Analysis of Solvency Ratios
Quarterly Data
Solvency ratios also known as long-term debt ratios measure a company ability to meet long-term obligations.
Solvency Ratios (Summary)
Express Scripts Holding Co., solvency ratios (quarterly data)
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-03-31).
- Debt to Equity
- The debt to equity ratio exhibits fluctuations over the observed periods, beginning at 0.63 and rising to a peak of 1.12 in March 2016. Following the peak, the ratio shows a gradual decline, decreasing to 0.73 by September 2018. This indicates that leverage relative to equity increased initially but was subsequently reduced toward the end of the timeframe.
- Debt to Capital
- The debt to capital ratio follows a somewhat similar pattern, starting at 0.39 and increasing steadily to 0.53 by March 2016. After this peak, the ratio gradually declines to 0.42 by September 2018. The trend suggests initial growth in capital structure reliance on debt, which moderates and diminishes as time progresses.
- Debt to Assets
- This ratio begins at 0.26 and generally rises to a maximum of 0.32 between June 2015 and September 2016. After this period, it fluctuates slightly but tends to stabilize around 0.27 by the end of the timeline. This represents a period of increased leverage on assets followed by stabilization.
- Financial Leverage
- Financial leverage increases from 2.41 at the start to a peak of 3.44 in March 2016, indicating greater use of debt relative to equity. Subsequently, the leverage ratio decreases steadily to 2.7 by September 2018, showing a reduction in reliance on debt financing and potentially lower financial risk.
- Interest Coverage
- The interest coverage ratio shows variability but an overall upward trend. It starts at 6.91 and slightly decreases until around September 2014, followed by a steady increase to a peak of 9.25 in September 2017. The ratio then slightly declines but remains relatively high (around 8.64) through September 2018. This suggests an improvement in the company's ability to meet interest obligations over time.
Debt Ratios
Coverage Ratios
Debt to Equity
Express Scripts Holding Co., debt to equity calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2018 | Jun 30, 2018 | Mar 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | Sep 30, 2017 | Jun 30, 2017 | Mar 31, 2017 | Dec 31, 2016 | Sep 30, 2016 | Jun 30, 2016 | Mar 31, 2016 | Dec 31, 2015 | Sep 30, 2015 | Jun 30, 2015 | Mar 31, 2015 | Dec 31, 2014 | Sep 30, 2014 | Jun 30, 2014 | Mar 31, 2014 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt | 2,021,300) | 1,533,100) | 85,600) | 1,032,900) | 1,181,100) | 1,151,300) | 1,621,300) | 722,300) | 1,184,000) | 4,140,900) | 2,208,600) | 1,646,400) | 1,649,200) | 2,149,700) | 1,607,100) | 2,555,300) | 3,245,400) | 3,938,300) | 2,635,200) | ||||||
| Long-term debt, excluding current maturities | 12,974,200) | 13,457,600) | 14,900,500) | 14,981,500) | 13,726,700) | 13,835,200) | 13,906,200) | 14,846,000) | 14,924,500) | 11,842,600) | 14,382,700) | 13,946,300) | 14,037,700) | 14,583,900) | 10,741,200) | 11,012,700) | 11,442,000) | 12,165,500) | 11,145,100) | ||||||
| Total debt | 14,995,500) | 14,990,700) | 14,986,100) | 16,014,400) | 14,907,800) | 14,986,500) | 15,527,500) | 15,568,300) | 16,108,500) | 15,983,500) | 16,591,300) | 15,592,700) | 15,686,900) | 16,733,600) | 12,348,300) | 13,568,000) | 14,687,400) | 16,103,800) | 13,780,300) | ||||||
| Total Express Scripts stockholders’ equity | 20,565,900) | 19,370,000) | 18,442,500) | 18,119,600) | 15,916,500) | 15,744,600) | 15,922,600) | 16,236,000) | 15,600,300) | 15,403,100) | 14,841,100) | 17,372,800) | 16,538,300) | 15,822,200) | 20,604,800) | 20,054,200) | 20,157,700) | 20,451,900) | 21,874,300) | ||||||
| Solvency Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to equity1 | 0.73 | 0.77 | 0.81 | 0.88 | 0.94 | 0.95 | 0.98 | 0.96 | 1.03 | 1.04 | 1.12 | 0.90 | 0.95 | 1.06 | 0.60 | 0.68 | 0.73 | 0.79 | 0.63 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to Equity, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abbott Laboratories | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-03-31).
