SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
X ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1999, OR
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: 0-20199
EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 43-1420563
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
of incorporation or organization)
13900 Riverport Dr., Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (314) 770-1666
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value
(Title of Class)
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 X No ___
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation of S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of Registrant's voting stock held by
non-affiliates as of February 29, 2000, was $1,075,723,976 based on 23,354,841
such shares held on such date by non-affiliates and the last sale price for the
Class A Common Stock on such date of $46.06 as reported on the Nasdaq National
Market. Solely for purposes of this computation, the Registrant has assumed that
all directors and executive officers of the Registrant and NYLIFE HealthCare
Management, Inc. are affiliates of the Registrant.
Common stock outstanding as of February 29, 2000: 23,416,226 Shares Class A
15,020,000 Shares Class B
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates by reference portions of the definitive proxy
statement for the Registrant's 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is
expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than
120 days after the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
Information that we have included or incorporated by reference in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K, and information that may be contained in our other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and our press
releases or other public statements, contain or may contain forward-looking
statements. Please refer to a discussion of our forward looking statements and
associated risks in "Item 1 --Forward Looking Statements and Associated Risks"
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PART I
THE COMPANY
Item 1 - Business
Industry Overview
Prescription drug costs are the fastest growing component of health care
costs in the United States. The U.S. Health Care Financing Administration
("HCFA") estimates that prescription drugs accounted for approximately 7.9% of
U.S. health care expenditures in 1998, and are expected to increase to 11.2% by
2008. U.S. prescription drug sales for 1998 were approximately $90.6 billion,
and HCFA projects continued sales increases at an average annual growth rate of
approximately 10.6% through 2008, compared to an average annual growth rate of
approximately 6.5% for total health care costs during this period. Factors
underlying this trend include:
o increases in research and development expenditures by drug
manufacturers, resulting in many new drug introductions
o a shorter U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval cycle for new
pharmaceuticals
o high prices for new "blockbuster" drugs
o an aging population
o increased demand for prescription drugs due to increased disease
awareness by patients, effective direct-to-consumer advertising by
drug manufacturers and a growing reliance on medication in lieu of
lifestyle changes
This trend creates a significant challenge to HMOs, health employers and
unions that want to provide a drug benefit as part of the health plans they
offer to members of their respective organizations. These health benefit
providers, or "payors", engage the services of pharmacy benefit management
("PBM") companies to help them provide a cost-effective drug benefit as part of
their health plan and to better understand the impact of prescription drug
utilization on their overall health care expenditures.
In general, PBMs coordinate the distribution of outpatient pharmaceuticals
through a combination of benefit-management services, including retail drug card
programs, mail pharmacy services and formulary management programs. PBMs emerged
during the late 1980s by combining traditional pharmacy claims processing and
mail pharmacy services to create an integrated product offering that could help
manage the prescription drug benefit for payors. During the early 1990s,
numerous PBMs were created, with some providers offering a comprehensive,
integrated package of services. Currently, there are an estimated 100 PBMs
serving a population of approximately 190 million members and processing
approximately 2 billion prescriptions annually. The PBM industry processed
approximately $83 billion worth of prescriptions in 1999. The four largest PBMs
account for approximately 80% of prescription volume or member lives.
The services offered by the more sophisticated PBMs have broadened to
include disease management programs, compliance programs, outcomes research,
drug therapy management programs and sophisticated data analysis. Because these
advanced capabilities require resources that may not be available to all PBMs,
consolidation in the industry has occurred in recent years as PBMs seek to
increase scale and capability by merging with or purchasing other PBMs.
Company Overview
We are the third largest PBM in North America and the largest full-service
PBM independent of pharmaceutical manufacturer or drug store ownership in North
America. We believe independence from pharmaceutical manufacturer ownership
allows us to make unbiased formulary recommendations to our clients, balancing
both clinical efficacy and cost. We also believe our independence from drug
store ownership allows us to construct a variety of convenient and
cost-effective retail pharmacy networks for our clients, without favoring any
particular pharmacy chain.
We provide a combination of benefit management services, including retail
drug card programs, mail pharmacy services, drug formulary management programs
and other clinical management programs for approximately 9,300 clients that
include HMOs, health insurers, third-party administrators, employers and
union-sponsored benefit plans. As of January 1, 2000, some of our largest
clients include United HealthCare Corporation ("UHC"), Aetna U.S. Healthcare,
Oxford Health Plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Blue Shield of
California and the State of New York Empire Plan Prescription Drug Program.
As of January 1, 2000, our PBM services were provided to approximately 38.5
million members, excluding approximately 9.5 million members associated with UHC
health plans who will be transitioning to another provider beginning June 1,
2000, in the United States and Canada who were enrolled in health plans
sponsored by our clients. Although membership counts are based on eligibility
data, they necessarily involve some estimates, extrapolations and
approximations. For example, some plan designs allow for family coverage under
one identification number, and we make assumptions about the average number of
persons per family in calculating our total membership. Because these
assumptions may vary between PBMs, membership counts may not be comparable
between our competitors and us. However, we believe our membership count
provides a reasonable estimation of the population we serve, and can be used as
one measure of our growth.
Our PBM offerings include:
o network claims processing, mail pharmacy services, benefit design
consultation, drug utilization review, formulary management programs,
disease management and medical and drug data analysis services, and
compliance and therapy management programs for our clients
o market research programs for pharmaceutical manufacturers
o medical information management services, which include outcome
assessments, the development of data warehouses combining medical
claims and prescription drug claims, and sophisticated decision
support tools to evaluate disease specific interventions on cost and
quality, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Practice Patterns
Science, Inc. ("PPS")
o informed decision counseling services through our Express Health
LineSM division
Our non-PBM offerings include:
o infusion therapy services through our wholly owned subsidiary, Express
Scripts Infusion Services
o distribution of pharmaceuticals requiring special handling or
packaging through our Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services
subsidiary
Our revenues are primarily generated from the delivery of prescription
drugs through our contractual network of retail pharmacies, mail pharmacy
services and infusion therapy services. In 1999, 1998 and 1997, revenues from
the delivery of prescription drugs to our members represented 93.4%, 98.2% and
97.3%, respectively, of our total revenues. Revenues from services, such as the
administration of contracts between our clients and the clients' retail pharmacy
networks (the "Net Basis"), market research programs, the sale of medical
information management services, the sale of informed decision counseling
services and our Specialty Distribution Services comprised the remainder of our
revenues.
Our PBM services are delivered primarily through networks of retail
pharmacies that are under non-exclusive contract with us, through five mail
pharmacy service centers, which we own and operate, and through PlanetRx.com,
Inc. ("PlanetRx"). Our largest retail pharmacy network includes more than 53,000
retail pharmacies, representing more than 99% of all retail pharmacies in the
United States. In 1999, we processed approximately 211.8 million network
pharmacy claims and 10.6 million mail pharmacy prescriptions, with an estimated
total drug spending of $8.7 billion, excluding UHC network pharmacy claims of
62.1 million having an estimating total drug spending of $2.4 billion.
During the fourth quarter of 1999, we transferred substantially all of the
assets of YourPharmacy.com, Inc., our wholly-owned Internet pharmacy subsidiary,
to PlanetRx in exchange for approximately 19.9% of PlanetRx's outstanding common
stock. In conjunction with the transfer, we entered into a pharmacy agreement
pursuant to which PlanetRx will be our exclusive Internet pharmacy in the United
States for a term of 5 years, with the right to participate in our network for
10 years.
We were incorporated in Missouri in September 1986, and were reincorporated
in Delaware in March 1992. We have two classes of common stock, Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock. Each share of the Class B Common Stock is
entitled to ten votes, and each share of the Class A Common Stock is entitled to
one vote. All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Class B Common Stock
are owned by NYLIFE HealthCare. Our principal executive offices are located at
13900 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043. Our telephone number is
(314) 770-1666.
Products and Services
Pharmacy Benefit Management
Overview. Our PBM services involve the management of outpatient
prescription drug usage to foster high quality, cost-effective pharmaceutical
care through the application of managed care principles and advanced information
technologies. We offer our PBM services to our clients in the United States and
Canada. Our PBM offerings include:
o retail pharmacy network administration
o mail pharmacy services
o benefit plan design consultation
o formulary administration
o electronic point-of-sale claims processing
o drug utilization review
o the development of advanced formulary compliance and therapeutic
intervention programs
o therapy management services such as prior authorization, therapy
guidelines, step therapy protocols and formulary management
interventions
o sophisticated management information reporting and analytic services
o outcomes assessments, the development of data warehouses combining
medical claims and prescription drug claims, and sophisticated
decision support tools to evaluate disease specific interventions on
cost and quality
o informed decision counseling
o drug information through our DrugDigest.org website
During 1999, 98.5% of our revenues were derived from PBM services, compared
to 97.9% and 96.8% during 1998 and 1997, respectively. The number of retail
pharmacy network claims processed and mail pharmacy claims processed, including
UHC, has increased to 273.9 million and 10.6 million claims, respectively, in
1999, from 42.9 million and 2.1 million claims, respectively, in 1995. During
1998 and 1997, we processed 113.2 million and 73.2 million retail pharmacy
network claims, respectively, and 7.4 million and 3.9 million mail pharmacy
claims, respectively.
Retail Pharmacy Network Administration. We contract with retail pharmacies
to provide prescription drugs to members of the pharmacy benefit plans managed
by us. In the United States, these pharmacies typically discount the price at
which they will provide drugs to members in return for designation as a network
pharmacy. We manage three nationwide networks in the United States and one
nationwide network in Canada that are responsive to client preferences related
to cost containment and convenience of access for members. We also manage over
300 networks of pharmacies that we have designed to meet the specific needs of
some of our larger clients or that are under direct contract with our managed
care clients.
All retail pharmacies in our pharmacy networks communicate with us on-line
and in real time to process prescription drug claims. When a member of a plan
presents his or her identification card at a network pharmacy, the network
pharmacist sends the specified claim data in an industry-standard format through
our systems, which process the claim and respond to the pharmacy, typically
within one or two seconds. The electronic processing of the claim involves:
o confirming the member's eligibility for benefits under the applicable
health benefit plan and the conditions to or limitations of coverage,
such as the amount of copayments or deductibles the member must pay
o performing a concurrent drug utilization review ("DUR") analysis and
alerting the pharmacist to possible drug interactions and reactions or
other indications of inappropriate prescription drug usage
o updating the member's prescription drug claim record
o if the claim is accepted, confirming to the pharmacy that it will
receive payment for the drug dispensed
Mail Pharmacy. We integrate our retail pharmacy services with our mail
pharmacy services. We operate five mail pharmacies, located in Maryland Heights,
Missouri; Tempe, Arizona; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Bensalem, Pennsylvania; and
Troy, New York. These pharmacies provide members with convenient access to
maintenance medications and enable our clients and us to control drug costs
through operating efficiencies and economies of scale. In addition, through our
mail service pharmacies, we are directly involved with the prescriber and
member, and are generally able to achieve a higher level of generic
substitutions and therapeutic interventions than can be achieved through the
retail pharmacy networks. This further reduces our clients' costs.
Internet Pharmacy. In October 1999, we entered into an agreement with
PlanetRx whereby PlanetRx became our exclusive Internet pharmacy in the United
States for a term of five years, with a right to participate in our pharmacy
network for ten years.
Benefit Plan Design and Consultation. We offer consultation and financial
modeling to assist the client in selecting a benefit plan design that meets its
needs for member satisfaction and cost control. The most common benefit design
options we offer to our clients are:
o financial incentives and reimbursement limitations on the drugs
covered by the plan, including drug formularies, flat dollar or
percentage of prescription cost copayments, deductibles or annual
benefit maximum
o generic drug substitution incentives
o incentives or requirements to use only network pharmacies or to order
certain drugs only by mail
o reimbursement limitations on the number of days' supply of a drug that
can be obtained
The selected benefit design is entered into our electronic claims
processing system, which applies the plan design parameters as claims are
submitted and enables our clients and us to monitor the financial performance of
the plan.
Formulary Development, Compliance and Therapy Management. Formularies are
lists of drugs for which coverage is provided under the applicable plan. They
are widely used in managed health care plans and, increasingly, by other health
plan managers. We have over 10 years of formulary development expertise and an
extensive clinical pharmacy department.
The foremost consideration in the formulary development process is the
clinical appropriateness of the drug, not the cost of the drug. In developing
formularies, we first make a rigorous therapeutic assessment of the drug's
clinical effectiveness. After the clinical recommendation is made, it is
evaluated on an economic basis. No drug is added to the formulary until our
National Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee, a panel of 17 independent physicians
and 4 of our pharmacists, approves it. This panel does not consider any
information regarding the discount/rebate arrangement that might be negotiated
with the manufacturer.
Once a client selects and adopts a formulary, we administer the formulary
through a variety of mechanisms. We administer a number of different formularies
for our clients that often identify preferred drugs whose use is encouraged or
required through various benefit design features. Historically, many clients
have selected a plan design that includes an open formulary in which all drugs
are covered by the plan and preferred drugs, if any, are merely recommended.
More advanced options consist of restricted formularies, in which various
financial or other incentives exist for the selection of preferred drugs over
their non-preferred counterparts, or closed formularies, in which benefits are
available only for drugs listed on the formulary. Formulary preferences can be
encouraged:
o by restricting the formulary through plan design features, such as
tiered copayments, which require the member to pay a higher amount for
a non-preferred drug
o through prescriber education programs, in which we or the managed care
client actively seek to educate the prescribers about the formulary
preferences
o through our drug choice management program, which actively promotes
therapeutic and generic interchanges to reduce drug costs
We also provide formulary compliance services to our clients. For example,
if the doctor has not prescribed the preferred drug on a client formulary, we
notify the pharmacist through our claims processing system. The pharmacist or we
can then contact the doctor to attempt to obtain the doctor's consent to switch
the prescription to the preferred product. The doctor has the final decision
making authority in prescribing the medication. The doctor will consider the
substitution in light of the patient's medical history, and writes a new
prescription or denies the substitution.
We also offer innovative proprietary drug utilization review and clinical
intervention programs, to assist clients in managing compliance with the
prescribed drug therapy and inappropriate prescribing practices.
Although we derive substantial revenue from pharmaceutical manufacturers,
we recognize our primary responsibility is to the plan sponsors, and we believe
our contracts with the pharmaceutical manufacturers provide us the flexibility
to utilize the most efficacious products. We contract with pharmaceutical
manufacturers only after our National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee has
performed its evaluation.
Information Reporting and Analysis and Disease Management Programs. Through
the development of increasingly sophisticated management information and
reporting systems, we believe we manage prescription drug benefits more
effectively. We have developed various services to offer our clients. One
service enables a client to analyze prescription drug data to identify cost
trends and budget for expected drug costs, to assess the financial impact of
plan design changes and to identify costly utilization patterns through an
on-line prescription drug decision support tool called InformRxTM. This service
permits our clients' medically sophisticated personnel, such as a clinical
pharmacist employed by an HMO, to analyze prescription drug data on-line.
In addition, our PPS subsidiary builds sophisticated data warehouses
combining medical claims, prescription drug claims, and clinical laboratory data
to provide decision support to the health care industry. Proprietary PPS
applications enable users to quickly evaluate shifts in medical conditions
afflicting membership and the effectiveness of interventions from a cost and
quality of care perspective. PPS users can evaluate the impact of new
prescription drugs on the cost and results of treating specific medical
conditions. Working with leading health care organizations, PPS continues to
push the sophistication of data warehouse and the applications to provide
insight into the subtleties of health care delivery.
We offer additional disease management and education programs to assist
health benefit plans and our members in managing the total health care costs
associated with certain diseases, such as asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular
disease. These programs are based upon the premise that patient and provider
behavior can positively influence medical outcomes and reduce overall medical
costs. Patient identification can be accomplished through claims data analysis
or self-enrollment. Risk stratification surveys are conducted to establish a
plan of care for individual program participants. Patient education is primarily
effected through a series of telephone and written communications with nurses
and pharmacists, and both providers and patients receive progress reports on a
regular basis. Outcome surveys are conducted and results are compiled to analyze
the clinical, personal and economic impact of the program.
Electronic Claims Processing System. Our electronic claims processing
system enables us to implement sophisticated intervention programs to assist in
managing prescription drug utilization. The system can be used to alert the
pharmacist to generic substitution and therapeutic intervention opportunities
and formulary compliance issues, or to administer prior authorization and
step-therapy protocol programs at the time a claim is submitted for processing.
Our claims processing system also creates a database of drug utilization
information that can be accessed both at the time the prescription is dispensed
and also on a retrospective basis to analyze utilization trends and prescribing
patterns for more intensive management of the drug benefit.
Informed Decision Counseling. We offer health care decision counseling
services through our Express Health LineSM division. This service allows a
member to call a toll-free telephone number and discuss a health care matter
with a care counselor who utilizes on-line decision support protocols and other
guidelines to provide information to assist the member in making an informed
decision in seeking appropriate treatment. Records of each call are maintained
on-line for future reference. The service is available 24 hours a day. Some
multilingual capabilities and service for the hearing impaired are also
available. The counselors provide follow-up service to members to determine if
their situation was resolved or if the counselor may provide additional
assistance. Member satisfaction and outcomes assessments are tracked through a
combination of member surveys, a quality assurance plan and system reports.
Consumer Health and Medical Information. In July 1999, we launched an
Internet site, DrugDigest.org, to provide a comprehensive source of
non-commercial, fact-based health and medical information. DrugDigest.org
enables a consumer to stay informed about the wide variety of medicines on the
market today, understand their treatment options and take an active role in
their healthcare. These services are offered through reference material on
drugs, vitamins, medical research and disease management, discussion groups,
"Ask the pharmacist" feature, and an e-Letter program enabling consumers to
register and receive news and research on medical conditions most important to
them.
Non-PBM
In addition to PBM services, we also provide non-PBM services including
outpatient infusion therapy, and specialty distribution to our clients. During
1999, 1.5% of our revenues were derived from non-PBM services, compared to 2.1%
and 3.2% during 1998 and 1997, respectively. This decline is partially due to
the acquisitions of ValueRx and DPS, which significantly increased our PBM
service revenues.
Express Scripts Infusion Services. We provide infusion therapy services
which involve the administration of prescription drugs and other products to a
patient by catheter, feeding tube or intravenously, through our wholly owned
subsidiary, IVTx, Inc., operating under the name Express Scripts Infusion
Services. Infusion Services' clients, which include managed care organizations,
third-party administrators, insurance companies, case management companies,
unions and self-insured employers, benefit from outpatient infusion therapy
services because the length of hospital stays can be reduced. Rather than
receiving infusion therapy in a hospital, Infusion Services provides infusion
therapy services to patients at home, in a physician's office or in a
free-standing center operated by a managed care organization or other entity.
Infusion Services provides antimicrobial, cardiovascular, hematologic,
nutritional, analgesic, chemotherapeutic, hydration, endocrine, respiratory and
AIDS management treatments to patients. Infusion Services generally prepares the
treatments in one of its infusion therapy pharmacies, which are licensed
independently of our mail pharmacies. The treatments are either administered
under the supervision of Infusion Services' staff of registered nurses or
licensed vocational nurses who are employed at one of the Infusion Services
sites or, in areas where Infusion Services does not have a facility, through
contracted registered nurses employed or otherwise retained by nursing agencies.
Infusion Services may also contract for pharmacy services for patients who live
in outlying areas.
We have facilities supporting our infusion services operations in Houston,
Texas; Dallas, Texas; Columbia, Maryland; Maryland Heights, Missouri; Columbia,
Missouri; Springfield, New Jersey; and West Chester, Pennsylvania. Infusion
Services' information system maintains patient profiles and documents doses and
supplies dispensed, and its drug utilization review component accesses our
prescription records for members receiving both infusion and oral drug therapies
to screen for drug interactions, incompatibilities and allergies.
Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services. We provide specialty
distribution services by assisting pharmaceutical manufacturers with the
distribution of, and creation of a database of information for, products
requiring special handling/packaging or products targeted to a specific
physician or patient population or to indigent patients. These services are
provided in our Tempe, Arizona facility and a new facility located next to our
Corporate Headquarters in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Suppliers
We maintain an extensive inventory in our mail pharmacies of brand name and
generic pharmaceuticals. If a drug is not in our inventory, we can generally
obtain it from a supplier within one or two business days. We purchase our
pharmaceuticals either directly from manufacturers or through wholesalers.
During 1999, approximately 78.7% of our pharmaceutical purchases were through
one wholesaler, most of which were brand name pharmaceuticals. Generic
pharmaceuticals are generally purchased directly from manufacturers. We believe
that alternative sources of supply for most generic and brand name
pharmaceuticals are readily available.
Clients
We are a major provider of PBM services to the managed care industry,
including several large HMOs, and the employer industry, both directly and
through third-party administrators. Excluding UHC, some of our largest managed
care clients are Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc. ("Aetna"), Oxford Health Plans,
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Blue Shield of California. Some of
our largest employer groups include the State of New York Empire Plan
Prescription Drug Program (through a subcontracting relationship with CIGNA
HealthCare), and the State of Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fund. We also
market our PBM services through preferred provider organizations, group
purchasing organizations, health insurers, third-party administrators of health
plans and union-sponsored benefit plans.
With the completion of the DPS acquisition, UHC became our largest client,
with approximately 9.5 million members. Our contract with UHC will expire on May
31, 2000, and UHC has indicated it will be moving to another provider at that
time. We negotiated a transition arrangement with UHC, whereby their members
will be transitioned to their new provider beginning in June 2000 and continuing
throughout the remainder of 2000. In our financial analysis of the DPS
acquisition, we assumed UHC would not renew its contract. However, if we are
unable to reduce our costs on a basis commensurate with our expectations and
manage the transition of this large client to another provider both efficiently
and effectively, the termination of this contract may materially adversely
affect our business and results of operations.
Acquisitions and Strategic Alliances
On October 13, 1999, YourPharmacy.com, Inc. ("YPC"), our wholly-owned
subsidiary, completed its contribution of certain operating assets constituting
its e-commerce business in prescription and non-prescription drugs and health
and beauty aids to PlanetRx in exchange for 19.9%, or 10,369,990 shares, of the
common equity of PlanetRx (the "Shares"). In addition, PlanetRx assumed certain
obligations of YPC. Simultaneously, PRX Acquisition Corp. ("Acquisition Sub")
merged into PlanetRx and shareholders of PlanetRx received stock in PRX
Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), which changed its name to "PlanetRx.com Inc."
Additionally, PlanetRx assumed options granted to YPC employees which converted
into options to purchase approximately 1.8 million shares of PlanetRx common
stock. The consummation of the transaction occurred immediately preceding the
closing of PlanetRx's initial public offering ("IPO") of common stock. Based on
the IPO price of $16 per share, YPC received consideration valued at
approximately $166 million. The terms of the transaction were determined
pursuant to arms-length negotiations.
Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, PlanetRx appointed our designee,
Barrett A. Toan, our President and Chief Executive Officer, to its board of
directors on October 19, 1999. It also agreed to include our designee in the
group of nominees that it recommends for election at each meeting of its
stockholders to elect directors as long as our percentage beneficial ownership
is not less than 5%.
In connection with the IPO, YPC agreed not to dispose of or hedge any of
its common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of
common stock for 180 days after October 7, 1999, except with the prior written
consent of the lead underwriters for the PlanetRx IPO. The lead underwriter,
however, may in its sole discretion, at any time without notice, release all or
any portion of the shares subject to lock-up agreements.
On August 31, 1999, we entered into an agreement with PlanetRx pursuant to
which we designated PlanetRx as our exclusive Internet pharmacy in the United
States for a term of five years, with a right to participate in our pharmacy
network for ten years. The agreement also provides for various co-operative
marketing activities between PlanetRx and us. Pursuant to this agreement,
PlanetRx will make certain payments to us annually over the term of the
agreement, with a minimum payment obligation of $11,650,000 annually for five
years, plus reimbursement of certain expenses in the amount of $3,000,000, with
a potential five year extension (subject to certain conditions), plus an
incremental fee based on our members' activity on PlanetRx's website. We have
committed to exclusively co-brand and co-market PlanetRx as our online pharmacy.
Co-branding includes, but is not limited to, placing PlanetRx's name, logo and
other information about PlanetRx on our website and marketing and sales
materials. Co-marketing includes our promoting PlanetRx as our online pharmacy
in our marketing and sales activities. The agreement became effective on October
13, 1999. As part of the relationship, PlanetRx agreed to certain exclusivity
provisions that preclude it from directly or indirectly operating as a pharmacy
benefit manager.
On April 1, 1999, we acquired DPS from SmithKline Beecham Corporation and
one of its affiliates for $715 million in cash, which reflects a purchase price
adjustment for closing working capital and transaction costs. We financed the
acquisition and refinanced all of our existing indebtedness through a $1.05
billion credit facility and a $150 million senior subordinated bridge credit
facility. The acquisition positioned us as the third largest PBM in North
America in terms of total members and provided us with one of the largest
managed care membership bases of any PBM. In addition, the acquisition provides
us with enhanced clinical capabilities, systems and technologies.
On April 1, 1998, we acquired the PBM business known as "ValueRx" from
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation for approximately $460 million in cash,
which includes approximately $15 million in transaction costs and executive
severance costs. Historically, while ValueRx, like us, served all segments of
the PBM market, we primarily focused on managed care and smaller self-funded
plan sponsors, and ValueRx concentrated on health insurance carriers and large
employer and union groups. We believe the ValueRx acquisition has provided and
will continue to provide us with additional resources and expertise, which will
allow us to better serve our clients and competitively pursue new business in
all segments of the PBM market.
In January 1996, we acquired the pharmacy claim processing business of
Eclipse Claims Services, Inc., one of the largest processors of prescription
drug claims in Canada. In connection with this acquisition, we entered into
five-year exclusive contracts to provide PBM services in Canada to both
Prudential Insurance Company of America's Canadian Operations ("Prudential") and
Aetna Life Insurance Company of Canada ("Aetna"). The assets of Prudential were
previously acquired by London Life Insurance Company ("London Life"), with whom
we reached an agreement whereby we would be the exclusive provider of PBM
services to London Life. In late 1997, London Life was acquired by Great-West
Lifeco. Inc. ("Great-West"), who receives PBM services from one of our
competitors in Canada. Great-West decided not to continue using our services,
and we have transitioned their business to another provider.
