Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

Walgreens has released the COVID-19 Pulse Check study, surveying over 1,000 seniors aged 55 and older in the U.S. The findings reveal that 42% of seniors are less socially active than pre-pandemic levels, with 20% feeling lonelier. Key concerns include a significant worry about socializing safely, particularly among the Black senior community, where 39% report feeling socially isolated. The report indicates that 70% of seniors feel more confident socializing around vaccinated individuals. Walgreens is promoting Seniors Day discounts and offering services like at-home COVID-19 tests and vaccination support during these events to help seniors regain confidence in social interactions.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced a quarterly dividend of 48 cents per share, maintaining the same amount as the previous quarter and reflecting a 0.5% increase from last year. This dividend is scheduled to be paid on June 12, 2023, to stockholders recorded by May 19, 2023. WBA has a strong dividend history, having paid dividends for 362 consecutive quarters and raised them for 47 consecutive years. The company operates approximately 13,000 locations across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, employing over 325,000 people and playing a significant role in the healthcare ecosystem. WBA is also recognized for its sustainability efforts and is part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.

Walgreens and Prothena have announced a collaboration to enhance patient recruitment for Prothena's PRX012, a potential Alzheimer’s treatment currently in the ASCENT-2 clinical trial. Walgreens will utilize its extensive network and healthcare capabilities to identify suitable candidates, focusing on underserved communities. This trial has received Fast Track designation from the FDA, indicating its potential significance in addressing Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and older. The partnership aims to create a more diverse patient population for the trial, aligning with the ENACT Act to improve inclusivity in Alzheimer’s research. Key topline data from ongoing Phase 1 studies is expected by the end of 2023.

Walgreens has launched the ninth annual Red Nose Day campaign, promoting in-store sales and donations to combat child poverty. From now until May 31, customers can donate via pin-pad or purchase a Red Nose for $1, with all proceeds aiding the cause. Following a record-breaking year in 2022, Walgreens contributed over $38 million to this initiative. Since 2015, Walgreens has raised more than $178 million, impacting over 31 million children globally. The funds support various charities focused on ensuring children's access to health, education, and well-being. Walgreens reaffirms its commitment to improving community health as it engages in this charitable effort for a healthier future.

InnerScope Hearing Technologies (OTC: INND) has launched its HearingAssist brand of FDA-Registered OTC Rechargeable Hearing Aids on Walgreens.com. This strategic move is part of InnerScope's B2B sales growth strategy, allowing them to reach millions of Walgreens customers. The HearingAssist Rechargeable OTC Hearing Aids, priced between $499 and $799, promise affordability and high-quality features, including Bluetooth connectivity. With over 500,000 hearing aids sold, InnerScope aims to dominate the OTC market by enhancing access to effective hearing solutions.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) reported its second quarter fiscal 2023 results, revealing a 20.3% decrease in EPS to $0.81, and a 27.2% drop in adjusted EPS to $1.16 due to reduced COVID-19 vaccine and testing volumes. Sales rose 3.3% year-over-year to $34.9 billion. Operating income plummeted to $0.2 billion from $1.2 billion in the previous year, reflecting a $306 million charge related to opioid claims and acquisition costs. Despite challenges, WBA maintains its full-year adjusted EPS guidance at $4.45 to $4.65, expecting growth in core business.

Walgreens confirms its commitment to dispensing Mifepristone where legally allowed, emphasizing adherence to FDA certification and compliance with federal and state laws. The company highlights its role in providing legally approved medications as part of its dedication to community health. Walgreens operates nearly 9,000 retail locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving approximately 9 million customers daily. The pharmacy aims to integrate physical and digital platforms to enhance customer experience and meet community health needs.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) will announce its fiscal 2023 second quarter results on March 28, 2023 at 7 a.m. ET, followed by a conference call with management at 8:30 a.m. ET. The call will be streamed live via WBA's investor relations website. A replay will be available from 11:30 a.m. ET on the same day until April 4, 2023. With over 13,000 locations globally and employing 325,000 people, WBA continues to innovate in healthcare and retail, emphasizing its commitment to community health, sustainability, and digital services.

Walgreens, in collaboration with DoorDash and Uber, has launched a free, Same Day Rx Delivery service for HIV prevention and treatment medications. This service is now available to eligible patients within 15 miles of thousands of Walgreens pharmacies nationwide. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare access, particularly for those in underserved communities, aligning with the White House's National HIV/AIDS strategy targets to reduce new HIV infections significantly by 2030. The move follows previous efforts to provide COVID-19 treatment access, showcasing Walgreens' commitment to tackling health disparities.