)

Net cash used in financing activities

(2,090.4

)

(1,136.5

)

Effect of foreign currency translation adjustment

3.8


(3.7

)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(1,415.2

)

(926.8

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

3,186.3


1,832.6


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

1,771.1


$

905.8


See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


7

Table of Contents


EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Summary of significant accounting policies

Our significant accounting policies, normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, have been omitted from this Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). We believe the disclosures contained in this Form 10-Q are adequate to fairly state the information when read in conjunction with the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2015 Annual Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 , included in Item 8 - Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for the year ended December 31, 2015 , included on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2016 . For a description of our accounting policies, refer to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included therein.

We believe the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 , the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 , unaudited consolidated statement of operations and unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , the unaudited consolidated statement of changes in stockholders' equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , and the unaudited consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016 .

New accounting guidance . In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. The new standard simplifies the accounting for stock-based compensation, including amendments on how both taxes related to stock-based compensation and cash payments made to taxing authorities are recorded. These amendments are expected to impact net income, earnings per share ("EPS") and the consolidated statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early application is permitted, with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC Topic 842), which supersedes ASC Topic 840, Leases. This ASU is intended to increase transparency and comparability of organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606), which supersedes ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The new standard requires companies to recognize revenues upon transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of the standard by one year. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early application is not permitted before the original effective date of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 - Fair value measurements

Authoritative guidance regarding fair value measurement establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

Financial assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis include cash equivalents of $557.1 million and $1,795.5 million and trading securities (included in other assets and consisting primarily of mutual funds) of $26.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. These assets are carried at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (Level 1). Cash equivalents include investments in AAA-rated money market mutual funds with maturities of less than 90 days .


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Table of Contents


The fair values of cash and cash equivalents and investments (Level 1), accounts receivable, claims and rebates payable and accounts payable approximate carrying values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair values, which approximate the carrying values, of our 2015 two-year term loan and 2015 five-year term loan (Level 2) (as defined in Note 5 - Financing ) were estimated using the current market rates for debt with similar maturities. The fair values of our senior notes are $12,281.9 million and $11,078.0 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. See Note 5 - Financing for further discussion of the carrying values of our debt.

The fair values of our senior notes were estimated based on observable market information (Level 2). In determining the fair values of liabilities, we took into consideration the risk of nonperformance. Nonperformance risk refers to the risk the obligation will not be fulfilled and affects the value at which the liability would be transferred to a market participant. This risk did not have a material impact on the fair values of our liabilities.    

Note 3 - Goodwill and other intangible assets

Following is a summary of our goodwill and other intangible assets for our two reportable segments, Pharmacy Benefit Management ("PBM") and Other Business Operations.

March 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

(in millions)

Gross Carrying Amount

Accumulated Amortization

Net Carrying Amount

Gross Carrying Amount

Accumulated Amortization

Net Carrying Amount

Goodwill

PBM

$

29,288.1


$

(106.9

)

$

29,181.2


$

29,286.7


$

(106.8

)

$

29,179.9


Other Business Operations

97.4


-


97.4


97.4


-


97.4


$

29,385.5


$

(106.9

)

$

29,278.6


$

29,384.1


$

(106.8

)

$

29,277.3


Other intangible assets

PBM

Customer contracts

$

17,570.7


$

(7,722.9

)

$

9,847.8


$

17,570.3


$

(7,290.0

)

$

10,280.3


Trade names

226.6


(89.2

)

137.4


226.6


(83.6

)

143.0


Miscellaneous

8.7


(6.9

)

1.8


8.7


(6.5

)

2.2


17,806.0


(7,819.0

)

9,987.0


17,805.6


(7,380.1

)

10,425.5


Other Business Operations

Customer relationships

120.2


(102.0

)

18.2


120.1


(98.1

)

22.0


Trade names

35.7


(14.4

)

21.3


35.7


(13.5

)

22.2


155.9


(116.4

)

39.5


155.8


(111.6

)

44.2


Total other intangible assets

$

17,961.9


$

(7,935.4

)

$

10,026.5


$

17,961.4


$

(7,491.7

)

$

10,469.7


Following is a summary of the change in the net carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment:

(in millions)

PBM

Other Business Operations

Total

Balance at December 31, 2015

$

29,179.9


$

97.4


$

29,277.3


Foreign currency translation

1.3


-


1.3


Balance at March 31, 2016

$

29,181.2


$

97.4


$

29,278.6


The aggregate amount of amortization expense of other intangible assets was $443.3 million and $432.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Included in total amortization expense is $34.3 million and $23.8 million related to our 10 -year contract with Anthem, Inc. ("Anthem") to provide PBM services to members of the affiliated health plans of Anthem which is included as an offset to revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. When we executed our agreement with Anthem in 2009, we considered the overall structure of the agreement and the nature of our relationship with Anthem, including the complexity of the service level required, and attributed a reasonable likelihood of renewal at the end of its term in 2019. Accordingly, we amortized the agreement using a modified pattern of benefit over an estimated useful life of 15 years . However, due to the sequence of recent events regarding our discussions with Anthem, culminating in the filing of the lawsuit on March 21, 2016, we felt it prudent to consider the increased likelihood of either non-renewal or renewal on substantially different terms such that, beginning in March 2016, we began amortizing our agreement with Anthem over the remaining term of the contract (i.e. using a life of 10 years from the


9

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time the agreement was executed in 2009). Previously, we amortized the agreement over 15 years . Therefore, the intangible asset amortization associated with the Anthem agreement will run through the remaining term of the contract at the end of 2019, reducing the previous amortization period by 5 years . This change increases intangible asset amortization by $10.5 million for the first quarter of 2016 and quarterly intangible asset amortization by approximately $32.0 million beginning in the second quarter of 2016. The weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets subject to amortization is 15 years, and by major intangible asset class is 4 to 20 years for customer-related intangible assets, 10 years for trade names (excluding legacy Express Scripts, Inc. ("ESI") trade names which have an indefinite life) and 5 years for other intangible assets.

Following is a summary of the annual expected aggregate amortization of other intangible assets (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,

Future Amortization

2016

$

1,833.0


2017

1,446.0


2018

1,436.0


2019

1,411.0


2020

762.0


Note 4 - Earnings per share

Basic EPS is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed in the same manner as basic EPS, but adds the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding for the period if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued. All shares are calculated under the "treasury stock" method. Following is the reconciliation between the number of weighted-average shares used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations:

Three Months Ended 
 March 31,

(in millions)

2016

2015

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period-basic

645.0


728.4


Dilutive common stock equivalents: (1)(2)

Outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and executive deferred compensation units

4.7


7.0


Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period-diluted

649.7


735.4


(1)

If the 2016 ASR Agreement (as defined in Note 6 - Common stock ) had been settled as of March 31, 2016 , based on the volume-weighted average price per share since the effective date of the 2016 ASR Agreement , the counterparty would have been required to deliver approximately 8.5 million additional shares to us. However, we cannot predict the final number of shares to be received under the 2016 ASR Agreement until the completion of the program, which is expected to occur during the third quarter of 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the 8.5 million shares are not included in the calculation of diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding because the effect is anti-dilutive. See Note 6 - Common stock for further description.

(2)

Excludes equity awards of 6.1 million and 1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These were excluded because the effect is anti-dilutive.


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Note 5 - Financing

Our debt, issued by us, ESI and Medco Health Solutions, Inc. ("Medco"), net of unamortized discounts, premiums and financing costs, consists of:

March 31, 
 2016

December 31, 
 2015

Long-term Debt (1)(2)

Issuer

Basis Points (3)

Carrying Amount (in millions)

March 2008 Senior Notes

$1,200.0 million, 7.125% senior notes due 2018

Medco

50


$

1,286.3


$

1,296.9


June 2009 Senior Notes

$500.0 million, 7.250% senior notes due 2019

ESI

50


497.6


497.4


September 2010 Senior Notes

$500.0 million, 4.125% senior notes due 2020

Medco

25


504.7


504.9




May 2011 Senior Notes

$1,500.0 million, 3.125% senior notes due 2016

ESI

20


565.3


1,498.7


November 2011 Senior Notes

$1,250.0 million, 4.750% senior notes due 2021

Express Scripts

45


1,238.0


1,237.5


$700.0 million, 6.125% senior notes due 2041

Express Scripts

50


692.6


692.5


1,930.6


1,930.0


February 2012 Senior Notes

$1,500.0 million, 2.650% senior notes due 2017

Express Scripts

35


1,495.7


1,494.4


$1,000.0 million, 3.900% senior notes due 2022

Express Scripts

40


982.0


981.3


2,477.7


2,475.7


June 2014 Senior Notes

$1,000.0 million, 2.250% senior notes due 2019

Express Scripts

15


993.6


993.1


$1,000.0 million, 3.500% senior notes due 2024

Express Scripts

20


987.2


986.8


$500.0 million, 1.250% senior notes due 2017

Express Scripts

10


498.8


498.6


2,479.6


2,478.5


February 2016 Senior Notes

$1,500.0 million, 4.500% senior notes due 2026

Express Scripts

45


1,479.9


-


$500.0 million, 3.300% senior notes due 2021

Express Scripts

35


495.2


-


1,975.1


-


Term loans

2015 five-year term loan (4)

Express Scripts

N/A


2,878.1


2,915.1


2015 two-year term loan (4)

Express Scripts

N/A


1,996.3


1,995.5


Total debt

16,591.3


15,592.7


Less: Current maturities of long-term debt

2,208.6


1,646.4


Total long-term debt

$

14,382.7


$

13,946.3


(1)

All senior notes require interest to be paid semi-annually, commencing with the month of issuance.