On December 31, 1995, we entered into a series of agreements with American
HealthCare Systems Purchasing Partners, L.P. (now known as Premier Purchasing
Partners, L.P.; the "Premier Partnership"), a health care group purchasing
organization affiliated with APS Healthcare, Inc. (now known as Premier, Inc.;
"Premier"). Premier is the largest voluntary health care alliance in the U.S.,
formed as a result of the mergers in late 1995 of three predecessor alliances,
American HealthCare Systems, Premier Health Alliance and SunHealth Alliance. The
Premier alliance includes approximately 215 integrated health care systems that
own or operate approximately 800 hospitals and are affiliated with another
approximately 900 hospitals. Among other things, the agreements designate us as
Premier's exclusive preferred provider of outpatient PBM services to
shareholders of Premier and their affiliated health care entities, plans and
facilities which participate in the Partnership's purchasing programs. The term
of the agreement is ten years, subject to early termination by the Partnership
at five years, upon payment to us of an early termination fee equal to the
unamortized portion of the advance discount, calculated as of the effective date
of termination, attributable to the issuance of our Class A Common Stock to the
Premier Partnership for all issuances other than the initial issuance of shares
(the May, 1996 issuance discussed below). Assuming no additional issuances of
our Class A Common Stock to the Premier Partnership, if the Premier Partnership
elects to terminate the agreements effective December 31, 2000, no termination
fee will be due.
Under the terms of our agreements, Premier is required to promote us as its
preferred PBM provider. An individual Premier member or affiliated managed care
plan is not required to enter into an agreement with us, but if it does so, the
term of the agreement would be for five years. We now provide service to a
number of Premier affiliates. In May 1996, as a result of the number of Premier
plan members receiving our PBM services and the outcome of certain joint drug
purchasing initiatives, we issued 454,546 shares of our Class A Common Stock to
the Premier Partnership. The Premier Partnership could become entitled to
receive up to an additional 4,500,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock,
depending upon the number of members in Premier-affiliated managed care plans
that contract for our PBM services during the term of our agreement. A
calculation is made on April 1 of each year to determine if a stock issuance
will be made. Premier has asserted that is has earned certain additional shares.
We disagree with this contention, and we are in discussions with Premier
concerning this matter. To date, we have not issued any additional shares. If
the Premier Partnership earns stock totaling over 5% of our total voting stock,
it is entitled to have its designee nominated for election to our Board of
Directors.
In November 1995, we entered into a ten-year strategic alliance with The
Manufacturers Life Insurance Company ("Manulife") one of the largest providers
of group health insurance policies in Canada, pursuant to which we are the
exclusive provider of PBM services to Manulife. As a result of this alliance,
Manulife can earn up to approximately 474,000 shares of our Class A Common
Stock, depending on its achievement of certain pharmacy claim volumes from 1996
to 2000. To date, we have not issued any shares to Manulife. In addition, if
Manulife does not terminate the alliance in either year 6 or year 10 of the
agreement, in each of such years it will receive a warrant to purchase up to
237,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock exercisable at 85% of the then fair
market value of such shares. The actual number of shares will depend upon claims
volume in such years. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
in Item 8 herein for additional discussion concerning Manulife.
Company Operations
General. In our various facilities in the United States, we own and operate
five mail pharmacies and six member service/pharmacy help desk call centers.
Electronic pharmacy claims processing is principally directed through our
Maryland Heights, Missouri facility then routed to the appropriate computer
platform at our Maryland Heights, Missouri or Tempe, Arizona facility or at
facilities operated by EDS and Perot Systems, which maintains certain of our
computer hardware. At our Canadian facility, we have sales and marketing, client
services, pharmacy help desk, clinical, provider relations and certain
management information systems capabilities.
Sales and Marketing. We market and sell our PBM services in the United
States primarily through an internal staff of sales directors and sales managers
located in various cities throughout the United States. The sales
representatives are supported by a staff of client service representatives,
clinical pharmacy managers and business analyst consultants who focus on
assisting our clients in managing the rising trend in pharmacy costs. Marketing
and sales in Canada are conducted by representatives located in Mississauga,
Ontario. Although we cross-sell our infusion services to our PBM clients,
Infusion Services and Specialty Distribution Services also employ personnel to
sell these specific products.
Member Services. Although we sell our services to clients, the ultimate
recipient of many of our services are the members of health plans sponsored by
our clients. We believe, therefore, that client satisfaction is dependent upon
member satisfaction. Members can call us toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, to obtain information about their prescription drug plan. We employ member
service representatives who are trained to respond to member inquiries.
Provider Relations. Our Provider Relations group is responsible for
contracting and administering our pharmacy networks. To participate in our
retail pharmacy networks, pharmacists must meet certain qualifications and are
periodically required to represent to us that their applicable state licensing
requirements are being maintained and that they are in good standing. Pharmacies
can contact our various pharmacy help desks toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, for information and assistance in filling prescriptions for members. In
addition, our Provider Relations group audits selected pharmacies in the retail
pharmacy networks to determine compliance with the terms of the contract with
our clients or us.
Clinical Support. Our Health Management Services Department employs
clinical pharmacists, data analysts and outcomes researchers who provide
technical support for our PBM services. These staff members assist in providing
high level clinical pharmacy services such as formulary development, drug
information programs, clinical interventions with physicians, development of
drug therapy guidelines and the evaluation of drugs for inclusion in clinically
sound therapeutic intervention programs. The Health Management Services
Department also analyzes and prepares reports on clinical pharmacy data for our
clients and conducts specific data analyses to evaluate the cost-effectiveness
of certain drug therapies.
Information Systems. Our Information Systems department supports our
pharmacy claims processing systems and other management information systems that
are essential to our operations. Uninterrupted point-of-sale electronic retail
pharmacy claims processing is a significant operational requirement for us, and
we are in the process of integrating the systems acquired with the ValueRx and
DPS acquisitions into an enhanced version of the system used by DPS. All claims
are presently processed through our systems at our Maryland Heights, Missouri
facility and Tempe, Arizona facility, or at facilities operated by Electronic
Data Systems Corporation ("EDS") and Perot Systems Corporation ("Perot Systems")
(EDS maintains the computer hardware for the DPS systems at its facility in
Plano, Texas and Perot Systems maintains the computer hardware for the ValueRx
systems at its facility in Richardson, Texas). Our outsourcing arrangements with
Perot and EDS will be consolidated under EDS in the second quarter of 2000. Our
historical claims processing systems located in our Maryland Heights, Missouri
and Tempe, Arizona facilities are designed to be redundant, which enables us to
do substantially all claims processing in one facility if the other facility is
unable to process claims. Disaster recovery services for the ValueRx and DPS
systems are provided by a third party. We have substantial capacity for growth
in our claims processing facilities.
Competition
We believe the primary competitive factors in each of our businesses are
price, quality of service and breadth of available services. We believe our
principal competitive advantages are our size, our independence from
pharmaceutical manufacturer and drug store ownership, our strong managed care
and employer group customer base which supports the development of advanced PBM
services and our commitment to provide flexible and distinctive service to our
clients. We believe our independence from pharmaceutical manufacturer ownership
allows us to make unbiased formulary recommendations to our clients, balancing
both clinical efficacy and cost, and our independence from drug store ownership
allows us to construct a variety or convenient and cost-effective retail
pharmacy networks for our clients, without favoring any particular pharmacy
chain. Some clients have indicated that this independence has been an important
factor in their decision making process.
There are a large number of companies offering PBM services in the United
States. Most of these companies are smaller than us and offer their services on
a local or regional basis. We do, however, compete with a number of large,
national companies, including Merck-Medco Managed Care, L.L.C. (a subsidiary of
Merck & Co., Inc.), PCS, Inc. (a subsidiary of Rite-Aid Corporation), Caremark
Rx, Inc., and Advance ParadigM, Inc., as well as numerous insurance and Blue
Cross and Blue Shield plans and certain HMOs which have their own PBM
capabilities. Several of these other companies may have greater financial,
marketing and technological resources than us.
In general, consolidation is a critical factor in the pharmaceutical
industry, and particularly so in the PBM segment. Competitors that are owned by
pharmaceutical manufacturers or drug store chains may have pricing advantages
that are unavailable to us and other independent PBMs. However, we believe
independence from pharmaceutical manufacturer and drug store ownership is
important to certain clients, and we believe this independence provides us an
advantage in marketing to those clients.
Some of our PBM services, such as disease management services, informed
decision counseling services and medical information management services,
compete with those being offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers, other PBMs,
large national companies, specialized disease management companies and
information service providers. Our non-PBM services compete with a number of
large national companies as well as with local providers.
Government Regulation
Various aspects of our businesses are governed by federal and state laws
and regulations. Since sanctions may be imposed for violations of these laws,
compliance is a significant operational requirement. We believe we are in
substantial compliance with all existing legal requirements material to the
operation of our businesses. There are, however, significant uncertainties
involving the application of many of these legal requirements to our business.
In addition, there are numerous proposed health care laws and regulations at the
federal and state levels, many of which could adversely affect our business. We
are unable to predict what additional federal or state legislation or regulatory
initiatives may be enacted in the future relating to our business or the health
care industry in general, or what effect any such legislation or regulations
might have on us. We cannot provide any assurance that federal or state
governments will not impose additional restrictions or adopt interpretations of
existing laws that could have a material adverse affect on our business or
financial position.
Pharmacy Benefit Management Regulation Generally. Certain federal and
related state laws and regulations affect or may affect aspects of our PBM
business. Among these are the following:
FDA Regulation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") generally
has authority to regulate drug promotional materials that are disseminated "by
or on behalf of" a drug manufacturer. In January, 1998, the FDA issued a Notice
and Draft Guidance regarding its intent to regulate certain drug promotion and
switching activities of pharmacy benefit managers that are controlled, directly
or indirectly, by drug manufacturers. The position taken by the FDA in the Draft
Guidance was that promotional materials used by an independent PBM or managed
care organization may be subject to FDA regulation depending upon the
circumstances, including the nature of the relationship between the PBM, the HMO
and the manufacturer. We, along with various other parties, submitted written
comments to the FDA regarding the basis for FDA regulation of PBM and HMO
activities. It was our position that, while the FDA may have jurisdiction to
regulate drug manufacturers, the Draft Guidance went beyond the FDA's
jurisdiction. After extending the comment period due to numerous industry
objections to the proposed Draft, the FDA withdrew the Draft Guidance in the
fall of 1998, stating that it would reconsider the basis for such a Guidance.
The FDA has not addressed the issue since the withdrawal and has not indicated
when or even if it will continue to address the issue. However, there can be no
assurance that the FDA will not again attempt to assert jurisdiction over
certain aspects of our PBM business in the future and, in such event, the impact
could materially adversely affect our operations.
Anti-Remuneration/Fraud and Abuse Laws. Federal law prohibits, among
other things, an entity from paying or receiving, subject to certain exceptions
and "safe harbors," any remuneration to induce the referral of individuals
covered by federally funded health care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid
and CHAMPUS or the purchase (or the arranging for or recommending of the
purchase) of items or services for which payment may be made under Medicare,
Medicaid, CHAMPUS or other federally-funded health care programs. Several states
also have similar laws that are not limited to services for which Medicare or
Medicaid payment may be made. State laws vary and have been infrequently
interpreted by courts or regulatory agencies. Sanctions for violating these
federal and state anti-remuneration laws may include imprisonment, criminal and
civil fines, and exclusion from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid
programs.
The federal statute has been interpreted broadly by courts, the Office
of Inspector General ("OIG") within the Department of Health and Human Services,
and administrative bodies. Because of the federal statute's broad scope, federal
regulations establish certain "safe harbors" from liability. Safe harbors exist
for certain properly reported discounts received from vendors, certain
investment interests, certain properly disclosed payments made by vendors to
group purchasing organizations, and certain discount and payment arrangements
between PBMs and HMO risk contractors serving Medicaid and Medicare members. A
practice that does not fall within a safe harbor is not necessarily unlawful,
but may be subject to scrutiny and challenge. In the absence of an applicable
exception or safe harbor, a violation of the statute may occur even if only one
purpose of a payment arrangement is to induce patient referrals or purchases.
Among the practices that have been identified by the OIG as potentially improper
under the statute are certain "product conversion programs" in which benefits
are given by drug manufacturers to pharmacists or physicians for changing a
prescription (or recommending or requesting such a change) from one drug to
another. Such laws have been cited as a partial basis, along with state consumer
protection laws discussed below, for investigations and multi-state settlements
relating to financial incentives provided by drug manufacturers to retail
pharmacies in connection with such programs.
To our knowledge, these anti-remuneration laws have not been applied to
prohibit PBMs from receiving amounts from drug manufacturers in connection with
drug purchasing and formulary management programs, to therapeutic intervention
programs conducted by independent PBMs, or to the contractual relationships such
as those we have with certain of our clients. It has recently been reported that
the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia has issued subpoenas to Merck-Medco
and PCS, both PBMs, and Schering-Plough Corp., a pharmaceutical manufacturer. We
have not been served with any such subpoena, nor are we privy to information
concerning the scope of information being requested by these subpoenas. However,
the U.S. Attorney's Office has been quoted to the effect that one issue being
investigated is whether certain practices engaged in by those PBMs violate
certain anti-remuneration statutes. We believe that we are in substantial
compliance with the legal requirements imposed by such laws and regulations, and
we believe that there are material differences between drug-switching programs
that have historically been challenged under these laws and the programs we
offer to our clients. However, there can be no assurance that we will not be
subject to scrutiny or challenge under such laws or regulations. Any such
challenge could have a material adverse effect on us.
ERISA Regulation. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
("ERISA") regulates certain aspects of employee pension and health benefit
plans, including self-funded corporate health plans with which we have
agreements to provide PBM services. We believe that the conduct of our business
is not subject to the fiduciary obligations of ERISA, and our agreements with
our clients support this contention by providing that we are not the fiduciary
of the applicable plan. However, there can be no assurance that the U.S.
Department of Labor, which is the agency that enforces ERISA, would not assert
that the fiduciary obligations imposed by the statute apply to certain aspects
of our operations.
In addition to its fiduciary provisions, ERISA imposes civil and criminal
liability on service providers to health plans and certain other persons if
certain forms of illegal remuneration are made or received. These provisions of
ERISA are similar, but not identical, to the health care anti-remuneration
statutes discussed in the immediately preceding section; in particular, ERISA
lacks the statutory and regulatory "safe harbor" exceptions incorporated into
the health care statute. Like the health care anti-remuneration laws, the
corresponding provisions of ERISA are broadly written and their application to
particular cases is often uncertain. We have implemented policies, which include
disclosure to health plan sponsors with respect to any commissions paid by us
that might fall within the scope of such provisions, and accordingly believe we
are in substantial compliance with these provisions of ERISA. However, we can
provide no assurance that our policies in this regard would be found by the
appropriate enforcement authorities to meet the requirements of the statute.
Proposed Changes in Canadian Healthcare System. In Canada, the provincial
health plans provide universal coverage for basic health care services, but
prescription drug coverage under the government plans is provided only for the
elderly and the indigent. In late 1997, a proposal was made by a federal
government health care task force to include coverage for prescription drugs
under the provincial health insurance plans, which was endorsed by the federal
government's Health Minister. This report was advisory in nature, and not
binding upon the federal or provincial governments. We believe this initiative
is dormant at the present time, and we are unable to determine the likelihood of
adoption of the proposal in the future.
Numerous state laws and regulations also affect aspects of our PBM
business. Among these are the following:
Comprehensive PBM Regulation. Although no state has passed legislation
regulating PBM activities in a comprehensive manner, such legislation has been
introduced in the past in California, New Jersey, Colorado, Texas and Virginia.
Such legislation, if enacted in a state in which we have a significant
concentration of business, could adversely impact our operations.
Consumer Protection Laws. Most states have consumer protection laws
that have been the basis for investigations and multi-state settlements relating
to financial incentives provided by drug manufacturers to retail pharmacies in
connection with drug switching programs. In addition, pursuant to a settlement
agreement entered into with seventeen states on October 25, 1995, Merck-Medco
Managed Care, LLC ("Medco"), the PBM subsidiary of pharmaceutical manufacturer
Merck & Co., agreed to have pharmacists affiliated with Medco mail service
pharmacies disclose to physicians and patients the financial relationships
between Merck, Medco, and the mail service pharmacy when such pharmacists
contact physicians seeking to change a prescription from one drug to another. We
believe that our contractual relationships with drug manufacturers and retail
pharmacies do not include the features that were viewed by enforcement
authorities as problematic in these settlement agreements. However, no assurance
can be given that we will not be subject to scrutiny or challenge under one or
more of these laws.
Network Access Legislation. A majority of states now have some form of
legislation affecting our ability to limit access to a pharmacy provider network
or from removing network providers. Such legislation may require us or our
clients to admit any retail pharmacy willing to meet the plan's price and other
terms for network participation ("any willing provider" legislation); or may
provide that a provider may not be removed from a network except in compliance
with certain procedures ("due process" legislation). We have not been materially
affected by these statutes because we maintain a large network of over 53,000
retail pharmacies and will admit any duly licensed pharmacy that meets our
participation criteria, which address such matters as adequacy of insurance
coverage, minimum hours of operation, and the absence of disciplinary actions by
relevant state and federal agencies.
Legislation Affecting Plan Design. Some states have enacted legislation
that prohibits certain types of managed care plan sponsors from implementing
certain restrictive design features, and many states have introduced legislation
to regulate various aspects of managed care plans, including provisions relating
to the pharmacy benefit. For example, some states, under so-called "freedom of
choice" legislation, provide that members of the plan may not be required to use
network providers, but must instead be provided with benefits even if they
choose to use non-network providers. Other states have enacted legislation
purporting to prohibit health plans from offering members financial incentives
for use of mail service pharmacies. Legislation has been introduced in some
states to prohibit or restrict therapeutic intervention, or to require coverage
of all FDA approved drugs. Other states mandate coverage of certain benefits or
conditions, and require coverage of specific drugs if deemed medically necessary
by the prescribing physician. Such legislation does not generally apply to us,
but it may apply to certain of our clients (HMOs and health insurers). If such
legislation were to become widely adopted and broad in scope, it could have the
effect of limiting the economic benefits achievable through pharmacy benefit
management. This could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Licensure Laws. Many states have licensure or registration laws
governing certain types of ancillary health care organizations, including PPOs,
TPAs, and companies that provide utilization review services. The scope of these
laws differs significantly from state to state, and the application of such laws
to the activities of pharmacy benefit managers often is unclear. We have
registered under such laws in those states in which we have concluded, after
discussion with the appropriate state agency, that such registration is
required. Because of increased regulatory requirements on some of our managed
care clients affecting prior authorization of drugs before coverage is approved,
we have elected to obtain utilization review licenses in selected states through
our new ESI Utilization Management Co. In addition, accreditation agencies'
requirements on managed care organizations may also affect those delegated
services we provide to such organizations.
Legislation Affecting Drug Prices. Some states have adopted so-called
"most favored nation" legislation providing that a pharmacy participating in the
state Medicaid program must give the state the best price that the pharmacy
makes available to any third party plan. Such legislation may adversely affect
our ability to negotiate discounts in the future from network pharmacies. Other
states have enacted "unitary pricing" legislation, which mandates that all
wholesale purchasers of drugs within the state be given access to the same
discounts and incentives. Such legislation has been introduced in the past but
not enacted in Missouri, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Mexico, all
states where we operate mail service pharmacies. Such legislation, if enacted in
a state where one of our mail service pharmacies is located, could adversely
affect our ability to negotiate discounts on our purchase of prescription drugs
to be dispensed by our mail service pharmacies.
Regulation of Financial Risk Plans. Fee-for-service prescription drug
plans are generally not subject to financial regulation by the states. However,
if the PBM offers to provide prescription drug coverage on a capitated basis or
otherwise accepts material financial risk in providing the benefit, laws in
various states may regulate the plan. Such laws may require that the party at
risk establish reserves or otherwise demonstrate financial responsibility. Laws
that may apply in such cases include insurance laws, HMO laws or limited prepaid
health service plan laws. In those cases in which we have contracts in which we
are materially at risk to provide the pharmacy benefit, we believe we have
complied with all applicable laws.
Many of these state laws may be preempted in whole or in part by ERISA,
which provides for comprehensive federal regulation of employee benefit plans.
However, the scope of ERISA preemption is uncertain and is subject to
conflicting court rulings, and in any event we provide services to certain
clients, such as governmental entities, that are not subject to the preemption
provisions of ERISA. Other state laws may be invalid in whole or in part as an
unconstitutional attempt by a state to regulate interstate commerce, but the
outcome of challenges to these laws on this basis is uncertain. Accordingly,
compliance with state laws and regulations is a significant operational
requirement for us.
Mail Pharmacy Regulation. Our mail service pharmacies are located in
Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, New York and Pennsylvania, and we are licensed to
do business as a pharmacy in each such state. Many of the states into which we
deliver pharmaceuticals have laws and regulations that require out-of-state mail
service pharmacies to register with, or be licensed by, the board of pharmacy or
similar regulatory body in the state. These states generally permit the mail
service pharmacy to follow the laws of the state within which the mail service
pharmacy is located, although two states require that we also employ a
pharmacist licensed in their state. We have registered our pharmacies in every
state in which, to our knowledge, such registration is required.
One state has a statute that purports to prohibit residents from
obtaining prescription drugs by mail if the mail order business of the company
dispensing the drugs represents more than a specified percentage of the
company's total volume of pharmacy business. The statute is ambiguous in certain
respects, but we do not believe our mail order volume exceeds the threshold
percentage. We are licensed as a pharmacy in that state. No enforcement action
has been taken under the statute against us, and to our knowledge, no such
enforcement action is contemplated. Approximately 2.4% of our revenues come from
mail delivery of prescription drugs into that state. If an enforcement action
were commenced against us under that statute, we would consider all of our
alternatives, including challenging the validity of the statute. A bill is
pending in that state to repeal the mail service prohibition.
Other statutes and regulations affect our mail service operations.
Federal statutes and regulations govern the labeling, packaging, advertising and
adulteration of prescription drugs and the dispensing of controlled substances.
The Federal Trade Commission requires mail order sellers of goods generally to
engage in truthful advertising, to stock a reasonable supply of the product to
be sold, to fill mail orders within thirty days, and to provide clients with
refunds when appropriate. The United States Postal Service has statutory
authority to restrict the transmission of drugs and medicines through the mail
to a degree that could have an adverse effect on our mail service operations.
Regulation of Informed Decision Counseling and Disease Management
Services. Our health care decision support counseling and disease management
programs are affected by many of the same types of state laws and regulations as
our other activities. In addition, all states regulate the practice of medicine
and the practice of nursing. We do not believe our informed decision counseling
or disease management activities constitute either the practice of medicine or
the practice of nursing. However, there can be no assurance that a regulatory
agency in one or more states may not assert a contrary position, and we are not
aware of any controlling legal precedent for services of this kind.
Privacy and Confidentiality Legislation. Most of our activities involve
the receipt or use of confidential, medical information concerning individual
members. In addition, we use aggregated and anonymized data for research and
analysis purposes. Regulations have been proposed at the federal level and
legislation has been proposed, and in some cases enacted, in several states to
restrict the use and disclosure of confidential medical information. To date, no
such legislation has been enacted that adversely impacts our ability to provide
our services, but there can be no assurance that federal or state governments
will not enact legislation, impose restrictions or adopt interpretations of
existing laws that could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
In November 1999, the Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS")
issued draft privacy regulations, pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), which impose extensive restrictions on
the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information. HHS has
received comments to the proposed regulations and it is not known when they will
be finalized. At such time as the regulations are finalized, we expect that
there will be a two-year implementation period within which we must comply. We
are unable to predict accurately what effect the final regulations may have on
us, and there can be no assurance that the restrictions and duties imposed by
the regulations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations or financial condition.
Non-PBM Regulatory Environment. Our non-PBM activities operate in a
regulatory environment that is quite similar to that of our PBM activities.
Regulation of Infusion Therapy Services. Our infusion therapy services
business is subject to many of the same or similar federal and state laws and
regulations affecting our pharmacy benefit management business, including
anti-remuneration, physician self-referral, and other fraud and abuse type laws
and regulations. In addition, some states require that providers of infusion
therapy services be licensed. We are licensed as a home health agency and
pharmacy in Texas, as a residential service agency and pharmacy in Maryland, and
as a pharmacy in New Jersey, Missouri, Arizona and Pennsylvania. We are also
licensed as a non-resident pharmacy in various states. We believe that we are in
substantial compliance with such licensing requirements.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
("JCAHO"), a non-profit, private organization, has established written standards
for health care organizations and home care services, including standards for
services provided by home infusion therapy companies. All of our infusion
therapy facilities have received JCAHO accreditation, which allows us to market
infusion therapy services to Medicare and Medicaid programs. If we expand our
home infusion therapy services to other states or to Medicare or Medicaid
programs, we may be required to comply with other applicable laws and
regulations.
Future Regulation. We are unable to predict accurately what additional
federal or state legislation or regulatory initiatives may be enacted in the
future relating to our businesses or the health care industry in general, or
what effect any such legislation or regulations might have on us. There can be
no assurance that federal or state governments will not impose additional
restrictions or adopt interpretations of existing laws that could have a
material adverse effect on our business or financial position.
Service Marks and Trademarks
We, and our subsidiaries, have registered the service marks "Express
Scripts", "PERx", "ExpressComp", "ExpressReview", "ExpressTherapeutics", "IVTx",
"PERxCare", "PERxComp", "RxWizard", "PTE", "ValueRx", "Value Health, Inc." and
"Diversified", among others, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Our rights to these marks will continue so long as we comply with the usage,
renewal filing and other legal requirements relating to the renewal of service
marks. We are in the process of applying for registration of several other
trademarks and service marks. If we are unable to obtain any additional
registrations, we believe there would be no material adverse effect on our
business.
Insurance
Our PBM operations, including the dispensing of pharmaceutical products by
our mail service pharmacies, and the services rendered in connection with our
disease management and informed decision counseling services, and our non-PBM
operations, such as the products and services provided in connection with our
infusion therapy programs (including the associated nursing services), may
subject us to litigation and liability for damages. We believe that our
insurance protection is adequate for our present business operations, but there
can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our professional and
general liability insurance coverage in the future or that such insurance
coverage will be available on acceptable terms or adequate to cover any or all
potential product or professional liability claims. A successful product or
professional liability claim in excess of our insurance coverage, or one for
which an exclusion from coverage applies, could have a material adverse effect
upon our financial position or results of operations.
