e425
FILED BY EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.
PURSUANT TO RULE 425 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AND DEEMED FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 14a-12
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
SUBJECT COMPANY: EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.,
MEDCO HEALTH SOLUTIONS, INC. AND ARISTOTLE HOLDING, INC.
COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-20199
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Thomson StreetEventsSM
ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare Conference
Event Date/Time: Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM GMT
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare Conference
CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS
David Myers
Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
CONFERENCE CALL PARTICIPANTS
Steven Halper
Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
PRESENTATION
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Today were very pleased to have David Myers, whos the Vice President of Investor Relations for
Express Scripts. Theres no
shortage of topics to discuss with David regarding the pending merger with Medco, got a little
issue going on with Walgreens
here. So Im going to turn it over to David for some introductory comments. And, of course, you
guys are more than welcome
to ask questions. Nothing is sacred, I guess.
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Thanks, Steve, and hello, everyone. Before I begin, I have to read a customary forward-looking
statement that statements I make
today may be forward-looking and therefore involve risks and uncertainties. A list of factors that
could cause actual results to
differ from what we talk about today can be found in our recent SEC filings.
Just a few comments before we get started. Interesting, four days ago actually marked the 25th
anniversary of our incorporation,
so weve been around a quarter of a century, focused on making the use of drugs safer and more
affordable. Weve done this
through a model of alignment. That is, as we save our clients money, we make more money.
And saving money is really important, especially in this economy. And as a result, plan sponsors
increasingly are turning to us
for help to take advantage of our tools designed to drive out waste and improve health outcomes. To
that end, were helping
our clients by deploying consumerology, which is the application of behavioral sciences to
healthcare. That way we can better
understand what drives our members behavior and put them in a better disposition to make decisions
that will drive out waste
and improve health outcomes.
So over the years, weve innovated, executed, delivered superior shareholder value. And those of
you who followed us know
we never stand still. A couple of years ago we announced the acquisition of NextRx. Since then,
weve closed it, completed the
integration at the lower end of our cost and time estimates. We also reached the $1 billion run
rate of EBITDA.
And as many of you might have read, we did announce a transaction with Medco a few weeks ago six
weeks ago. Im sure
youll ask a few questions about that.
So with that, Im ready to turn it over for questions, Steve.
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare Conference
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Okay, great. So why dont you start off talking about the Medco transaction, and what are the
strategic benefits of combining
with Medco, considering its two of the three largest pharmacy benefit companies in the country?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Sure. So weve always complemented our strong organic growth with strategic transactions designed
to increase business
segments or offer new business segments to enter, offer new products and services, increase the
scope of our business. Weve
always been opportunistic in looking for ways to enhance shareholder value. And this is a great
transaction to do that.
Over the years, we have had talks with Medco about a possible transaction, but this is a
transaction the nation needs now.
Theres a national mandate to lower the cost of drugs, improve health outcomes. Together with
Medco, we have different
strengths in clinical, mail technology, specialty technology, client patient services, behavior
economics, different services. And
with these complementary strengths, really, we can accelerate rolling out clinical tools designed
to drive out this waste and improve health outcomes.
Our PBM services, our Medicare and Medicaid services, our specialty services will be unparalleled
in the industry. And together,
well be better positioned to help clients and patients navigate healthcare reform.
End of the day, this transaction will let us accelerate driving out the more than $400 billion a
year in pharmacy-related waste.
And the transaction really continues our legacy of innovation, alignment and, really, our focus on
what we do best, and thats
driving out waste and improving health outcomes.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
When the Company announced the transaction, you identified $1 billion in cost savings that you
would be able to realize. What
are the sources of those cost savings, and what would be the timeframe to realize those?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Sure. So we announced the transaction July 21. Our due diligence to date had identified $1 billion
in net synergies, net in that
there are negative synergies we have taken into account. This is not just about cutting cost. This
transaction is more about
putting two complementary companies together to drive out the waste, to drive out cost, improve
health outcomes.
That being said, whenever you do have a transaction like this, there are opportunities to save
cost. To some extent, there is
some efficiencies in the supply chain, but more so, the majority of the benefits really come from
rationalizing footprint and
eliminating duplicate functions. But we havent been specific on the sources other than thats the
types of synergies you can
expect as we continue moving down this integration planning. Once we close the transaction, well
continue to refine that
estimate and keep you guys updated.
The fact is, well get to that full run rate of synergies when were done integrating, which we
expect takes 18 to 24 months after
closing.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
And so the $1 billion within 18 to 24 months of closing?