(2)

All senior notes are jointly and severally and fully and unconditionally (subject to certain customary release provisions, including sale, exchange, transfer or liquidation of the guarantor subsidiary) guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Express Scripts (if issued by either Medco or ESI) and by most of our current and future 100% owned domestic subsidiaries.

(3)

All senior notes are redeemable prior to maturity at a price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the aggregate principal amount of any notes being redeemed; or (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360 -day year consisting of twelve 30 -day months) at the treasury rate plus the basis points as indicated, plus in each case, unpaid interest on the notes being redeemed accrued to the redemption date.

(4)

The 2015 five-year term loan and 2015 two-year term loan , of which $4,887.5 million of aggregate principal was outstanding as of March 31, 2016 , had average interest rates of 1.68% and 1.48% , respectively, as of March 31, 2016 and 1.45% and 1.33% , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 .


11

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Bank credit facilities. In April 2015, we entered into a credit agreement (the " 2015 credit agreement ") providing for a five -year $2,000.0 million revolving credit facility (the " 2015 revolving facility "), a two -year $2,500.0 million term loan (the " 2015 two-year term loan ") and a five -year $3,000.0 million term loan (the " 2015 five-year term loan "). At March 31, 2016 , no amounts were outstanding under the 2015 revolving facility . We make quarterly principal payments on the 2015 five-year term loan . At March 31, 2016 , $150.0 million of the 2015 credit agreement , and a proportionate amount of unamortized financing costs, was considered current maturities of long-term debt.

The 2015 credit agreement requires interest to be paid, at our option, at LIBOR or an adjusted base rate, plus applicable margin. Depending on our consolidated leverage ratio, the applicable margin over LIBOR ranges from 0.900% to 1.300% for the 2015 revolving facility , 0.875% to 1.375% for the 2015 two-year term loan and 1.000% to 1.500% for the 2015 five-year term loan . The applicable margin over the adjusted base rate ranges from 0.000% to 0.300% for the 2015 revolving facility , 0.000% to 0.375% for the 2015 two-year term loan and 0.000% to 0.500% for the 2015 five-year term loan . We are required to pay commitment fees on the 2015 revolving facility , which range from 0.100% to 0.200% of the revolving loan commitments, depending on our consolidated leverage ratio.

In August 2015, we entered into a one -year credit agreement, providing for an uncommitted $150.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2015 credit facility"). In December 2014, we entered into a one -year credit agreement, providing for an uncommitted $150.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2014 credit facility"). In October 2015, an amendment was executed to extend the 2014 credit facility's termination date to April 2016 and to decrease the 2014 credit facility to $130.0 million . At March 31, 2016 , no amounts were drawn under the 2015 credit facility or the 2014 credit facility.

Senior notes. In February 2016, we issued senior notes (the "February 2016 Senior Notes") consisting of:

$500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.300% senior notes due 2021

$1,500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior notes due 2026

We used the net proceeds from the sale of the February 2016 Senior Notes to complete a tender offer and follow-on redemption of our 3.125% senior notes due 2016 (which were fully redeemed by April 2016), to enter into an accelerated share repurchase program and for other general corporate purposes.

In March 2016, we completed the tender offer for $934.7 million of our $1,500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% senior notes due 2016 using the proceeds of the February 2016 Senior Notes, and wrote off the associated amount of discounts and financing costs. In April 2016, we completed the redemption of the remaining $565.3 million aggregate principal. These notes were redeemed at a redemption price equal to the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed, not including unpaid interest accrued to the redemption date, discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at the treasury rate plus 20 basis points, plus unpaid interest of the notes being redeemed accrued to the redemption date. Total cash payments related to these notes was $1,506.7 million , which included $6.7 million of repayment costs.

Financing costs of approximately $16.0 million for the issuance of the February 2016 Senior Notes are being amortized over a weighted-average period of 8.8 years.

Covenants. Our bank financing arrangements and senior notes contain certain customary covenants that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create or permit liens on assets and engage in mergers or consolidations. The covenants related to bank financing arrangements also include, among other things, a maximum leverage ratio. The 7.125% senior notes due 2018 issued by Medco are also subject to an interest rate adjustment in the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings to below investment grade. At March 31, 2016 , we were in compliance with all covenants associated with our debt instruments.


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Schedule of maturities. Following is a schedule of maturities, excluding unamortized discounts, premiums and financing costs, for our long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,

Maturities of Long-term Debt

2016 (1)(2)

$

677.8


2017

4,225.0


2018

1,575.0


2019

2,700.0


2020

1,475.0


Thereafter

5,950.0


Total

$

16,602.8


(1)

Represents payments for the nine months ended December 31, 2016.

(2)

Includes $565.3 million of aggregate principal related to the 3.125% senior notes due 2016 repaid in April 2016.

Note 6 - Common stock

Accelerated share repurchases. In January 2016, we settled the $5,500.0 million accelerated share repurchase agreement executed in April 2015 (the " 2015 ASR Agreement ") and received 9.1 million additional shares, resulting in a total of 64.2 million shares received under the 2015 ASR Agreement . The $825.0 million that had previously been recorded in additional paid-in capital in respect of the 2015 ASR Agreement was reclassified to treasury stock upon settlement of the 2015 ASR Agreement .

In February 2016, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the " 2016 ASR Agreement ") to repurchase shares of our common stock for an initial payment (the " prepayment amount ") of $2,800.0 million . Under the terms of the 2016 ASR Agreement , upon payment of the prepayment amount , we received an initial delivery of 32.1 million shares of our common stock at a price of $69.69 per share, which represented, based on the closing share price of our common stock on Nasdaq on February 25, 2016, approximately 80% of the prepayment amount . The final purchase price per share (the "forward price") and the final number of shares received will be determined using the arithmetic mean of the daily volume-weighted average price per share of our common stock (the "VWAP") over the term of the 2016 ASR Agreement , less a discount and subject to adjustments pursuant to the terms of the 2016 ASR Agreement (including a cap on the forward price). Final settlement of the 2016 ASR Agreement is expected to occur during the third quarter of 2016.

Upon settlement of the 2016 ASR Agreement , we may receive additional shares or we may be required to either pay additional cash or deliver shares of our common stock (at our option), based on the forward price. Under the terms of the 2016 ASR Agreement , the maximum number of shares that could be delivered by us is 80.4 million . If the 2016 ASR Agreement had been settled as of March 31, 2016 , based on the VWAP since the effective date of the 2016 ASR Agreement , the counterparty would have been required to deliver approximately 8.5 million additional shares to us. However, we cannot predict the final number of shares to be received under the 2016 ASR Agreement , if any, until the completion of the program. These shares are not included in the calculation of diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period because the effect is anti-dilutive.

The 2016 ASR Agreement was accounted for as an initial treasury stock transaction and a forward stock purchase contract. We recorded an increase to treasury stock of $2,240.0 million and a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $560.0 million in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet. The $560.0 million recorded in additional paid-in capital will be reclassified to treasury stock upon settlement of the 2016 ASR Agreement . The forward stock purchase contract was classified as an equity instrument and was deemed to have a fair value of zero at the effective date of the 2016 ASR Agreement . The initial delivery of shares resulted in an immediate reduction of the outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted net income per share on the effective date of the 2016 ASR Agreement .

Treasury share repurchases. Including the shares initially delivered under the 2016 ASR Agreement and upon the settlement of the 2015 ASR Agreement , we repurchased 45.7 million shares under our share repurchase program for $3,374.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . There were no repurchases during the three months ended March 31, 2015 . As of March 31, 2016 , there were 42.9 million shares remaining under our share repurchase program. Additional share repurchases, if any, will be made in such amounts and at such times as we deem appropriate based upon prevailing market and business conditions and other factors.


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Note 7 - Stock-based compensation plans

Under our stock-based compensation plans described below, we have issued stock options, restricted stock units and performance shares. All awards are settled by issuance of new shares.

Awards granted under the incentive stock plans are subject to accelerated vesting under certain specified circumstances, including upon a change in control and termination, and are also subject to forfeiture without consideration upon termination of employment under certain circumstances. The maximum term of stock options is generally 10  years.

We recognized stock-based compensation expense of $27.9 million and $26.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unamortized stock-based compensation as of March 31, 2016 was $65.0 million for stock options and $79.8 million for restricted stock units and performance shares.

Stock options. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , we granted 3.9 million stock options with a weighted-average fair market value of $13.68 per share. Stock options granted generally have three -year graded vesting.

The fair value of stock options granted was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes multiple option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

Three Months Ended 
 March 31,

2016

2015

Expected life of option

3-5 years

3-5 years

Risk-free interest rate

1.0%-1.4%

1.0%-1.7%

Expected volatility of stock

20%-25%

21%-26%

Expected dividend yield

None

None

The Black-Scholes model requires subjective assumptions, including future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, which greatly affect the calculated values. The expected term and forfeiture rate of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior as well as expected behavior on outstanding options. The risk-free rate is based on the United States Treasury rates in effect during the corresponding period of grant. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock price. These factors could change in the future, which would affect the stock-based compensation expense recognized in future periods.

