TREND1
8 years ago
Five Biggest PBMs
The five biggest PBMs operating in the United States are very large, covering more than 50 percent of patients with pharmacy benefits. The following are the five largest PBMs in the country, in terms of funding and growth:
ExpressScripts: ExpressScripts provides novel solutions for navigating pharmacy costs and improving patient care. Since ExpressScripts is not owned by or linked to any pharmaceutical company, their focus is entirely on its customers. Its focus on pharmacy benefits results in better patient care.
CVS Caremark: CVS Caremark is a growing PBM, providing comprehensive drug benefit services to over 2,000 healthcare plan sponsors and participants throughout the United States.
Argus: Argus is one of the last independent providers of healthcare information and services supporting Medicaid and Medicare Part D, serving some of the country's most vulnerable populations. They have a wide range of clients, from managed care organizations to pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Envision: Envision prides itself on its transparency to the public and its full disclosure on costs, agreements, and negotiations. Recently, Envision was acquired by Walgreens, so some change is expected moving forward.
ProCare RX: ProCare RX ( private company )is national pharmacy benefit manager with decades of experience in healthcare information technology.
ICEQUITY
14 years ago
Express $ESRX Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: @Zacks did you say $ESRX is on your @Demandmedia Rx @Legitscripts List?
http://bit.ly/EQUITIESRxVIPPSINDEX
http://bit.ly/EQUITIESDAMAN
http://bit.ly/EQUITIES
Date : 01/27/2011 @ 10:08AM
Source : PR Newswire
Stock : Express Scripts (MM) (ESRX)
Quote : 57.83 0.2 (0.35%) @ 7:22AM
Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: WellPoint, Express Scripts, Unitedhealth Group, CIGNA Corporation and Aetna
Express Scripts (MM) (NASDAQ:ESRX)
Intraday Stock Chart
Today : Thursday 27 January 2011
Zacks.com Analyst Blog features: WellPoint Inc. (NYSE: WLP), Express Scripts (Nasdaq: ESRX), Unitedhealth Group, Inc. (NYSE: UNH), CIGNA Corporation (NYSE: CI) and Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET).
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)
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Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:
WellPoint Exceeds Expectations
WellPoint Inc. (NYSE: WLP) reported its fourth-quarter income from continuing operations of $524.7 million or $1.33 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21. This also compares favorably with the income of $536.0 million or earnings of $1.16 in the year-ago quarter.
WellPoint also posted its income from continuing operations of $2.8 billion or $6.74 per share for fiscal year 2010, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.60 and the income of $2.9 billion or $6.09 in the fiscal year 2009. The company's earnings were in-line with the management's guidance of above $6.60 earnings per share for the fiscal year 2010.
The improved showing was attributable to higher operating cash flows and the implementation of organizational changes in the health care. The sale of NextRx pharmacy benefit management subsidiaries to Express Scripts (Nasdaq: ESRX) in the fourth quarter of 2009 also contributed a significant return of capital.
WellPoint's income from continuing operations excludes net investment gains of $24.1 million after-tax, or approximately 7 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2010, and $100.2 million after-tax, or approximately 23 cents per share in fiscal 2010, which was partially offset by an intangible asset impairment charge of $13.7 million after-tax, or 3 cents per share.
The earnings of the fourth quarter of 2009 excluded the after-tax net income of $2.2 billion, or $4.79 per share, resulting from a gain on the sale of the NextRx, partially offset by costs for restructuring activities and intangible asset impairments.
Fiscal year 2009 excluded after-tax net income of approximately $1.8 billion, or $3.79 per share, resulting from the gain on the sale of NextRx, partially offset by net investment losses, intangible asset impairments and costs for restructuring activities.
Including these one-time items, WellPoint reported a net income of $548.8 million or $1.40 per share in the fourth quarter 2010 as opposed to $2.7 billion or $5.95 per share in the prior-year quarter. Net income in 2010 was $2.9 billion or $6.94 per share as against $4.7 billion or $9.88 per share.
Segment Results
Commercial Business: Operating gains in the segment increased 89.6% year over year to $600.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 and 27.0% year over year to $3.1 billion in fiscal 2010.