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare Conference
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Thats correct.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
And when you talk about efficiencies in the supply chain, Im assuming youre talking about, number
one, purchasing for mail
order. Do you have any insight as to who purchases better at mail order, or is it too early to
answer that question?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
We are not able to look at their contracts. Its just against FTC rules. So to look at some of the
synergies, we had a clean room
with an independent third party that reviewed some amount of contracts, comparing the two
companies, reporting back what
their estimate of efficiencies would be. But thats a number that well have to true up once we
close and can look at each others
contracts.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Right, okay. One other question. Can you provide a percentage or a rough percentage, so is it 50%
efficiencies in the supply
chain and 50% eliminating duplications? Any sort of like that?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Id say supply chain would be the smallest piece.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Okay.
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Driving out cost, duplicate cost, would be the biggest piece.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Okay. So I guess the question that we all have is FTC and, I guess, was it Tuesday or last week,
you got the Second Request for
Information. Thats not a surprise. And Im sure that you had lots of high-priced lawyers look at
the combination and sort of pass
judgment on it. So what is the Companys view or insight into how the regulators will look at the
transaction, because it all
depends how they segment the market. Will they do it on a narrow basis? Will they do it on a broad
basis? Give us some of those
insights that the legal team brought to the management team.
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Sure. So one thing you know, we dont stand still. The other thing you should know if you followed
us, we dont really go down
a path unless we think we can get to the finish line.
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare Conference
So, obviously, yes, we did have significant consultation with FTC counsel before we launched.
We also assessed the marketplace.
Its very competitive, getting increasingly competitive. New emerging players coming into the
marketplace, increasing the
competition. So we think this is a transaction needed. This is all about driving down cost. This is
very pro-competitive.
So Im not going into the details of what the FTC might be looking at, other than the Second
Request was very much in line
with what we expected we would see. We have worked with the FTC, and will continue to work closely
with them to get this
transaction approved as rapidly as possible. And as we announced last week when we notified the
financial community that
we got the Second Request, we reiterated, we still believe we can get this transaction closed
within the first half of next year. So were excited about the combination. Weve begun the integration planning, and well work
closely with the FTC to get this
thing approved.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Question, please.
Unidentified Audience Member
Is there a breakup fee?
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
The question is, is there a breakup fee associated with the transaction?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
There is a breakup fee for common reasons if one party accepts another higher offer, if one
Board reverses their opinion of
the merger. But there is no breakup fee for regulatory approval.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Any other questions? So while were on the subject, why dont we talk about the overall
competitiveness in the market? What
would be the combined market share of the two companies? And talk about some of the competitive
dynamics that would
give us comfort that yes, you can get approval for this transaction.
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Yes. I wont go into market share details and percentages. Dont have that in front of me. But we
know who we compete with,
and we compete not only with CVS, we also compete with Uniteds PBM is out in the marketplace
competing. Prime Therapeutics
has been very interested in growing in the large employer space. Catalyst is very active in
bidding. Cigna, Aetna, many PBMs
compete in our space and all markets, which is one of the reasons we think we can get this
transaction accomplished. There is
robust competition in the marketplace. We deal with sophisticated plan sponsors that can evaluate
the bid. This is all about
bringing down the cost to the end user, and this is why weve launched this transaction.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Notwithstanding all the noise from the pharmacy associations that have said that was a bad thing,
but thats to be expected, right?
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc.
Healthcare Conference
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Exactly.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Lets talk about the other major topic that has surfaced over the last couple of months. Express
and Walgreens cant seem to
get on the same page in terms of having Walgreens in the Express network. Why dont you give us a
little background information
on the situation, and how does Express respond to client inquiries when the Company is asked, what
do you mean I cant tell
my members to, they wont be in the network anymore and my employees or members cant go to
Walgreens to have their
prescriptions filled?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
So long question. Let me try to answer that. Its a shame to me that Walgreens, after briefly
negotiating with us and with six
months to go in the contract, declared theyre done, theyve reached an impasse, were not going to
accept their take-it-or-leave-it
contract. And they announced to the world that were no longer going to be served by their
pharmacies beginning January 1.
Whats worse to me is they spent the next several weeks, instead of talking to us, theyve been
negotiating this in the public
domain. Theyve been talking to the media, theyve been talking to your investors, and frankly,
spreading a tremendous amount
of misleading and inaccurate information.