Restricted stock units and performance shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , we granted 0.9 million restricted stock units and performance shares with a weighted-average fair market value of $69.57 per share. Restricted stock units generally have three -year graded vesting. Performance shares generally have three -year cliff vesting. The number of performance shares that ultimately vest is dependent upon the achievement of specific performance metrics. The original grant of performance shares is subject to a multiplier of up to 2.5 based on the achievement of the performance metrics. Due to the achievement of certain performance metrics, during the three months ended March 31, 2016 , 0.1 million common shares were issued in settlement of performance shares granted in March 2013.

Note 8 - Commitments and contingencies

We are subject to various legal proceedings, investigations, government inquiries and claims pending against us or our subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, those relating to regulatory, commercial, employment and employee benefits. We record accruals for certain of our outstanding legal proceedings, investigations and claims when we believe it is probable a liability will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate developments in legal proceedings, investigations and claims that could affect the amount of any accrual, as well as any developments that would make a loss both probable and reasonably estimable.

We record self-insurance accruals based on estimates of the aggregate liability of claim costs (including defense costs) in excess of our insurance coverage. The majority of these claims are legal claims and our liability estimate is primarily related to the cost to defend these claims. We do not accrue for settlements, judgments, monetary fines or penalties until such amounts are probable and estimable. If the range of possible loss is broad, and no amount within the range is more likely than any other, the liability accrual is based on the low end of the range.


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Table of Contents


When a loss contingency is not believed to be both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrued liability. However, if the loss (or an additional loss in excess of the accrual) is believed to be at least a reasonable possibility and material, then we disclose an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, if such estimate can be made, or disclose an estimate cannot be made.

The legal proceedings, investigations, government inquires and claims pending against us or our subsidiaries include multi-district litigation, class action lawsuits, antitrust allegations, qui tam lawsuits ("whistleblower" actions) and various governmental inquiries and informational subpoenas.

The assessment of whether a loss is probable and reasonably estimable involves a series of complex judgments about future events. We are often unable to estimate a range of loss due to significant uncertainties, particularly where (i) the damages sought are unspecified or indeterminate; (ii) the proceedings are in the early stages; (iii) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories or a large number of parties; (iv) class action status may be sought and certified; (v) it is questionable whether asserted claims or allegations will survive dispositive motion practice; (vi) the impact of discovery on the legal process is unknown; (vii) the settlement posture of the parties has not been determined and/or (viii) in the case of certain government agency investigations, whether a sealed qui tam lawsuit has been filed and whether the government agency makes a decision to intervene in the lawsuit following investigation. Accordingly, for many proceedings, we are currently unable to estimate the loss or a range of possible loss.

For a limited number of proceedings, we may be able to reasonably estimate the possible range of loss in excess of any accruals. However, we believe such matters, individually and in the aggregate, when finally resolved, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our cash flow or financial condition. We also believe any amount that could be reasonably estimated in excess of accruals, if any, for such proceedings is not material. However, an unexpected adverse resolution of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

Subsequent to the acquisition of Medco, we have experienced an increase in the number of inquiries, subpoenas and qui tam lawsuits and in the volume of information requested related thereto. Certain data requests have included several years of information from legacy acquired systems that in some cases may not be readily available. The process of locating the data requested is time consuming and labor intensive, but is required to be responsive and cooperative with the various inquiries.

We cannot predict the timing or outcome of the matters described below:

Anthem, Inc. v. Express Scripts, Inc. On March 21, 2016, Anthem filed this lawsuit alleging various breach of contract claims against ESI relating to the parties' rights and obligations under the periodic pricing review section of the pharmacy benefit management agreement between the parties, including allegations that ESI failed to negotiate new pricing concessions in good faith, as well as various alleged service issues. Anthem requests the court enter declaratory judgment that ESI is required to provide Anthem competitive benchmark pricing, that Anthem can terminate the agreement, and that ESI is required to provide Anthem with post-termination services at competitive benchmark pricing for one year following any termination by Anthem. Anthem claims it is entitled to $13,000.0 million in additional pricing concessions over the remaining term of the agreement as well as $1,800.0 million for one year following any contract termination by Anthem, and $150.0 million in damages for service issues. On April 19, 2016, in response to Anthem's complaint, ESI filed its answer denying Anthem's allegations in their entirety and asserting affirmative defenses and counterclaims against Anthem.

Jerry Beeman, et al. v. Caremark, et al. Plaintiffs allege that ESI and the other defendants failed to comply with statutory obligations to provide California clients with the results of a bi-annual survey of retail drug prices. In March 2014, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the case to the district court for further proceedings.

(i) Brady Enterprises, Inc., et al. v. Medco Health Solutions, Inc., and (ii) North Jackson Pharmacy, Inc., et al. v. Express Scripts, Inc., et al. Plaintiffs assert claims for violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Currently, ESI's motion to decertify the class in the Brady Enterprises case is pending. Oral arguments were held in January 2012.

We are the subject of various qui tam matters:

United States ex. rel. Steve Greenfield, et al. v. Medco Health Solutions, Inc., Accredo Health Group, Inc., and Hemophilia Health Services, Inc. The complaint alleges defendants violated the federal False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Civil Monetary Penalty Statute and various state and local false claims statutes. Greenfield filed an amended complaint in October 2014, and the Company filed an answer and affirmative defenses in November 2014.


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Table of Contents


United States of America ex. rel. Shane Lager v. CSL Behring, LLC, CSL Limited, Accredo Health, Inc., and Coram LLC. The complaint, received on June 23, 2015, alleges Accredo violated the federal False Claims Act. On August 21, 2015, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint under the public disclosure bar, for failure to state a claim, and for failure to plead fraud with particularity. Relator filed a response to the motion on October 21, 2015 and the Company filed a reply on November 12, 2015. On January 20, 2016, the Court granted the Company's motion, as well as motions filed by the other defendants, and the case was dismissed with prejudice. Lager appealed the Court's ruling and filed his opening Appellant's Brief on April 18, 2016.

We have received and intend to cooperate with various subpoenas from government agencies requesting information.

While we believe our services and business practices are in substantial compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations in all material respects, we cannot predict the outcome of these actions at this time. An unfavorable outcome in one or more of these matters could result in the imposition of judgments, monetary fines or penalties or injunctive or administrative remedies.


16

Table of Contents


Note 9 - Segment information

We report segments on the basis of products and services offered and have determined we have two reportable segments: PBM and Other Business Operations. Within the Other Business Operations segment, we have aggregated two operating segments that do not meet the quantitative and qualitative criteria to be separately reported.

Operating income is the measure used by our chief operating decision maker to assess the performance of each of our operating segments. Following is information about our reportable segments, including a reconciliation of operating income to income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 .

(in millions)

PBM

Other Business Operations

Total

For the three months ended March 31, 2016

Product revenues:

Network revenues (1)

$

13,000.6


$

-


$

13,000.6


Home delivery and specialty revenues (2)

10,611.2


-


10,611.2


Other revenues (3)

-


748.0


748.0


Service revenues

342.2


89.8


432.0


Total revenues

23,954.0


837.8


24,791.8


Depreciation and amortization expense

517.1


8.2


525.3


Operating income

922.7


18.1


940.8


Interest income and other

8.8


Interest expense and other

(138.6

)

Income before income taxes

811.0


Capital expenditures

79.0


3.6


82.6


For the three months ended March 31, 2015

Product revenues:

Network revenues (1)

$

14,242.0


$

-


$

14,242.0


Home delivery and specialty revenues (2)

9,626.2


-


9,626.2


Other revenues (3)

-


570.6


570.6


Service revenues

382.2


78.6


460.8


Total revenues

24,250.4


649.2


24,899.6


Depreciation and amortization expense

549.3


7.4


556.7


Operating income

807.3


19.3


826.6


Interest income and other

5.3


Interest expense and other

(116.4

)

Income before income taxes

715.5


Capital expenditures

41.4


6.9


48.3


(1)

Includes retail pharmacy co-payments of $2,541.0 million and $2,634.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

(2)

Includes home delivery and specialty, including drugs we distribute to other PBMs' clients under limited distribution contracts with pharmaceutical manufacturers and Freedom Fertility claims.

(3)

Includes other revenues related to drugs distributed through patient assistance programs.

PBM product revenues consist of revenues from the sale of prescription drugs by retail pharmacies in our retail pharmacy networks, revenues from the dispensing of prescription drugs from our home delivery pharmacies and revenues from the sale of certain fertility and specialty drugs. Other Business Operations product revenues consist of distribution services of specialty pharmaceuticals and consulting services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and device manufacturers to collect scientific evidence to guide the safe, effective and affordable use of medicines. PBM service revenues include administrative fees associated with the administration of retail pharmacy networks contracted by certain clients, informed decision counseling services and specialty pharmacy services. Other Business Operations service revenues include revenues related to data analytics and research associated with our United BioSource business.