Consumer Business: Operating gains in the segment plummeted 29.5% year over year to $112.0 million in the reported quarter and declined 21.8% year over year to $1.0 billion in fiscal 2010.
Other: Operating gains in this segment experienced an operating loss of $19.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared with an operating gain of $100.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. This was due primarily to the fact that fourth quarter 2009 results included two months of NextRx operations prior to its sale on December 1, 2009.
WellPoint's Others segment also faced an operating loss of $8.8 million in full year 2010 as compared with an operating gain of $469.4 million in full year 2009.
Evaluation of Capital Structure
WellPoint generated operating cash flow of $587.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 and $1.4 billion in the fiscal year 2010, which included $1.2 billion of tax payments related to the 2009 sale of NextRx. At the end of December 31, 2010, cash and investments at the parent company totaled approximately $3.3 billion.
As of December 31, 2010, WellPoint had $148.5 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization. During the reported quarter, WellPoint repurchased 17.8 million shares for $1.0 billion and repurchased 76.7 million shares of its stock for approximately $4.4 billion in fiscal 2010, following the sale of NextRx.
During the fourth quarter of 2010, WellPoint witnessed net investment gains of $37.2 million pre-tax, consisting of net realized gains from the sale of securities totaling $47.6 million, partially offset by other-than-temporary impairments totaling $10.4 million.
In the prior year quarter, WellPoint experienced net investment losses of $4.5 million pre-tax, consisting of other-than-temporary impairments of $40.5 million, primarily offset by net realized gains from the sale of securities totaling $36.0 million.
Comparison with Competitors
Rival company Unitedhealth Group, Inc. (NYSE: UNH) reported its fourth quarter results on January 20, 2011 with income from continuing operations of 94 cents per share, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 90 cents. Full year EPS was $4.10, which also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.99. WellPoint's peers like CIGNA Corporation (NYSE: CI) is scheduled to report its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2010 results on February 3, followed by Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET) on February 4.
Outlook for Fiscal 2011
WellPoint anticipates a net income of at least $6.30 per share.
Our Recommendation
Though we are pleased with the strong results of WellPoint along with solid capital management, we remain wary of the impact of the health insurance reforms and expect these reforms to increase unemployment and stretch profit margins of WellPoint and its competitors. The resulting downward pressure is likely to overshadow the stock.
WellPoint has a strong cash flow generation, leading market share positions, diversified product portfolio, proven track record of execution, attractive valuation, and consistency that would provide long-term value to its investors. Meanwhile, WellPoint has been increasing its premiums and controlling costs.
Further, WellPoint is well positioned among its peer group and has been strengthening its portfolio through its acquisition strategy, the synergies of which are expected to lead to margin expansion and top-line growth. Moreover, the sale of its in-house pharmacy benefits business to Express Script has strengthened its balance sheet and fueled a major stock repurchase.
Currently, WellPoint carries a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold recommendation, indicating no clear directional pressure on the stock over the near term.
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ICEQUITY
14 years ago
Critical Alerts for ConocoPhillips, ARM Holdings, Express Scripts, Chipotle, and Goldcorp Released by Seven Summits Research
Date : 01/14/2011 @ 9:31AM
Source : PR Newswire
Stock : Express Scripts (MM) (ESRX)
Quote : 57.59 -0.04 (-0.07%) @ 6:06PM
Critical Alerts for ConocoPhillips, ARM Holdings, Express Scripts, Chipotle, and Goldcorp Released by Seven Summits Research
Express Scripts (MM) (NASDAQ:ESRX)
Historical Stock Chart
1 Month : December 2010 to January 2011
Click Here for more Express Scripts (MM) Charts.
Seven Summits Research issues critical PriceWatch Alerts for COP, ARMH, ESRX, CMG, and GG.
To see what our analysts have discovered about these stocks read the Seven Summits Strategic Investments' PriceWatch Alerts at http://www.iotogo.com/s/011411B (Note: You may have to copy this link into your browser then press the [ENTER] key.)