Employees
As of March 1, 2000, we employed a total of 4,529 employees in the U.S. and
77 employees in Canada. Approximately 504 of the U.S. employees are members of
collective bargaining units. Specifically, we employ members of the Service
Employees International Union at our Bensalem, Pennsylvania facility, members of
the United Auto Workers Union at our Farmington Hills, Michigan facility, and
members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union ("UFCW") at our
Albuquerque, New Mexico facility. We believe our relationships with our
employees and our unions are good.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, the
information regarding our executive officers required by Item 401 of Regulation
S-K is hereby included in Part I of this report.
Our executive officers and their ages as of March 1, 2000 are as follows:
Name Age Position
Howard L. Waltman 67 Chairman of the Board
Barrett A. Toan 52 President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
David A. Lowenberg 50 Chief Operating Officer
Terrence D. Arndt 56 Senior Vice President of Marketing
Stuart L. Bascomb 58 Executive Vice President - Sales
and Provider Relations and
Director
Thomas M. Boudreau 48 Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
Mabel F. Chen 57 Senior Vice President and
Director of Site Operations
Robert W. (Joe) Davis 53 Senior Vice President and Chief
Information Systems Officer
Mark O. Johnson 46 Senior Vice President of
Administration
Linda L. Logsdon 52 Executive Vice President of
Health Management Services
George Paz 44 Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Joseph W. Plum 52 Vice President and Chief
Accounting Officer
Mr. Waltman was elected Chairman of the Board in March 1992. Mr. Waltman
has been one of our directors since our inception in September 1986. From
September 1992 to December 31, 1995, Mr. Waltman served as the Chairman of the
Board of NYLCare Health Plans, Inc., which was an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company at the time.
Mr. Toan was elected Chief Executive Officer in March 1992 and President
and a director in October 1990. Mr. Toan has been an executive employee of ours
since May 1989.
Mr. Lowenberg was elected our Chief Operating Officer in September 1999,
also served as Director of Site Operations from October 1994 until September
1999 and Vice President in November 1993. Mr. Lowenberg also served as General
Manager of the Tempe facility from March 1993 until January 1995.
Mr. Arndt joined us and was elected Senior Vice President of Marketing in
April 1999. Prior to joining us, Mr. Arndt was President and Chief Operating
Officer of EDI USA from July 1997 to April 1999. Mr. Arndt served as Vice
President of Business Development for Card Establishment Services, a former
division of CitiBank owned by the firm of Welsh, Carson, Anderson and Stowe,
from July 1994 to July 1997.
Mr. Bascomb was elected Executive Vice President in March 1989 and a
director in January 2000, and also served as Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer from March 1992 until May 1996. Since May 1996, Mr. Bascomb has served
as Executive Vice President - Sales and Provider Relations.
Mr. Boudreau was elected Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary in October 1994. He has served as General Counsel since June 1994.
From September 1984 until June 1994, Mr. Boudreau was a partner in the St. Louis
law firm of Husch & Eppenberger.
Ms. Chen was elected Senior Vice President and Director of Site Operations
in November 1999. From March 1996 until November 1999, Ms. Chen served as Vice
President and General Manager of our Tempe facility. From January 1995 until
joining Express Scripts, Ms. Chen served as the Director of Medicaid for the
State of Arizona.
Mr. Davis was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Information Systems
Officer in September 1997. Mr. Davis served as Director of Technical Services
and Computer Operations from July 1993 until July 1995, and as Vice President
and General Manager of our St. Louis Operations from July 1995 until September
1997.
Mr. Johnson was elected Senior Vice President of Integration in May 1999,
and has served as Senior Vice President of Administration since February 2000.
Prior to joining us, Mr. Johnson served as President of DPS from May 1998 to
April 1999 and Senior Vice President, Client Service and Sales of DPS from May
1997 to May 1998. From August 1996 to May 1997, Mr. Johnson was President and
Chief Executive Officer of American Day Treatment Center, Inc. and also served
as Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer from March
1992 to August 1996.
Ms. Logsdon was elected Executive Vice President of Health Management
Services in May 1999, and served as Senior Vice President of Health Management
Services from May 1997 until May 1999. Ms. Logsdon served as Vice President of
Demand and Disease Management from November 1996 until May 1997. Prior to
joining us in November 1996, Ms. Logsdon served as Vice President of Corporate
Services and Chief Operating Officer of United HealthCare's Midwest
Companies-GenCare/Physicians Health Plan/MetraHealth, a St. Louis-based health
maintenance organization, from February 1995 to October 1996, and as Deputy
Director/Vice President of GenCare Health Systems, Inc., also a St. Louis-based
health maintenance organization, from June 1992 to February 1995.
Mr. Paz joined us and was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer in January 1998. Prior to joining us, Mr. Paz was a partner in the
Chicago office of Coopers & Lybrand from December 1995 to December 1997, and
served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Life Partners
Group, Inc., a life insurance company, from October 1993 until December 1995.
Mr. Plum was elected Vice President in October 1994 and has served as Chief
Accounting Officer since March 1992 and Corporate Controller since March 1989.
Forward Looking Statements and Associated Risks
Information that we have included or incorporated by reference in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K, and information that may be contained in our other
filings with the SEC and our press releases or other public statements, contain
or may contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements
include, among others, statements of our plans, objectives, expectations 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. Factors that might cause such a difference to occur
include, but are not limited to:
o risks associated with the implementation of our Internet strategy
o risks associated with the integration of ValueRx and DPS
o risks associated with our leverage and debt service obligations
o risks associated with our ability to manage and maintain internal
growth
o competition, including price competition, competition in the bidding
and proposal process and our ability to consummate contract
negotiations with prospective clients
o the possible termination of contracts with key clients or providers
o the possible loss of relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers,
or changes in pricing, discount, rebate or other practices of
pharmaceutical manufacturers
o adverse results in litigation
o adverse results in regulatory matters, the adoption of adverse
legislation or regulations, more aggressive enforcement of existing
legislation or regulations, or a change in the interpretation of
existing legislation or regulations
o developments in the health care industry, including the impact of
increases in health care costs, changes in drug utilization patterns
and introductions of new drugs
o dependence on key members of management
o our relationship with New York Life Insurance Company, which possesses
voting control of us
o other risks described from time to time in our filings with the SEC
These and other relevant factors, including any other information included or
incorporated by reference in this Report, and information that may be contained
in our other filings with the SEC, should be carefully considered when reviewing
any forward-looking statement. The occurrence of any of the following risks,
among others, could materially adversely affect our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Failure to Implement Our Internet Strategy Could Adversely Affect Our Business
We continue to implement and refine our Internet strategy, which will
generally web-enable all components of the pharmacy benefit delivery equation.
To the extent we do not successfully implement this strategy, we may be at a
competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors, which may adversely affect
our ability to attract and retain clients.
Failure to Integrate ValueRx and DPS Could Adversely Affect Our Business
On April 1, 1998, we completed our first major acquisition by acquiring
Value Health, Inc. and Managed Prescription Network, Inc. (collectively,
"ValueRx"), the PBM business of Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, for
approximately $460 million in cash. This transaction significantly increased our
membership base and the complexity of our operations. On April 1, 1999, we
completed our acquisition of Diversified Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and
Diversified Pharmaceutical Services (Puerto Rico), Inc. (collectively, "DPS")
from SmithKline Beecham Corporation and one of its affiliates for $715 million
in cash. In light of both acquisitions, we have developed and are implementing
an integration plan to address items such as:
o retention of key employees
o consolidation of administrative and other duplicative functions
o coordination of sales, marketing, customer service and clinical
functions
o systems integration
o new product and service development
o client retention and other items o facility consolidation
While we have achieved many of our integration goals to date with
respect to the acquisitions, certain significant integration challenges remain,
including the complete integration of our information technology systems. We
cannot provide any assurance that our integration plan will successfully address
all aspects of our operations, or that we will continue to achieve our
integration goals. In addition, we assumed specific financial targets when
deciding to purchase ValueRx and DPS. We cannot provide any assurance that we
will be able to achieve our targets. Failure to do so could materially adversely
affect our results of operations or financial condition.
Our Leverage and Debt Service Obligations Could Impede Our Operations and
Flexibility
We have significant leverage, which means that the amount of our
outstanding debt is large compared to the net book value of our assets, and we
have substantial repayment obligations and interest expense. As of December 31,
1999, we have total consolidated debt of approximately $636 million ($606
million after our $30 million repayment in January 2000). We may incur
additional indebtedness in the future.
Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by our debt agreements
could have important consequences, including the following:
o we will have to use a substantial portion of our cash
flow from operations for debt service rather than for
our operations
o we may not be able to obtain additional debt financing
for future working capital, capital expenditures or
other corporate purposes
o approximately 21% of the debt under our bank credit
facility is at a variable interest rate, making us
vulnerable to increases in interest rates
o we could be less able to take advantage of significant
business opportunities, such as acquisition
opportunities, and react to changes in market or
industry conditions
o we could be more vulnerable to general adverse economic
and industry conditions
o we may be disadvantaged compared to competitors with
less leverage
Furthermore, our ability to satisfy our obligations, including our debt
service requirements, will be dependent upon our future performance. Factors
which could affect our future performance include, without limitation,
prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many
of which are beyond our control and which affect our business and operations.
Our bank credit facility is secured by the capital stock of each of our
existing and subsequently acquired domestic subsidiaries, excluding Practice
Patterns Science, Great Plains Reinsurance Company, ValueRx of Michigan, Inc.,
Diversified NY IPA, Inc. and Diversified Pharmaceutical Services (Puerto Rico),
Inc., and 65% of the stock of our foreign subsidiaries. If we are unable to meet
our obligations under this bank credit facility, these creditors could exercise
their rights as a secured party and take possession of the pledged capital stock
of these subsidiaries. This would materially adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition.
Failure to Manage and Maintain Internal Growth Could Adversely Affect
Our Business
We have experienced rapid internal growth over the past several years. Our
ability to effectively manage and maintain this internal growth will require
that we continue to improve our financial and management information systems as
well as identify and retain key personnel. We can provide no assurance that we
will successfully meet these requirements or that we will have access to
sufficient capital to do so. Our internal growth is also dependent upon our
ability to attract new clients and achieve growth in the membership base of our
existing clients. If we are unable to continue our client and membership growth,
our results of operations and financial position could be materially adversely
affected.
Competition Could Reduce Our Membership and Our Profit Margins
Pharmacy benefit management is a very competitive business. Our competitors
include several large and well-established companies that may have greater
financial, marketing and technological resources than we do. One major
competitor in the PBM business, Merck-Medco Managed Care, L.L.C., is owned by
Merck & Co., Inc., a large pharmaceutical manufacturer. Another major
competitor, PCS, Inc., is owned by Rite-Aid Corporation, a large retail pharmacy
chain. Both of these competitors may possess purchasing or other advantages over
us by virtue of their ownership, and could succeed in taking away some of our
clients. Consolidation in the PBM industry may also lead to increased
competition among a smaller number of large PBM companies. Competition may also
come from other sources in the future, including from Internet-based providers
such as Drugstore.com, or from Internet-based connectivity companies, such as
Healtheon/WebMD. We cannot predict what effect, if any, these new competitors
may have on the marketplace or on our business.
Over the last several years intense competition in the marketplace has
caused many PBMs, including us, to reduce the prices charged to clients for core
services and share a larger portion of the formulary fees and related revenues
received from drug manufacturers with clients. This combination of lower pricing
and increased revenue sharing has caused our operating margins to decline (see
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations"). We expect to continue marketing our services to larger clients,
who typically have greater bargaining power than smaller clients. This might
create continuing pressure on our margins. We can give no assurance that new
services provided to these clients will fully compensate for these reduced
margins.
Failure to Retain Key Clients and Network Pharmacies Could Adversely Affect Our
Business and Limit Our Access to Retail Pharmacies
We currently provide PBM services to approximately 9,300 clients, including
several large clients. Our acquisitions have diversified our client base and
reduced our dependence on any single client. Our top 10 clients, measured as of
January 1, 2000, but excluding UHC, represent approximately 28% of our total
membership base, but no single client represents more than approximately 4% of
our membership base. Our contracts with clients generally do not have terms of
longer than three years and, in some cases, are terminable by either party on
relatively short notice. Our larger clients generally distribute requests for
proposals and seek bids from other PBM providers in advance of the expiration of
their contracts. If several of these large clients elect not to extend their
relationship with us, and we are not successful in generating sales to replace
the lost business, our future business and operating results could be materially
adversely affected. In addition, we believe the managed care industry is
undergoing substantial consolidation, and another party that is not our client
could acquire some of our managed care clients. In such case, the likelihood
such client would renew its PBM contract with us could be reduced.
As of January 1, 2000, UHC represents our largest client, with
approximately 9.5 million members, which accounts for approximately 20% of our
membership base. Our contract with UHC expires on May 31, 2000, and UHC will
begin moving to another provider at that time. We have developed a migration
plan to transition the UHC membership to their new provider beginning in June
2000 and continuing its migration of members through the end of 2000. In our
financial analysis of the DPS acquisition, we assumed UHC would not renew its
contract. However, if we are unable to reduce our costs on a basis commensurate
with our expectations and manage the transition of this large client to another
provider both efficiently and effectively based upon our migration plan, the
termination of this contract may materially adversely affect our business and
results of operations.
Our largest national provider network consists of more than 53,000 retail
pharmacies, which represent more than 99% of the retail pharmacies in the United
States. However, the top 10 retail pharmacy chains represent approximately 42%
of the 53,000 pharmacies, with these pharmacy chains representing even higher
concentrations in certain areas of the United States. Our contracts with retail
pharmacies, which are non-exclusive, are generally terminable by either party on
relatively short notice. If one or more of the top pharmacy chains elects to
terminate its relationship with us, our members' access to retail pharmacies and
our business could be materially adversely affected. In addition, large pharmacy
chains either own PBMs today, as is the case with Rite-Aid Corporation who owns
one of our major competitors, PCS, Inc., or could attempt to acquire a PBM in
the future. Ownership of PBMs by retail pharmacy chains could have material
adverse effects on our relationships with such pharmacy chains and on our
business and results of operations.
Loss of Relationships with Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Changes in the
Regulation of Discounts and Rebates Provided to Us by Pharmaceutical
Manufacturers Could Decrease Our Profits
We maintain contractual relationships with numerous pharmaceutical
manufacturers that provide us with:
o discounts at the time we purchase the drugs to be
dispensed from our mail pharmacies
o rebates based upon sales of drugs from our mail
pharmacies and through pharmacies in our retail
networks
o administrative fees based upon the development and
maintenance of formularies which include the particular
manufacturer's products
These fees are all commonly referred to as formulary fees or formulary
management fees.
We also provide various services for, or services which are funded wholly
or partially by, pharmaceutical manufacturers. These services include:
o compliance programs, which involve instruction and
counseling of patients concerning the importance of
compliance with the drug treatment regimen prescribed
by their physician
o therapy management programs, which involve education of
patients having specific diseases, such as asthma and
diabetes, concerning the management of their condition
o market research programs in which we provide
information to manufacturers concerning drug
utilization patterns.
These arrangements are generally terminable by either party on relatively short
notice. If several of these arrangements are terminated or materially altered by
the pharmaceutical manufacturers, our operating results could be materially
adversely affected. In addition, formulary fee programs, as well as some of the
services we provide to the pharmaceutical manufacturers, have been the subject
of debate in federal and state legislatures and various other public and
governmental forums. Changes in existing laws or regulations or in their
interpretations, or the adoption of new laws or regulations, relating to any of
these programs may materially adversely affect our business.
Patents covering many brand name drugs that currently have substantial
market share will expire over the next several years, and generic drugs will be
introduced at prices that may substantially reduce the market share of these
brand name drugs. Unlike brand name drug manufacturers, manufacturers of generic
drugs do not generally offer incentive payments on their drugs to PBMs in the
form of discounts, rebates or other formulary fees. Although we expect new drugs
with patent protection to be introduced in the future, we can provide no
assurance such drugs will capture a significant share of the market such that
our incentive payment revenues will not be reduced.
Pending and Future Litigation Could Materially Affect Our Relationships
with Pharmaceutical Manufacturers or Subject Us to Significant Monetary Damages
Since 1993, retail pharmacies have filed over 100 separate lawsuits against
drug manufacturers, wholesalers and certain PBMs, challenging brand name drug
pricing practices under various state and federal antitrust laws. The plaintiffs
alleged, among other things, that the manufacturers had offered, and certain
PBMs had knowingly accepted, discounts and rebates on purchases of brand name
prescription drugs that violated the Federal Sherman Act and the Federal
Robinson-Patman Act. Some manufacturers settled certain of these actions,
including a Sherman Act case brought on behalf of a nationwide class of retail
pharmacies. The class action settlements generally provided for commitments by
the manufacturers in their discounting practices to retail pharmacies. The
Sherman Act class action was dismissed as to these drug manufacturers and
wholesalers who did not settle. With respect to the cases filed by plaintiffs
who opted out of the class action, while some drug manufacturers have settled
certain of these actions, such settlements are not part of the public record.
The Robinson-Patman Act cases are still pending.
We are not currently a party to any of these proceedings. To date, we do
not believe any of these settlements have had a material adverse effect on our
business. However, we cannot provide any assurance that the terms of the
settlements will not materially adversely affect us in the future or that we
will not be made a party to any separate lawsuit. In addition, we cannot predict
the outcome or possible ramifications to our business of the Robinson-Patman Act
cases.
We are also subject to risks relating to litigation and liability for
damages in connection with our PBM operations, including the dispensing of
pharmaceutical products by our mail pharmacies, the services rendered in
connection with our formulary management and informed decision counseling
services, and our non-PBM operations, including the products and services
provided in connection with our infusion therapy programs (and the associated
nursing services). We believe our insurance protection is adequate for our
present operations. However, we cannot provide any assurance that we will be
able to maintain our professional and general liability insurance coverage in
the future or that such insurance coverage will be available on acceptable terms
to cover any or all potential product or professional liability claims. A
successful product or professional liability claim in excess of our insurance
coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Changes in State and Federal Regulations Could Restrict Our Ability to Conduct
Our Business
Numerous state and federal laws and regulations affect our business and
operations. The categories include, but are not necessarily limited to:
o health care fraud and abuse laws and regulations, which prohibit
certain types of referral and other payments
o the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and related regulations,
which regulate many health care plans
o proposed comprehensive state PBM legislation
o consumer protection laws and regulations
o pharmacy network access laws, including "any willing provider" and
"due process" legislation, that regulate aspects of our pharmacy
network contracts
o legislation imposing benefit plan design restrictions, which limit how
our clients can design their drug benefit plans
o various licensure laws, such as managed care and third party
administrator licensure laws
o drug pricing legislation, including "most favored nation" pricing and
"unitary pricing" legislation
o mail pharmacy laws and regulations
o privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations
o Medicare prescription drug coverage proposals
o other Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement regulations
o potential regulation of the PBM industry by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration
These and other regulatory matters are discussed in more detail under "Business
- - Government Regulation" above.
We believe we are operating our business in substantial compliance with
all existing legal requirements material to the operation of our business. There
are, however, significant uncertainties regarding the application of many of
these legal requirements to our business, and we cannot provide any assurance
that a regulatory agency charged with enforcement of any of these laws or
regulations will not interpret them differently or, if there is an enforcement
action brought against us, that our interpretation would prevail. In addition,
there are numerous proposed health care laws and regulations at the federal and
state levels, many of which could materially affect our ability to conduct our
business or adversely affect our results of operations. We are unable to predict
what additional federal or state legislation or regulatory initiatives may be
enacted in the future relating to our business or the health care industry in
general, or what effect any such legislation or regulations might have on us.
Efforts to Reduce Health Care Costs and Alter Health Care Financing Practices
Could Adversely Affect Our Business
Efforts are being made in the United States to control health care costs,
including prescription drug costs, in response to, among other things, increases
in prescription drug utilization rates and drug prices. If these efforts are
successful or if prescription drug utilization rates were to decrease
significantly, our business and results of operations could be materially
adversely affected.
We have designed our business to compete within the current structure of
the U.S. health care system. Changing political, economic and regulatory
influences may affect health care financing and reimbursement practices. If the
current health care financing and reimbursement system changes significantly,
our business could be materially adversely affected. Congress is currently
considering proposals to reform the U.S. health care system. These proposals may
increase governmental involvement in health care and PBM services, and otherwise
change the way our clients do business. Health care organizations may react to
these proposals and the uncertainty surrounding them by reducing or delaying
purchases of cost control mechanisms and related services that we provide. We
cannot predict what effect, if any, these proposals may have on our business.
Other legislative or market-driven changes in the health care system that we
cannot anticipate could also materially adversely affect our business.
Loss of Key Management Could Adversely Affect Our Business
Our success is materially dependent upon certain key managers and, in
particular, upon the continued services of Barrett A. Toan, our President and
Chief Executive Officer. Our future operations could be materially adversely
affected if the services of Mr. Toan cease to be available. We are party to an
employment agreement with Mr. Toan that currently extends to March 31, 2002.
This agreement automatically extends for an additional year on April 1, 2001 and
on each April 1 thereafter unless either party gives notice of termination at
least 30 days prior to such April 1. As of the date hereof, neither Mr. Toan has
nor we have given such notice.
New York Life Insurance Company Can Control Our Business and Limit Our Ability
to Enter Into Selected Business Transactions
We have two classes of authorized common stock: Class A Common Stock and
Class B Common Stock. Our Class A Common Stock has been publicly traded on The
Nasdaq National Market since June 9, 1992. Our Class B Common Stock is entirely
owned by NYLIFE HealthCare Management, Inc. ("NYLIFE HealthCare"), an indirect
subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company ("New York Life"). Each share of
our Class A Common Stock has one vote per share, and each share of our Class B
Common stock has ten votes per share. Consequently, although NYLIFE HealthCare
currently owns approximately 39% of our total outstanding shares of Common
Stock, it possesses approximately 86% of the combined voting power of both
classes of Common Stock. NYLIFE HealthCare could reduce its Class B Common Stock
ownership to represent slightly less than 10% of the total outstanding shares of
our common stock and still control a majority of the voting power of our common
stock. Accordingly, without regard to the votes of our public stockholders,
NYLIFE HealthCare can
o elect or remove all of our directors
o amend our certificate of incorporation, except where the separate
approval of the holders of our Class A Common Stock is required by law
o accept or reject a merger, sale of assets or other major corporate
transaction
o accept or reject any proposed acquisition of ours
o determine the amount and timing of dividends paid to itself and
holders of our Class A Common Stock
o except in limited circumstances, otherwise control our management and
operations and decide all matters submitted for a stockholder vote
Our Class B common stock will automatically convert into the same number of
shares of our Class A common stock upon transfer by NYLIFE HealthCare to any
entity other than an affiliate of New York Life or otherwise at the option of
NYLIFE HealthCare. We cannot assure you, however, that our Class B common stock
would automatically convert into our Class A common stock if New York Life were
to transfer the stock of NYLIFE HealthCare to someone who is not an affiliate of
New York Life.
Item 2 - Properties
We operate our United States and Canadian PBM and non-PBM businesses out of
leased and owned facilities throughout the United States and Canada. All of our
facilities are leased except for our Albuquerque, New Mexico facility, which we
own.
PBM Facilities Non-PBM Facilities
Maryland Heights, Missouri Maryland Heights, Missouri
Earth City, Missouri Earth City, Missouri
Tempe, Arizona Columbia, Missouri
Bloomington, Minnesota Dallas, Texas
Plymouth, Minnesota Houston, Texas
Bensalem, Pennsylvania Columbia, Maryland
Troy, New York Tempe, Arizona
Farmington Hills, Michigan Springfield, New Jersey
Albuquerque, New Mexico West Chester, Pennsylvania
Horsham, Pennsylvania
Mississauga, Ontario
Our Maryland Heights, Missouri facility houses our corporate offices.
Express Scripts Infusion Services and Specialty Distribution Services corporate
offices are also located at our Maryland Heights, Missouri facility. Our
Specialty Distribution services are operated out of our facility in Tempe,
Arizona and a separate facility in Maryland Heights, Missouri. We believe our
facilities have been generally well maintained and are in good operating
condition. Our existing facilities contain approximately 1,100,000 square feet
in area, in the aggregate.
We own computer systems for both the Maryland Heights, Missouri and Tempe,
Arizona sites. In late 1999, we entered into a five year agreement with EDS to
outsource our IS operations. Under the terms of the agreement, EDS has
responsibility for operating and maintaining the computer systems. Our software
for drug utilization review and other products has been developed internally by
us or purchased under perpetual, nonexclusive license agreements with third
parties. Our computer systems at each site are extensively integrated and share
common files through local and wide area networks. An uninterruptable power
supply and diesel generator allow our computers, telephone systems and mail
pharmacy at each site to continue to function during a power outage. To protect
against loss of data and extended downtime, we store software and redundant
files at both on-site and off-site facilities on a regular basis and have
contingency operation plans in place. We cannot, however, provide any assurance
that our contingency or disaster recovery plans would adequately address all
relevant issues.
Item 3 - Legal Proceedings
As discussed in detail in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended June 30, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August
13, 1998 (the "Second Quarter, 1998 10-Q"), we acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Value Health, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Value Health"),
and Managed Prescription Network, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("MPN") from
Columbia HCA/HealthCare Corporation ("Columbia") and its affiliates on April 1,
1998 (the "Acquisition"). Value Health, MPN and/or their subsidiaries
(collectively, the "Acquired Entities"), were party to various legal
proceedings, investigations or claims at the time of the Acquisition. The effect
of these actions on our future financial results is not subject to reasonable
estimation because considerable uncertainty exists about the outcomes.
Nevertheless, in the opinion of management, the ultimate liabilities resulting
from any such lawsuits, investigations or claims now pending should not
materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or
cash flows. A brief description of the most notable of the proceedings follows:
Bash, et al. v. Value Health, Inc., et al., No. 3:97cv2711 (JCH)(D.Conn.)
("Bash"). On December 15, 1995, a purported shareholder class action lawsuit was
filed by Irwin Bash and Leykin, Hyman & Bash Associates in the United States
District Court for the District of New Mexico against Diagnostek, Inc.
("Diagnostek"), Nunzio P. DeSantis, William Baron, and Courtland Miller (all
former Diagnostek officers). Also named as defendants in Bash are Value Health,
Inc. ("Value Health"), Robert E. Patricelli, William J. McBride and Steven J.