1 Q3 2018 Calculation
Debt to equity = Total debt ÷ Total Express Scripts stockholders’ equity
= 14,995,500 ÷ 20,565,900 = 0.73
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The analysis of the financial data reveals distinct trends in the company's leverage and capital structure over the observed periods.
- Total Debt
- The total debt exhibits fluctuations over the examined quarters. Initially, there is a rise from approximately 13.78 billion to a peak exceeding 16 billion, followed by a decline to around 12.35 billion. Subsequently, debt increases again, reaching highs near 16.59 billion before gradually stabilizing near 14.99 billion towards the end of the period.
- Total Stockholders’ Equity
- Stockholders’ equity demonstrates variability with a general downward trend in the early periods, declining from approximately 21.87 billion to about 15.82 billion. This is followed by a recovery phase where equity increases steadily, ending at approximately 20.57 billion. This recovery aligns temporally with some reduction in debt levels.
- Debt to Equity Ratio
- The debt to equity ratio reflects these changes by initially increasing from 0.63 to a peak of 1.06, indicating a period of relatively higher leverage. Following this, the ratio declines gradually to 0.73 by the end of the timeframe, suggesting a deleveraging trend and a strengthening equity base.
Overall, the data indicate a notable increase in financial leverage mid-period, subsequently corrected by a combination of debt reduction and equity growth. The decreasing debt to equity ratio in the latter quarters implies efforts to enhance financial stability and potential improvements in the company’s risk profile.
Debt to Capital
Express Scripts Holding Co., debt to capital calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2018 | Jun 30, 2018 | Mar 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | Sep 30, 2017 | Jun 30, 2017 | Mar 31, 2017 | Dec 31, 2016 | Sep 30, 2016 | Jun 30, 2016 | Mar 31, 2016 | Dec 31, 2015 | Sep 30, 2015 | Jun 30, 2015 | Mar 31, 2015 | Dec 31, 2014 | Sep 30, 2014 | Jun 30, 2014 | Mar 31, 2014 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt | 2,021,300) | 1,533,100) | 85,600) | 1,032,900) | 1,181,100) | 1,151,300) | 1,621,300) | 722,300) | 1,184,000) | 4,140,900) | 2,208,600) | 1,646,400) | 1,649,200) | 2,149,700) | 1,607,100) | 2,555,300) | 3,245,400) | 3,938,300) | 2,635,200) | ||||||
| Long-term debt, excluding current maturities | 12,974,200) | 13,457,600) | 14,900,500) | 14,981,500) | 13,726,700) | 13,835,200) | 13,906,200) | 14,846,000) | 14,924,500) | 11,842,600) | 14,382,700) | 13,946,300) | 14,037,700) | 14,583,900) | 10,741,200) | 11,012,700) | 11,442,000) | 12,165,500) | 11,145,100) | ||||||
| Total debt | 14,995,500) | 14,990,700) | 14,986,100) | 16,014,400) | 14,907,800) | 14,986,500) | 15,527,500) | 15,568,300) | 16,108,500) | 15,983,500) | 16,591,300) | 15,592,700) | 15,686,900) | 16,733,600) | 12,348,300) | 13,568,000) | 14,687,400) | 16,103,800) | 13,780,300) | ||||||
| Total Express Scripts stockholders’ equity | 20,565,900) | 19,370,000) | 18,442,500) | 18,119,600) | 15,916,500) | 15,744,600) | 15,922,600) | 16,236,000) | 15,600,300) | 15,403,100) | 14,841,100) | 17,372,800) | 16,538,300) | 15,822,200) | 20,604,800) | 20,054,200) | 20,157,700) | 20,451,900) | 21,874,300) | ||||||
| Total capital | 35,561,400) | 34,360,700) | 33,428,600) | 34,134,000) | 30,824,300) | 30,731,100) | 31,450,100) | 31,804,300) | 31,708,800) | 31,386,600) | 31,432,400) | 32,965,500) | 32,225,200) | 32,555,800) | 32,953,100) | 33,622,200) | 34,845,100) | 36,555,700) | 35,654,600) | ||||||
| Solvency Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to capital1 | 0.42 | 0.44 | 0.45 | 0.47 | 0.48 | 0.49 | 0.49 | 0.49 | 0.51 | 0.51 | 0.53 | 0.47 | 0.49 | 0.51 | 0.37 | 0.40 | 0.42 | 0.44 | 0.39 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to Capital, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abbott Laboratories | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-03-31).