17

Table of Contents


Following is the summary of total assets by reportable segment:

(in millions)

March 31, 
 2016

December 31, 
 2015

PBM

$

49,894.5


$

52,174.9


Other Business Operations

1,213.1


1,068.4


Total assets

$

51,107.6


$

53,243.3


On an individual basis, two clients represent 10% or greater of our consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and in the aggregate represent 29.9% of consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 .

Revenues earned by our international businesses totaled $20.6 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . All other revenues were earned in the United States. Long-lived assets of our international businesses (consisting primarily of fixed assets) totaled $22.6 million and $21.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. All other long-lived assets are domiciled in the United States.

Note 10 - Condensed consolidating financial information

The senior notes issued by ESI, Medco and us are jointly and severally and fully and unconditionally (subject to certain customary release provisions, including sale, exchange, transfer or liquidation of the guarantor subsidiary) guaranteed by certain of our 100% owned domestic subsidiaries, other than certain regulated subsidiaries, and, with respect to notes issued by ESI and Medco, by us. The following condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared in accordance with the requirements for presentation of such information. The condensed consolidating financial information presented below is not indicative of what the financial position, results of operations or cash flows would have been had each of the entities operated as an independent company during the period for various reasons, including, but not limited to, intercompany transactions and integration of systems.

The following presentation reflects the structure that exists as of the most recent balance sheet date. The condensed consolidating financial information is presented separately for:

(i)

Express Scripts Holding Company (the Parent Company), the issuer of certain guaranteed obligations;

(ii)

ESI, guarantor, the issuer of additional guaranteed obligations;

(iii)

Medco, guarantor, the issuer of additional guaranteed obligations;

(iv)

Guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis (but excluding ESI and Medco), as specified in the indentures related to Express Scripts Holding Company's, ESI's and Medco's obligations under the notes;

(v)

Non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis;

(vi)

Consolidating entries and eliminations representing adjustments to (a) eliminate intercompany transactions between or among Express Scripts Holding Company, ESI, Medco, the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries, (b) eliminate the investments in our subsidiaries and (c) record consolidating entries; and

(vii)

Express Scripts Holding Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

In 2015 and 2016, as part of an ongoing reorganization, certain subsidiaries have been merged within the structure defined above through non-cash transfers. Reorganizations that qualify as a transfer of ongoing business operations are reflected retrospectively in the condensed consolidating balance sheet, statement of operations and statement of cash flows. Reorganizations that qualify as a transfer of assets are reflected prospectively in the condensed consolidating balance sheet, statement of operations and statement of cash flows. These events had no impact on our consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of operations or consolidated statement of cash flows.



18

Table of Contents


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

(in millions)

Express Scripts Holding Company

Express Scripts, 
Inc.

Medco Health Solutions, 
Inc.

Guarantors

Non-Guarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

As of March 31, 2016

Cash and cash equivalents

$

-


$

1,125.4


$

2.4


$

25.6


$

617.7


$

-


$

1,771.1


Receivables, net

-


3,344.7


986.1


2,019.3


408.3


-


6,758.4


Other current assets

-


12.0


2.2


1,806.3


49.8


-


1,870.3


Total current assets

-


4,482.1


990.7


3,851.2


1,075.8


-


10,399.8


Property and equipment, net

-


754.1


3.6


482.1


19.9


-


1,259.7


Investments in subsidiaries

41,366.7


11,386.6


9,472.7


-


-


(62,226.0

)

-


Intercompany

-


-


1,093.1


14,950.2


463.1


(16,506.4

)

-


Goodwill

-


3,122.4


22,609.9


3,525.0


21.3


-


29,278.6


Other intangible assets, net

-


856.6


7,930.1


1,228.2


11.6


-


10,026.5


Other assets

6.2


301.8


22.2


8.5


4.5


(200.2

)

143.0


Total assets

$

41,372.9


$

20,903.6


$

42,122.3


$

24,045.2


$

1,596.2


$

(78,932.6

)

$

51,107.6


Claims and rebates payable

$

-


$

5,440.6


$

3,515.8


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

8,956.4


Accounts payable

-


929.5


93.6


2,571.0


87.7


-


3,681.8


Accrued expenses

42.6


1,210.5


500.9


219.2


416.9


-


2,390.1


Current maturities of long-term debt

1,643.3


565.3


-


-


-


-


2,208.6


Total current liabilities

1,685.9


8,145.9


4,110.3


2,790.2


504.6


-


17,236.9


Long-term debt

12,094.1


497.6


1,791.0


-


-


-


14,382.7


Intercompany

12,751.6


3,754.8


-


-


-


(16,506.4

)

-


Deferred taxes

0.2


-


2,708.8


1,448.0


0.2


(200.2

)

3,957.0


Other liabilities

-


354.1


296.7


12.0


19.0


-


681.8


Non-controlling interest

-


-


-


-


8.1


-


8.1


Express Scripts stockholders' equity

14,841.1


8,151.2


33,215.5


19,795.0


1,064.3


(62,226.0

)

14,841.1


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

41,372.9


$

20,903.6


$

42,122.3


$

24,045.2


$

1,596.2


$

(78,932.6

)

$

51,107.6



19

Table of Contents


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

(in millions)

Express Scripts Holding Company

Express Scripts, 
Inc.

Medco Health Solutions, 
Inc.

Guarantors

Non-Guarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

As of December 31, 2015

Cash and cash equivalents

$

-


$

1,957.3


$

2.9


$

28.8


$

1,197.3


$

-


$

3,186.3


Receivables, net

-


3,445.9


1,123.5


1,768.3


383.6


-


6,721.3


Other current assets

-


34.2


3.2


2,080.6


33.9


-


2,151.9


Total current assets

-


5,437.4


1,129.6


3,877.7


1,614.8


-


12,059.5


Property and equipment, net

-


768.1


3.7


500.3


19.2


-


1,291.3


Investments in subsidiaries

40,819.1


11,191.6


9,500.4


-


-


(61,511.1

)

-


Intercompany

-


-


1,009.5


14,429.4


231.7


(15,670.6

)

-


Goodwill

-


3,122.4


22,609.9


3,525.0


20.0


-


29,277.3


Other intangible assets, net

-


893.7


8,265.2


1,298.8


12.0


-


10,469.7


Other assets

6.6


314.5


22.2


7.0


7.8


(212.6

)

145.5


Total assets

$

40,825.7


$

21,727.7


$

42,540.5


$

23,638.2


$

1,905.5


$

(77,394.3

)

$

53,243.3


Claims and rebates payable

$

-


$

5,543.7


$

3,854.0


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

9,397.7


Accounts payable

-


970.0


94.8


2,297.2


89.8


-


3,451.8


Accrued expenses

9.6


1,126.2


543.9


194.3


785.4


-


2,659.4


Current maturities of long-term debt

147.7


1,498.7


-


-


-


-


1,646.4


Total current liabilities

157.3


9,138.6


4,492.7


2,491.5


875.2


-


17,155.3


Long-term debt

11,647.1


497.4


1,801.8


-


-


-


13,946.3


Intercompany

11,648.3


4,022.3


-


-


-


(15,670.6

)

-


Deferred taxes

0.2


-


2,833.2


1,442.9


6.1


(212.6

)

4,069.8


Other liabilities

-


374.7


288.4


15.9


12.4


-


691.4


Non-controlling interest

-


-


-


-


7.7


-


7.7


Express Scripts stockholders' equity

17,372.8


7,694.7


33,124.4


19,687.9


1,004.1


(61,511.1

)

17,372.8


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

40,825.7


$

21,727.7


$

42,540.5


$

23,638.2


$

1,905.5


$

(77,394.3

)

$

53,243.3



20

Table of Contents


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

(in millions)

Express Scripts Holding Company

Express Scripts, 

Inc.

Medco Health Solutions, 

Inc.

Guarantors

Non-Guarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

For the three months ended March 31, 2016

Revenues

$

-


$

9,483.9


$

6,318.3


$

9,341.5


$

625.7


$

(977.6

)

$

24,791.8


Operating expenses

-


9,024.4


6,096.2


9,127.4


580.6


(977.6

)

23,851.0


Operating income

-


459.5


222.1


214.1


45.1


-


940.8


Other (expense) income:

Interest (expense) income and other, net

(98.5

)

(22.4

)

(11.6

)

2.2


0.5


-


(129.8

)

Intercompany interest income (expense)

64.8


(32.4

)

-


(32.4

)

-


-


-


Other (expense) income, net

(33.7

)

(54.8

)

(11.6

)

(30.2

)

0.5


-


(129.8

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

(33.7

)

404.7


210.5


183.9


45.6


-


811.0


Provision (benefit) for income taxes

(12.2

)

128.2


91.7


76.8


(5.7

)

-


278.8


Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries

(21.5

)

276.5


118.8


107.1


51.3


-


532.2


Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

547.6


180.0


(27.7

)

-


-


(699.9

)

-


Net income

526.1


456.5


91.1


107.1


51.3


(699.9

)

532.2


Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

-


-


-


-


6.1


-


6.1


Net income attributable to Express Scripts

526.1


456.5


91.1


107.1


45.2


(699.9

)

526.1


Other comprehensive income

6.3


6.3


-


-


6.3


(12.6

)

6.3


Comprehensive income attributable to Express Scripts

$

532.4


$

462.8


$

91.1


$

107.1


$

51.5


$

(712.5

)

