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Express Scripts Inc., of north St. Louis County, said it expects another year of increased profits in 2008. The company reported fourth-quarter and 2007 earnings on Thursday.

Express Scripts, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit managers, estimates its 2008 earnings per share between $2.92 and $3 a share. Express Scripts had previously expected 2008 earnings per share of $2.80 to $2.87.

The company said lower drug purchasing costs, greater generic utilization and lower interest costs each contributed about equally to the increased guidance fast cash now.

Express Scripts said its 2007 fourth-quarter income fell because of charges related to the impending sale of the company’s infusion division.

— MARY JO FELDSTEIN

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