1 Q3 2018 Calculation
Debt to capital = Total debt ÷ Total capital
= 14,995,500 ÷ 35,561,400 = 0.42
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial data reveals notable trends over the observed periods concerning debt levels, total capital, and the debt-to-capital ratio.
- Total Debt
- Total debt demonstrates some volatility over the time frame. Beginning at approximately $13.78 billion in the first quarter of 2014, debt rises to a peak of about $16.70 billion by mid-2015. Subsequently, it fluctuates but remains generally elevated above $15 billion towards the later periods, ending near $15 billion in the third quarter of 2018. This indicates periods of increased leverage followed by slight reductions but no sustained downward trend.
- Total Capital
- Total capital shows a mild downward trend from early 2014 through 2017, declining from roughly $35.65 billion to a low near $30.7 billion in mid-2017. However, starting in the latter part of 2017 and continuing into 2018, total capital increases again, reaching approximately $35.56 billion by the third quarter of 2018. This suggests some recovery or growth in capital base after a period of contraction or slower growth.
- Debt to Capital Ratio
- The debt-to-capital ratio exhibits meaningful variation corresponding to the movements in debt and capital. Initially, the ratio moves upward from 0.39 at the start of 2014 to a high of 0.51 during mid-2015. This indicates a higher proportion of debt relative to total capital at that time. Following this peak, the ratio stabilizes around the 0.48 to 0.49 range for several quarters before gradually declining toward 0.42 by the third quarter of 2018. The downward trend in the ratio during the latter periods reflects a relative decrease in leverage or an improvement in capital levels compared to debt.
Overall, the data suggests an initial phase of increasing leverage through 2015, accompanied by slight contractions in total capital. In the subsequent years, leverage stabilizes and begins to decline, while total capital recovers, reflecting an improving capital structure and potentially reduced financial risk by 2018.
Debt to Assets
Express Scripts Holding Co., debt to assets calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2018 | Jun 30, 2018 | Mar 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | Sep 30, 2017 | Jun 30, 2017 | Mar 31, 2017 | Dec 31, 2016 | Sep 30, 2016 | Jun 30, 2016 | Mar 31, 2016 | Dec 31, 2015 | Sep 30, 2015 | Jun 30, 2015 | Mar 31, 2015 | Dec 31, 2014 | Sep 30, 2014 | Jun 30, 2014 | Mar 31, 2014 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt | 2,021,300) | 1,533,100) | 85,600) | 1,032,900) | 1,181,100) | 1,151,300) | 1,621,300) | 722,300) | 1,184,000) | 4,140,900) | 2,208,600) | 1,646,400) | 1,649,200) | 2,149,700) | 1,607,100) | 2,555,300) | 3,245,400) | 3,938,300) | 2,635,200) | ||||||
| Long-term debt, excluding current maturities | 12,974,200) | 13,457,600) | 14,900,500) | 14,981,500) | 13,726,700) | 13,835,200) | 13,906,200) | 14,846,000) | 14,924,500) | 11,842,600) | 14,382,700) | 13,946,300) | 14,037,700) | 14,583,900) | 10,741,200) | 11,012,700) | 11,442,000) | 12,165,500) | 11,145,100) | ||||||
| Total debt | 14,995,500) | 14,990,700) | 14,986,100) | 16,014,400) | 14,907,800) | 14,986,500) | 15,527,500) | 15,568,300) | 16,108,500) | 15,983,500) | 16,591,300) | 15,592,700) | 15,686,900) | 16,733,600) | 12,348,300) | 13,568,000) | 14,687,400) | 16,103,800) | 13,780,300) | ||||||