$

532.4


For the three months ended March 31, 2015

Revenues

$

-


$

9,678.0


$

7,801.1


$

7,845.6


$

606.8


$

(1,031.9

)

$

24,899.6


Operating expenses

-


9,395.5


7,477.1


7,687.8


544.5


(1,031.9

)

24,073.0


Operating income

-


282.5


324.0


157.8


62.3


-


826.6


Other (expense) income:

Interest (expense) income and other, net

(76.0

)

(19.2

)

(14.5

)

0.6


(2.0

)

-


(111.1

)

Intercompany interest income (expense)

76.0


(38.0

)

-


(38.0

)

-


-


-


Other expense, net

-


(57.2

)

(14.5

)

(37.4

)

(2.0

)

-


(111.1

)

Income before income taxes

-


225.3


309.5


120.4


60.3


-


715.5


Provision for income taxes

-


81.9


120.8


63.9


1.8


-


268.4


Income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries

-


143.4


188.7


56.5


58.5


-


447.1


Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

441.1


231.0


(122.0

)

-


-


(550.1

)

-


Net income

441.1


374.4


66.7


56.5


58.5


(550.1

)

447.1


Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

-


-


-


-


6.0


-


6.0


Net income attributable to Express Scripts

441.1


374.4


66.7


56.5


52.5


(550.1

)

441.1


Other comprehensive loss

(8.0

)

(8.0

)

-


-


(8.0

)

16.0


(8.0

)

Comprehensive income attributable to Express Scripts

$

433.1


$

366.4


$

66.7


$

56.5


$

44.5


$

(534.1

)

$

433.1



21

Table of Contents


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(in millions)

Express Scripts Holding Company

Express Scripts,

Inc.

Medco Health Solutions,

Inc.

Guarantors

Non-Guarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

For the three months ended March 31, 2016

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

$

14.0


$

473.8


$

83.2


$

529.7


$

(349.5

)

$

-


$

751.2


Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment

-


(60.6

)

-


(20.8

)

(1.2

)

-


(82.6

)

Other, net

-


2.3


-


-


0.5


-


2.8


Net cash used in investing activities

-


(58.3

)

-


(20.8

)

(0.7

)

-


(79.8

)

Cash flows from financing activities:


Treasury stock acquired

(3,109.2

)

-


-


-


-


-


(3,109.2

)

Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discounts

1,991.0


-


-


-


-


-


1,991.0


Repayment of long-term debt

(37.5

)

(934.7

)

-


-


-


-


(972.2

)

Net proceeds from employee stock plans

11.1


-


-


-


-


-


11.1


Excess tax benefit relating to employee stock-based compensation

-


6.1


2.1


-


-


-


8.2


Other, net

(13.0

)

(15.0

)

-


(3.2

)

11.9


-


(19.3

)

Net intercompany transactions

1,143.6


(303.8

)

(85.8

)

(508.9

)

(245.1

)

-


-


Net cash used in financing activities

(14.0

)

(1,247.4

)

(83.7

)

(512.1

)

(233.2

)

-


(2,090.4

)

Effect of foreign currency translation adjustment

-


-


-


-


3.8


-


3.8


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

-


(831.9

)

(0.5

)

(3.2

)

(579.6

)

-


(1,415.2

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

-


1,957.3


2.9


28.8


1,197.3


-


3,186.3


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

-


$

1,125.4


$

2.4


$

25.6


$

617.7


$

-


$

1,771.1



22

Table of Contents


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(in millions)

Express Scripts Holding Company

Express Scripts,

Inc.

Medco Health Solutions,

Inc.

Guarantors

Non-Guarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

For the three months ended March 31, 2015

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

$

19.9


$

144.5


$

49.9


$

394.5


$

(277.4

)

$

(50.0

)

$

281.4


Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment

-


(36.0

)

-


(11.1

)

(1.2

)

-


(48.3

)

Other, net

-


-


-


-


(19.7

)

-


(19.7

)

Net cash used in investing activities

-


(36.0

)

-


(11.1

)

(20.9

)

-


(68.0

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Repayment of long-term debt

(1,210.5

)

-


-


-


-


-


(1,210.5

)

Net proceeds from employee stock plans

48.8


-


-


-


-


-


48.8


Excess tax benefit relating to employee stock-based compensation

-


12.2


21.6


-


-


-


33.8


Other, net

-


-


-


(5.2

)

(53.4

)

50.0


(8.6

)

Net intercompany transactions

1,141.8


(747.5

)

(71.4

)

(354.2

)

31.3


-


-


Net used in financing activities

(19.9

)

(735.3

)

(49.8

)

(359.4

)

(22.1

)

50.0


(1,136.5

)

Effect of foreign currency translation adjustment

-


-


-


-


(3.7

)

-


(3.7

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

-


(626.8

)

0.1


24.0


(324.1

)

-


(926.8

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

-


956.0


0.5


13.7


862.4


-


1,832.6


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

-


$

329.2


$

0.6


$

37.7


$

538.3


$

-


$

905.8


Note 11 - Subsequent event

In April 2016, we redeemed the remaining $565.3 million of our $1,500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% senior notes due 2016. See Note 5 - Financing for further discussion regarding the redemption.


23

Table of Contents


Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward Looking Statements and Associated Risks

Information we have included or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and information which may be contained in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("the SEC") and our press releases or other public statements, contains or may contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements of our plans, objectives, expectations (financial or otherwise) or intentions.

Our forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ significantly from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Any number of factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risks associated with the following:

STANDARD OPERATING FACTORS

our ability to remain profitable in a very competitive marketplace depends upon our continued ability to attract and retain clients while maintaining our margins, differentiate our products and services from those of our competitors, and develop and cross-sell new products and services to our existing clients

our failure to anticipate and appropriately adapt to changes or trends within the rapidly changing healthcare industry

changes in applicable laws, rules or regulations, or their interpretation or enforcement, or the enactment of new laws, rules or regulations, which apply to our business practices (past, present or future) or require us to spend significant resources for compliance

a failure in the security or stability of our technology infrastructure, or the infrastructure of one or more of our key vendors

our failure to execute on, or other issues arising under, certain key client contracts

significant changes within the pharmacy provider marketplace, including the loss of or adverse change in our relationship with one or more key pharmacy providers

changes to the healthcare industry designed to manage healthcare costs or alter healthcare financing practices or changes to government policies in general

a significant failure or disruption in service within our operations or the operations of our vendors

changes relating to Medicare Part D, our failure to comply with CMS regulatory requirements, our failure to comply with CMS contractual requirements applicable to us as a Medicare Part D PDP sponsor or our failure to otherwise execute on our strategies related to Medicare Part D

our failure to effectively execute on strategic transactions or successfully integrate the business operations or achieve the anticipated benefits from any acquired businesses

a failure to adequately protect confidential health information received and used in our business operations

the termination, loss, or an unfavorable modification, of our relationship with one or more key pharmaceutical manufacturers, or the significant reduction in payments made or discounts provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers

results in pending and future litigation, investigations or other proceedings which could subject us to significant monetary damages or penalties and/or require us to change our business practices, or the costs incurred in connection with such proceedings

our failure to attract and retain talented employees, or to manage succession and retention for our Chief Executive Officer or other key executives

changes in drug pricing or industry pricing benchmarks

the impact of our debt service obligations on the availability of funds for other business purposes, the terms of and our required compliance with covenants relating to our indebtedness and our access to the credit markets in general


24

Table of Contents


the delay, reduction, suspension or cancellation of government spending or appropriations relating to our business

general economic conditions

other risks described from time to time in our filings with the SEC

See the more comprehensive description of risk factors under the captions "Forward Looking Statements and Associated Risks" contained in Item 1 - "Business" and Item 1A - "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , filed with the SEC on February 16, 2016 .

These and other relevant factors and any other information included or incorporated by reference in this Report, and information which may be contained in our other filings with the SEC, should be carefully considered when reviewing any forward-looking statement. We note these factors for investors as permitted under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors should understand it is impossible to predict or identify all such factors or risks. As such, you should not consider either foregoing lists, or the risks identified in our SEC filings, to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.


25

Table of Contents


OVERVIEW

As the largest stand-alone pharmacy benefit management ("PBM") company in the United States, we provide a full range of services to our clients, which include managed care organizations, health insurers, third-party administrators, employers, union-sponsored benefit plans, workers' compensation plans, government health programs, providers, hospitals and others. We report segments on the basis of products and services offered and have determined we have two reportable segments: PBM and Other Business Operations. Our integrated PBM services include clinical solutions to improve health outcomes, specialized pharmacy care, home delivery pharmacy services, specialty pharmacy services, retail network pharmacy administration, benefit design consultation, drug utilization review, drug formulary management, Medicare, Medicaid and Public Exchange offerings, administration of a group purchasing organization and consumer health and drug information.

Through our Other Business Operations segment, we provide distribution services of specialty pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to providers, clients and hospitals and provide consulting services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and device manufacturers to collect scientific evidence to guide the safe, effective and affordable use of medicines.