The fact is, we are open to a contract with Walgreens, but its got to be under terms and
conditions not only acceptable to
Walgreens, but acceptable to us and our clients. To tell you the truth, weve reached out to
Walgreens recently and offered
them a contract that would guarantee that their rates would be in the middle of the pack of all
pharmacies in our network. We
offered to hire an independent third-party accounting firm to verify annually that their rates are
in the middle of the pack of
the rest of the pharmacies. And to tell you the truth, rates like this would give them a
competitive advantage. Because of their
scale and their size, they buy better than average. They would be well positioned in the
marketplace. They never responded to
this offer.
But instead, have continued to put out misinformation, inaccurate information demanding that they
receive premium
reimbursements, which is surprising, considering the level of generics coming on the marketplace
over the next several years.
We dont understand why theyve taken this approach. We dont understand why they continue to put
out press releases and
not talk to us.
Because the truth of the matter is, if what they said in their white paper a few days ago was true,
if their rates are within the
range of other pharmacies, we would have signed this contract a long time ago. The truth of the
matter is, they are a high-cost
provider, and with rate increases theyre proposing over the next three years, this will drive them
far away from the pack. And
in an era where were seeing a wave of generics coming in the marketplace, where other retailers
are providing rate relief, other
retailers are recognizing the value of generics and willing to share it with PBM members and PBM
clients, Walgreens is purporting
to keep the generic benefit for themselves.
Without Walgreens, we meet 100% of our client contracts for network access. Despite what theyve
been telling you, we are
not in violation of our contracts. Were not having to pay penalties. We meet 100% of our client
contracts for network access.
Theres about 60,000 other pharmacies in the country willing to work with us to make drugs more
affordable for patients, exactly
what America needs today. On average, theres another pharmacy within 0.5 mile of Walgreens stores,
and in New York City,
theres another pharmacy within 100 feet, on average, of every Walgreens or Duane Reade pharmacy.
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc.
Healthcare Conference
Our clients, to answer your question, our clients know what stands between them and higher
costs throughout our entire
pharmacy network is us negotiating for fair rates on their behalf, and theyre very supportive of
us. And theyre very happy we
are working hard every day to bring the cost of drugs down for them.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
So specifically, when you have a client situation I should say, during the selling season, did
this come up in the conversations
in terms of new prospective clients?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Again, in this environment, clients are very supportive. They understand that we help to take
advantage of generic drugs, we
help with utilization. Our tools are needed. Clients are very supportive. Clients understand
theres 60,000 other pharmacies.
And when you think about in this country, theres 30,000 McDonalds and Starbucks. On my drive over
here today, I must have
passed 20. Well, theres double the number of pharmacies. So there are adequate access. Theres
pharmacies, complete access
for our members.
The fact is, clients know they can save money by just taking a few pharmacy chains out of the
network. Instead of having 60,000
or 70,000 pharmacies, they can offer 50,000, still have plenty of access, and get better rates.
Theyll save money. So its the
economy, as clients are trying to find ways to preserve the pharmacy benefit and pay health
benefits, this becomes another
tool how they can help bring down the cost of drugs without limiting convenience. So our clients
are supportive of this, and
well go forth. We have prepared our clients, weve notified them to expect no Walgreens in the
network January 1, and were
getting good support among our clients.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
So have the payers and employers, have they begun to inform their members?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Yes. That is happening now. Many clients are asking for what they can do today.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Like talking points to for the transition?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
So its not theyre in the network today. There could be coupon programs that other retailers
are offering to help bring members
into their stores. So were doing what we can. We have websites, we have 800 numbers where members
can get online and
quickly find the 10 pharmacies closest to their home. Were making this transition as easy as
possible, and Ive heard very little
noise from it.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Is there sort of a date in your mind where theres no going back? Do you have to have, if theres
going to be a negotiation, does
it have to be done by December 1?
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc.
Healthcare Conference
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Wed open and welcome them in to talk today, tomorrow. The sooner they talk, the better.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
But what Im asking, is there a certain date and time where you cant go back?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Not that Im aware of.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
So, but again, if you get some lets just say it happens right at year end. Will there be a
discontinuance of network services for
a period of time?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Not that Im aware of.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Okay. So the calendar is not an issue.
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
No.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
With respect to that. Okay. Any questions regarding the Walgreens issue? Okay. So, David, lets
take a step back and focus on
Express standalone. If you could provide a brief review of the second quarter results, and when do
you start to see some of the
benefits of driving higher mail and generic penetration rates into the NextRx space?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Sure. The second quarter, it seems like years ago, but we had a good quarter, earnings up 18%, in
line with street expectations,
despite the fact that we had some pretty good headwinds from the economy. Just saw much lower
claims, much lower utilization
across our book of business as a result of the economy. We saw lower utilization, we saw lower
membership among our clients
groups. Then we had about a 2% decrease in claims volume year over year.