Shulman (certain of Value Health's former officers). The Bash Complaint asserts
that Value Health and certain other defendants made false or misleading
statements to the public in connection with Value Health's acquisition of
Diagnostek in 1995, and that Diagnostek and certain of its former officers and
directors made false or misleading statements concerning its financial condition
prior to the acquisition of Value Health. The Bash Complaint asserts claims
under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
well as common law claims, and seeks certification of a class consisting of all
persons (with certain exclusions) who purchased or otherwise acquired (a)
Diagnostek common stock from March 27, 1994 through July 28, 1995; (b) Value
Health common stock pursuant to a Proxy and Prospectus and merger in which their
Diagnostek shares were converted into Value Health shares; and (c) Value Health
common stock from March 27, 1995 through November 7, 1995. The Bash Complaint
does not specify the amount of damages sought. On March 26, 1996, the former
Diagnostek officers filed a motion seeking either dismissal of the case or a
transfer to the District of Connecticut, where the earlier-filed Freedman action
(discussed below) was pending. In the late summer of 1997, the Bash plaintiffs
filed an Amended Complaint that deleted those allegations that overlapped with
the allegations contained in an earlier lawsuit filed against Diagnostek and
certain of its former officers. A formal order approving the settlement of this
earlier lawsuit was entered by the United States District Court for the District
of New Mexico on November 21, 1997. In addition, defendants filed a renewed
motion to transfer the action to Connecticut. On October 24, 1997, an answer was
filed on behalf of Value Health, Diagnostek, and the former directors and
officers of Value Health who had been named as defendants. On November 28, 1997,
the New Mexico court entered an order transferring the action to Connecticut. On
February 4, 1998, the court ordered that plaintiffs in the Freedman action,
discussed below, share all discovery obtained from the defendants and third
parties in their lawsuit with the plaintiffs in the Bash lawsuit. On March 17,
1998, the defendants filed a motion to consolidate this lawsuit with the
Freedman lawsuit discussed below, and the court granted the motion on April 24,
1998.
Freedman, et al. v. Value Health, Inc., et al., No. 3:95 CV 2038
(JCH)(D.Conn). On September 22 and 25, 1995, two related lawsuits were filed
against Value Health and certain other defendants in the United States District
Court for the District of Connecticut. On February 16, 1996, a single,
consolidated class action complaint was filed covering both suits (the "Freedman
Complaint"), naming as defendants Value Health, Robert E. Patricelli, William J.
McBride, Steven J. Shulman, David M. Wurzer, David J. McDonnell, Walter J.
McNerny, Rodman W. Moorhead, III, Constance P. Newman, and John L. Vogelstein,
all former Value Health directors and officers, and Nunzio P. DeSantis, the
former president of Diagnostek. The Freedman Complaint alleges that Value Health
and certain other defendants made false or misleading statements to the public
in connection with Value Health's acquisition of Diagnostek in 1995. The
Freedman Complaint asserts claims under the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and seeks certification of a class consisting
of all persons (with certain exceptions) who purchased shares of Value Health
common stock during the period March 27, 1995 (the date certain adverse
developments were disclosed by Value Health). The Freedman Complaint does not
specify the amount of damages sought. On March 17, 1998, the defendants filed a
motion to consolidate this lawsuit with the Bash lawsuit, discussed above, and
the motion was granted on April 24, 1998.
In the consolidated Bash and Freedman action, the court granted plaintiffs'
motions for class certification and certified a class consisting of (i) all
persons who purchased or otherwise acquired shares of Value Health during the
period from April 3, 1995, through and including November 7, 1995, including
those who acquired shares in connection with the Diagnostek merger; and (ii) all
persons who purchased or otherwise acquired shares of Diagnostek during the
period from March 27, 1995, through and including July 28, 1995. Fact discovery
in the consolidated lawsuit is complete. The parties are awaiting an order on
motions to dismiss portions of the Bash plaintiffs' second amended complaint
filed against Diagnostek and its former officers. The parties are also awaiting
an order from the court regarding the scheduling of expert discovery and
dispositive motions.
In connection with the Acquisition, Columbia has agreed to defend and hold
the Company and its affiliates (including Value Health) harmless from and
against any liability that may arise in connection with either of the foregoing
proceedings. Consequently, the Company does not believe it will incur any
material liability in connection with the foregoing matters.
As discussed in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended June 30, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August
12, 1999, the Company was named as a defendant in a patent infringement suit
entitled Allcare Health Management Systems, Inc. v. Cerner Corporation, et al.
No. 499-CV-0464-Y (N.D. TX). On February 17, 2000, the Company settled this
matter by obtaining a release from Plaintiff for all claims asserted in the
lawsuit in exchange for payment of an amount that is not material to the
Company's financial results.
In addition, in the ordinary course of our business, there have arisen
various legal proceedings, investigations or claims now pending against our
subsidiaries unrelated to the Acquisition and us. The effect of these actions on
future financial results is not subject to reasonable estimation because
considerable uncertainty exists about the outcomes. Nevertheless, in the opinion
of management, the ultimate liabilities resulting from any such lawsuits,
investigations or claims now pending will not materially affect our consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Since 1993, retail pharmacies have filed over 100 separate lawsuits against
drug manufacturers, wholesalers and certain PBMs, challenging brand name drug
pricing practices under various state and federal antitrust laws. The plaintiffs
alleged, among other things, that the manufacturers had offered, and certain
PBMs had knowingly accepted, discounts and rebates on purchases of brand name
prescription drugs that violated the federal Robinson-Patman Act. Some
plaintiffs also filed claims against the drug manufacturers and drug wholesalers
alleging a conspiracy not to discount pharmaceutical drugs in violation of
Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and these claims were certified as a class action.
Some of the drug manufacturers settled both the Sherman Act and the Robinson
Patman claims against them. The class action Sherman Act settlements generally
provide that the manufacturers will not refuse to pay discounts or rebates to
retail pharmacies based on their status as such. Settlements with plaintiffs who
opted out of the class are not part of the public record. The drug manufacturer
and wholesaler defendants in the class action who did not settle went to trial
and were dismissed by the court on a motion for directed verdict. That dismissal
was affirmed by the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. One aspect of the
case was remanded to the trial court and has now been dismissed. Plaintiffs who
opted out of the class action will still have the opportunity to try their
Sherman Act claims in separate lawsuits. The class action did not involve the
Robinson-Patman claims, so many of those matters are still pending. We are not a
party to any of these proceedings. To date, we do not believe any settlements
have had a material adverse effect on our business. However, we cannot provide
any assurance that the terms of the settlements will not materially adversely
affect us in the future. In addition, we cannot predict the outcome or possible
ramifications to our business of the cases in which the plaintiffs are trying
their claims separately, and we cannot provide any assurance that we will not be
made a party to any such separate lawsuits in the future.
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1999.
PART II
Item 5 - Market For Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters
Market Information. Our Class A Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq
National Market ("Nasdaq") tier of The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol
"ESRX". The high and low prices, as reported by the Nasdaq, are set forth below
for the periods indicated. These prices reflect the two-for-one split on October
30, 1998, in the form of a 100% stock dividend to holders of record on October
20, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 Fiscal Year 1998
Class A Common Stock High Low High Low
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter $ 105.500 $ 59.125 $ 42.750 $ 27.000
Second Quarter 91.000 55.000 45.000 35.500
Third Quarter 92.375 61.500 45.250 31.625
Fourth Quarter 88.688 44.375 69.000 33.875
</TABLE>
Our Class B Common Stock has no established public trading market, but
those shares will automatically convert to Class A Common Stock on a share for
share basis upon transfer thereof to any entity other than New York Life
Insurance Company or one of its affiliates.
Holders. As of February 29, 2000, there were 258 stockholders of record of
our Class A Common Stock, and one holder of record of our Class B Common Stock.
We estimate there are approximately 21,000 beneficial owners of the Class A
Common Stock.
Dividends. The Board of Directors has not declared any cash dividends on
our common stock since the initial public offering. The Board of Directors does
not currently intend to declare any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
The terms of our existing credit facility contains certain restrictions on our
ability to declare or pay cash dividends.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Item 6 - Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements, including the related notes, and "Item 7
- --Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) 1999(2) 1998(3) 1997 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues:
Revenues $ 4,285,104 $ 2,824,872 $ 1,230,634 $ 773,615 $ 544,460
Other revenues 3,000 - - - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
4,288,104 2,824,872 1,230,634 773,615 544,460
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues 3,826,905 2,584,997 1,119,167 684,882 478,283
Selling, general and administrative 294,194 148,990 62,617 49,103 37,300
Non-recurring charges 30,221 1,651 - - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
4,151,320 2,735,638 1,181,784 733,985 515,583
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Operating income 136,784 89,234 48,850 39,630 28,877
Other income (expense), net 128,682 (12,994) 5,856 3,450 757
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Income before income taxes 265,466 76,240 54,706 43,080 29,634
Provision for income taxes 108,098 33,566 21,277 16,932 11,307
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Income before extraordinary items 157,368 42,674 33,429 26,148 18,327
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of 7,150 - - - -
debt
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
Net income $ 150,218 $ 42,674 $ 33,429 $ 26,148 $ 18,327
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
Basic earnings per share(1)
Before extraordinary item $ 4.36 $ 1.29 $ 1.02 $ 0.81 $ 0.62
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of 0.20 - - - -
debt
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
Net income $ 4.16 $ 1.29 $ 1.02 $ 0.81 $ 0.62
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
Diluted earnings per share(1)
Before extraordinary item $ 4.25 $ 1.27 $ 1.01 $ 0.80 $ 0.60
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of 0.19 - - - -
debt
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
Net income $ 4.06 $ 1.27 $ 1.01 $ 0.80 $ 0.60
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
Weighted average shares outstanding(1)
Basic 36,095 33,105 32,713 32,160 29,560
Diluted 37,033 33,698 33,122 32,700 30,545
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash $ 132,630 $ 122,589 $ 64,155 $ 25,211 $ 11,506
Working capital (34,003) 117,611 166,062 128,259 58,653
Total assets 2,487,311 1,095,461 402,508 300,425 164,088
Debt:
Short-term debt - 54,000 - - -
Long-term debt 635,873 306,000 - - -
Stockholders' equity 699,482 249,694 203,701 164,090 77,379
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Data:
Pharmacy benefit covered lives(4) 49,000 23,000 13,000 10,000 8,000
Annual drug spending(5) $11,160,000 $ 4,495,000 $ 2,486,000 $ 1,636,000 $ 1,172,000
Pharmacy network claims processed 273,909 113,177 73,164 57,838 42,871
Mail pharmacy prescriptions filled 10,608 7,426 3,899 2,770 2,129
EBITDA(6) $ 208,651 $ 115,683 $ 59,320 $ 46,337 $ 33,258
Cash flows provided by operating activities $ 214,059 $ 126,574 $ 52,391 $ 29,863 $ 11,500
Cash flows used in investing activities $ (759,576) $ (426,052) $ (16,455) $ (64,808) $ (8,047)
Cash flows provided by financing activities $ 555,450 $ 357,959 $ 3,033 $ 48,652 $ 2,311
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
(1) Earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding have been
restated to reflect the two-for-one stock split effective October 30, 1998.
(2) Includes the acquisition of DPS effective April 1, 1999. Also includes
non-recurring operating charges and a one-time non operating gain of $30,221
($18,188 after tax) and $182,930 ($112,037 after tax), respectively.
Excluding these amounts, our basic and diluted earnings per share before
extraordinary loss would have been $1.76 and $1.72, respectively.
(3) Includes the acquisition of ValueRx effective April 1, 1998. Also includes a
non-recurring charge of $1,651 ($1,002 after tax). Excluding this charge,
our basic and diluted earnings per share would have been $1.32 and $1.30,
respectively.
(4) Does not reflect the addition or loss of members to arrive at January 1,
2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 or 1996 membership. Although our membership counts
are based on eligibility data provided by our clients, they necessarily
involve some estimates, extrapolations and approximations. As one example,
some plan designs allow for family coverage under a single identification
number, and we make assumptions about the average number of persons per
family in calculating the membership covered by such plans. Because these
assumptions may vary between PBMs, membership counts may not be comparable
between our competitors and us. However, we believe our membership count
provides a reasonable estimation of the population we serve, and can be used
as one measure of our growth.
(5) Annual drug spending is a measure of the gross aggregate dollar value of
drug expenditures of all programs we manage. The difference between annual
drug spending and revenue reported is the combined effect of excluding from
reported revenues: (i) the drug ingredient cost for those clients that have
established their own pharmacy networks; (ii) the expenditures for drugs for
companies on formulary-only programs we manage; and (iii) the co-pay portion
of drug expenditures that are the responsibility of members of health plans
we service. Therefore, annual drug spending provides a common basis to
compare the drug expenditures managed by a company given differences in
revenue recognition. Drug spend, however, is not an accepted reporting
measurement under generally accepted accounting principles and should not be
considered as an alternative to revenue.
(6) EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
(operating income plus depreciation and amortization). EBITDA is presented
because it is a widely accepted indicator of a company's ability to incur
and service indebtedness. EBITDA, however, should not be considered as an
alternative to net income, as a measure of operating performance, as an
alternative to cash flow or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, our
EBITDA definition may not be comparable to similar measures reported by
other companies.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
OVERVIEW
On April 1, 1999, we completed our second major acquisition by acquiring
Diversified Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and Diversified Pharmaceutical
Services (Puerto Rico) Inc. (collectively, "DPS"), from SmithKline Beecham
Corporation ("SmithKline Beecham") and SmithKline Beecham InterCredit BV for
approximately $715 million, which includes a purchase price adjustment for
closing working capital and transaction costs. On April 1, 1998, we consummated
our first major acquisition by acquiring Value Health, Inc. and Managed
Prescription Network, Inc. (collectively, "ValueRx"), the pharmacy benefit
management ("PBM") operations of Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation
("Columbia"), for approximately $460 million in cash, which includes transaction
costs and executive management severance costs of approximately $6.7 million and
$8.3 million, respectively. Consequently, our operating results include those of
DPS from April 1, 1999 and ValueRx from April 1, 1998. The net assets acquired
from DPS have been preliminarily recorded at their estimated fair value,
resulting in $734,485,000 of goodwill that is being amortized over 30 years. The
net assets acquired from ValueRx have been recorded at their estimated fair
value, resulting in $278,113,000 of goodwill that is being amortized over 30
years. Both acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting.
Reflecting the addition of new plans at January 1, 2000, our membership was
approximately 38.5 million members, excluding approximately 9.5 million members
of health plans of United HealthCare Corp. ("UHC") whose contract expires in May
2000, compared to approximately 23.5 million lives as of January 1, 1999,
representing a 63.8% increase. The increase from January 1, 1999 is primarily
due to our acquisition of DPS. This acquisition, as well as the addition of Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Blue Shield of California, has
provided us with one of the largest managed care membership bases of any PBM.
Additionally, during 1999, we were able to sell additional services to an
existing 4.5 million members in the form of advanced formulary management or the
addition of mail or network service where only one or the other had been used
previously. This enables us to generate higher profitability per claim as we
continue to cross-sell our services to existing clients. In 1998, we increased
membership by approximately 11.2 million members from 12.3 million members as of
January 1, 1998, representing a 91.1% increase. The increase in membership in
1998 was primarily due to the purchase of ValueRx on April 1, 1998. Although our
membership counts are based on eligibility data provided by our clients, they
necessarily involve some estimates, extrapolations and approximations. As one
example, some plan designs allow for family coverage under a single
identification number, and we make assumptions about the average number of
persons per family in calculating the membership covered by such plans. Because
these assumptions may vary between PBMs, membership counts may not be comparable
between our competitors and us. However, we believe our membership count
provides a reasonable estimation of the population we serve, and can be used as
one measure of our growth.
We derive our revenues primarily from the sale of PBM services in the
United States and Canada. Our PBM revenues generally include administrative
fees, dispensing fees and ingredient costs of pharmaceuticals dispensed from
retail pharmacies included in one of our networks or from one of our mail
pharmacies, and the associated costs are recorded in cost of revenues (the
"Gross Basis"). Where we only administer the contracts between our clients and
the clients' retail pharmacy networks, as is the case for most of the customer
contracts with DPS, we record as revenues only the administrative fee we receive
from our activities (the "Net Basis"). We also derive PBM revenues from the sale
of informed decision counseling services through our Express Health LineSM
division, and the sale of medical information management services (which include
the development of data warehouses to combine medical claims and prescription
drug claims), disease management support services and quality and outcomes
assessments through our Health Management Services ("HMS") division and Practice
Patterns Science, Inc. ("PPS") subsidiary.
Non-PBM revenues are derived from:
o The sale of pharmaceuticals for and the provision of infusion therapy
services through our Express Scripts Infusion Services subsidiary
o Administrative fees received from drug manufacturers for the
dispensing or distribution of pharmaceuticals requiring special
handling or packaging through our Express Scripts Specialty
Distribution Services subsidiary
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REVENUES
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 1999 Increase 1998 Increase 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PBM Gross Basis revenues $ 4,007,077 46.1% $ 2,742,485 134.6% $ 1,168,922
PBM Net Basis revenues 212,217 837.9% 22,626 1.7% 22,251
Other revenues 3,000 nm - nm -
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total PBM revenues $ 4,222,294 52.7% $ 2,765,111 132.1% $ 1,191,173
Non-PBM revenues 65,810 10.1% 59,761 51.4% 39,461
======================================================================
Total revenues $ 4,288,104 51.8% $ 2,824,872 129.5% $ 1,230,634
======================================================================
</TABLE>
Our growth in PBM revenues during 1999 over 1998 is primarily due to the
inclusion of ValueRx for the full twelve months of 1999 compared to only nine
months of 1998, the inclusion of DPS for nine months of 1999, increased member
utilization and higher drug ingredient costs resulting from price increases for
existing drugs, new drugs introduced into the marketplace and changes in
therapeutic mix and dosage. Our growth in PBM revenues during 1998 over 1997 is
primarily due to the inclusion of ValueRx, higher drug ingredient costs, and
mail utilization.
Revenues for network pharmacy claims increased $1,039,588,000, or 51.8%, in
1999 over 1998 and $1,175,659,000, or 141.7%, in 1998 over 1997. Network
pharmacy claims processed increased 142.0% to 273,909,000 in 1999 over 1998. The
average revenue per network pharmacy claim decreased 37.2% from 1998 primarily
due to the acquisition of DPS, as DPS records revenue on the Net Basis which
substantially reduces the average revenue per network pharmacy claim. Excluding
DPS, the average revenue per network pharmacy claim increased 8.2% over 1998.
During 1998, network pharmacy claims processed increased 54.7% to 113,177,000
over 1997. The average revenue per network pharmacy claim increased 56.3% in
1998 from 1997 primarily due to a higher percentage of clients' revenue being
reported on the Gross Basis compared to the Net Basis.
Revenues for mail pharmacy services increased $389,244,000, or 52.8%, in
1999 over 1998 and $385,149,000, or 109.6%, in 1998 over 1997. These increases
are the result of the growth in mail pharmacy claims processed of 42.8% to
10,608,000 in 1999 over 1998 and 90.5% to 7,426,000 in 1998 over 1997. These
increases are primarily due to the acquisitions of ValueRx and DPS, increased
utilization by existing members as well as the addition of new members. The
average revenue per mail pharmacy claim increased 7.0% in 1999 over 1998 and
10.0% in 1998 over 1997 primarily due to higher drug ingredient costs as stated
above.
The increase in revenue for non-PBM services in 1999 and 1998 is primarily
due to additional business within our Specialty Distribution Services subsidiary
and continued changes in the product mix sold in our Infusion Services business
that resulted in higher drug ingredient costs. These increases were partially
offset by the reduction in revenues from our managed vision business due to the
restructuring of this operation during 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COST AND EXPENSES
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 1999 Increase 1998 Increase 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PBM $ 3,774,618 48.6% $ 2,540,360 133.4% $ 1,088,225
Percentage of total PBM 89.4% 91.9% 91.4%
revenues
Non-PBM 52,287 17.1% 44,637 44.3% 30,942
Percentage of non-PBM revenues 79.5% 74.7% 78.4%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of revenues 3,826,905 48.0% 2,584,997 131.0% 1,119,167
Percentage of total revenues 89.2% 91.5% 90.9%
Selling, general and administrative 231,543 78.0% 130,116 127.2% 57,257
Percentage of total revenues 5.4% 4.6% 4.7%
Depreciation and amortization(1) 62,651 231.9% 18,874 252.1% 5,360
Percentage of total revenues 1.5% 0.7% 0.4%
Non-recurring expenses 30,221 1,730.5% 1,651 nm -
Percentage of total revenues 0.7% 0.0% 0.0%
======================================================================
Total cost and expenses $ 4,151,320 51.7% $ 2,735,638 131.5% $ 1,181,784
======================================================================
Percentage of total revenues 96.8% 96.8% 96.0%
<FN>
(1) Represents depreciation and amortization expense included in selling,
general and administrative expenses on our Statement of Operations.
Cost of revenues, above, also includes depreciation and amortization
expense on property and equipment of $9,216, $7,575 and $4,998 for the
year ended 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
</FN>
</TABLE>
nm = not meaningful
Our cost of revenues for PBM services as a percentage of total PBM revenues
decreased in 1999 from 1998 primarily due to the acquisition of DPS, as DPS
records revenues under the Net Basis. In future periods, we expect the gross
margin percentage will be somewhat higher than in prior periods until we convert
DPS clients to our pharmacy networks. As this conversion occurs, we will record
revenues for converted clients on the Gross Basis and we anticipate that the
gross margin percentage will then begin to decline, although profitability is
not expected to be adversely affected by these changes. Excluding DPS, the gross
margin percentage for the year ended December 31, 1999 decreased to 7.4% from
8.1% for the year ended December 31, 1998. The decrease is primarily due to
lower drug ingredient margins resulting from changes in therapeutic mix, lower
pricing offered to clients and increased revenue sharing offset by improving
margins from our HMS business. The gross margin percentage in 1998 decreased
from 1997 primarily due to a shift toward our established pharmacy networks,
lower pricing offered to clients and increased revenue sharing. Prior to 1998,
we had been experiencing this trend and the acquisition of ValueRx continued the
trend as ValueRx clients primarily used ValueRx established retail pharmacy
networks. Partially offsetting the gross margin decrease were operating
efficiencies achieved in our mail pharmacies during 1998 and revenues generated
from integrated PBM services, such as medical drug analysis, that provide higher
gross margins.
Cost of revenues for non-PBM services increased as a percentage of non-PBM
revenues over 1998 primarily due to the continued change in product mix sold,
resulting in additional costs of approximately $2,141,000. In addition, cost of
revenues from our Specialty Distribution Services division increased 88.9% over
1998 as a result of establishing a new facility to support a larger operation.
Cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue in 1998 decreased from 1997 primarily
due to the inclusion of Specialty Distribution Services, which provides higher
gross margins, as well as improved gross margins from the restructuring of
Vision.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and
amortization, increased $101,427,000 or 78.0%, in 1999 over 1998 and
$72,859,000, or 127.2%, in 1998 over 1997. The increase in 1999 is primarily due
to our acquisition of DPS, costs incurred during the integration of DPS and
ValueRx ($8,833,000 in 1999), costs incurred in funding our Internet operations,
costs required to expand the operational and administrative support functions to
enhance management of the pharmacy benefit, and the inclusion of ValueRx for a
full twelve months. The increase during 1998 was the result of our acquisition
of ValueRx, costs incurred during the integration of ValueRx ($8,331,000 in
1998) and costs required to expand the operational and administrative support
functions to enhance management of the pharmacy benefit. During 1999, 1998 and
1997, we capitalized $15,997,000 ($8,349,000 of which related to integration),
$10,244,000 ($5,209,000 of which related to integration) and $1,982,000,
respectively, in new systems development costs. As a percentage of total
revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation
and amortization, for 1999 increased to 5.4% from 4.6% in 1998 and 4.7% in 1997.
The increase in the percentage of revenues in 1999 is primarily attributed to
DPS recording revenue on the Net Basis.
Depreciation and amortization substantially increased during 1999 over 1998
and 1998 over 1997 due to the acquisitions of DPS and ValueRx. During 1999, we
recorded amortization expense for goodwill and other intangible assets,
excluding deferred financing fees, of $53,297,000 compared to $12,183,000 in
1998. The remaining increases in 1999 were primarily due to integration,
expanding our operations and enhancing our information systems to better serve
our clients.
During 1999 and 1998, we incurred the following non-recurring charges:
o During the second quarter of 1999, we incurred a $9,400,000 charge for
the consolidation of our Plymouth, Minnesota facility into our
Bloomington, Minnesota facility. The consolidation plan includes the
relocation of all employees at the Plymouth facility to the
Bloomington facility, expected to be completed in the third quarter of
2000. We obtained the two facilities through acquisitions of ValueRx
and DPS. Included within the charge were anticipated cash expenditures
of approximately $5,700,000 ($4,318,000 paid in 1999) for lease
termination fees and rent on unoccupied space to be paid through April
2001 and anticipated non-cash charges of approximately $3,700,000
($2,248,000 written-off in 1999) for the write-off of leasehold
improvements and furniture and fixtures. The charge does not include
any costs associated with the physical relocation of the employees.
During the fourth quarter of 1999, we reduced the original estimates
of non-cash charges by $1,424,000 and of the anticipated cash
expenditures attributable to rent on the unoccupied space by $877,000
due to the landlord renting the space sooner than we had anticipated.
o As a result of the integration of our acquisitions, we entered into a
contract during the fourth quarter of 1999 to consolidate the
operation of our computer systems with a single vendor. As a result,51
employees were notified that their employment was being transitioned
to the outsourcer, requiring $332,000 in severance payments to the
employees. In addition, we will incur $1,816,000 in cash expenditures
associated with the termination of an existing outsourcing contract
and additional transition payments to the outsourcer. We incurred
non-cash charges of $485,000 related to the impairment of certain
software projects abandoned due to the outsourcing. These projects
were written off during the fourth quarter of 1999. Completion of this
plan is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2000 when all
cash expenditures will be made.
o To coordinate our PBM service offerings, we restructured the
operations of our PPS subsidiary by transferring the management
responsibility to our Health Management Services division during the
fourth quarter of 1999. As a result, we incurred $133,000 in severance
payments in December 1999 to one employee and have paid the remaining
$277,000 in severance costs to eight employees during January 2000. In
addition, we incurred a $559,000 charge related to our purchase of the
Common Stock held by the management of PPS.
o In conjunction with the sale of the assets of YourPharmacy.com, Inc.
to PlanetRx.com, Inc. ("PlanetRx"), we recorded a $19,520,000 stock
compensation charge relating to former YourPharmacy.com employees. The
amount of the charge was determined using the initial public offering
price of $16 per share for PlanetRx.com common stock.
o During the second quarter of 1998, we incurred a $1,651,000 charge for
the restructuring of our managed vision business due to us reaching an
agreement with Cole Managed Vision ("Cole"), a subsidiary of Cole
National Corporation, to provide certain vision care services for our
clients and their members. The charge consisted of a $1,235,000
write-down in fixed assets and $416,000 for the transition of 61
employees and was completed during the third quarter of 1999.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
During 1999, we recognized a one-time gain of $182,930,000 related to the
sale of the assets of YourPharmacy.com, Inc. in exchange for a 19.9% ownership
interest in PlanetRx. This one-time gain was partially offset by a $39,780,000,
or 196.6%, increase in interest expense resulting from the debt incurred to
purchase DPS (see "--Liquidity and Capital Resources"). Interest expense was
significantly higher in 1998 over 1997 due to the financing of the ValueRx
acquisition with $360 million of borrowed funds (see "--Liquidity and Capital
Resources").