Revenues generated by our segments can be classified as either tangible product revenues or service revenues. We earn tangible product revenues from the sale of prescription drugs by retail pharmacies in our retail pharmacy networks and from dispensing prescription drugs from our home delivery and specialty pharmacies. Service revenues include administrative fees associated with the administration of retail pharmacy networks contracted by certain clients, medication counseling services and certain specialty distribution services. Tangible product revenues generated by our PBM and Other Business Operations segments represented 98.3% and 98.1% of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND TREND FACTORS AFFECTING THE BUSINESS

We operate in a dynamic environment influenced by a number of marketplace forces including healthcare reform, increased regulation, macroeconomic factors and competition. We recognize continued consolidation within the broad healthcare sector could shift claims volume within the PBM industry, although the direction and degree of any impact remain unclear. Over the years, our claims volume has been impacted by certain in-group attrition and client losses. We continue to execute our successful business model, which emphasizes the alignment of our financial interests with those of our clients and patients through greater use of generics and lower-cost brands, home delivery and specialty pharmacies. We also continue to benefit from better management of ingredient costs through renegotiation of supplier contracts, increased competition among generic manufacturers and a higher generic fill rate ( 85.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to 84.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , respectively). We have achieved higher generic fill rates as we continue to provide our clients with additional tools designed to proactively manage total drug spend by increasing lower cost alternatives. We expect the ongoing positive trends in our business will continue to offset negative factors.

Revenues related to a large client were realized in the second quarters of each of 2015, 2014 and 2013 due to the structure of the contract. Quarterly performance trends may vary from historical periods as a result of variability, including timing, of our contractual revenue streams.

On March 21, 2016, Anthem filed a lawsuit setting forth certain allegations and claims for relief with respect to our pharmacy benefit management agreement with Anthem (see Part II - Item 1 - Legal Proceedings). We are confident in the strength of our legal position and believe that we have consistently acted in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the agreement and have a number of valid defenses to the claims asserted. We further believe Anthem's lawsuit is without merit. However, litigation and the potential outcome cannot be accurately or effectively predicted and at this time we are unable to provide a timetable or an estimate as to the potential outcome of this matter, some of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, when we executed our agreement with Anthem in 2009, we considered the overall structure of the agreement and the nature of our relationship with Anthem, including the complexity of the service level required, and attributed a reasonable likelihood of renewal at the end of its term in 2019. Accordingly, we amortized the agreement using a modified pattern of benefit over an estimated useful life of 15 years. However, due to the sequence of recent events regarding our discussions with Anthem, culminating in the filing of the lawsuit on March 21, 2016, we felt it prudent to consider the increased likelihood of either non-renewal or renewal on substantially different terms such that, beginning in March 2016, we began amortizing our agreement with Anthem over the remaining term of the contract (i.e. using a life of 10 years from the time the agreement was executed in 2009). Previously, we amortized the agreement over 15 years. Therefore, the intangible asset amortization associated with the Anthem agreement will run through the remaining term of the contract at the end of 2019, reducing the previous amortization period by 5 years. This change increases the quarterly intangible asset amortization by approximately $32.0 million and has no impact on EBITDA.


26

Table of Contents


As the regulatory environment evolves and expands, it is necessary to make significant investments to operate within the regulatory framework and prepare for regulatory changes.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Throughout the description below, reference is made to the impact of generic fill rates. Generally, higher generic fill rates reduce PBM revenues, as generic drugs are generally priced lower than branded drugs. However, as ingredient cost on generic drugs is incrementally lower than the price charged, higher generic fill rates generally have a favorable impact on gross profit.

The home delivery generic fill rate is currently lower than the network generic fill rate as fewer generic substitutions are available among maintenance medications (e.g., therapies for chronic conditions) commonly dispensed from home delivery pharmacies as compared to acute medications which are primarily dispensed by pharmacies in our retail networks.

PBM OPERATING INCOME

Three Months Ended 
 March 31,

(in millions)

2016

2015

Product revenues:

Network revenues (1)

$

13,000.6


$

14,242.0


Home delivery and specialty revenues (2)

10,611.2


9,626.2


Service revenues

342.2


382.2


Total PBM revenues

23,954.0


24,250.4


Cost of PBM revenues (1)

22,157.3


22,465.9


PBM gross profit

1,796.7


1,784.5


PBM SG&A

874.0


977.2


PBM operating income

$

922.7


$

807.3


Claims:

Network

226.1


219.1


Home delivery and specialty (2)

30.2


30.0


Total PBM claims

256.3


249.1


Adjusted network (3)

234.7


219.1


Adjusted home delivery and specialty (2)(3)

88.7


88.3


Total adjusted PBM claims (3)

323.4


307.4


(1)

Includes retail pharmacy co-payments of $2,541.0 million and $2,634.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

(2)

Includes home delivery and specialty claims including drugs we distribute to other PBMs' clients under limited distribution contracts with pharmaceutical manufacturers and Freedom Fertility claims.

(3)

Includes an adjustment to certain network claims to reflect an approximate 30-day equivalent fill and reflects home delivery claims multiplied by 3, as home delivery claims typically cover a time period 3 times longer than network claims.

PBM revenues. Network pharmacy revenues decreased $1,241.4 million , or 8.7% , in the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 2015 . This decrease relates primarily to the expected roll off of certain clients, the renewal of our second largest client, which initially results in lower revenues, better management of supply chain, as well as an increase in the network generic fill rate, partially offset by inflation on branded drugs. Our network generic fill rate increased to 85.9% of network claims in the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to 85.1% in 2015 .

Home delivery and specialty revenues increased $985.0 million , or 10.2% , in the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 2015 . This increase relates primarily to inflation on branded drugs, partially offset by an increase in the home delivery generic fill rate. Our home delivery generic fill rate increased to 79.8% of home delivery claims in the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to 78.8% in 2015 .

Cost of PBM revenues. Cost of PBM revenues decreased $308.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 2015 . This decrease is primarily due to the expected roll off of certain clients, the renewal of our second largest client,


27

Table of Contents


which initially results in lower cost of revenues, the impact of better management of ingredient costs and an increased aggregate generic fill rate, partially offset by inflation on branded drugs.

PBM gross profit. PBM gross profit increased $12.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 2015 . This increase is primarily due to $54.7 million of transaction and integration costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , as well as better management of ingredient costs and formulary and cost savings from the increase in the aggregate generic fill rate ( 85.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to 84.3% in 2015 ).

PBM selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") for our PBM segment decreased $103.2 million , or 10.6% , for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 2015 . This decrease relates primarily to a $60.0 million legal settlement and $40.9 million of transaction and integration costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 .

PBM operating income. PBM operating income increased $115.4 million , or 14.3% , for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 2015 , based on the various factors described above.

OTHER BUSINESS OPERATIONS OPERATING INCOME

Three Months Ended 
 March 31,

(in millions)

2016

2015

Product revenues

$

748.0


$

570.6


Service revenues

89.8


78.6


Total Other Business Operations revenues

837.8


649.2


Cost of Other Business Operations revenues

787.5


599.7


Other Business Operations gross profit

50.3


49.5


Other Business Operations SG&A

32.2


30.2


Other Business Operations operating income

$

18.1


$

19.3


Claims:

Other (1)

0.1


0.2


Total adjusted Other Business Operations claims

0.1


0.2


(1) Includes claims related to drugs distributed through patient assistance programs.

Other Business Operations operating income decreased $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 2015 . The net decrease is due primarily to timing and mix of business across the non-claims producing lines of business.

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET

Net other expense increased $18.7 million , or 16.8% , in the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 2015 . This increase is primarily due to $6.7 million of costs related to the early repayment of our $1,500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% senior notes due 2016, as well as increased interest expense related to the 2015 credit agreement (as defined below) and the issuance of $2,000.0 million of senior notes in February 2016. This increase is partially offset by decreased interest expense related to the repayment of various senior notes during both the year ended December 31, 2015 and the three months ended March 31, 2016 .

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rate attributable to Express Scripts decreased to 34.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 37.8% for the same period in 2015 due to both recurring and discrete events. We believe it is reasonably possible our unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $30.0 million within the next twelve months due to the conclusion of various examinations as well as lapses in various statutes of limitations.

We recognized net discrete benefits of $19.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , compared to net discrete charges of $2.3 million for the same period in 2015 . Our 2016 net discrete benefits and our 2015 net discrete charges primarily relate to changes in our unrecognized tax benefits.


28

Table of Contents


We are currently pursuing an approximate $531.0 million potential tax benefit related to the disposition of PolyMedica Corporation (Liberty). No net benefit has been recognized. A net benefit may become realizable in the future; however we cannot predict with any certainty the amount or timing of realization.    

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest represents the share of net income allocated to members in our consolidated affiliates. These amounts are directly impacted by the profitability of our consolidated affiliates.

NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO EXPRESS SCRIPTS

Net income attributable to Express Scripts for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increase d $85.0 million , or 19.3% , from 2015 due to the factors described above.

Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Express Scripts increase d 34.4% and 35.0% , respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 2015 . These increase s are primarily due to reduced shares outstanding (a total of 223.3 million shares held in treasury on March 31, 2016 , compared to 122.5 million shares held in treasury on March 31, 2015 ), as well as higher operating income.