| Total assets | 55,441,600) | 54,677,800) | 53,405,600) | 54,255,800) | 51,206,200) | 50,513,400) | 51,056,000) | 51,744,900) | 50,909,300) | 50,858,600) | 51,107,600) | 53,243,300) | 51,996,500) | 51,867,800) | 51,905,100) | 53,798,900) | 53,439,200) | 54,633,800) | 52,747,100) | ||||||
| Solvency Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to assets1 | 0.27 | 0.27 | 0.28 | 0.30 | 0.29 | 0.30 | 0.30 | 0.30 | 0.32 | 0.31 | 0.32 | 0.29 | 0.30 | 0.32 | 0.24 | 0.25 | 0.27 | 0.29 | 0.26 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to Assets, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abbott Laboratories | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-03-31).
1 Q3 2018 Calculation
Debt to assets = Total debt ÷ Total assets
= 14,995,500 ÷ 55,441,600 = 0.27
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The data reveals fluctuations in the company's debt and asset levels over the observed periods, along with corresponding changes in the debt-to-assets ratio. These dynamics offer insights into the company's leverage and asset base management across the timeframe.
- Total Debt
-
Total debt levels exhibit variability, with values ranging from approximately 12.3 billion to 16.7 billion US dollars across the quarters. Notably, there is a peak in the second quarter of 2015, where debt reaches around 16.7 billion US dollars, followed by subsequent periods with relatively high debt values close to this peak.
After mid-2015, debt figures generally fluctuate near the 15 billion to 16 billion US dollars mark, with minor decreases and increases but without a clear sustained upward or downward trend. The first quarter of 2018 shows a slight decline relative to late 2017.
- Total Assets
-
Total assets remain generally stable but show some variation over time. Early 2014 to early 2015 includes asset values around 51 billion to 54 billion US dollars, followed by a slight decline through mid-2016 to approximately 50–51 billion US dollars.
Starting in late 2017 and continuing into 2018, assets show an increasing trend, rising to a peak of approximately 55.4 billion US dollars by the third quarter of 2018. This suggests a strengthening of the asset base during the later periods examined.
- Debt to Assets Ratio
-
The ratio of total debt to total assets varies between 0.24 and 0.32 across the quarters. In early 2014, the ratio begins near 0.26, increases to roughly 0.29 by the second quarter of 2014, then decreases to about 0.24 by the first quarter of 2015, indicating a temporary reduction in leverage relative to assets.
From mid-2015 onward, this ratio ranges mostly between 0.27 and 0.32 with slight oscillations but remains relatively stable around 0.3. This constancy reflects a maintained leverage level despite fluctuations in absolute debt and asset figures.
In summary, the company appears to maintain a consistent leverage strategy with debt-to-assets ratios fluctuating modestly around 30%. While debt amounts and asset totals vary, there is no indication of extreme volatility in leverage. The asset base has shown signs of growth in the latter part of the period, which may contribute to financial stability and capacity for future debt management.