Despite the claims headwind, we saw tailwinds from other productivity improvements in our business.
We completed the
integration of NextRx in the first quarter and not only eliminated the remainder of the duplicate
expenses, but we also freed
up resources to begin putting in productivity improvements, looking for ways to drive growth
projects throughout the business.
And you saw some of that pick up in the second quarter.
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc.
Healthcare Conference
You also saw some pickup from generics, mainly from late 2010 generic launches that lost
exclusivity during the second quarter.
Still, the vast majority of generic benefits come in the second half of the year.
And the quarter also benefited from share repurchases, both the accelerated stock repurchase
program and open market
purchases we did. For the accelerated stock repurchase program, we took 29 million shares off the
books in the quarter. You
will get the full benefit of share repurchases in the second half. The second quarters a partial
quarter. But also, since our stock
has traded below the $59.50 strike price, we will get additional shares taken off our books as the
SR is completed.
As far as WellPoint, we said several quarters ago, we wont talk WellPoint specifics. Theyre a
great client, but we really dont talk
about clients specifically. So as I started out my remarks, I said clients are very interested in
our tools, managed care included.
So Ill talk about WellPoint just in conjunction with other managed care clients.
One of the areas managed care has lagged is mail penetration. Theyve not been really willing to
put in the types of mandatory
programs thats taken the drive to mail higher. Thats why weve rolled out Select Home Delivery, a
voluntary program. Its a
choice program. The member just has to make a choice before they get a refill. Is it, do you want
to go to retail or go you want
to go to mail? Its your choice. But while we have you online, we talk to you about not only the
savings and convenience of mail,
but also we do the work. Well call the doctor, well get the prescription mailed to you. And
members have migrated to that.
Weve seen a good pickup in that, although the economy is holding back what mail penetration could
really be. Weve seen the
economy have an effect on that as well.
So we are selling Select Home Delivery into the managed care book of business, and were seeing
good traction there as well.
As far as WellPoint specifically, we both agreed we wouldnt have discussions about trend
management programs until we did
get integrated. We are now done integrating, as I said earlier, so the discussions are ongoing
about how we can work together
and really get the true reason we did this alliance is to drive out waste, improve health outcomes,
work together to use our
tools. And those discussions are going on as we speak.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Okay. Questions?
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible.)
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
So the question is, if the Medco merger is completed, will the Medco members have access to
Walgreens, and whats their
contract status as a network provider?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Right. And because of FTC rules, Im unable to comment on what happens post-closing. Thats just a
topic I cant discuss. Im
sorry.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
So going back to yes, Im sorry. Vince?
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare Conference
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible.)
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Is there a change in control in all your PBM Im sorry?
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible.)
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Is there a change in control provision in your retail network contracts?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
I dont believe so, but thats not an area I could tell you just tentatively. Ill have to get back
to you if I can.
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible.)
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Well, it depends on how the contracts read. But typically, you can look for who has the better
contract, and you can migrate to that contract. But again, that was after we close, we could review
their contracts to ensure that we could move them to our so I cant speak about Medco. We
havent seen their contracts. But typically, in our previous transactions, you can look for the
best contract and pick and choose which contracts survive going forward.
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible.)
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Im not following your question.
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible.)
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9
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare
Conference
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Right. But again, well have to review contracts before we can make a definitive decision.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Other questions?
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible.)
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
So broadly speaking, what is the mail order penetration rates for the managed care, your managed
care customers?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Yes, I would say managed care mail is 15% to 20%, lets say, give or take. When you think about
maintenance drugs being dispensed, say, maintenance drugs make up about 75% of drugs being
dispensed. We have some clients, employer clients, with 60-plus percent mail penetration. So
theres no reason why mail cant go much higher. We expect mail to go much higher in the future, a
combination of an improving economy, a combination of continuing to sell our Select Home Delivery
products, but we believe mail can grow in our managed care book of business.
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible.)
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
What is managed care looking for in terms of value proposition? Because historically, managed care
had enough local volume presence to drive volume at the retail side, right, as opposed to get all
the but now its sort of shifted.