29

Table of Contents


ADJUSTED EBITDA ATTRIBUTABLE TO EXPRESS SCRIPTS

Provided below is a reconciliation of net income attributable to Express Scripts to each of EBITDA attributable to Express Scripts ("EBITDA") and adjusted EBITDA attributable to Express Scripts ("Adjusted EBITDA"), as we believe it is the most directly comparable measure calculated under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States:

EBITDA (1)

Three Months Ended 
 March 31,

(in millions, except per claim data)

2016

2015

Net income attributable to Express Scripts

$

526.1


$

441.1


Provision for income taxes

278.8


268.4


Depreciation and amortization (2)

525.3


556.7


Other expense, net

129.8


111.1


EBITDA (1)

1,460.0


1,377.3


Adjustments to EBITDA

Transaction and integration costs (2)

-


74.8


Legal settlement

-


60.0


EBITDA/Adjusted EBITDA (3)

1,460.0


1,512.1


Total adjusted claims (4)

323.5


307.6


EBITDA/Adjusted EBITDA per adjusted claim (5)

$

4.51


$

4.92


(1)

EBITDA is earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization and other expense. EBITDA is presented because it is a widely accepted indicator of a company's ability to service indebtedness and is frequently used to evaluate a company's performance. EBITDA, however, should not be considered as an alternative to net income, as a measure of operating performance, as an alternative to cash flow, as a measure of liquidity or as a substitute for any other measure computed in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In addition, our definition and calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to that used by other companies.

(2)

Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2016 includes an additional $10.5 million related to our decision to amortize our pharmacy benefit management agreement with Anthem over 10 years as opposed to 15 years. See Note 3 - Goodwill and other intangible assets for additional details. Depreciation and amortization presented above includes $20.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 of depreciation related to the integration of Medco Health Solutions, Inc. ("Medco") which is not included in transaction and integration costs.

(3)

Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measurement used by analysts and investors to help evaluate overall operating performance. We have calculated Adjusted EBITDA excluding transaction and integration costs recorded each year and a legal settlement as these charges are not considered an indicator of ongoing company performance.

(4)

Includes an adjustment to certain network claims to reflect an approximate 30-day equivalent fill and reflects home delivery claims multiplied by 3, as home delivery claims typically cover a time period 3 times longer than network claims.

(5)

EBITDA per adjusted claim and Adjusted EBITDA per adjusted claim is calculated by dividing EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as applicable, by the adjusted claim volume for the period. This measure is used as an indicator of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as applicable, performance on a per unit basis. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as applicable, and, as a result, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as applicable, per adjusted claim, are each affected by the changes in claims volume between retail and home delivery and the relative representation of brand-name, generic and specialty pharmacy drugs, as well as the level of efficiency in the business.


The anticipated lower EBITDA and EBITDA per adjusted claim relative to the first quarter of 2015 is primarily a result of: (i) the expected transition of a certain client (as a result of acquisition) at the end of 2015 and into 2016, of which the primary services provided were formulary management and manufacturer rebate services with no associated claims; (ii) the expected roll off of a certain client (as a result of acquisition) on January 1, 2016; and (iii) with respect to EBITDA per adjusted claim, the renewal of our second largest client beginning in May 2015, which initially results in lower EBITDA per adjusted claim.


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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

OPERATING CASH FLOW AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

In the three months ended March 31, 2016 , net cash provided by operating activities increased $469.8 million to $751.2 million , due partially to an increase in net income of $85.1 million in 2016 from 2015 . In addition, changes in working capital resulted in a cash outflow of $217.7 million in 2016 compared to a cash outflow of $602.9 million in 2015 , resulting in a total change of $385.2 million .

In the three months ended March 31, 2016 , net cash used in investing activities increased $11.8 million to $79.8 million . Capital expenditures for purchases of property and equipment increased $34.3 million in 2016 from 2015 . We intend to continue to invest in infrastructure and technology we believe will provide efficiencies in operations, facilitate growth and enhance the services we provide to our clients. Anticipated capital expenditures are expected to be funded primarily from operating cash flow or, to the extent necessary, with borrowings under our available credit sources, described below.

In the three months ended March 31, 2016 , net cash used in financing activities increased $953.9 million to $2,090.4 million . Cash outflows for 2016 include $3,109.2 million of treasury share repurchases and $972.2 million related to the repayment of debt, compared to outflows during the same period of 2015 of $1,210.5 million related to the repayment of debt. Cash inflows for 2016 include $1,991.0 million related to the February 2016 Senior Notes (defined below).

We anticipate our current cash balances, cash flows from operations and our available credit sources will be sufficient to meet our cash needs and make scheduled payments for our contractual obligations and current capital commitments. However, if needs arise, we may decide to secure external capital to provide additional liquidity. New sources of liquidity may include additional lines of credit, term loans, or issuance of notes or equity, all of which are allowable, with certain limitations, under our credit agreements and other debt instruments. While our ability to secure debt financing in the short term at rates favorable to us may be moderated due to various factors, including existing debt levels, market conditions or other factors, we believe our liquidity options described above are sufficient to meet our anticipated cash flow needs.

ACQUISITIONS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

We regularly review potential acquisitions and affiliation opportunities. We believe available cash resources, bank financing or the issuance of debt or equity could be used to finance future acquisitions or affiliations. There can be no assurance we will enter into new acquisitions or establish new affiliations in the future.

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

In January 2016, we settled the $5,500.0 million accelerated share repurchase agreement executed in April 2015 (the " 2015 ASR Agreement ") and received 9.1 million additional shares, resulting in a total of 64.2 million shares received under the 2015 ASR Agreement . The $825.0 million that had previously been recorded in additional paid-in capital in respect of the 2015 ASR Agreement was reclassified to treasury stock upon settlement of the 2015 ASR Agreement .

In February 2016, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the " 2016 ASR Agreement ") to repurchase shares of our common stock for an initial payment of $2,800.0 million . We recorded an increase to treasury stock of $2,240.0 million and a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $560.0 million in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet. See Note 6 - Common stock for additional details.

Including the shares initially delivered under the 2016 ASR Agreement and upon the settlement of the 2015 ASR Agreement , we repurchased 45.7 million shares under our share repurchase program for $3,374.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . There were no repurchases during the three months ended March 31, 2015 . As of March 31, 2016 , there were 42.9 million shares remaining under our share repurchase program. Additional share repurchases, if any, will be made in such amounts and at such times as we deem appropriate based upon prevailing market and business conditions and other factors.

BANK CREDIT FACILITIES

In April 2015, we entered into a credit agreement (the " 2015 credit agreement ") providing for a five -year $2,000.0 million revolving credit facility (the " 2015 revolving facility "), a two -year $2,500.0 million term loan (the " 2015 two-year term loan ") and a five -year $3,000.0 million term loan (the " 2015 five-year term loan "). At March 31, 2016 , no amounts were outstanding under the 2015 revolving facility . We make quarterly principal payments on the 2015 five-year term loan . At March 31, 2016 , $150.0 million of the 2015 credit agreement , and a proportionate amount of unamortized financing costs, was considered current maturities of long-term debt. See Note 5 - Financing for additional details.


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In August 2015, we entered into a one -year credit agreement, providing for an uncommitted $150.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2015 credit facility"). In December 2014, we entered into a one -year credit agreement, providing for an uncommitted $150.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2014 credit facility"). In October 2015, an amendment was executed to extend the 2014 credit facility's termination date to April 2016 and to decrease the 2014 credit facility to $130.0 million . At March 31, 2016 , no amounts were drawn under the 2015 credit facility or the 2014 credit facility.

SENIOR NOTES

During both March and April 2016, $1,500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% senior notes due 2016 were repaid.

In February 2016, we issued senior notes (the "February 2016 Senior Notes") consisting of:

$500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.300% senior notes due 2021

$1,500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior notes due 2026

We used the net proceeds from the sale of the February 2016 Senior Notes to complete a tender offer and follow-on redemption of our 3.125% senior notes due 2016 (which were fully redeemed by April 2016), to enter into an accelerated share repurchase program and for other general corporate purposes.

Our bank financing arrangements and senior notes contain certain customary covenants that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create or permit liens on assets and engage in mergers or consolidations. The covenants related to bank financing arrangements also include, among other things, a maximum leverage ratio. The 7.125% senior notes due 2018 issued by Medco are also subject to an interest rate adjustment in the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings to below investment grade. At March 31, 2016 , we were in compliance with all covenants associated with our debt instruments.    

IMPACT OF INFLATION

Most of our contracts provide we bill clients based on a generally recognized price index for pharmaceuticals and accordingly, the rate of inflation, and our efforts to manage the impact of inflation for our clients, with respect to prescription drugs can affect our revenues and cost of revenues.

OTHER MATTERS

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. The new standard simplifies the accounting for stock-based compensation, including amendments on how both taxes related to stock-based compensation and cash payments made to taxing authorities are recorded. These amendments are expected to impact net income, earnings per share ("EPS") and the consolidated statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early application is permitted, with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC Topic 842), which supersedes ASC Topic 840, Leases. This ASU is intended to increase transparency and comparability of organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606), which supersedes ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The new standard requires companies to recognize revenues upon transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of the standard by one year. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early application is not permitted before the original effective date of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.


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CLIENTS

We are a provider of services to managed care organizations, health insurers, third-party administrators, employers, union-sponsored benefit plans, workers' compensation plans, government health programs, providers, clinics, hospitals and others. Refer to Note 9 - Segment information for a description of client concentration.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our estimates and assumptions are based upon a combination of historical information and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the particular circumstances. Actual results may differ from our estimates. For a description of our critical accounting policies, please refer to "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2016 .