Interest income in 1999 decreased from 1998 due to using our available cash
to purchase DPS and for repayment of debt. The increase in interest income in
1998 over 1997 is due to investing larger cash balances.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
Our effective tax rate for continuing operations decreased to 40.7% in 1999
from 44.0% in 1998 primarily due to a higher income before income taxes to
offset the non-deductible goodwill and customer contract amortization expense
associated with the ValueRx acquisition. The goodwill and customer contract
amortization for the DPS acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes due
to the filing of an Internal Revenue Code ss.338(h)(10) election. The effective
tax rate increased to 44.0% in 1998 from 38.9% in 1997 primarily due to
non-deductible goodwill and customer contracts amortization expense resulting
from the ValueRx acquisition.
NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
Our net income increased $107,544,000 or 252.0% in 1999 over 1998, and
$9,245,000 or 27.7% in 1998 over 1997. Net income for 1999 was affected due to
the following one-time items:
o Non-recurring charges discussed in "--Cost and Expenses" totaling
$30,221,000 ($18,188,000, net of tax).
o One-time gain of $182,930,000 ($112,037,000, net of tax) discussed in
"--Other Income (Expense), Net."
o An extraordinary loss on the early retirement of debt of $7,150,000,
net of tax. The extraordinary loss is associated with refinancing the
debt incurred in connection with our acquisition of ValueRx,
refinancing the debt incurred in connection with our acquisition of
DPS from the proceeds of our equity and debt offerings, and repayment
of the debt from our own cash, as discussed in "--Liquidity and
Capital Resources" below.
Excluding these one-time items, net income for 1999 would have been
$63,519,000, or $1.76 per basic share and $1.72 per diluted share compared to
$1.32 per basic share and $1.30 per diluted share for 1998, excluding a
non-recurring charge for the managed vision business of $1,651,000 ($1,002,000,
net of tax). Had our equity offering and Senior Notes offering been completed by
April 1, 1999 our net income, excluding the one-time items above, would have
been $67,326,000 or $1.81 per basic share and $1.77 per diluted share.
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for 1999 increased
9.0% and 9.9%, respectively, over 1998. The increase for both basic and diluted
shares outstanding is primarily related to our offering of 5,175,000 shares of
our Class A Common Stock in June 1999. The net proceeds of the offering were
used to retire a portion of our long term debt, as discussed in "--Liquidity and
Capital Resources".
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
During 1999, net cash provided by operations increased $87,485,000 to
$214,059,000 from $126,574,000 in 1998. Included in the increase is a one-time
increase in cash balances of $113,732,000 relating to the reclassification of
negative cash balances to claims and rebates payable due to the establishment of
new banking relations during 1999, which resulted in moving certain cash
disbursement accounts to banks not holding our cash concentration accounts. This
increase was offset by approximately $30,000,000 in increased inventory for our
mail pharmacies' anticipation of potentially higher demand due to our members'
Year 2000 concerns. We anticipate reducing our inventory to its normal level
throughout the first half of 2000. Claims and rebates payable increased
$512,379,000, or 151.5%, from December 31, 1998, while net receivables increased
$350,080,000, or 80.8%, from December 31, 1998, primarily due to the acquisition
of DPS. The inclusion of DPS reduced our days sales outstanding ("DSO") to 27.7
days at December 31, 1999 from 36.9 days at December 31, 1998 and 35.9 days at
December 31, 1997. Gross revenues must be used to calculate the days sales
outstanding due to the impact of the Gross Basis versus the Net Basis of
recording revenues, as discussed in "--Overview" and "--Revenues." The accounts
receivable balance includes the cost of the pharmaceutical dispensed, which may
not be included in revenues, as required by generally accepted accounting
principles, based on the contractual terms embedded in client and pharmacy
contracts. The following table presents our days sales outstanding for the years
ended:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
(in thousands) 1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues $ 4,288,104 $ 2,824,872 $ 1,230,634
Client/pharmacy pass through 3,570,108 726,960 764,367
================ ================ ===============
Gross revenues 7,858,212 3,551,832 1,995,001
================ ================ ===============
Average monthly gross receivables 597,160 359,423 196,213
================ ================ ===============
DSO 27.7 36.9 35.9
================ ================ ===============
</TABLE>
Our allowance for doubtful accounts has decreased $525,000 or 2.9% to
$17,281,000 at December 31, 1999 from $17,806,000 at December 31, 1998. The
decrease is primarily due to the final adjustment, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, to the ValueRx opening balance sheet allowance
for doubtful accounts and goodwill based on the actual collection of ValueRx
receivables.
As a percentage of at risk receivables (which represent receivables for
which there is no corresponding payable), the allowance for doubtful accounts
was 2.6% at December 31, 1999 compared to 3.9% at December 31, 1998 and 2.2% at
December 31, 1997. The percentage reduction from December 31, 1998 to December
31, 1999 is attributable to the aforementioned final adjustment of the ValueRx
opening balance sheet.
Our investment in net working capital decreased significantly to a
$34,003,000 deficit as of December 31, 1999 from a $117,611,000 excess as of
December 31, 1998. This reduction is directly related to our acquisition of DPS
as, the DPS business model utilizes considerably different payment cycles.
In fiscal 2000, we expect our cash flow from operations will be temporarily
reduced by approximately $20,000,000 during the third quarter of 2000 due to the
termination of the United HealthCare contract. Once the termination is complete,
we expect our cash flow from operations to recover to approximately the levels
achieved prior to the termination. We expect to primarily fund the termination
of the United HealthCare contract in 2000, our future debt service, inventory
purchases, integration costs, Internet initiatives, payment of our 1999
non-recurring charges and other normal operating cash needs primarily with
operating cash flow or, to the extent necessary, with working capital borrowings
under our $300 million revolving credit facility, discussed below.
Our capital expenditures in 1999 increased $13,105,000 or 54.9% over 1998
primarily due to integration related activities as a result of our acquisitions,
our concerted effort to invest in our information technology to enhance the
services provided to our clients and the completion of our corporate
headquarters. We expect to continue investing in technology that will provide
efficiencies in operations, manage growth and enhance the service provided to
our clients. We expect to fund future anticipated capital expenditures primarily
with operating cash flow or, to the extent necessary, with working capital
borrowings under the $300 million revolving credit facility, discussed below.
The $10,948,000 increase in 1998 capital expenditures over 1997 is primarily due
to our integration of the ValueRx operations and our concerted effort to invest
in information technology to enhance the services provided to our clients. In
addition, we invested in equipment to improve efficiency and manage growth at
our mail pharmacy facilities.
In October 1999, we consummated our agreement with PlanetRx in which we
sold the assets constituting our e-commerce business in prescription and
non-prescription drugs and health and beauty aids to PlanetRx in exchange for a
19.9% interest in the common equity of PlanetRx. As a result of the transaction,
we recorded a one-time gain (in other income) of $182,930,000 and a one-time
stock compensation expense (included in non-recurring expenses) of $19,520,000
relating to the employee stock options. We are accounting for this investment on
the cost method and therefore reporting our investment on the balance sheet
under the caption "investment in marketable securities" at fair market value
($150,365,000 at December 31, 1999) in accordance with Financial Accounting
Standards Board Statement 115. As such, the associated unrealized loss on this
investment ($9,555,000, net of tax, at December 31, 1999) is considered a
component of comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in
Stockholders' Equity.
On April 1, 1999, we executed a $1.05 billion credit facility with a bank
syndicate led by Credit Suisse First Boston and Bankers Trust Company consisting
of $750 million in term loans, including $285 million of Term A loans and $465
million of Term B loans, and a $300 million revolving credit facility. As of
July 1999, the Term B loans have been paid off through net proceeds from our
equity and senior notes offerings and $74,131,000 of our own cash. As a result,
we recorded an extraordinary loss as discussed in "--Net Income and Earnings Per
Share" above. In January 2000, we repaid an additional $30 million against the
revolving credit facility. The Term A loans and the revolving credit facility
mature on March 31, 2005. The credit facility is secured by the capital stock of
each of our existing and subsequently acquired domestic subsidiaries, excluding
Practice Patterns Science, Great Plains Reinsurance, ValueRx of Michigan,
Diversified NY IPA and Diversified Pharmaceutical Services (Puerto Rico), and is
also secured by 65% of the stock of our foreign subsidiaries.
The credit facility requires us to pay interest quarterly on an interest
rate spread based on several London Interbank Offered Rates ("LIBOR") or base
rate options. Using a LIBOR spread, the Term A loans and the revolving loan had
an interest rate of 7.94% on December 31, 1999. Beginning in March 2001, we are
required to make annual principal payments on the Term A loans of $42,750,000 in
2001, $57,000,000 in 2002 and 2003, $62,700,000 in 2004 and $65,550,000 in 2005.
The credit facility contains covenants that limit the indebtedness we may incur,
dividends paid and the amount of annual capital expenditures. The covenants also
establish a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio, and a
minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. In addition, we are required to pay an
annual fee of 0.5%, payable in quarterly installments, on the unused portion of
the revolving credit facility ($200 million at December 31, 1999). At December
31, 1999, we are in compliance with all covenants associated with the $1.05
billion credit facility.
Additionally, on April 1, 1999, we executed a $150 million senior
subordinated bridge credit facility from Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
and Bankers Trust Company. The proceeds from the bridge credit facility and $890
million in borrowings from the credit facility were used to consummate the DPS
acquisition, refinance our $440 million credit facility, of which $360 million
was outstanding, and other indebtedness and pay related fees and expenses.
In June 1999, we completed our equity offering of 5,175,000 shares of our
Class A common stock at an offering price of $61 per share. We also completed
our offering of $250 million 9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009. The net proceeds from
the equity and debt offerings of $299,378,000 and $243,503,000, respectively,
were used to retire the $150 million senior subordinated bridge credit facility
plus accrued interest and repay a portion of the Term B portion of the credit
facility plus accrued interest.
To alleviate interest rate volatility, we entered into an interest rate
swap arrangement for an original notional principal amount of $360 million,
effective April 3, 1998, with the First National Bank of Chicago. Under the
terms of the swap, we agreed to receive a floating rate of interest on a portion
of our term loans based on a three-month LIBOR rate in exchange for payment of a
fixed rate of interest of 5.88% per annum. The notional amount of the swap
started amortizing in April 1999 in semi-annual installments of $27 million,
increasing to $36 million in April 2000, to $45 million in April 2001 and to $48
million in April 2002. As of December 31, 1999, the notional principal amount is
$306 million. As a result, we have, in effect, converted $306 million of our
variable rate debt under the Credit Facility to fixed rate debt at 5.88% per
annum for the first four years of the Credit Facility, plus the interest rate
spread of 2.0%.
On June 17, 1999, we entered into another interest rate swap arrangement
with Bankers Trust Company, effective April 17, 2000 and terminating on April
17, 2005. As of December 31, 1999, there is no notional principal amount as the
swap is not yet effective. Upon effectiveness, the swap will have an initial
notional principal amount of $15 million increasing to $137.25 million in
October 2002. Beginning in April 2003, the notional principal amount will
amortize over the remaining term of the swap. Under the terms of the swap, we
agreed to receive a floating rate of interest on the notional principal amount
based on a three-month LIBOR rate in exchange for payment of a fixed rate of
interest of 6.25% per annum. When the swap becomes effective, we will, in
effect, convert the notional principal amount of our variable rate debt under
our Credit Facility to fixed rate debt at 6.25% per annum.
As of December 31, 1999, we had repurchased a total of 475,000 shares of
our Class A Common Stock under the open-market stock repurchase program that we
announced on October 25, 1996, although no shares were repurchased in 1999 or
1998. Our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 1,700,000 shares,
and placed no limit on the duration of the program. Since December 31, 1999, we
have made additional repurchases of 467,500 shares through March 23, 2000.
Additional purchases, if any, will be made in such amounts and at such times as
we deem appropriate based upon prevailing market and business conditions,
subject to restrictions on stock repurchases contained in our $1.05 billion
credit facility and the Indenture under which our Senior Notes were issued.
During 1999, we used approximately 10,000 shares previously purchased under the
above program to satisfy obligations under our employee stock option program.
We have reviewed and currently intend to continue reviewing potential
acquisitions and affiliation opportunities. We believe that available cash
resources, bank financing or the issuance of additional common stock could be
used to finance such acquisitions or affiliations. However, there can be no
assurance we will make other acquisitions or affiliations in 2000 or thereafter.
OTHER MATTERS
In June 1998, Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("FAS 133") was
issued. FAS 133 requires all derivatives to be recognized as either assets or
liabilities in the statement of financial position and measured at fair value.
In addition, FAS 133 specifies the accounting for changes in the fair value of a
derivative based on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting
designation. The effective date for FAS 133 was originally effective for all
fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. However, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board has deferred the effective date so that it
will begin for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15,
2000, and will be applicable to our first quarter of fiscal year 2001. Our
present interest rate swaps (see "--Liquidity and Capital Resources") will be
considered cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the change in the fair value of the
swaps will be reported on the balance sheet as an asset or liability. The
corresponding unrealized gain or loss representing the effective portion of
these hedges will be initially recognized in stockholders' equity and other
comprehensive income and subsequently any changes in unrealized gain or loss
from the initial measurement date will be recognized in earnings concurrent with
the interest expense on our underlying variable rate debt. If we had adopted FAS
133 as of December 31, 1999, we would have recorded the unrealized gain of
$6,867,000 as an asset and increase in stockholders' equity and other
comprehensive income.
YEAR 2000
Our operations rely heavily on computers and other information systems
technologies. In 1995, we began addressing the "Year 2000" issue, which refers
to the inability of certain computer systems to properly recognize calendar
dates beyond December 31, 1999. This arises as a result of systems having been
programmed with two digits rather than four digits to define the applicable year
in order to conserve computer storage space, reduce the complexity of
calculations and produce better performance. The two-digit system may cause
computers to interpret the year "00" as "1900" rather than as "2000", which may
cause system failures or produce incorrect results when dealing with
date-sensitive information beyond 1999.
In addressing the Year 2000 issue, we incurred approximately $4,700,000,
excluding costs incurred by DPS prior to our acquisition. All expenditures were
expensed as incurred. These costs did not have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
As of the date of this filing, we have experienced no Year 2000 issues that
have materially impacted our results of operations, financial condition or cash
flows. We do not believe that Year 2000 issues will likely pose any significant
operational problems for us. We have formalized contingency plans should any
Year 2000 issues arise. If, however, our contingency plans fail to properly
address the Year 2000 issue, the impact could result in material adverse
operational and financial consequences to us.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
Changes in prices charged by manufacturers and wholesalers for
pharmaceuticals affect our revenues and cost of revenues. To date, we have been
able to recover price increases from our clients under the terms of our
agreements, although under selected arrangements in which we have performance
measurements on drug costs with our clients we could be adversely affected by
inflation in drug costs if the result is an overall increase in the cost of the
drug plan to the client. To date, changes in pharmaceutical prices have not had
a significant adverse affect on us.
MARKET RISK
We have entered into two interest rate swaps (see "--Liquidity and Capital
Resources"). The fair value of the swaps at December 31, 1999 is $6,867,000.
Interest rate risk is monitored on the basis of changes in the fair value
and a sensitivity analysis is used to determine the impact interest rate changes
will have on the fair value of the interest rate swaps, measuring the change in
the net present value arising from the change in the interest rate. The fair
value of the swaps are then determined by calculating the present value of all
cash flows expected to arise thereunder, with future interest rate levels
implied from prevailing mid-market yields for money-market instruments, interest
rate futures and/or prevailing mid-market swap rates. Anticipated cash flows are
then discounted on the assumption of a continuously compounding zero-coupon
yield curve. A 10 basis point decline in interest rates at December 31, 1999
would have caused the fair value of the swaps to decrease by $778,000, resulting
in a fair value of $6,089,000.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Response to this item is included in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Market Risk" above.
Item 8 - Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Express Scripts, Inc.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index
appearing under Item 14(a)(1) on page 64 present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Express Scripts, Inc. and its subsidiaries
at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the
index appearing under Item 14(a)(2) on page 64 presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the
related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management;
our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of
these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the
United States, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 4, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
December 31,
(in thousands, except share data) 1999 1998
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 132,630 $ 122,589
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $17,281 and $17,806, respectively 783,086 433,006
Inventories 113,248 55,634
Deferred taxes 32,248 41,011
Prepaid expenses 5,143 4,667
------------------- -------------------
Total current assets 1,066,355 656,907
------------------- -------------------
Investment in marketable securities 150,365 -
Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization 97,573 77,499
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization 982,496 282,163
Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 183,420 65,765
Other assets 7,102 13,127
=================== ===================
Total assets $ 2,487,311 $ 1,095,461
=================== ===================
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt $ - $ 54,000
Claims and rebates payable 850,630 338,251
Accounts payable 112,731 60,247
Accrued expenses 136,997 86,798
------------------- -------------------
Total current liabilities 1,100,358 539,296
Long-term debt 635,873 306,000
Other liabilities 51,598 471
------------------- -------------------
Total liabilities 1,787,829 845,767
------------------- -------------------
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 3, 7 and 9)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, and no shares
issued and outstanding
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized,
23,981,000 and 18,610,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 240 186
Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 31,000,000 shares authorized,
15,020,000 shares issued and outstanding 150 150
Additional paid-in capital 418,921 110,099
Accumulated other comprehensive income (9,521) (74)
Retained earnings 296,540 146,322
------------------- -------------------
706,330 256,683
Class A Common Stock in treasury at cost, 465,000 and 475,000 shares,
respectively (6,848) (6,989)
------------------- -------------------
Total stockholders' equity 699,482 249,694
------------------- -------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,487,311 $ 1,095,461
=================== ===================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) 1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues:
Revenues $ 4,285,104 $ 2,824,872 $ 1,230,634
Other revenues 3,000 - -
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
4,288,104 2,824,872 1,230,634
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Cost and expenses:
Cost of revenues 3,826,905 2,584,997 1,119,167
Selling, general and administrative 294,194 148,990 62,617
Non-recurring 30,221 1,651 -
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
4,151,320 2,735,638 1,181,784
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Operating income 136,784 89,234 48,850
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Other income (expense):
Interest income 5,762 7,236 6,081
Interest expense (60,010) (20,230) (225)
Gain on sale of assets 182,930 - -
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
128,682 (12,994) 5,856
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Income before income taxes 265,466 76,240 54,706
Provision for income taxes 108,098 33,566 21,277
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Income before extraordinary item 157,368 42,674 33,429
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt, net of taxes
of $4,492 7,150 - -
=================== =================== ===================
Net income $ 150,218 $ 42,674 $ 33,429
=================== =================== ===================
Basic earnings per share:
Before extraordinary item $ 4.36 $ 1.29 $ 1.02
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt 0.20 - -
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net income $ 4.16 $ 1.29 $ 1.02
=================== =================== ===================
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period - Basic EPS 36,095 33,105 32,713
=================== =================== ===================
Diluted earnings per share
Before extraordinary item $ 4.25 $ 1.27 $ 1.01
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt 0.19 - -
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net income $ 4.06 $ 1.27 $ 1.01
=================== =================== ===================
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period - Diluted EPS 37,033 33,698 33,122
=================== =================== ===================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares Amount
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
Class A Class B Class A Class B Additional Other
Common Common Common Common Paid-in Comprehensive Retained Treasury
(in thousands) Stock Stock Stock Stock Capital Income Earnings Stock Total
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31,
1996 8,974 7,510 $ 90 $ 75 $98,958 $ (2) $70,219 $(5,250) $164,090
--------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------
Comprehensive income:
Net income - - - - - - 33,429 - 33,429
Other comprehensive
income, Foreign currency
translation adjustment - - - - - (25) - - (25)
--------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------
Comprehensive income - - - - - (25) 33,429 - 33,404
Exercise of stock options 264 - 3 - 4,769 - - - 4,772
Tax benefit relating to
employee stock options - - - - 3,174 - - - 3,174
Treasury Stock acquired - - - - - - - (1,739) (1,739)
--------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------
Balance at December 31,1997 9,238 7,510 93 75 106,901 (27) 103,648 (6,989) 203,701
--------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------
Comprehensive income:
Net income - - - - - - 42,674 - 42,674
Other comprehensive
income,Foreign currency
translation adjustment - - - - - (47) - - (47)
--------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------
Comprehensive income - - - - - (47) 42,674 - 42,627
Issuance of stock 9,239 7,510 92 75 (167) - - - -
dividend
Exercise of stock options 133 - 1 - 2,020 - - - 2,021
Tax benefit relating to
employee stock options - - - - 1,345 - - - 1,345
--------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------
Balance at December 31, 18,610 15,020 186 150 110,099 (74) 146,322 (6,989) 249,694
1998 --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------
Comprehensive income:
Net income - - - - - - 150,218 - 150,219
Other comprehensive
income,Foreign currency
translation adjustment - - - - - 108 - - 108
Unrealized loss on
investment, net
of taxes of $6,000 - - - - - (9,555) - - (9,555)
--------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------
Comprehensive income - - - - - (9,447) 150,218 - 140,771
Issuance of common stock 5,175 - 52 - 299,326 - - - 299,378
Exercise of stock options 186 - 2 - 5,744 - - 141 5,887
Common stock issued under
employee plans 10 - - 551 - - - 551
Tax benefit relating to
employee stock options - - - - 3,201 - - - 3,201
========= ========== ========== ========= ========== =========== ========== ========= ==========
Balance at December 31, 23,981 15,020 $ 240 $ 150 $418,921 $ (9,521) $296,540 $(6,848) $699,482
1999 ========= ========== ========== ========= ========== =========== ========== ========= ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 150,218 $ 42,674 $ 33,429
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 74,031 27,058 10,358
Deferred income taxes 76,217 10,068 (834)
Bad debt expense 4,989 4,583 3,680
Gain on sale of assets, net of cash paid (185,650) - -
Non-recurring charges, net of cash paid 22,281 1,467 -
Tax benefit relating to employee stock options 3,201 1,345 3,174
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt 11,642 - -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
net of changes resulting from acquisition:
Receivables (217,977) (35,083) (50,166)
Inventories (54,059) (15,417) (11,444)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (2,177) 756 1,722
Claims and rebates payable 279,714 107,660 57,968
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 51,629 (18,537) 4,504
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 214,059 126,574 52,391
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (722,618) (460,137) -
Short-term investments - 57,938 (3,550)
Purchases of property and equipment (36,958) (23,853) (12,905)
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net cash (used in) investing activities (759,576) (426,052) (16,455)
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt 1,290,950 360,000 -
Repayment of long-term debt (1,015,000) - -
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 299,378 - -
Deferred financing fees (26,316) (4,062) -
Acquisition of treasury stock - - (1,739)
Exercise of stock options 6,438 2,021 4,772
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 555,450 357,959 3,033
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustment 108 (47) (25)
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 10,041 58,434 38,944
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 122,589 64,155 25,211
=================== =================== ===================
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 132,630 $ 122,589 $ 64,155
=================== =================== ===================
Supplemental data:
Cash paid during the year for:
Restructuring charges $ 4,683 $ 184 $ -
Income taxes $ 1,080 $ 17,202 $ 20,691
Interest $ 61,607 $ 13,568 $ 225
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of significant accounting policies
Organization and operations. We are a leading specialty managed care
company and the largest full-service pharmacy benefit management ("PBM") company
independent of pharmaceutical manufacturer ownership and drug store ownership in
North America. We provide health care management and administration services on
behalf of thousands of clients that include health maintenance organizations,
health insurers, third-party administrators, employers and union-sponsored
benefit plans. Our fully integrated PBM services include network claims
processing, mail pharmacy services, benefit design consultation, drug
utilization review, formulary management, disease management, medical and drug
data analysis services, medical information management services (which include
the development of data warehouses to combine medical claims and prescription
drug claims), disease management support services and outcome assessments
through our Health Management Services division and Practice Patterns Science,
Inc. ("PPS") subsidiary, and informed decision counseling services through our
Express Health LineSM division. We also provide non-PBM services which include
infusion therapy services through our wholly-owned subsidiary IVTx, Inc.,
operating as Express Scripts Infusion Services, distribution services through
our Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services subsidiary, and, prior to
September 1, 1998, provided managed vision care programs through our
wholly-owned subsidiary Express Scripts Vision Corporation.
Basis of presentation. The consolidated financial statements include our
accounts and all our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of the
consolidated financial statements conforms to generally accepted accounting
principles in the U.S., and requires us 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. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates and
assumptions.
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand
and temporary investments in money market funds. In 1999, we changed certain
banking relationships resulting in certain cash disbursement accounts being
maintained by banks not holding our cash concentration accounts. As a result,
cash disbursement accounts carrying negative balances have been reclassified to
claims and rebates payable at December 31, 1999.
Inventories. Inventories consist of prescription drugs and medical supplies
that are stated at the lower of first-in first-out cost or market.
Property and equipment. Property and equipment is carried at cost and is
depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of seven
years for furniture, five years for equipment and purchased computer software
and three years for personal computers. Leasehold improvements are amortized on
a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the useful life of the
asset, if shorter. Expenditures for repairs, maintenance and renewals are
charged to income as incurred. Expenditures which improve an asset or extend its
estimated useful life are capitalized. When properties are retired or otherwise
disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the
accounts and any gain or loss is included in income.