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Right. But we think our mail value proposition, people on mail, our research has proven adherence
rates are higher when mail is used. We believe mail is more efficient, more convenient. We have a
one-on-one relationship with the patient. They can talk to us from the privacy of their home. I
know our competitors will disagree, but we do truly believe that mail offers managed care better
adherence. Better adherence means less hospitalization, lower medical costs down the road. So
managed care is very interested in getting higher mail penetration.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Caroline?
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare
Conference
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible.)
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
The question is, beyond Lipitor, what other drugs that are going generic have a high mail-order
penetration rate?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Yes, I dont want to get into individual drug names. But if you look at the drugs going generic,
many are maintenance drugs. Many are drugs you take every single day. Our highest profit per script
is the same type of script that saves the client and the patient the most money, and so mail
generic. So we are excited about the future generic wave.
Make sure everyone understands, when a generic is first launched, if theres one competitor, if
its under exclusivity, we make very little, if any, more. Our clients dont save, because theres
just not any further discounting. After the six months, then many manufacturers enter the
marketplace and it brings down the cost. We can save our clients a lot of money, and we can make a
little bit more money.
So the generic wave depends on vibrant competition, which we expect, but a lot of people expecting
the one drug thats coming out later this year. The fact is, there will be a six-month exclusivity,
and profits will expand after that six-month period. So even though theres a lot of drugs being
launched in 11 and 12, really, it takes the non-exclusive period to generate the greatest profits
for us.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
So, David, the Companys spent a lot of time building out what you call the consumerology lab to
monitor member behavior and to model member behavior. Tell us about consumerology and what the
reaction is to existing clients and potential clients with this distinctive approach?
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Okay, in two minutes and 28 seconds?
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Do the best you can.
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
So in the past, we offered two types of programs voluntary, passive programs and mandatory
programs. Passive relied on financial incentives lower copay should drive members to lower-cost
drugs but financial incentives are limited. So patients like voluntary. These programs werent
that effective. Mandatory are effective, but people really dont like being told exactly what they
have to do, so theres this gap. This gap had created about $400 billion a year in waste in
pharmacy. So we wanted to close that gap, develop programs that offered mandatory-like results with
voluntary-like acceptance.
So we studied behavior economics, segmentation, targeted messaging, predictive modeling, and came
up with consumerology, which again, puts the member in the right choice in the first place. Put
them in the right choice and make them work hard to
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare
Conference
make a bad choice. So rather than try to get them to accept mail, put them in mail and make them
decide they dont want to
be in mail.
So we have many products. So I talked about Select Home Delivery. We have one with networks where
we can offer a program
where we give members a couple of months notice, and if they dont make a decision, theyre put
into a narrow network. Why
we did that was about two-thirds of the members today shop at narrow networks. Because the client
is using a wide-open
network, theyre not getting the benefit of the cheaper pricing. So we tried Select Network. What
we found, about 5% of patients
opted out, 95% of patients stayed in the narrow network, 90% of claims were filled at a narrow
network pharmacy, and all 90%
of claims got billed at the lower narrow network rate.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
But when you put a member into a narrow network, thats with the employers or health plans
permission.
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Yes.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Right, because ultimately, youre driving cost savings by using a narrow network.
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Thats exactly right.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
So its, so
David Myers - Express Scripts, Inc. VP IR
Rather than make all members use that narrow network, those that want the narrow network can opt
into it. Those that want
a wide-open network can opt into that, and its a pure choice program. But we saw most members are
aligned with their plan
sponsors, willing to help their plan sponsors save money. Theres no lack of convenience, so
therefore, we saw a great uptake
in our test pilot programs and generated considerable savings. So were doing that with formulary
compliance, were doing
that with specialty compliance. Weve also done predictive modeling that has greatly improved
adherence.
And with that, our time is up.
Steven Halper - Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Analyst
Landed the plane right on time.
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FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 08. 2011 / 6:40PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. Healthcare
Conference
DISCLAIMER
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In the conference calls upon which Event Transcripts are based, companies may make projections or
other forward-looking statements regarding a variety of items. Such forward-looking
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may differ materially from those stated in any forward-looking statement based on a
number of important factors and risks, which are more specifically identified in the companies
most recent SEC filings. Although the companies may indicate and believe that the
assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could
prove inaccurate or incorrect and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the
results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized.