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates related to variable rate debt outstanding under the 2015 credit agreement . Our earnings are subject to change as a result of movements in market interest rates. At March 31, 2016 , we had $4,887.5 million of gross obligations under our 2015 credit agreement which were subject to variable rates of interest. A hypothetical increase in interest rates of 1% would result in an increase in annual interest expense of approximately $48.9 million (pre-tax), assuming obligations subject to variable interest rates remained constant.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act")) designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance of the achievement of the objectives described above.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2016 , there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

We and/or our subsidiaries are defendants in a number of lawsuits. We cannot ascertain with any certainty at this time the monetary damages or injunctive relief that any of the plaintiffs may recover. We also cannot provide any assurance the outcome of any of these matters, or some number of them in the aggregate, will not be materially adverse to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or business prospects. In addition, the expenses of defending these cases may have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

The following descriptions have been updated since the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, relating to proceedings involving the Company:

United States of America ex. rel. Shane Lager v. CSL Behring, LLC, CSL Limited, Accredo Health, Inc., and Coram LLC (United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri) (unsealed February 2015). This is a qui tam lawsuit in which the United States government has declined to intervene against any of the defendants. Lager, the qui tam relator, served a complaint on the Company on June 23, 2015. Lager alleges claims under the federal False Claims Act. The allegations asserted primarily concern an alleged conspiracy among the defendants to inflate the published average wholesale price ("AWP") of certain drugs and submit them for payment by the federal government. Lager generally alleges that Accredo was aware of the alleged AWP inflation and submitted false claims to the government by failing to disclose the alleged AWP inflation to their government health care program clients in violation of the False Claims Act. The complaint seeks monetary damages, as well as costs and expenses. On August 21, 2015, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint under the public disclosure bar, for failure to state a claim, and for failure to plead fraud with particularity. Relator filed a response to the motion on October 21, 2015 and the Company filed a reply on November 12, 2015. On January 20, 2016, the Court granted the Company's motion, as well as motions filed by the other defendants, and the case was dismissed with prejudice. Lager appealed the Court's ruling and filed his opening Appellant's Brief on April 18, 2016.

Anthem, Inc. v. Express Scripts, Inc. (United States District Court for the Southern District of New York) (filed March 21, 2016). Anthem filed this lawsuit alleging various breach of contract claims against ESI relating to the parties' rights and obligations under the periodic pricing review section of the pharmacy benefit management agreement between the parties, including allegations that ESI failed to negotiate new pricing concessions in good faith, as well as various alleged service issues. Anthem requests the court enter declaratory judgment that ESI is required to provide Anthem competitive benchmark pricing, that Anthem can terminate the agreement, and that ESI is required to provide Anthem with post-termination services at competitive benchmark pricing for one year following any termination by Anthem. Anthem claims it is entitled to $13,000.0 million in additional pricing concessions over the remaining term of the agreement as well as $1,800.0 million for one year following any contract termination by Anthem, and $150.0 million in damages for service issues. On April 19, 2016, in response to Anthem's complaint, ESI filed its answer denying Anthem's allegations in their entirety and asserting affirmative defenses and counterclaims against Anthem. Among other things, ESI counterclaims that: (1) Anthem breached the agreement by failing to negotiate in good faith with respect to its own proposed new pricing terms; (2) Anthem breached the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under the agreement by disregarding the terms of the transaction in which it negotiated and accepted a $4,675.0 million cash payment in 2009; (3) ESI is entitled to a declaratory judgment that Anthem does not have a contractual right to any change in pricing under the agreement, that ESI has no contractual obligation to ensure that Anthem is receiving any specific level of pricing, and that ESI's sole obligation is to negotiate in good faith over any pricing terms proposed by Anthem; (4) ESI is entitled to a declaratory judgment regarding the timing of when the periodic pricing review ripened under the agreement, such that the process begins on the dates provided in the agreement; (5) ESI is entitled to a declaratory judgment that Anthem does not have the right to terminate the agreement; and (6) in the alternative, Anthem has been unjustly enriched by the $4,675.0 million payment.

Investigations under the federal False Claims Act and most state false claims acts may be initiated by the applicable government investigative body or by a qui tam relator's filing of a complaint under court seal. If a qui tam relator's complaint remained under seal, applicable law would restrict our ability to disclose such a fact.

In addition to the foregoing matters there have arisen various legal proceedings, investigations or claims in the ordinary course of our business now pending against us or our subsidiaries. The effect of these actions on future financial results is not subject to reasonable estimation because the proceedings are in early stages and/or considerable uncertainty exists about the outcomes. Where insurance coverage is not available for such claims, or in our judgment, is not cost-effective, we maintain self-insurance accruals to reduce our exposure to future legal costs, settlements and judgments related to uninsured claims. Our self-insured accruals are based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for the costs of uninsured claims incurred


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and the retained portion of insured claims using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and our experience. It is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these claims, and we can give no assurance that any losses in excess of our insurance and any self-insurance accruals will not be material.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following is a summary of our stock repurchasing activity during the three months ended March 31, 2016 (share data in millions):

Period

Total number of shares purchased

Average price paid per share

Total number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced program

Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the program (1)

1/1/2016 - 1/31/2016

9.1


$

-


(2)

9.1


79.5


2/1/2016 - 2/29/2016

35.4


69.62


(3)

35.4


44.1


3/1/2016 - 3/31/2016

1.2


70.64


1.2


42.9


First Quarter 2016 Total

45.7


$

69.65


(2)(3)

45.7


(1)

Excludes the effect of the anticipated settlement of the 2016 ASR Program.

(2)

Average price paid per share excludes the effect of the 9.1 million shares that were delivered upon the settlement of the 2015 ASR Agreement in January 2016. These shares are included in the total number of shares purchased in January 2016 and reduce the remaining shares available to be purchased under the share repurchase program.

(3)

Includes the average price paid per share for the 32.1 million shares received in February 2016 under the 2016 ASR Program. The final average price per share paid for the shares will be determined based on the forward price determined in accordance with the 2016 ASR Agreement. See Note 6 - Common stock for further information regarding the 2016 ASR Agreement.

The repurchases disclosed in this table were made pursuant to the share repurchase program, originally announced in 2013. As of March 31, 2016 , there were 42.9 million shares remaining under the share repurchase program. Additional share repurchases, if any, will be made in such amounts and at such times as we deem appropriate based upon prevailing market and business conditions and other factors.

Item 6.

Exhibits

(a) See Index to Exhibits below.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY

(Registrant)

Date:

April 25, 2016

By: 

/s/ George Paz

George Paz, Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

Date:

April 25, 2016

By: 

/s/ Eric Slusser

Eric Slusser, Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer



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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

(Express Scripts Holding Company – Commission File Number 1-35490)

Exhibit Number

Exhibit

2.1 (2)

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 20, 2011, by and among Express Scripts, Inc., Medco Health Solutions, Inc., Aristotle Holding, Inc., Aristotle Merger Sub, Inc. and Plato Merger Sub, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Express Scripts, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 22, 2011, File No. 000-20199.

2.2

Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 7, 2011, by and among Express Scripts, Inc., Medco Health Solutions, Inc., Aristotle Holding, Inc., Aristotle Merger Sub, Inc., and Plato Merger Sub, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Express Scripts, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 8, 2011, File No. 000-20199.

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 2012.

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended on March 9, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 10, 2016.

4.1

Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 25, 2016, among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 25, 2016.

4.2

Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 25, 2016, among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 25, 2016.

10.1 (3)

Confirmation – Accelerated Share Repurchase Transaction, dated February 25, 2016, between the Company and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 26, 2016.

11.1

Statement regarding computation of earnings per share. (See Note 4 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.)

31.1 (1)

Certification by George Paz, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Express Scripts Holding Company, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).

31.2 (1)

Certification by Eric Slusser, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Express Scripts Holding Company, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).

32.1 (1)

Certification by George Paz, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Express Scripts Holding Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b).

32.2 (1)

Certification by Eric Slusser, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Express Scripts Holding Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b).

101.INS (1)

XBRL Taxonomy Instance Document.

101.SCH (1)

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL (1)

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF (1)

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB (1)

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE (1)

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.


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1

Filed herein.

2

The Merger Agreement listed in Exhibit 2.1 (the "Agreement") is not intended to modify or supplement any factual disclosures about the parties thereto, including the Company, and should not be relied upon as disclosure about such parties without consideration of the periodic and current reports and statements that the parties thereto file with the SEC. The terms of the Agreement govern the contractual rights and relationships, and allocate risks, among the parties in relation to the transactions contemplated by the Agreement. In particular, the representations and warranties made by the parties in the Agreement reflect negotiations between, and are solely for the benefit of, the parties thereto and may be limited or modified by a variety of factors, including: subsequent events, information included in public filings, disclosures made during negotiations, correspondence between the parties and disclosure schedules and disclosure letters, as applicable, to the Agreement. Accordingly, the representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs at the date they were made or at any other time and you should not rely on them as statements of fact. In addition, the representations and warranties made by the parties in the Agreement may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable to investors. The schedules to the Agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K and will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.

3

Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the SEC pursuant to a confidential treatment order of the SEC.


38