Software development costs. During 1997, we adopted Statement of Position
98-1 ("SOP 98-1"), Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or
Obtained for Internal Use. SOP 98-1 requires the capitalization of certain costs
associated with computer software developed or obtained for internal use. Given
the limited software developed or obtained for internal use in 1997, adoption
had virtually no effect on our Consolidated Statement of Operations or our
financial position. However, the impact of SOP 98-1 on an ongoing basis will be
determined by the magnitude of computer software developed or obtained for
internal use. Research and development expenditures relating to the development
of software to be marketed to clients, or to be used for internal purposes, are
charged to expense until technological feasibility is established. Thereafter,
the remaining software production costs up to the date of general release to
customers, or to the date placed into production, are capitalized and included
as Property and Equipment. During 1999, 1998 and 1997, $15,997,000, $10,244,000
and $1,982,000 in software development costs were capitalized, respectively,
primarily due to the integration of our acquisitions and enhancements to our
information systems. Capitalized software development costs amounted to
$42,353,000 and $27,516,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Amortization of the capitalized amounts commences on the date of general release
to customers, or the date placed into production, and is computed on a
product-by-product basis using the straight-line method over the remaining
estimated economic life of the product but not more than five years. Reductions,
if any, in the carrying value of capitalized software costs to net realizable
value are included in non-recurring expense. Amortization expense in 1999, 1998
and 1997 was $3,810,000, $1,968,000 and $622,000, respectively.
Marketable securities. All investments not included in a money market fund
are accounted for under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement
No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."
Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, which is based upon
quoted market prices, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as
a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity until
realized. Unrealized losses are charged against income when a decline in fair
value is determined to be other than temporary.
At December 31, 1999, available-for-sale securities totaled $150,365,000,
with related gross unrealized losses, net of taxes of $9,555,000. These
investments consist of shares of PlanetRx.com, Inc. ("PlanetRx") common stock
(see Note 2). There were no marketable securities in 1998.
Goodwill. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over periods from
10 to 30 years. The amount reported is net of accumulated amortization of
$36,317,000 and $8,114,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. We
periodically evaluate the carrying value of goodwill for impairment. The
evaluation of impairment is based on expected future operating cash flows on an
undiscounted basis for the operations to which goodwill relates. Impairment
losses, if any, would be determined based on the present value of the cash flows
using discount rates that reflect the inherent risk of the underlying business.
In our opinion, no such impairment existed at December 31, 1999 and 1998.
Amortization expense, included in selling, general and administrative expenses,
was $28,203,000, $7,863,000 and $42,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively.
Other intangible assets. Other intangible assets consist of customer
contracts, non-compete agreements and deferred financing fees and are amortized
on a straight-line basis over periods from 2 to 20 years. Amortization expense
for customer contracts and non-compete agreements included in selling, general
and administrative expenses was $25,094,000, $4,320,000 and $2,940,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Amortization expense
for deferred financing fees included in interest expense was $2,241,000, and
$609,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. There
were no deferred financing charges in 1997.
Contractual agreements. We have entered into corporate alliances with
certain of our clients whereby shares of our Class A Common Stock were awarded
as advance discounts to the clients. We account for these agreements as follows:
Prior to December 15, 1995 - For agreements consummated prior to December
15, 1995, the stock is valued utilizing the quoted market value at the date the
agreement is consummated if the number of shares to be issued is known. If the
number of shares to be issued is contingent upon the occurrence of future
events, the stock is valued utilizing the quoted market value at the date the
contingency is satisfied and the number of shares is determinable.
Between December 15, 1995 and November 20, 1997 - For agreements entered
into between these dates, we utilize the provisions of Financial Accounting
Standards Board Statement ("FAS") 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," which requires that all stock issued to nonemployees be accounted
for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of
the equity instruments issued instead of the intrinsic value method utilized for
stock issued or to be issued under alliances entered into prior to December 15,
1995. We have adopted FAS 123 as it relates to stock issued or to be issued
under the Premier and Manulife alliances based on fair value at the date the
agreement was consummated.
Subsequent to November 20, 1997 - In November 1997, the Emerging Issues
Task Force of the FASB reached a consensus that the value of equity instruments
issued for consideration other than employee services should be initially
determined on the date on which a "firm commitment" for performance first exists
by the provider of goods or services. Firm commitment is defined as a commitment
pursuant to which performance by a provider of goods or services is probable
because of sufficiently large disincentives for nonperformance. The consensus
must be applied for all new arrangements and modifications of existing
arrangements entered into from November 20, 1997. The consensus only addresses
the date upon which fair value is determined and does not change the accounting
based upon fair value as prescribed by FAS 123. We have not entered into any
such arrangements subsequent to November 20, 1997.
Shares issued on the effective date of the contractual agreement are
considered outstanding and included in basic and diluted earnings per share
computations when issued. Shares issuable upon the satisfaction of certain
conditions are considered outstanding and included in basic and dilutive
earnings per share computation when all necessary conditions have been satisfied
by the end of the period. If all necessary conditions have not been satisfied by
the end of the period, the number of shares included in the dilutive earnings
per share computation is based on the number of shares, if any, that would be
issuable if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency
period and if the result would be dilutive. The value of the shares of stock
awarded as advance discounts is recorded as a deferred cost and included in
other intangible assets. The deferred cost is recognized in selling, general and
administrative expenses over the period of the contract.
Impairment of long lived assets. We evaluate whether events and
circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of
long lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of an asset
may not be recoverable. The measurement of possible impairment is based on the
ability to recover the balance of assets from expected future operating cash
flows on an undiscounted basis. Impairment losses, if any, would be determined
based on the present value of the cash flows using discount rates that reflect
the inherent risk of the underlying business. In our opinion, other than the
write-down of long-lived assets associated with our facilities consolidation,
computer operations outsourcing and Express Scripts Vision Corporation, no such
impairment existed as of December 31, 1999 or 1998 (see Note 7).
Derivative financial instruments. We have entered into interest rate swap
agreements in order to manage exposure to interest rate risk. We do not hold or
issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The interest rate
swaps are designated as a hedge of our variable interest rate payments. Amounts
received or paid are accrued as interest receivable or payable and as interest
income or expense. The fair values of interest rate swap agreements are based on
market prices. The fair values represent the estimated amount we would
receive/pay to terminate the agreements taking into consideration current
interest rates.
In June 1998, the FASB issued FAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". FAS 133 requires all derivatives to be
recognized as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial
position and to measure those instruments at fair value. In addition, FAS 133
specifies the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative based on
the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. The effective
date for FAS 133 was originally effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal
years beginning after June 1, 1999. However, the FASB has deferred the effective
date so that it will begin for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning
after June 15, 2000, and will be applicable to our first quarter of fiscal year
2001. Our present interest rate swaps (see Note 6) will be considered cash flow
hedges. Accordingly, the change in the fair values of the swaps will be reported
on the balance sheet as an asset or liability. The corresponding unrealized
gains or losses representing the effective portions of the hedges will be
initially recognized in stockholders' equity and other comprehensive income, and
subsequently any changes in unrealized gains or losses from the initial
measurement dates will be recognized in earnings concurrent with the interest
expense on our underlying variable rate debt. If we had adopted FAS 133 as of
December 31, 1999, we would have recorded an unrealized gain of $6,867,000 as an
asset and an increase in stockholder's equity and other comprehensive income
during 1999.
Fair value of financial instruments. The carrying value of cash and cash
equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated fair values
due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value, which
approximates the carrying value, of our Credit Facility was estimated using
either quoted market prices or the current rates offered to us for debt with
similar maturity. The fair value of the swaps ($6,867,000 asset at December 31,
1999 for both swaps and $7,209,000 liability at December 31, 1998 for our only
swap) was based on quoted market prices, which reflect the present values of the
difference between estimated future fixed rate payments and future variable rate
receipts. The fair value of our senior note facility ($255,000,000 at December
31, 1999) was estimated based on quoted market prices.
Revenue recognition. Revenues from dispensing prescription and
non-prescription medical products from our mail pharmacies are recorded upon
shipment. Revenue from sales of prescription drugs by pharmacies in our
nationwide network and pharmacy claims processing revenues are recognized when
the claims are processed. When we dispense pharmaceuticals to members of health
benefit plans sponsored by our clients or have an independent contractual
obligation to pay our network pharmacy providers for benefits provided to
members of our clients' pharmacy benefit plans, we include payments from plan
sponsors for these benefits as revenue and ingredient costs or payments to these
pharmacy providers in cost of revenues (the "Gross Basis"). If we are only
administering the plan sponsors' network pharmacy contracts, or where we
dispense pharmaceuticals supplied by one of our clients, we record only the
administrative or dispensing fees derived from our contracts with the plan
sponsors as revenue (the "Net Basis").
Management services provided to drug manufacturers include various services
relating to administration of a manufacturer rebate program. Revenues relating
to these services are recognized as earned based upon detailed drug utilization
data. Rebates payable to customers in accordance with the applicable contracts
are excluded from revenues and expenses.
Retail pharmacy and mail pharmacy revenues are recognized based upon actual
scripts adjudicated and therefore require no estimation. Amounts remain unbilled
for no more than 30 days based upon the contractual billing schedule agreed with
the client. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, all unbilled receivables were
$416,740,000 and $209,334,000, respectively.
Cost of revenues. Cost of revenues includes product costs, pharmacy claims
payments and other direct costs associated with dispensing prescriptions and
non-prescription medical products and claims processing operations, offset by
fees received from pharmaceutical manufacturers in connection with our drug
purchasing and formulary management programs. We estimate fees receivable from
pharmaceutical manufacturers on a quarterly basis converting total prescriptions
dispensed to estimated rebatable scripts (i.e., those prescriptions with respect
to which we are contractually entitled to submit claims for rebates) multiplied
by the contractually agreed manufacturer rebate amount. Estimated fees
receivable from pharmaceutical manufacturers are recorded when we determine them
to be realizable, and realization is not dependent upon future pharmaceutical
sales. Estimates are revised once the actual rebatable scripts are calculated
and rebates are billed to the manufacturer.
Income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on
temporary differences between financial statement basis and tax basis of assets
and liabilities using presently enacted tax rates.
Earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings
per share is computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share but adds
the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding for the
period if the potential dilutive common shares had been issued. The only
difference between the number of weighted average shares used in the basic and
diluted calculation for all years is stock options and stock warrants we have
granted using the "treasury stock" method, amounting to 938,000, 593,000 and
409,000 in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Foreign currency translation. The financial statements of ESI Canada, Inc.
are translated into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet
date for assets and liabilities and a weighted average exchange rate for each
period for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. The functional currency for ESI
Canada, Inc. is the local currency and translation adjustments are recorded
within the other comprehensive income component of stockholders' equity.
Employee stock-based compensation. We account for employee stock options in
accordance with Accounting Principles Board No. 25 ("APB 25"), "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees." Under APB 25, we apply the intrinsic value method of
accounting and, therefore, do not recognize compensation expense for options
granted, because options are only granted at a price equal to market value at
the time of grant. During 1996, FAS 123 became effective for us. FAS 123
prescribes the recognition of compensation expense based on the fair value of
options determined on the grant date. However, FAS 123 grants an exception that
allows companies currently applying APB 25 to continue using that method. We
have, therefore, elected to continue applying the intrinsic value method under
APB 25. For companies that choose to continue applying the intrinsic value
method, FAS 123 mandates certain pro forma disclosures as if the fair value
method had been utilized (see Note 12).
Comprehensive income. During 1998, FAS 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," became effective for us. FAS 130 requires noncash changes in
stockholders' equity be combined with net income and reported in a new financial
statement category entitled "comprehensive income." Other than net income, our
two components of comprehensive income are changes in the foreign currency
translation adjustments and unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities.
We have displayed comprehensive income within the Statement of Changes in
Stockholders' Equity.
Segment reporting. During 1998, FAS 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," became effective for us. FAS 131 requires
that we report certain information, if specific requirements are met, about our
operating segments including information about services, geographic areas of
operation and major customers. The information is to be derived from the
management approach which designates the internal organization that is used by
management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the
source of our reportable segments. Adoption of FAS 131 did not affect our
results of operations or our financial position but did affect the disclosure of
segment information (see Note 13).
2. Changes in business
Acquisition. On April 1, 1999, we completed our acquisition of Diversified
Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and Diversified Pharmaceutical Services (Puerto
Rico) Inc. (collectively, "DPS"), from SmithKline Beecham Corporation and
SmithKline Beecham InterCredit BV (collectively, "SB") for approximately $715
million, which includes a purchase price adjustment for closing working capital
and transaction costs. We filed an Internal Revenue Code ss.338(h)(10) election,
making amortization expense of intangible assets, including goodwill, tax
deductible. We used approximately $48 million of our own cash and financed the
remainder of the purchase price and related acquisition costs through a $1.05
billion credit facility and a $150 million senior subordinated bridge credit
facility (see Note 6).
The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. The results of operations of DPS have been included in the
consolidated financial statements and pharmacy benefit management ("PBM")
segment since April 1, 1999. The purchase price has been preliminarily allocated
based on the estimated fair values of net assets acquired at the date of the
acquisition. The excess of purchase price over tangible net assets acquired has
been preliminarily allocated to other intangible assets consisting of customer
contracts in the amount of $129,500,000 which are being amortized using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 1 to 20 years and
goodwill in the amount of $734,485,000 which is being amortized using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life of 30 years. In conjunction
with the acquisition, DPS retained the following liabilities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C>
- --------------------------------------- -----------------------
Fair value of assets acquired $ 1,010,159
Cash paid for the capital stock (714,678)
=======================
Liabilities retained $ 295,481
=======================
</TABLE>
On April 1, 1998 we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Value
Health, Inc. and Managed Prescriptions Network, Inc. (collectively known as
"ValueRx") from Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation ("Columbia") for
approximately $460 million in cash (which includes transaction costs and
executive management severance costs of approximately $6.7 million and $8.3
million, respectively), approximately $360 million of which was obtained through
a five-year bank credit facility (see Note 6) and the remainder from our cash
balances and short term investments.
The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting and the results of operations of ValueRx have been included in the
consolidated financial statements and PBM segment since April 1, 1998. The
purchase price has been allocated based on the estimated fair values of net
assets acquired at the date of the acquisition. The excess of purchase price
over tangible net assets acquired has been allocated to other intangible assets
consisting of customer contracts and non-compete agreements in the amount of
$57,653,000 which are being amortized using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of 2 to 20 years and goodwill in the amount of
$278,113,000 which is being amortized using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful life of 30 years. The amortization expense from ValueRx
goodwill and customer contracts is non-deductible for income tax purposes. In
conjunction with the acquisition, ValueRx and its subsidiaries retained the
following liabilities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C>
- --------------------------------------------- -----------------------
Fair value of assets acquired $ 659,166
Cash paid for the capital stock (460,137)
=======================
Liabilities retained $ 199,029
=======================
</TABLE>
The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of our
combined results of operations and those of DPS and ValueRx as if the
acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented, along with
certain pro forma adjustments to give effect to amortization of goodwill, other
intangible assets, interest expense on acquisition debt and other adjustments.
The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results
of operations as they would have been had the transactions been effected on the
assumed dates, nor are they an indication of trends in future results. Included
in the pro forma information are integration costs incurred by us that are being
reported within selling, general and administrative expenses in the statement of
operations. Additionally, the year ended December 31, 1998 includes the impact
of a write-down of assets of $1,092,184,000, $709,920,000 after tax, related to
the impairment of DPS's goodwill. If the acquisition of DPS had occurred on
January 1, 1998, goodwill on DPS's books would have been eliminated. Therefore,
the impairment charge for goodwill would not have existed. Excluding this
write-down, our pro forma net income for fiscal year 1998 would have been
$30,461,000, or $0.92 per basic share and $0.90 per diluted share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) 1999 1998
<S> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues $ 4,353,470 $ 3,449,649
Income (loss) before extraordinary loss 158,526 (679,459)
Extraordinary loss 7,150 -
Net income (loss) 151,376 (679,459)
Basic earnings per share
Before extraordinary loss 4.39 (20.52)
Extraordinary loss 0.20 -
-------------------------------
Net income (loss) 4.19 (20.52)
Diluted earnings per share
Before extraordinary loss 4.28 (20.16)
Extraordinary loss 0.19 -
-------------------------------
Net income (loss) 4.09 (20.16)
</TABLE>
Sale of assets. On August 31, 1999, we, along with YourPharmacy.com, Inc.
("YPC"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into an Asset Contribution and
Reorganization Agreement (the "Contribution Agreement") with PlanetRx, PRX
Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), and PRX Acquisition Corp. ("Acquisition Sub").
Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, YPC agreed to contribute certain
operating assets constituting its e-commerce business in prescription and
non-prescription drugs and health and beauty aids to Holdings in exchange for
19.9% of the post-initial public offering common equity of Holdings (the "IPO"),
and PlanetRx was also to assume certain obligations of YPC. Simultaneously with
this transaction, Acquisition Sub was to merge into PlanetRx and PlanetRx
shareholders would receive stock in Holdings, which would change its name to
"PlanetRx.com Inc." As a result of the transactions, YPC would be a 19.9%
shareholder in the new PlanetRx (formerly Holdings), which would conduct
business as an Internet pharmacy.
On October 13, 1999, the transactions described in the Contribution
Agreement were consummated, YPC received 10,369,990 unregistered shares, or
19.9%, of the common equity of PlanetRx, and PlanetRx assumed options granted to
YPC employees which converted into options to purchase approximately 1.8 million
shares of PlanetRx common stock. In connection with the IPO, we also executed a
180 day lock-up agreement that prevents us from selling our shares until April
10, 2000. The consummation of the transaction occurred immediately preceding the
closing of PlanetRx's IPO of common stock. Based on the IPO price of $16 per
share, YPC received consideration valued at $165,920,000. We recorded a one-time
gain (in other income) of $182,930,000 on the transaction, and a one-time stock
compensation expense (included in non-recurring expenses) of $19,520,000
relating to the YPC employee stock options. We are accounting for this
investment in PlanetRx on the cost method and therefore reporting our investment
on the balance sheet under the caption "investment in marketable securities" at
fair value in accordance with FAS 115 (see Note 1).
As part of our agreement, PlanetRx will pay us an annual fee of $11,650,000
and reimbursement for certain expenses of $3,000,000 over a 5 year term, which
can be extended to 10 years if we meet certain performance measures.
Additionally, we are eligible to receive an incremental fee based upon the
number of our members who placed their first order for prescription drug or
non-prescription merchandise with PlanetRx. We recorded $2,912,000 of the annual
fee and $88,000 of incremental fee in other revenue and we have reduced selling
and general administrative expenses by $750,000 for reimbursement of certain
expenses relating to our Internet initiative. As of December 31, 1999, we have
PlanetRx receivables of $5,732,000.
3. Contractual agreements
On December 31, 1995, we entered into a ten-year corporate alliance with
Premier Purchasing Partners, L.P. (formerly, American Healthcare Systems
Purchasing Partners, L.P., the "Partnership"), an affiliate of Premier, Inc.
("Premier"). Premier is an alliance of health care systems resulting from the
merger in 1995 of American Healthcare Systems, Premier Health Alliance and
SunHealth Alliance. Under the terms of the transaction, we are Premier's
preferred vendor of pharmacy benefit management services to Premier's
shareholder systems and their managed care affiliates and will issue shares of
our Class A Common Stock as an administrative fee to the Partnership based on
the attainment of certain benchmarks, principally related to the number of
members receiving our pharmacy benefit management services under the
arrangement, and to the achievement of certain joint purchasing goals. In
accordance with the terms of the agreement, we issued 454,546 shares of Class A
Stock to Premier in May 1996. The shares were valued at $11,250,000 using our
closing stock price on December 31, 1995, the date the agreement was
consummated, and are being amortized over the then remaining term of the
agreement. Amortization expense in 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $1,320,000,
$1,164,000 and $1,164,000, respectively. We may be required to issue up to an
additional 4,500,000 shares to the Partnership over a period up to the first
five years of the agreement if the Partnership exceeds all benchmarks. A
calculation is made on April 1 of each year to determine if a stock issuance
will be made. Premier has asserted that is has earned additional shares. We
disagree with this contention, and we are in discussions with Premier concerning
this matter. To date, we have not issued any additional shares. Except for
certain exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 ("the 1933
Act"), any shares issued to the Partnership cannot be traded until they have
been registered under the 1933 Act and any applicable state securities laws.
Effective January 1, 1996, we executed a multi-year contract with The
Manufacturers Life Insurance Company ("Manulife"), to introduce pharmacy benefit
management services in Canada. Manulife's Group Benefits Division continues to
work with ESI Canada to provide these services. Under the terms of the
agreement, we are the exclusive third-party provider of pharmacy benefit
management services to Manulife's Canadian clients. We will also issue shares of
our Class A Common Stock as an advance discount to Manulife based upon
achievement of certain volumes of Manulife pharmacy claims we process. No shares
will be issued until after the fourth year of the agreement based on volumes
reached in years two through four. We anticipate issuing no more than 474,000
shares to Manulife over a period up to the first six years of the agreement.
Except for certain exemptions from registration under the 1933 Act, any shares
issued to Manulife cannot be traded until they have been registered under the
1933 Act and any applicable state securities laws. In accordance with the terms
of the agreement, no stock has been issued since inception.
If Manulife has not exercised an early termination option at the end of the
sixth or tenth year of the agreement, we will issue at each of those times a
ten-year warrant as an advance discount to purchase up to approximately 237,000
additional shares of our Class A Common Stock exercisable at 85% of the market
price at those times. The actual number of shares for which such warrant is to
be issued is based on the volume of Manulife pharmacy claims we process in year
six and year ten, respectively.
Pursuant to an agreement with Coventry Corporation, an operator of health
maintenance organizations located principally in Pennsylvania and Missouri, on
January 3, 1995, we issued 50,000 shares of Class A Common Stock as an advance
discount to Coventry in a private placement. These shares were valued at $13.69
per share, the split-adjusted per share market value of our Class A Common Stock
on November 22, 1994, which was the date the agreement was consummated and the
obligation of the parties became unconditional. No revision of the consideration
for the transaction occurred between November 22, 1994 and January 3, 1995. The
shares issued to Coventry were being amortized over a six-year period. However,
due to Coventry extending the agreement for only two years, as discussed below,
instead of three years, the estimated useful life of the shares issued has been
reduced to five years and ended in 1999. Amortization expense was $171,000,
$171,000 and $114,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively. Except for certain exemptions from registration under the
1993 Act, these shares cannot be traded until they have been registered under
the 1933 Act and any applicable state securities laws.
Effective January 1, 1998, Coventry renewed the agreement for a two-year
term through December 31, 1999. As part of the agreement, we issued warrants as
an advance discount to purchase an additional 50,000 shares of our Class A
Common Stock, exercisable at 90% of the market value at the time of renewal.
During 1998, we expensed the advance discount, which represented 10% of the
market value.
On October 13, 1992, we entered into a five-year arrangement with FHP, Inc.
("FHP") pursuant to which we agreed to provide pharmacy benefit services to FHP
and its members. FHP is an operator of health maintenance organizations,
principally in the western United States. In February 1997, PacifiCare Health
Systems, Inc. ("PacifiCare") completed the acquisition of FHP. As a result of
the merger, PacifiCare informed us that it would not enter into a long-term
extension of the agreement and reached an agreement with us to phase-out
membership starting in July 1997 and continued through March 1998.
In accordance with the agreement, we commenced providing pharmacy benefit
services to FHP and its members on January 4, 1993. On the commencement date and
pursuant to the agreement, we issued 400,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock
as advance discounts to FHP in a private placement. These shares were valued at
$4.13 per share, the split-adjusted per share market value of our Class A shares
on October 13, 1992, which was the date the agreement was consummated and the
obligations of the parties became unconditional. No revision of the
consideration for the transaction occurred between October 13, 1992 and January
4, 1993. The cost of the shares issued to FHP was amortized over a five-year
period ending in 1997. No amortization expense was recorded in 1999 or 1998.
Amortization expense was $990,000 in 1997.
4. Related party transactions
As discussed in Note 3, we have entered into a ten year corporate alliance
with Premier. Richard Norling is the Chief Executive Officer of Premier and a
member of our Board of Directors. No consideration, monetary or otherwise, has
been exchanged between Premier and us between the period September 1997 and
December 1999 (the period during which Premier is a related party with us). We
may be required to issue additional shares of our Class A Common Stock to
Premier as discussed in Note 3.
Premier is required to promote us as the preferred PBM provider to health
care entities, plans and facilities, which participate in Premier's purchasing
programs. However, all contractual arrangements to provide services are made
directly between these entities and us, at varying terms and independent of any
Premier involvement. Therefore, the associated revenues earned and expenses
incurred by us are not deemed to be related party transactions. During 1999, the
revenues that we derived from services provided to the health care entities
participating in Premier's purchasing programs was $107,538,000.
5. Property and equipment
Property and equipment, at cost, consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
(in thousands) 1999 1998
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Land $ 2,051 $ 2,051
Building 3,076 3,076
Furniture 12,873 8,336
Equipment 64,204 52,758
Computer software 55,054 37,412
Leasehold improvements 9,922 8,275
------------------- ------------------
147,180 111,908
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization 49,607 34,409
=================== ==================
$ 97,573 $ 77,499
=================== ==================
</TABLE>
6. Financing
Long-term debt consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 1999 1998
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revolving credit facility due March 31, 2005
with an interest rate of 7.94% at
December 31, 1999 $100,000 -
Term credit facility due April 15, 2003 - $360,000
Term A loans due March 31, 2005 with an interest
rate of 7.94% at December 31, 1999 $285,000 -
9.625% Senior Notes due June 15, 2009
with an effective interest rate of 9.7%
and interest rate lock, net of unamortized
discount of $1,146 $250,873 -
------------- ----------------
Total debt $635,873 $360,000
Less current maturities - 54,000
============= ================
Long-term debt $635,873 $306,000
============= ================
</TABLE>
On April 1, 1999, we executed a $1.05 billion credit facility ("Credit
Facility") with a bank syndicate led by Credit Suisse First Boston and Bankers
Trust Company, consisting of $750 million in term loans, including $285 million
of Term A loans and $465 million of Term B loans, and a $300 million revolving
credit facility. The Credit Facility is secured by the capital stock of each of
our existing and subsequently acquired domestic subsidiaries, excluding PPS,
Great Plains Reinsurance Company ("Great Plains"), ValueRx of Michigan, Inc.,
Diversified NY IPA, Inc., and Diversified Pharmaceutical Services (Puerto Rico),
Inc., and is also secured by 65% of the stock of our foreign subsidiaries. The
provisions of the Credit Facility require quarterly interest payments based on
several London Interbank Offered Rates ("LIBOR") or base rate options plus an
interest rate spread. The Credit Facility contains covenants that limit the
indebtedness we may incur, dividends paid and the amount of annual capital
expenditures. The covenants also establish a minimum interest coverage ratio, a
maximum leverage ratio, and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. In addition,
we are required to pay an annual fee of 0.5%, payable in quarterly installments,
on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility ($200 million at December
31, 1999). At December 31, 1999, we were in compliance with all covenants
associated with the Credit Facility. In January 2000, we paid down the revolving
credit facility by $30,000,000.
