Following a report that Humana and Walgreens are in discussions to take equity stakes in one another, one analyst says the move would allow the insurer to keep pace with surrounding vertical integration.
A formal partnership would also dispel any chance of a Walmart takeover, rumored earlier this year.
On Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal reported Humana and Walgreens were in preliminary discussions to broaden an existing partnership and take equity stakes in one another, citing sources familiar with the talks. Earlier this year, the two companies announced a partnership to operate senior-focused on-site clinics in Kansas City, Missouri.
Discussions between the two companies are still early and wide-ranging, so there's a chance no deal will be finalized.
RELATED: Humana, private equity firms complete acquisition of Kindred Healthcare
But if the healthcare giants move forward with a formal partnership, it could better position Humana to compete with the likes of CVS-Aetna and Cigna-Express Scripts. Both of those deals are expected to close in the coming weeks.
The partnership is likely more sales and marketing-oriented than clinically focused, Leerink Partners analyst Ana Gupte, Ph.D., wrote in a research note (PDF) to investors. It may point to success in the Kansas City pilots.
"[Humana] with their 5-star rated plans can market year-round, driving much more incremental value for them in such a strategic partnership and investment," Gupte wrote.
Depending on the scope, a partnership between Walgreens and Humana could be mutually beneficial, she said. Walgreens, with its retail footprint and pharmacy presence, could help Humana compete with vertically integrated giants including CVS-Aetna and UnitedHealth. Humana, meanwhile, could bolster Walgreens against threats from Amazon and its recent PillPack purchase.
Shared equity stakes would also allow the two companies to share their economic pools around medial loss ratio, retail clinic margins and pharmacy.
The "partnership can bring an end-to-end healthcare experience for American seniors," Gupte wrote.