Financial Leverage
Express Scripts Holding Co., financial leverage calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2018 | Jun 30, 2018 | Mar 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | Sep 30, 2017 | Jun 30, 2017 | Mar 31, 2017 | Dec 31, 2016 | Sep 30, 2016 | Jun 30, 2016 | Mar 31, 2016 | Dec 31, 2015 | Sep 30, 2015 | Jun 30, 2015 | Mar 31, 2015 | Dec 31, 2014 | Sep 30, 2014 | Jun 30, 2014 | Mar 31, 2014 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 55,441,600) | 54,677,800) | 53,405,600) | 54,255,800) | 51,206,200) | 50,513,400) | 51,056,000) | 51,744,900) | 50,909,300) | 50,858,600) | 51,107,600) | 53,243,300) | 51,996,500) | 51,867,800) | 51,905,100) | 53,798,900) | 53,439,200) | 54,633,800) | 52,747,100) | ||||||
| Total Express Scripts stockholders’ equity | 20,565,900) | 19,370,000) | 18,442,500) | 18,119,600) | 15,916,500) | 15,744,600) | 15,922,600) | 16,236,000) | 15,600,300) | 15,403,100) | 14,841,100) | 17,372,800) | 16,538,300) | 15,822,200) | 20,604,800) | 20,054,200) | 20,157,700) | 20,451,900) | 21,874,300) | ||||||
| Solvency Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial leverage1 | 2.70 | 2.82 | 2.90 | 2.99 | 3.22 | 3.21 | 3.21 | 3.19 | 3.26 | 3.30 | 3.44 | 3.06 | 3.14 | 3.28 | 2.52 | 2.68 | 2.65 | 2.67 | 2.41 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Leverage, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abbott Laboratories | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-03-31).
1 Q3 2018 Calculation
Financial leverage = Total assets ÷ Total Express Scripts stockholders’ equity
= 55,441,600 ÷ 20,565,900 = 2.70
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Total Assets
-
The total assets exhibit some fluctuations over the reported periods. Starting at approximately 52.7 billion US dollars in the first quarter of 2014, they increased slightly to around 54.6 billion by mid-2014, but then showed a modest decline through early 2016, reaching a low near 50.8 billion. Post this dip, total assets gradually recovered and demonstrated an upward trend, closing at approximately 55.4 billion by the third quarter of 2018.
- Total Express Scripts Stockholders’ Equity
-
Stockholders’ equity displayed a declining trend from the first quarter of 2014 through the end of 2015, falling from about 21.9 billion to approximately 17.4 billion. The equity value further declined to its lowest point around 14.8 billion in the first quarter of 2016. Subsequently, there was a steady recovery in equity, with values rising consistently to reach approximately 20.6 billion by the third quarter of 2018. This pattern indicates initial pressures on shareholders' equity followed by rebuilding efforts over the later periods.
- Financial Leverage
-
Financial leverage ratios increased notably from 2.41 at the start of 2014 to a peak of about 3.44 in the first quarter of 2016, indicating a rising reliance on debt relative to equity during this period. After this peak, financial leverage gradually decreased to 2.7 by the third quarter of 2018, suggesting a strategic reduction in the company’s leverage position and potentially improved financial stability.
- Overall Analysis
-
The data reveals a period of financial stress between 2014 and early 2016 characterized by declining equity and increasing leverage, which may indicate challenges in capital structure or operational pressures. Following this period, the company appears to have strengthened its equity base and reduced leverage, while total assets showed recovery and growth. This transition may reflect effective management actions to improve the financial health and risk profile of the company.