Also on April 1, 1999, we executed a $150 million senior subordinated
bridge credit facility with Credit Suisse First Boston and Bankers Trust
Company. The proceeds from this facility and approximately $890 million in
proceeds from the Credit Facility were used to consummate the DPS acquisition
(see Note 2) and repay $360 million outstanding under our pre-existing $440
million credit facility. This facility was retired in June 1999, upon the
completion of our equity offering (see Note 11).
On June 16, 1999, we completed the offering of $250 million in Senior
Notes, which require interest to be paid semi-annually on June 15 and December
15. The Senior Notes also provide us an opportunity to call the debt at
specified rates beginning in June 2004. The net proceeds from the Senior Notes
offering, along with a portion of the net proceeds from the equity offering and
$23,901,000 of our own cash were used to repay $414,770,000 of the Term B loans.
In July 1999, we paid off the remaining Term B principal balance of $50,230,000.
As a result of the refinancing of the $440 million credit facility and the
repayment of the Term B loans, we recognized a $7,150,000, net of tax,
extraordinary loss from the write-off of deferred financing fees. The Senior
Notes are unconditionally and joint and severally guaranteed by our wholly-owned
domestic subsidiaries other than PPS, Great Plains, ValueRx of Michigan, Inc.,
Diversified NY IPA, and Diversified Pharmaceutical Services (Puerto Rico).
Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not presented as we have
determined them not to be material to investors. Therefore, the following
condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared using the equity
method of accounting in accordance with the requirements for presentation of
such information. We believe that this information, presented in lieu of
complete financial statements for each of the guarantor subsidiaries, provides
sufficient detail to allow investors to determine the nature of the assets held
by, and the operations of, each of the consolidating groups.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Express Non-Guarantors
(in thousands) Scripts, Inc. Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
As of December 31, 1999
Current assets $ 549,374 $ 506,976 $ 10,005 $ - $ 1,066,355
Property and equipment, net 39,036 55,386 3,151 - 97,573
Investments in subsidiaries 725,468 - 152,626 (727,729) 150,365
Intercompany 463,438 (388,760) (74,678) - -
Goodwill, net 168 976,759 5,569 - 982,496
Other intangible assets, net 22,458 160,901 61 - 183,420
Other assets 13,179 799 (6,729) (147) 7,102
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Total assets $ 1,813,121 $ 1,312,061 $ 90,005 $ (727,876) $ 2,487,311
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Current liabilities $ 527,312 $ 563,002 $ 10,044 $ - $ 1,100,358
Long-term debt 635,873 - - - 635,873
Other liabilities 83,365 (16,294) (15,473) - 51,598
Stockholders' equity 566,571 765,353 95,434 (727,876) 699,482
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity $ 1,813,121 $ 1,312,061 $ 90,005 $ (727,876) $ 2,487,311
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
As of December 31, 1998
Current assets $ 463,818 $ 188,978 $ 4,111 $ - $ 656,907
Property and equipment, net 27,375 46,817 3,307 - 77,499
Investments in subsidiaries 68,198 74,297 264 (142,759) -
Intercompany 363,455 (361,202) (2,253) - -
Goodwill, net 210 281,953 - - 282,163
Other intangible assets, net 11,770 53,884 111 - 65,765
Other assets 1,013 11,969 145 - 13,127
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Total assets $ 935,839 $ 296,696 $ 5,685 $ (142,759) $ 1,095,461
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Current liabilities $ 394,553 $ 141,433 $ 3,310 $ - $ 539,296
Long-term debt 306,000 - - - 306,000
Other liabilities 779 (251) (57) - 471
Stockholders' equity 234,507 155,514 2,432 (142,759) 249,694
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity $ 935,839 $ 296,696 $ 5,685 $ (142,759) $ 1,095,461
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Year ended December 31, 1999
Total revenues $ 2,257,952 $ 1,989,016 $ 41,136 $ - $ 4,288,104
Operating expenses 2,140,144 1,943,207 67,969 - 4,151,320
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Operating income (loss) 117,808 45,809 (26,833) - 136,784
Gain on sale of assets - - 182,930 - 182,930
Interest income (expense) (54,700) 292 160 - (54,248)
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Income before tax provision 63,108 46,101 156,257 - 265,466
Income tax provision 34,799 14,901 58,398 - 108,098
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Income before extraordinary loss 28,309 31,200 97,859 - 157,368
Extraordinary loss 7,150 - - - 7,150
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Net Income $ 21,159 $ 31,200 $ 97,859 $ - $ 150,218
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Year ended December 31, 1998
Total revenues $ 1,646,807 $ 1,167,387 $ 10,678 $ - $ 2,824,872
Operating expenses 1,584,731 1,139,387 11,520 - 2,735,638
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Operating income (loss) 62,076 28,000 (842) - 89,234
Interest income (expense) (13,943) 846 103 - (12,994)
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Income (loss) before tax provision 48,133 28,846 (739) - 76,240
Income tax provision 17,903 15,377 286 - 33,566
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Net Income (loss) $ 30,230 $ 13,469 $ (1,025) $ - $ 42,674
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Year ended December 31, 1997
Total revenues $ 1,205,085 $ 16,107 $ 9,442 $ - $ 1,230,634
Operating expenses 1,158,490 15,031 8,263 - 1,181,784
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Operating income 46,595 1,076 1,179 - 48,850
Interest income (expense) 5,821 - 35 - 5,856
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Income before tax provision 52,416 1,076 1,214 - 54,706
Income tax provision 20,352 417 508 - 21,277
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
Net Income $ 32,064 $ 659 $ 706 $ - $ 33,429
================ ================ =============== ================ ================
</TABLE>
The following represents the schedule of current maturities for our
long-term debt (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
- ---------------------------- -----------------------
2000 $ -
2001 42,750
2002 57,000
2003 57,000
2004 62,700
=======================
$ 219,450
=======================
To manage our interest rate risk we entered into an interest rate swap
agreement ("swap") with The First National Bank of Chicago, a subsidiary of Bank
One Corporation, on April 3, 1998. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the swap had a
notional principal amount of $306 million and $360 million, respectively. Under
the terms of the swap, we agreed to receive a floating rate of interest on the
amount of the term loan facility based on a three-month LIBOR rate in exchange
for payment of a fixed rate of interest of 5.88% per annum. The notional
principal amount of the swap began amortizing at $27 million in April 1999,
increasing to $36 million in April 2000, to $45 million in April 2001 and to $48
million in April 2002. As a result, we have, in effect, converted $306 million
of our variable rate debt under the Credit Facility to fixed rate debt at 5.88%
per annum for the first four years of the Credit Facility, plus the interest
rate spread of 2.0%.
On June 17, 1999, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with
Bankers Trust Company. The swap will not become effective until April 2000 and
carried no notional principal amount as of December 31, 1999. Under the terms of
the agreement, we agreed to receive a floating rate of interest on the notional
principal amount based on a three-month LIBOR rate in exchange for payment of a
fixed rate of interest of 6.25% per annum. Beginning in April 2000, the notional
principal amount will be $15 million and will increase semi-annually up to an
approximate $137 million in October 2002. For the remainder of the agreement's
term, the notional principal amount will amortize until the agreement
termination in April 2005. When the swap becomes effective, we will, in effect,
convert the notional principal amount of our variable rate debt under our Credit
Facility to fixed rate debt at 6.25% per annum plus the interest rate spread.
During 1999, we entered into an interest rate lock with Bankers' Trust
Company related to our offering of $250 million Senior Notes. Upon issuance of
the Senior Notes, we received $2,135,000, which is being amortized over the term
of the Senior Notes. During 1999, interest expense was reduced by $116,000.
7. Corporate restructuring
During the second quarter of 1999, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring
charge of $9,400,000 associated with the consolidation of our Plymouth,
Minnesota facility into our Bloomington, Minnesota facility. In December 1999,
the associated accrual was reduced by $2,301,000, primarily as a result of
subleasing a portion of the unoccupied space. The consolidation plan includes
the relocation of all employees at the Plymouth facility to the Bloomington
facility that began in August 1999 and will end in the third quarter of 2000.
Included in the restructuring charge are anticipated cash expenditures of
approximately $4,823,000 for lease termination fees and rent on unoccupied space
(which payments will continue through April 2001, when the lease expires) and
anticipated non-cash charges of approximately $2,276,000 for the write-down of
leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures. The restructuring charge does
not include any costs associated with the physical relocation of the employees.
During December 1999, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of
$2,633,000 associated with the outsourcing of our computer operations to EDS.
The principal actions of the plan included cash expenditures of approximately
$2,148,000 for the transition of 51 employees to the outsourcer and the
elimination of contractual obligations of ValueRx which had no future economic
benefit to us, and non-cash charges of approximately $485,000 due to the
reduction in the carrying value of certain capitalized software to its net
realizable value. Completion of this plan will occur during the first quarter of
2000 when all cash payments will be made.
Also in December 1999, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of
$969,000 associated with restructuring our PPS majority-owned subsidiary and the
purchase of the remaining PPS Common Stock from management. The charge consists
of cash expenditures of $559,000 relating to stock compensation expense and
$410,000 of severance payments to 9 employees (of which $133,000 was paid during
December 1999). This plan was completed in January 2000.
During the second quarter of 1998, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring
charge of $1,651,000 associated with closing the non-PBM service operations of
its wholly-owned subsidiary, PhyNet, Inc., and transferring certain functions of
our Vision Corporation to another vision care provider. The restructuring plan
consisted of $416,000 of cash charges associated with the severance of 61
employees and non-cash charges of $1,235,000 relating to the write-down of
long-lived assets no longer providing us benefit. We completed the remainder of
the restructuring actions during the third quarter of 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance at Balance at
1998 1998 December 31, 1999 1999 December 31,
(in thousands) Charges Usage 1998 Additions Usage 1999
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------- ------------ ------------- ---------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Non-cash
Write-down of long-lived assets $ 1,235 $ 704 $ 531 $ 2,761 $ 3,264 $ 28
Cash
Employee transition costs 416 184 232 2,558 365 2,425
Stock compensation - - - 559 - 559
Lease termination fees and rent - - - 4,823 4,318 505
============ ============= ================ ============= ============= ================
$ 1,651 $ 888 $ 763 $ 10,701 $ 7,947 $ 3,517
============ ============= ================ ============= ============= ================
</TABLE>
All of the restructuring charges which include tangible assets to be
disposed of are written down to their net realizable value, less cost of
disposal. We expect recovery to approximate its cost of disposal. Considerable
management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value; accordingly, actual
results could vary from such estimates.
8. Income taxes
The income tax provision consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current provision:
Federal $ 26,933 $ 20,171 $ 19,048
State 4,190 3,049 2,779
Foreign 758 278 284
---------------- --------------- --------------
Total current provision 31,881 23,498 22,111
---------------- --------------- --------------
Deferred provision:
Federal 68,627 8,694 (714)
State 7,590 1,374 (120)
---------------- --------------- --------------
Total deferred provision 76,217 10,068 (834)
================ =============== ==============
Total current and deferred provision $ 108,098 $ 33,566 $ 21,277
================ =============== ==============
</TABLE>
Income taxes included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuing operations $ 108,098 $ 33,566 $ 21,277
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt (4,492) - -
============== ============= =============
$ 103,606 33,566 21,277
============== ============= =============
</TABLE>
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective
tax rate follows (the effect of foreign taxes on the effective tax rate for
1999, 1998 and 1997 is immaterial):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State taxes, net of federal benefit 3.6 3.8 3.8
Non-deductible amortization of goodwill and
customer contracts 1.8 4.9 -
Other, net 0.3 0.3 0.1
==================================
Effective tax rate 40.7% 44.0% 38.9%
==================================
</TABLE>
The deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities recorded in the
consolidated balance sheet are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
(in thousands) 1999 1998
<S> <C> <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for bad debts $ 5,744 $ 8,013
Inventory costing capitalization and reserves 185 684
Accrued expenses 23,864 34,170
Depreciation and property differences 7,112 6,808
Non-compete agreements 2,008 933
Net operating loss carryforward 7,829 -
Unrealized loss on investments 6,000 -
Other 508 17
----------------------------
Gross deferred tax assets 53,250 50,625
Deferred tax liabilities:
Gain on sale of assets (62,987) -
Goodwill and customer contract amortization (7,942) -
Other (985) (462)
----------------------------
Gross deferred tax liabilities (71,914) (462)
----------------------------
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets $ (18,664) $ 50,163
============================
</TABLE>
9. Commitments and contingencies
We have entered into noncancellable agreements to lease certain office and
distribution facilities with remaining terms from one to ten years. Rental
expense under the office and distribution facilities leases in 1999, 1998 and
1997 was $11,147,000, $3,876,000 and $2,272,000, respectively. The future
minimum lease payments due under noncancellable operating leases is as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------
2000 $ 11,359
2001 10,653
2002 9,998
2003 9,806
2004 9,887
Thereafter 34,479
===================
$ 86,182
===================
</TABLE>
For the year ended December 31, 1999, approximately 78.7% of our
pharmaceutical purchases were through one wholesaler. We believe other
alternative sources are readily available and that no other concentration risks
exist at December 31, 1999.
In the ordinary course of business (which includes the business conducted
by DPS and ValueRx prior to acquiring them on April 1, 1999 and April 1, 1998,
respectfully), various legal proceedings, investigations or claims pending have
arisen against us and our subsidiaries (ValueRx and DPS continue to be a party
to proceedings that arose prior to their April 1, 1998 and April 1, 1999
respective acquisition dates). The effect of these actions on future financial
results is not subject to reasonable estimation because considerable uncertainty
exists about the outcomes. Nevertheless, in our opinion, the ultimate
liabilities resulting from any such lawsuits, investigations or claims now
pending are not expected to materially affect our consolidated financial
position, results of operations, or cash flows.
10. Employee benefit plans
Retirement savings plan. We offer all of our full-time employees a
retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Employees may elect to enter a written salary deferral agreement under which a
maximum of 12% of their salary (effective January 1, 2000 maximum deferral is
15%), subject to aggregate limits required under the Internal Revenue Code, may
be contributed to the plan. We match the first $2,000 of the employee's
contribution for the year. Effective January 1, 2000, we will match 100% of the
first 4% of the employees' compensation contributed to the Plan. For the years
ended December 1999, 1998 and 1997, we made contributions of approximately
$3,604,000, $1,751,000 and $909,000, respectively.
Employee stock purchase plan. In December 1998, our Board of Directors
approved an employee stock purchase plan, effective March 1, 1999, that
qualifies under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code and permits all
employees, excluding certain management level employees, to purchase shares of
our Class A Common Stock. Participating employees may elect to contribute up to
10% of their salary to purchase common stock at the end of each six month
participation period at a purchase price equal to 85% of the fair market value
of our Class A Common Stock at the end of the participation period. During 1999,
approximately 10,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock were issued under the
plan. Class A Common Stock reserved for future employee purchases under the plan
is 240,000 at December 31, 1999.
Deferred compensation plan. In December 1998, the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors approved a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the
"Executive Deferred Compensation Plan"), effective January 1, 1999, that
provides benefits payable to eligible key employees at retirement, termination
or death. Benefit payments are funded by a combination of contributions from
participants and us. Participants become fully vested in our contributions on
the third anniversary of the end of the plan year for which the contribution is
credited to their account. For 1999, our annual contribution was equal to 6% of
each participant's total annual compensation, with 25% being invested in our
Class A Common Stock and the remaining being allocated to a variety of
investment options. As a result of the implementation, we accrued as
compensation expense $224,000 in 1999 and $797,000 in 1998 as a past service
contribution which is equal to 8% of each participant's total annual cash
compensation for the period of the participant's past service with us in a
senior executive capacity. At December 31, 1999, 50,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock have been reserved for future plan contributions.
11. Common stock
The holders of Class A Common Stock have one vote per share, and the
holders of Class B Common Stock have ten votes per share. NYLIFE HealthCare
Management, Inc. ("NYLIFE HealthCare"), an indirect subsidiary of New York Life
Insurance Company, is the sole holder our of Class B Common Stock. Class B
Common Stock converts into Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis upon
transfer (other than to New York Life or its affiliates) and is convertible at
any time at the discretion of the holder. At December 31, 1999, NYLIFE
HealthCare and the holders of Class A Common Stock have control over
approximately 86.2% and 13.8%, respectively, of the combined voting power of all
classes of Common Stock.
In June 1999, we consummated our offering of 5,175,000 shares of our Class
A Common Stock at a price of $61 per share. The net proceeds of $299,378,000
were used to retire the $150 million senior subordinated bridge credit facility
and a portion of the Term B loans under the $1.05 billion credit facility (see
Note 6).
As of December 31, 1999, we had repurchased a total of 475,000 shares of
our Class A Common Stock under the open-market stock repurchase program we
announced on October 25, 1996, although no repurchases occurred during 1999. Our
Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 1,700,000 shares, and placed
no limit on the duration of the program. Future purchases, if any, will be in
such amounts and at such times as we deem appropriate based upon prevailing
market and business conditions, subject to certain restrictions on stock
repurchases contained in our $1.05 billion credit facility and the Indenture
covering our Senior Notes. During 1999, we used approximately 10,000 shares
previously purchased under this program to satisfy obligations under our
employee stock option program (see Note 10).
As of December 31, 1999, approximately 10,555,000 shares of our Class A
Common Stock has been reserved for issuance to organizations with which we have
signed contractual agreements (see Note 3) and for employee benefit plans (see
Note 10).
In October 1998, we announced a two-for-one stock split of our Class A and
Class B Common Stock for stockholders of record on October 20, 1998, effective
October 30, 1998. The split was effected in the form of a dividend by issuance
of one additional share of Class A Common Stock for each share of Class A Common
Stock outstanding and one additional share of Class B Common Stock for each
share of Class B Common Stock outstanding. The earnings per share and the
weighted average number of shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per
share have been adjusted for the stock split except on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet and the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity.
12. Stock-based compensation plans
At December 31, 1999, we had three fixed stock-based compensation plans,
which are described below.
In April 1992, we adopted a stock option plan that we amended and restated
in 1995 and amended in 1999, which provides for the grant of nonqualified stock
options and incentive stock options to our officers and key employees selected
by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Initially, a maximum of
1,400,000 shares of Class A Common Stock could be issued under the plan. That
amount increased to a maximum of 2,380,000 shares, with no employee being able
to receive options to purchase more than 800,000 shares.
In June 1994, the Board of Directors adopted the Express Scripts, Inc. 1994
Stock Option Plan, also amended and restated in 1995 and amended in 1997, 1998
and 1999. Reflecting the increase as of January 1, 2000, a total of 3,305,354
shares of our Class A Common Stock have been reserved for issuance under this
plan. That amount will increase annually, effective January 1, commencing on
January 1, 2000 and ending January 1, 2004, by 1% of our total outstanding
shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock on such date. Under either plan, the
exercise price of the options may not be less than the fair market value of the
shares at the time of grant. The Compensation Committee has the authority to
establish vesting terms, and typically provides that the options vest over a
five-year period from the date of grant. The options may be exercised, subject
to a ten-year maximum, over a period determined by the Committee.
In April 1992, we also adopted a stock option plan that was amended and
restated in 1995 and amended in 1996 and 1999 that provides for the grant of
nonqualified stock options to purchase 48,000 shares to each director who is not
an employee of ours or our affiliates. In addition, the second amendment to the
plan gave each non-employee director who was serving in such capacity as of the
date of the second amendment the option to purchase 2,500 additional shares. The
second amendment options will vest over three years. A maximum of 384,000 shares
of Class A Common Stock may be issued under this plan at a price equal to fair
market value at the date of grant. The plan provides that the options vest over
a two-, three- or five-year period from the date of grant depending upon the
circumstances of the grant.
We apply APB 25 and related interpretations in accounting for our plans.
Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for our stock options
plans. Had compensation cost for our stock based compensation plans been
determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those
plans consistent with the method prescribed by FAS 123, our net income and
earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated
below. Note that due to the adoption of the methodology prescribed by FAS 123,
the pro forma results shown below only reflect the impact of options granted in
1999, 1998 and 1997. Because future options may be granted and vesting typically
occurs over a five year period, the pro forma impact shown for 1999, 1998 and
1997 is not necessarily representative of the impact in future years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands, except per share data) 1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income
As reported $ 150,218 $ 42,674 $ 33,429
Pro forma 142,753 38,585 32,034
Basic earnings per share
As reported $ 4.16 $ 1.29 $ 1.02
Pro forma 3.95 1.16 0.98
Diluted earnings per share
As reported $ 4.06 $ 1.27 $ 1.01
Pro forma 3.86 1.14 0.97
</TABLE>
The fair value of options granted (which is amortized to expense over the
option vesting period in determining the pro forma impact), is estimated on the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes multiple option-pricing model with the
following weighted average assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expected life of option 2-7 years 2-7 years 2-7 years
Risk-free interest rate 4.6-6.3% 4.1-5.9% 5.7-6.6%
Expected volatility of stock 59% 44% 40%
Expected dividend yield None None None
</TABLE>
A summary of the status of our three fixed stock option plans as of
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, and changes during the years ending on those
dates is presented below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Weighted-Average
Exercise Exercise Price Exercise
(share data in thousands) Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at beginning of year 2,780 $ 28.02 1,702 $ 17.21 1,677 $ 12.56
Granted 843 60.43 1,866 40.65 602 22.78
Exercised (196) 30.28 (133) 14.71 (529) 8.80
Forfeited/cancelled (141) 50.35 (655) 38.82 (48) 17.56
============= ============= ============
Outstanding at end of year 3,286 35.24 2,780 28.02 1,702 17.21
============= ============= ============
Options exercisable at year end 1,391 800 641
Weighted-average fair value of
Options granted during the year $ 32.40 $ 18.07 $ 9.91
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options
outstanding at December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
Range of
Exercise Prices Number Weighted-Average Number Weighted-
(share data in Outstanding at Remaining Weighted-Average Exercisable Average
thousands) 12/31/99 Contractual Life Exercise Price at 12/31/99 Exercise Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ----------------
$ 3.25 - 16.50 728 4.55 $11.74 643 $11.34
17.00 - 28.41 716 7.21 22.60 341 21.20
28.50 - 42.39 683 8.27 34.72 227 33.04
51.63 - 55.13 875 9.53 53.00 110 55.13
65.25 - 88.56 284 9.34 73.97 70 65.69
=================== =================
$ 3.25 - 88.56 3,286 7.64 35.24 1,391 23.50
=================== =================
</TABLE>
13. Segment information
We are organized on the basis of services offered and have determined that
we have two reportable segments: PBM services and non-PBM services (defined in
Note 1 "organization and operations"). We manage the pharmacy benefit within an
operating segment that encompasses a fully-integrated PBM service. The remaining
three operating service lines (IVTx, Specialty Distribution and Vision) have
been aggregated into a non-PBM reporting segment.
The following table presents information about the reportable segments for the
years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands) PBM Non-PBM Total
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ---------
1999
Total revenues $4,222,294 $65,810 $4,288,104
Depreciation and amortization expense (1) 71,156 711 71,867
Interest income 5,761 1 5,762
Interest expense (1) 60,001 9 60,010
Income before income taxes 259,182 6,284 265,466
Total assets 2,479,746 7,565 2,487,311
Capital expenditures 35,895 1,063 36,958
- --------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ---------
1998
Total revenues $2,765,111 $59,761 $2,824,872
Depreciation and amortization expense (1) 25,466 983 26,449
Interest income 7,235 1 7,236
Interest expense (1) 20,218 12 20,230
Income before income taxes 70,107 6,133 76,240
Total assets 1,068,715 26,746 1,095,461
Capital expenditures 23,432 421 23,853
- --------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ---------
1997
Total revenues $1,191,173 $39,461 $1,230,634
Depreciation and amortization expense (1) 9,704 766 10,470
Interest income 6,080 1 6,081
Interest expense (1) 209 16 225
Income before income taxes 52,529 2,177 54,706
Total assets 385,330 17,178 402,508
Capital expenditures 10,782 2,235 13,017
- --------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ---------
<FN>
(1) The amortization expense for deferred financing fees ($2,241 in 1999 and
$609 in 1998) is included in interest expense on the Consolidated Statement
of Operations and in depreciation and amortization on the Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows. The amortization expense on stock compensation
expense ($77 in 1999) is included in depreciation and amortization on the
Consolidated Statement of Operations and in stock compensation expense on
the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
</FN>
</TABLE>
14. Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarters
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share data) First Second(1) Third Fourth(2)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ------------------
Fiscal 1999
Total revenues $ 899,087 $ 996,749 $ 1,083,496 $ 1,308,772
Cost of revenues 823,647 869,989 958,987 1,174,282
Selling, general and administrative 46,440 81,897 78,761 87,096
Operating income 29,000 35,463 45,748 26,573
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of
debt - (6,597) (553) -
================== ================= ================= ==================
Net income $ 13,543 $ 421 $ 16,995 $ 119,259
================== ================= ================= ==================
Basic earnings per share
Before extraordinary item $ 0.41 $ 0.20 $ 0.46 $ 3.10
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of
debt - (0.19) (0.02) -
================== ================= ================= ==================
Net income $ 0.41 $ 0.01 $ 0.44 $ 3.10
================== ================= ================= ==================
Diluted earnings per share
Before extraordinary item $ 0.40 $ 0.20 $ 0.45 $ 3.03
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of
debt - (0.19) (0.02) -
================== ================= ================= ==================
Net income $ 0.40 $ 0.01 $ 0.43 $ 3.03
================== ================= ================= ==================
<FN>
(1) Includes the acquisition of DPS effective April 1, 1999. Also includes a
non-recurring operating charge of $9,400 ($5,773 after tax). Excluding this
amount, our basic and diluted earnings per share before extraordinary items
would have been $0.38 and $0.37, respectively.