Today's PriceWatch Alerts cover the following stocks: ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP), ARM Holdings plc (Nasdaq: ARMH), Express Scripts Inc. (Nasdaq: ESRX), Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG), and Goldcorp Inc. (NYSE: GG).
In today's unsure markets these brief PriceWatch Alerts contain concise detailed strategies for each covered stock and include position protection tactics designed to potentially defend investors from unexpected market shifts. While other market reports only provide stock news and opinion, we offer strategies that position investments against uncertainty and increase chances of making a profit, even if a stock goes down.
"Our PriceWatch Alerts go beyond other market reports. Along with a brief concise overview, each PriceWatch Alert provides useful strategies, which ensure potential investments are protected with basic hedging techniques," says Reid Stratton, Seven Summits Senior Analyst. "These brief company reports contain information that can benefit expert and novice investors who want to stay ahead of the market."
For essential information on stocks poised to move go to: http://www.iotogo.com/s/011411B for Seven Summits Strategic Investments' PriceWatch Alerts.
Seven Summits Investment Research is an independent investment research group, which focuses on the U.S. equities and options markets. Our analytical tools, screening techniques, rigorous research methods and committed staff provide solid information to help our clients make the best possible investment decisions. For more information go to www.SevenSummitsInvestmentResearch.com . CRD# 137114
All stocks and options shown are examples only -- not recommendations to buy or sell. Our picks do not represent a positive or negative outlook on any security. Potential returns do not take into account your trade size, brokerage commissions or taxes -- expenses that will affect actual investment returns. Stocks and options involve risk, thus they are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling options, a person should request a copy of Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options available from Catherine at 800-698-9101 or at http://www.cboe.com/Resources/Intro.aspx . Privacy policy available upon request.
SOURCE Seven Summits Investment Research
ICEQUITY
14 years ago
ESRX Express Scripts to Present at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
Express Scripts (MM) (NASDAQ:ESRX)
Historical Stock Chart
1 Month : December 2010 to January 2011
Click Here for more Express Scripts (MM) Charts.
Express Scripts, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESRX) announced that it will present at the 29th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 10, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. PST (11:30 a.m. EST) at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, CA.
The presentation will also be broadcast via the Internet and can be accessed on the investor relations section of Express Scripts web site at http://www.express-scripts.com. RealPlayer or Windows Media Player is needed to listen to the Webcasts and free downloads of these players are available at the Webcast site. The Webcasts will be archived and available for replay for 14 days.
Express Scripts, Inc., one of the largest pharmacy benefit management companies in North America, is leading the way toward creating better health and value for patients through Consumerology®, the advanced application of the behavioral sciences to healthcare. This approach is helping millions of members realize greater healthcare outcomes and lowering cost by assisting in influencing their behavior. Headquartered in St. Louis, Express Scripts provides integrated PBM services including network-pharmacy claims processing, home delivery services, specialty benefit management, benefit-design consultation, drug-utilization review, formulary management, and medical and drug data analysis services. The company also distributes a full range of biopharmaceutical products and provides extensive cost-management and patient-care services. More information can be found at http://www.express-scripts.com/ and http://www.consumerology.com/
SOURCE Express Scripts, Inc.
ICEQUITY
14 years ago
Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) WellPoint NextRx Acquired by ESRX Express-Scripts, Inc
A Program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
WellPoint NextRx
www.wellpointnextrx.com
Corporation
Express-Scripts, Inc
Phone
314-996-0900
Address
One Express Way
St. Louis, MO 63121
Jeffrey Hall President
State of Incorporation OH
Experience Operating a Pharmacy Since 1991
Dispensing Pharmacies
Pharmacy Name Address
NextRx, Inc 5450 N Riverside Drive
Ft Worth, TX 76137 Click for Details
NextRx, Inc 8990 Duke Boulevard
Mason, OH 45040 Click for Details
To report medication / device problems:
Click www.wellpointnextrx.com or call 866-629-1614
To report business compliance problems:
Click www.wellpointnextrx.com or call 866-629-1614
Original VIPPS Accreditation Date Expiration Date
September 10, 2002 September 10, 2011