Interest Coverage
Express Scripts Holding Co., interest coverage calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2018 | Jun 30, 2018 | Mar 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | Sep 30, 2017 | Jun 30, 2017 | Mar 31, 2017 | Dec 31, 2016 | Sep 30, 2016 | Jun 30, 2016 | Mar 31, 2016 | Dec 31, 2015 | Sep 30, 2015 | Jun 30, 2015 | Mar 31, 2015 | Dec 31, 2014 | Sep 30, 2014 | Jun 30, 2014 | Mar 31, 2014 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Express Scripts | 1,071,600) | 877,300) | 623,200) | 2,327,600) | 841,700) | 801,800) | 546,300) | 1,434,700) | 722,900) | 720,700) | 526,100) | 773,500) | 661,700) | 600,100) | 441,100) | 581,800) | 582,300) | 515,200) | 328,300) | ||||||
| Add: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 2,200) | 2,100) | 2,700) | 3,300) | 3,300) | 3,700) | 4,000) | 5,100) | 5,600) | 6,400) | 6,100) | 5,400) | 5,700) | 6,000) | 6,000) | 6,900) | 6,800) | 7,500) | 6,200) | ||||||
| Less: Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | —) | ||||||
| Add: Income tax expense | 276,800) | 290,300) | 193,700) | (902,300) | 499,300) | 435,400) | 364,900) | (104,400) | 422,400) | 402,700) | 278,800) | 317,400) | 378,200) | 400,300) | 268,400) | 241,800) | 209,200) | 318,900) | 261,300) | ||||||
| Add: Interest expense and other | 151,000) | 151,300) | 154,000) | 168,000) | 147,700) | 146,500) | 145,700) | 146,000) | 273,400) | 136,800) | 138,600) | 123,200) | 128,400) | 132,300) | 116,400) | 122,100) | 201,600) | 134,700) | 124,500) | ||||||
| Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) | 1,501,600) | 1,321,000) | 973,600) | 1,596,600) | 1,492,000) | 1,387,400) | 1,060,900) | 1,481,400) | 1,424,300) | 1,266,600) | 949,600) | 1,219,500) | 1,174,000) | 1,138,700) | 831,900) | 952,600) | 999,900) | 976,300) | 720,300) | ||||||
| Solvency Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest coverage1 | 8.64 | 8.67 | 8.84 | 9.11 | 9.25 | 7.52 | 7.46 | 7.37 | 7.23 | 8.75 | 8.58 | 8.72 | 8.21 | 6.85 | 6.54 | 6.26 | 6.05 | 6.75 | 6.91 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Coverage, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abbott Laboratories | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-03-31).
1 Q3 2018 Calculation
Interest coverage
= (EBITQ3 2018
+ EBITQ2 2018
+ EBITQ1 2018
+ EBITQ4 2017)
÷ (Interest expenseQ3 2018
+ Interest expenseQ2 2018
+ Interest expenseQ1 2018
+ Interest expenseQ4 2017)
= (1,501,600 + 1,321,000 + 973,600 + 1,596,600)
÷ (151,000 + 151,300 + 154,000 + 168,000)
= 8.64
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial results over the observed periods display several notable trends related to earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), interest expense, and interest coverage ratios.
- Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)
- The EBIT figures exhibit a cyclical yet generally upward trend from 2014 through 2018. Starting in the first quarter of 2014 at approximately $720 million, EBIT increased to near $1 billion by the third quarter of the same year. Although there is some quarterly fluctuation, a pattern of incremental growth is observable, with the figure reaching around $1.5 billion by the end of 2017. There is a noticeable dip in the first quarter of 2018, followed by a recovery towards the third quarter. Overall, EBIT demonstrates substantial growth over the analyzed timeframe, suggesting improvements in operational profitability.
- Interest Expense and Other
- Interest expenses remain somewhat variable but generally stable over the periods under review. Values fluctuate between approximately $115 million and $168 million, with a peak observed during the third quarter of 2016 at about $273 million, an outlier compared to other quarters. Apart from this peak, interest expenses oscillate within a tighter range, indicating consistent debt-related costs. This variability warrants attention, as spikes in interest expenses can impact net profitability.
- Interest Coverage Ratio
- The interest coverage ratio, representing the ability to meet interest obligations from EBIT, maintains a relatively strong and stable profile throughout the periods. Starting from a ratio of roughly 6.9 in early 2014, it experiences a slight decline into late 2014, followed by a period of improvement and stabilization mostly between 7 and 9. Notably, the ratio peaks at 9.25 in the third quarter of 2017, indicating enhanced capacity to cover interest expenses during that period. Minor downward adjustments are observed in 2018 but remain at a comfortable level above 8, signaling ongoing financial strength in servicing debt.
In summary, the data indicates progressive growth in operational earnings coupled with relatively steady interest expenses and consistently strong interest coverage. The spike in interest expense during one quarter in 2016 represents an anomaly that could merit further investigation. Overall, the financial indicators suggest improving profitability and sound debt management over the examined timeframe.