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framing or similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the
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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This material may include forward-looking statements, both with respect to us and our industry,
that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Statements
that include the words expect, intend, plan, believe, project, anticipate, will,
may, would and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature may be used to identify
forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, there are or will be important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such
statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements. We believe
that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
STANDARD OPERATING FACTORS
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Our ability to remain profitable in a very competitive marketplace is dependent upon our
ability to attract and retain clients while maintaining our margins, to differentiate our
products and services from others in the marketplace, and to develop and cross sell new
products and services to our existing clients; |
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Our failure to anticipate and appropriately adapt to changes in the rapidly changing
health care industry; |
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Changes in applicable laws or regulations, or their interpretation or enforcement, or
the enactment of new laws or regulations, which apply to our business practices (past,
present or future) or require us to spend significant resources in order to comply; |
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Changes to the healthcare industry designed to manage healthcare costs or alter
healthcare financing practices; |
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Changes relating to our participation in Medicare Part D, the loss of Medicare Part D
eligible members, or our failure to otherwise execute on our strategies related to Medicare
Part D; |
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A failure in the security or stability of our technology infrastructure, or the
infrastructure of one or more of our key vendors, or a significant failure or disruption in
service within our operations or the operations of such vendors; |
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Our failure to effectively execute on strategic transactions, or to integrate or achieve
anticipated benefits from any acquired businesses; |
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The termination, or an unfavorable modification, of our relationship with one or more
key pharmacy providers, or significant changes within the pharmacy provider marketplace; |
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The termination, 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; |
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Changes in industry pricing benchmarks; |
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Results in pending and future litigation or other proceedings which would 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; |
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Our failure to execute on, or other issues arising under, certain key client contracts; |
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The impact of our debt service obligations on the availability of funds for other
business purposes, and the terms and our required compliance with covenants relating to our
indebtedness; our failure to attract and retain talented employees, or to manage succession
and retention for our Chief Executive Officer or other key executives; |
TRANSACTION-RELATED FACTORS
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Uncertainty as to whether Express Scripts, Inc. (Express Scripts) will be able to
consummate the mergers with Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (Medco) on the terms set forth in
the merger agreement; |
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The ability to obtain governmental approvals of the mergers; |
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Uncertainty as to the market value of Express Scripts merger consideration to be paid
and the stock component of the Medco merger consideration; |
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Failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the mergers, including as a result of a
delay in completing the mergers or a delay or difficulty in integrating the businesses of
Express Scripts and Medco; |
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Uncertainty as to the long-term value of Express Scripts Holding Company (currently
known as Aristotle Holding, Inc.) common shares; |
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Limitation on the ability of Express Scripts and Express Scripts Holding Company to
incur new debt in connection with the transaction; |
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The expected amount and timing of cost savings and operating synergies; and |
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Failure to receive the approval of the stockholders of either Express Scripts or Medco
for the mergers. |
The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read
in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein and elsewhere,
including the risk factors included in Express Scripts most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form
10-Q and the risk factors included in Medcos most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and
other documents of Express Scripts, Express Scripts Holding Company and Medco on file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Any forward-looking statements made in this material
are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements, and there can
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be no assurance that
the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially
realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business or
operations. Except to the extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update
publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future
developments or otherwise.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any stockholder of Express Scripts, Medco
or Express Scripts Holding Company. In connection with the Agreement and Plan of Merger among
Medco, Express Scripts, Express Scripts Holding Company, Plato Merger Sub Inc. and Aristotle Merger
Sub, Inc. (the Merger), Medco, Express Scripts and Express Scripts Holding Company, intend to
file relevant materials with the SEC, including a Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by
Express Scripts Holding Company that will contain a joint proxy statement/prospectus. INVESTORS
AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL
CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MEDCO, EXPRESS SCRIPTS, EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY AND THE
MERGER. The Form S-4, including the joint proxy statement/prospectus, and other relevant materials
(when they become available), and any other documents filed by Express Scripts, Express Scripts
Holding Company or Medco with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SECs web site at
www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents
filed with the SEC by directing a written request to:
Mackenzie Partners, Inc.
105 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10016
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any
securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer,
solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the
securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means
of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION
Express Scripts, Express Scripts Holding Company and Medco and their respective executive officers
and directors may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the security
holders of either Express Scripts and Medco in connection with the Merger. Information about
Express Scripts directors and executive officers is available in Express Scripts definitive proxy
statement, dated March 21, 2011, for its 2011 annual general meeting of stockholders. Information
about Medcos directors and executive officers is available in Medcos definitive proxy statement,
dated April 8, 2011, for its 2011 annual general meeting of stockholders. Other information
regarding the participants and description of their direct and indirect interests, by security
holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the Form S-4 and the joint proxy statement/prospectus
regarding the Merger that Express Scripts Holding Company will file with the SEC when it becomes
available.
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