Express Scripts sees 1Q growth after split with Walgreen

Shares of Express Scripts are climbing after the pharmacy benefits manager reported prescription growth in its first quarter since splitting with drugstore chain Walgreen.

Express Scripts says adjusted prescriptions totaled nearly 193 million in its first quarter, up 3.6 percent compared to last year. That figure treats 90-day mail-order prescriptions as three regular, 30-day prescriptions.

Walgreen had filled prescriptions for Express Scripts before a contract between the companies ended last year. Express Scripts officials say the split has helped their mail-order business.

Express Scripts said Thursday evening its first-quarter profit fell 18 percent as it incurred costs to close the $29 billion acquisition of competitor Medco Health Solutions. That deal closed April 2.

Express Scripts shares climbed more than 3 percent, or $1.84, to $56.18 in midday trading.