(2) Includes non-recurring operating charges and a one time non operating gain
of $20,821 ($12,415 after tax) and $182,903 ($112,037 after tax),
respectively. Excluding these amounts, our basic and diluted earnings per
share before extraordinary items would have been $0.51 and $0.50,
respectively.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarters
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share data) First Second(1) Third Fourth
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ------------------
Fiscal 1998
Total revenues $ 371,362 $ 807,406 $ 807,319 $ 838,784
Cost of revenues 338,492 743,557 738,544 764,403
Selling, general and administrative 18,826 39,266 43,153 47,745
Operating income 14,044 22,932 25,622 26,636
================== ================= ================= ==================
Net income $ 9,878 $ 9,568 $ 11,303 $ 11,924
================== ================= ================= ==================
Basic earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.29 $ 0.34 $ 0.36
================== ================= ================= ==================
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.29 $ 0.28 $ 0.34 $ 0.35
================== ================= ================= ==================
<FN>
(1) Includes the acquisition of ValueRx effective April 1, 1998. Also includes a
non-recurring operating charge of $1,651 ($1,002 after tax). Excluding this
charge, our basic and diluted earnings per share would have been $0.32 and
$0.31, respectively.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
None.
PART III
Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information required by this item will be incorporated by reference
from our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A (the "Proxy Statement") under the heading
"I. Election of Directors"; provided that the Compensation Committee Report on
Executive Compensation and the performance graph contained in the Proxy
Statement shall not be deemed to be incorporated herein; and further provided
that the information regarding our executive officers required by Item 401 of
Regulation S-K has been included in Part I of this report.
Item 11 - Executive Compensation
The information required by this item will be incorporated by reference
from the Proxy Statement under the headings "Directors' Compensation,"
"Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Executive
Compensation."
Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information required by this item will be incorporated by reference
from the Proxy Statement under the headings "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management."
Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information required by this item will be incorporated by reference
from the Proxy Statement under the heading "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."
PART IV
Item 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Documents filed as part of this Report
(1) Financial Statements
The following report of independent accountants and our consolidated
financial statements are contained in this Report on the page indicated
Page No. In
Form 10-K
Report of Independent Accountants 38
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of
December 31, 1999 and 1998 39
Consolidated Statement of Operations
for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997 40
Consolidated Statement of Changes in
Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 41
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for
the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997 42
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 43
(2) The following financial statement schedule is contained in this Report
on the page indicated.
Page No. In
Financial Statement Schedule: Form 10-K
VIII. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
and Reserves for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 68
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the
required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the
notes thereto.
(3) List of Exhibits
See Index to Exhibits on pages 69 - 75
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
(i) On October 27, 1999, we filed a Current
Report on Form 8-K, dated October 14, 1999
under Item 2 and 5, regarding our asset
contribution and reorganization agreement
with PlanetRx.com, Inc.
(ii) On October 29, 1999, we filed a Current
Report on Form 8-K, dated October 20, 1999
under Items 5 and 7, regarding a press
release we issued concerning our third
quarter 1999 financial performance.
(iii) On December 16, 1999, we filed a Current
Report on Form 8-K, dated December 16, 1999
under Item 5 regarding a Dow Jones news wire
issued concerning our expected growth in
2000, integration progress and other
matters.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, INC.
March 27, 2000 By: /s/ Barrett A. Toan
Barrett A. Toan, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Barrett A. Toan President, March 27, 2000
Barrett A. Toan Chief Executive
Officer and Director
/s/ George Paz Senior Vice President and March 27, 2000
George Paz Chief Financial Officer
/s/ Joseph W. Plum Vice President and March 27, 2000
Joseph W. Plum Chief Accounting Officer
/s/ Howard I. Atkins Director March 22, 2000
Howard I. Atkins
/s/ Stuart L. Bascomb Executive Vice President - March 27, 2000
Stuart L. Bascomb Sales and Provider Relations
and Director
Director March __, 2000
Gary G. Benanav
/s/ Frank J. Borelli Director March 22, 2000
Frank J. Borelli
/s/ Judith E. Campbell Director March 21, 2000
Judith E. Campbell
/s/ Barbara B. Hill Director March 21, 2000
Barbara B. Hill
/s/ Richard M. Kernan, Jr. Director March 21, 2000
Richard M. Kernan, Jr.
/s/ Richard A. Norling Director March 22, 2000
Richard A. Norling
/s/ Frederick J. Sievert Director March 22, 2000
Frederick J. Sievert
/s/ Stephen N. Steinig Director March 22, 2000
Stephen N. Steinig
Director March __, 2000
Seymour Sternberg
/s/ Howard L. Waltman Director March 27, 2000
Howard L. Waltman
/s/ Gary E. Wendlant Director March 22, 2000
Gary E. Wendlant
/s/ Norman Zachary Director March 22, 2000
Norman Zachary
EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.
Schedule VIII - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Col. A Col. B Col. C Col. D Col. E
Additions
-----------
Balance Charges Charges Balance
at to Costs to Other at End
Beginning and and of
Description of Period Expenses Accounts (Deductions) Period
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Allowance for Doubtful
Accounts Receivable
Year Ended 12/31/97 $ 2,335,145 $ 3,680,409 $ - $ 1,213,991 $ 4,801,563
Year Ended 12/31/98 $ 4,801,563 $ 4,583,008 $ 9,570,069(1) $ 1,148,356 $ 17,806,284
Year Ended 12/31/99 $ 17,806,284 $ 4,989,041 $ (937,616)(2) $ 4,576,997 $ 17,280,712
<FN>
(1) Represents the opening balance sheet for our April 1, 1998 acquisition of ValueRx.
(2) Represents the opening balance sheet adjustment for ValueRx and the opening balance sheet for our April 1, 1999 acquisition of
DPS.
</FN>
</TABLE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
(Express Scripts, Inc. - Commission File Number 0-20199)
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
2.1** Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Columbia/HCA
Healthcare Corporation, VH Holdings, Inc., Galen Holdings, Inc.
and Express Scripts, Inc., dated as of February 19, 1998, and
certain related Schedules, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March
2, 1998.
2.2 First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement by and among
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, VH Holdings, Inc., Galen
Holdings, Inc. and Express Scripts, Inc., dated as of March 31,
1998, and related Exhibits incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed April
14, 1998.
2.3** Stock Purchase Agreement by and among SmithKline
Beecham Corporation, SmithKline Beecham InterCredit BV and
Express Scripts, Inc., dated as of February 9, 1999, and certain
related Schedules, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 18,
1999.
2.4 Asset Contribution and Reorganization Agreement dated
August 31, 1999 by and among PlanetRx.com, Inc., PRX Holdings,
Inc., PRX Acquisition, Corp., YourPharmacy.com, Inc., and Express
Scripts, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit No. 2.1
to PlanetRx's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended
(Registration Number 333-82485)).
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30,
1999.
3.2 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit No. 3.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ending September 30, 1998.
4.1 Form of Certificate for Class A Common Stock,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed June 9, 1992 (No.
33-46974) (the "Registration Statement").
4.2 Indenture, dated as of June 16, 1999, among the Company,
Bankers Trust Company, as trustee, and Guarantors named therein,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.4 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed August 4, 1999 (No.
333-83133) (the "S-4 Registration Statement").
4.3* Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 6, 1999, to
Indenture dated as of June 16, 1999, among the Company, Bankers
Trust Company, as trustee, and Guarantors named therein.
4.4 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 11,
1999, among the Company, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 4.2 to the Company's S-4 Registration Statement.
10.1*** Stock Agreement (Initial Shares) entered into as of
December 31, 1995, between the Company and American Healthcare
Purchasing Partners, L.P., incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 10.61 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ending 1995.
10.2*** Stock Agreement (Membership Shares) entered into as
of December 31, 1995, between the Company and American Healthcare
Purchasing Partners, L.P., incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 10.62 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ending 1995.
10.3 Quota-Share Reinsurance Agreement executed as of August
15, 1994, between New York Life Insurance Company and Great
Plains Reinsurance Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ending September 30, 1994.
10.4 Amendment No. 1 to Quota-Share Reinsurance Agreement
dated as of September 13, 1994, between New York Life Insurance
Company and Great Plains Reinsurance Company, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ending September 30, 1994.
10.5 Agreement dated May 7, 1992, between the Company and
New York Life Insurance Company, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.26 to the Registration Statement.
10.6 Lease Agreement dated March 3, 1992, between Riverport,
Inc. and Douglas Development Company--Irvine Partnership in
commendam and the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 10.21 to the Registration Statement.
10.7 First Amendment to Lease dated as of December 29, 1992,
between Sverdrup/MDRC Joint Venture and the Company, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit No. 10.13 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 1993.
10.8 Second Amendment to Lease dated as of May 28, 1993,
between Sverdrup/MDRC Joint Venture and the Company, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit No. 10.14 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 1993.
10.9 Third Amendment to Lease entered into as of October 15,
1993, by and between Sverdrup/MDRC Joint Venture and the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.69 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending 1993.
10.10 Fourth Amendment to Lease dated as of March 24, 1994,
by and between Sverdrup/MDRC Joint Venture and the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.70 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending 1993.
10.11 Fifth Amendment to Lease made and entered into June 30,
1994, between Sverdrup/MDRC Joint Venture and the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30,
1994.
10.12 Sixth Amendment to Lease made and entered into January
31, 1995, between Sverdrup/MDRC Joint Venture and the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.70 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending 1994.
10.13 Seventh Amendment to Lease dated as of August 14, 1998,
by and between Duke Realty Limited Partnership, by and through
its general partner, Duke Realty Investments, Inc., and the
Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.3 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending
September 30, 1998.
10.14 Eighth Amendment to Lease dated as of August 14, 1998,
by and between Duke Realty Limited Partnership, by and through
its general partner, Duke Realty Investments, Inc., and the
Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending
September 30, 1998.
10.15 Ninth Amendment to Lease dated as of February 19, 1999,
by and between Duke Realty Limited Partnership, by and through
its general partner, Duke Realty Investments, Inc., and the
Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.29 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ending 1998.
10.16 Single-Tenant Lease-Net entered into as of June 30,
1993, between James M. Chamberlain, Trustee of Chamberlain Family
Trust dated September 21, 1979, and the Company, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit No. 10.16 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the
quarter ending June 30, 1993.
10.17 First Amendment to Single-Tenant Lease-Net entered into
as of November 12, 1993, by and between James M. Chamberlain,
Trustee of Chamberlain Family Trust, and the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.74 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending 1993.
10.18 Earth City Industrial Office/Warehouse Lease Agreement
dated as of August 19, 1996, by and between the Company and Louis
Siegfried Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No.
10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ending September 30, 1996.
10.19 Lease Agreement dated as of June 12, 1989, between
Michael D. Brockelman and James S. Gratton, as Trustees under
agreement dated April 17, 1980, and Health Care Services, Inc.,
an indirect subsidiary of the Company, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit No. 10.7 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 1998.
10.20 Lease Agreement dated as of March 22, 1996, between
Ryan Construction Company of Minnesota, Inc., and ValueRx
Pharmacy Program, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.8 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30,
1998.
10.21 Lease Extension and Amendment Agreement dated as of
July 24, 1998, between Faith A. Griefen and ValueRx Pharmacy
Program, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending September
30, 1998.
10.22 Office Lease dated as of August 14, 1998 by and between
Duke Realty Limited Partnership, by and through its general
partner, Duke Realty Investments, Inc., and the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending September
30, 1998.
10.23 Second Lease Amendment dated as of December 31, 1998 by
and between Duke Realty Limited Partnership, by and through its
general partner, Duke Realty Investments, Inc., and the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.37 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ending December 31,
1998.
10.24**** Express Scripts, Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.23 to the
Registration Statement.
10.25**** Express Scripts, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Outside
Directors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.24 to the
Registration Statement.
10.26**** Express Scripts, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30,
1994.
10.27**** Amended and Restated Express Scripts, Inc. 1992
Employee Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 10.78 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ending 1994.
10.28**** First Amendment to Express Scripts, Inc. Amended and
Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan incorporated by reference to
Exhibit D to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April 22, 1999.
10.29**** Second Amendment to Express Scripts, Inc. Amended and
Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan incorporated by reference to
Exhibit F to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April 22, 1999.
10.30**** Amended and Restated Express Scripts, Inc. Stock
Option Plan for Outside Directors, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.79 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ending 1994.
10.31**** First Amendment to Express Scripts, Inc. Amended and
Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors
incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's Proxy
Statement dated April 9, 1996.
10.32**** Second Amendment to Express Scripts, Inc. Amended and
Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors
incorporated by reference to Exhibit G to the Company's Proxy
Statement dated April 22, 1999.
10.33**** Amended and Restated Express Scripts, Inc. 1994 Stock
Option Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.80 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending 1994.
10.34**** First Amendment to Express Scripts, Inc. Amended and
Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan incorporated by reference to
Exhibit A to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April 16, 1997.
10.35**** Second Amendment to Express Scripts, Inc. Amended and
Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan incorporated by reference to
Exhibit A to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April 21, 1998.
10.36**** Third Amendment to Express Scripts, Inc. Amended and
Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit C to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April 22, 1999.
10.37**** Fourth Amendment to Express Scripts, Inc. Amended and
Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit E to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April 22, 1999.
10.38**** Form of Severance Agreement dated as of January 27,
1998, between the Company and each of the following individuals:
Stuart L. Bascomb, Thomas M. Boudreau, Robert W. Davis, Linda L.
Logsdon, David A. Lowenberg, George Paz, Terrence D. Arndt
(agreement dated as of May 26, 1999), Mabel Chen (agreement dated
as of Novemebr 23, 1999) and Mark O. Johnson (agreement dated as
of May 26, 1999) incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.70
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending
December 31, 1997.
10.41 Senior Subordinated Credit Agreement dated as of April
1, 1999 among the Company, the Lenders listed therein, Credit
Suisse First Boston, as Lead Arranger and Administrative Agent
and BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, as Co-Arranger, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit No. 10.6 to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 1999.
10.42 Senior Subordinated Subsidiary Guaranty dated as of
April 1, 1999, in favor of Credit Suisse First Boston as
Administrative Agent and the Lenders listed in the Senior
Subordinated Credit Agreement, by the following parties: Managed
Prescription Network, Inc., Value Health, Inc., IVTx, Inc.,
Express Scripts Vision Corp., ESI/VRx Sales Development Co.,
HealthCare Services, Inc., MHI, Inc., ValueRx, Inc., ValueRx
Pharmacy Program, Inc., Diversified Pharmaceutical Services,
Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.7 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending
June 30, 1999.
10.43 Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1999 among the
Company, the Lenders listed therein, Credit Suisse First Boston
as lead Arranger, Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent,
Bankers Trust Company as Syndication Agent, BETWEEN Alex. Brown
Incorporated as Co-Arranger, The First National Bank of Chicago
as Co-Documentation Agent, and Mercantile Bank, N.A. as
co-Documentation Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No.
10.8 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ending June 30, 1999.
10.44 Amendment No.1 to Credit Agreement dated as of April 1,
1999 among the Company, the Lenders listed therein, Credit Suisse
First Boston as Lead Arranger, Administrative Agent and BT Alex.
Brown Incorporated as Co-Arranger, The First National Bank of
Chicago as Co-Documentation Agent, and Mercantile Bank, N.A. as
Co-Documentation Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No.
10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ending September 30, 1999.
10.45 Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement dated as of April
1, 1999 among the Company, the Lenders listed therein, Credit
Suisse First Boston as Lead Arranger, Administrative Agent and
Collateral Agent, Bankers Trust Company as Syndication Agent, BT
Alex. Brown Incorporated as Co-Arranger, The First National Bank
of Chicago as Co-Documentation Agent, and Mercantile Bank, N.A.
as Co-Documentation Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ending September 30, 1999.
10.46 Amendment No. 3 and Waiver to Credit Agreement dated as
of April 1, 1999 among the Company, the Lenders listed therein,
Credit Suisse First Boston as Lead Arranger, Administrative Agent
and Collateral Agent, Bankers Trust Company as Syndication Agent,
BT Alex. Brown Incorporated as Co-Arranger, The First National
Bank of Chicago as Co-Documentation Agent, and Mercantile Bank,
N.A. as Co-Documentation Agent, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ending September 30, 1999.
10.47 Subsidiary Guaranty dated as of April 1, 1999, in favor
of Credit Suisse First Boston as Collateral Agent and the Lenders
listed in the Credit Agreement, by the following parties: Managed
Prescription Network, Inc., Value Health, Inc., IVTx, Inc.,
Express Scripts Vision Corp., ESI/VRx Sales Development Co.,
HealthCare Services, Inc., MHI, Inc., ValueRx, Inc., ValueRx
Pharmacy Program, Inc., Diversified Pharmaceutical Services,
Inc., ESI OnLine, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit No.
10.9 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ending June 30, 1999.
10.48 Company Pledge Agreement dated as of April 1, 1999, by
the Company in favor of Credit Suisse First Boston as Collateral
Agent and the Lenders listed in the Credit Agreement,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.10 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30,
1999.
10.49 Subsidiary Pledge Agreement dated as of April 1, 1999, in
favor of Credit Suisse First Boston as Collateral Agent and the
Lenders listed in the Credit Agreement, by the following parties:
ESI Canada Holdings, Inc., Value Health, Inc., ValueRx, Inc.,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.11 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30,
1999.
10.50 International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master
Agreement dated as of April 3, 1998, between the Company and The
First National Bank of Chicago, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.6 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ending June 30, 1998.
10.51 Swap Transaction Confirmation Agreement between the
Company and Bankers Trust Company dated June 17, 1999,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.5 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending September
30, 1999.
10.52**** Express Scripts, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed December 29, 1998.
10.53**** Express Scripts, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation
Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed February 16,
1999.
10.54**** Employment Agreement effective as of April 1, 1999,
between Barrett A. Toan and the Company, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 1999.
10.55 Agreement dated August 31, 1999 by and among Express
Scripts, Inc. and PlanetRx.com, Inc., including form of Provider
Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 1999
(filed on October 27, 1999).
10.56 Amended and Restated Investor's Rights Agreement dated
as of June 3, 1999, (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit No.
4.2 to PlanetRx's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended
(Registration Number 333-82485)).
10.57 Amendment of Amended and Restated Investor's Rights
Agreement dated as of October 13, 1999 by and between
PlanetRx.com, Inc. and YourPharmacy.com, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4 to Schedule 13D dated October 21, 1999
filed October 22, 1999) filed by Express Scripts, Inc. with
respect to PlanetRx.com, Inc. (File No. 000-27437).
12.1* Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
21.1* List of Subsidiaries.
23.1* Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
27.1* Financial Data Schedule (provided for the information
of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission only).
* Filed herein.
** The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted
schedule to this agreement to the Commission upon request.
*** Confidential treatment granted for certain portions of these exhibits.
**** Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
EXHIBIT 4.3
EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.
as Issuer
THE GUARANTORS as defined herein
as Guarantors
and
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY
as Trustee
$250,000,000
9 5/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2009
--------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
Dated as of October 6, 1999
to
INDENTURE
Dated as of June 16, 1999
--------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this "Supplemental Indenture"), dated as of October
6, 1999, among Express Scripts, Inc. (the "Company"), the Guarantors as named in
the Indenture (as defined herein), and Bankers Trust Company as trustee (the
"Trustee").
WHEREAS, the Company and the Guarantors have heretofore executed and
delivered to the Trustee an Indenture dated as of June 16, 1999, among the
Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee (the "Indenture"), relating to
$250,000,000 aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Company's 9 5/8%
Senior Notes due 2009 (the "Notes");
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.02 of the Indenture, the Company and the
Guarantors have requested to amend the Indenture and have received the requisite
consents of the Holders of the outstanding Notes to the amendments made hereby;
WHEREAS, the Company and each of the Guarantors are authorized to enter
into this Supplemental Indenture by resolution of the Board of Directors of the
Company or such Guarantor;
WHEREAS, the Company has delivered an Officers' Certificate and Opinion of
Counsel to the Trustee pursuant to Section 9.06 of the Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all other actions necessary to make this Supplemental Indenture a
legal, valid and binding obligation of the parties hereto in accordance with its
terms and the terms of the Indenture have been performed;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises contained herein and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee hereby mutually
covenant and agree for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the
Notes as follows:
ARTICLE I
AMENDMENTS
Upon execution and effectiveness of this Supplemental Indenture, the terms
of the Notes and the Indenture shall be amended as follows:
SECTION I.1. Section 1.01 of the Indenture shall be amended as follows:
(a) by deleting clause (viii) of the definition of "Asset Disposition" and
substituting in lieu thereof the following:
"(viii) a disposition of any Capital Stock or assets of YourPharmacy.com,
Inc. or any corporation, partnership or limited liability company which is the
successor to the business conducted or contemplated to be conducted as of the
Issue Date by YourPharmacy.com, Inc.;" and
(b) by deleting clause (vi) of the definition of "Permitted Investments"
and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
"(vi)Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries as a
result of consideration received in connection with an Asset
Disposition made in compliance with, or a disposition of assets exempt
from, Section 4.15;".
ARTICLE II
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION II.1. For all purposes of this Supplemental Indenture, except as
otherwise herein expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
(A) the terms and expressions used herein shall have the same meanings as
corresponding terms and expressions used in the Indenture and (B) the words
"herein," "hereof" and "hereby" and other words of similar import used in this
Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not
any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
SECTION II.2. Upon the effectiveness of this Supplement Indenture, the
Indenture shall be modified in accordance herewith, but except as expressly
amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all
the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and
effect.
SECTION II.3. Upon effectiveness, this Supplemental Indenture shall form a
part of the Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture and the Indenture shall be
read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument for all purposes, and
every holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered under
the Indenture shall be bound hereby.
SECTION II.4. This Supplemental Indenture shall become effective
immediately prior to the contribution of certain specified assets of
YourPharmacy.com, Inc. ("YPC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to
PlanetRx.com, Inc. ("PlanetRx") in exchange for common stock of PlanetRx
pursuant to the agreement between PlanetRx, YPC and the Company (the
"Transaction"). If the Transaction does not occur, then this Supplemental
Indenture will not become effective and will be void.
SECTION II.5. The Trustee accepts the amendment to the Indenture effected
by this Supplemental Indenture and agrees to execute the trust created by the
Indenture, as hereby amended, but only upon the terms and conditions set forth
in the Indenture, as hereby amended, including the terms and provisions defining
and limiting the liabilities and responsibilities of the Trustee, which terms
and provisions shall in like manner define and limit the Trustee's liabilities
in the performance of the trust created by the Indenture, as hereby amended.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee has no
responsibility for the correctness of the recitals of fact herein contained
which shall be taken as the statements of the Company and makes no
representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental
Indenture, except as to the due and valid execution hereof by the Trustee, and
shall incur no liability or responsibility in respect of the validity thereof.
The Trustee's execution of this Supplemental Indenture should not be construed
to be an approval or disapproval of the advisability of the amendments to the
Indenture provided herein.
SECTION II.6. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO
AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY IN SAID STATE.
SECTION II.7. This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original,
and all of such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same
instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental
Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.
By: /s/ Barrett Toan
Name: Barrett Toan
Title: President
DIVERSIFIED PHARMACEUTICAL
SERVICES, INC., ESI/VRX
SALES DEVELOPMENT CO.,
EXPRESS SCRIPTS VISION
CORPORATION, IVTX, INC.,
MANAGED PRESCRIPTION
NETWORK, INC., MHI, INC.,
VALUE HEALTH, INC.,
VALUERX, INC., VALUERX
PHARMACY PROGRAM, INC.,
YOURPHARMACY.COM, INC.,
HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ Barrett Toan
Name: Barrett Toan
Title:President
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
By: /s/ Susan Johnson
Name: Susan Johnson
Title:Assistant Vice President
EXHIBIT 12.1
EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.
STATEMENT OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands) 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Fixed charges:
Interest expense (1) $ 60,010 $ 20,230 $ 225 $ 59 $ 86
Interest portion of rental expense 3,716 1,292 757 700 627
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total fixed charges 63,726 21,522 982 759 713
Earnings:
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary items (2) 265,466 76,240 54,706 43,080 29,634
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Total adjusted earnings $ 329,192 $ 97,762 $ 55,688 $ 43,839 $ 36,347
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 5.17 4.54 56.71 57.76 42.56
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
<FN>
(1) Interest expense includes the amortization on our deferred financing
fees.
(2) Income before income taxes and extraordinary items includes
non-recurring charges and a one-time gain on sale of assets.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiary State of Incorporatio D/B/A
Diversified NY IPA, Inc. New York None
Diversified Pharmaceutical Services
(Puerto Rico), Inc. Puerto Rico None
Diversified Pharmaceutical Services,
Inc. Minnesota None
ESI Canada Holdings, Inc. New Brunswick, Canada None
ESI Canada, Inc. New Brunswick, Canada None
ESI Claims, Inc. Delaware None
ESI Mail Pharmacy Services, Inc. Delaware None
ESI Utilization Management Co. Delaware None
Express Scripts Sales Development Co. Delaware None
Express Scripts Specialty Distribution
Services, Inc. Delaware None
Express Scripts Vision Corporation Delaware ESI Vision Care
IVTx, Inc. Delaware Express Scripts
Infusion
Services
Great Plains Reinsurance Company Arizona None
Practice Patterns Science, Inc. Delaware None
Value Health, Inc. Delaware None
ValueRx of Michigan, Inc. Michigan None
YourPharmacy.com, Inc. Delaware None
607486 Alberta Ltd. Albert, Canada None
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Accountants
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-74613) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-80255, 333-72441,
333-69855, 333-48779, 333-48767, 333-48765, 333-27983, 333-04291, 33-64094,
33-64278, 33-93106) of Express Scripts, Inc. of our report dated February 4,
2000, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule,
which appears in this Form 10-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
March 27, 2000
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000885721
<NAME> Express Scripts, Inc.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. Dollars
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-Mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1999
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<CASH> 132,630
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 800,367
<ALLOWANCES> 17,281
<INVENTORY> 113,248
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,066,355
<PP&E> 147,180
<DEPRECIATION> 49,607
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,487,311
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,100,358
<BONDS> 635,873
0
0
<COMMON> 390
<OTHER-SE> 699,092
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,487,311
<SALES> 4,285,104
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 4,288,104
<CGS> 3,826,905
<TOTAL-COSTS> 4,151,320
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 60,010
<INCOME-PRETAX> 265,466
<INCOME-TAX> 108,098
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 157,368
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 7,150
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 150,218
<EPS-BASIC> 4.16
<EPS-DILUTED> 4.06
</TABLE>
