Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced the suspension of its quarterly cash dividend as part of its broader turnaround strategy. The decision comes as management evaluates and refines the company's capital allocation policy. This strategic move aims to strengthen the company's balance sheet through debt reduction and improved free cash flow.

The company cited upcoming cash requirements, including litigation costs and debt refinancing, as key factors in the dividend suspension decision. WBA's leadership emphasizes their commitment to executing strategic priorities and maintaining financial discipline to create long-term value.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) reported fiscal 2025 first quarter results with sales increasing 7.5% year-over-year to $39.5 billion. The company reported a loss per share of $0.31, compared to a loss of $0.08 in the year-ago quarter, while adjusted EPS was $0.51 versus $0.66 previously.

The U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment saw sales rise 6.6% to $30.9 billion, with pharmacy sales up 10.4% and comparable prescriptions filled increasing 2.3%. However, retail sales decreased 6.2%. The International segment grew 10.2% to $6.4 billion, with strong performance from Boots UK and Germany. U.S. Healthcare segment reached $2.2 billion in sales with growth across all businesses.

WBA maintains its fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $1.40 to $1.80, with growth in U.S. Healthcare and International expected to be offset by U.S. Retail Pharmacy decline and higher tax rates.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has rescheduled its fiscal year 2025 first quarter earnings announcement from January 9 to January 10, 2024. The change is due to the closure of the Securities and Exchange Commission and U.S. stock markets on January 9 in observance of a national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter.

The company will release its Q1 results at 7 a.m. ET on January 10, followed by a one-hour conference call with management at 8:30 a.m. ET. The earnings call will be simulcast through WBA's investor relations website, with a replay available for 12 months after the call.

CaringBridge and Walgreens (WBA) announced a two-day donation matching campaign on December 17-18, where Walgreens will match donations up to $50,000. This initiative extends their existing partnership through CaringBridge.TheGiftCardShop.com, where CaringBridge receives 3% of every Walgreens gift card purchase value to support caregivers of individuals with health challenges.

The platform, powered by InComm Payments, enables people to send gift cards to family caregivers, providing practical support for health supplies, prescriptions, and daily necessities. The gift cards are available through 'Ways to Help' on CaringBridge pages and their dedicated gift card shop website.

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Walgreens has launched its inaugural Clinical Trials Patient Advisory Board, consisting of 10 patient experts who will serve 2-year terms. The board will collaborate with the Walgreens Clinical Trials team to enhance representation in clinical research, particularly focusing on historically excluded communities.

Since launching in June 2022, the Clinical Trials team has reached over 7 million patients for potential recruitment into sponsor-led trials. This initiative addresses significant challenges in clinical research, as only 5% of the U.S. population participates in clinical trials, and nearly 80% of trials fail to meet enrollment goals.

Walgreens reveals that 47% of Americans have missed holiday events due to illness, with nearly one-third worried about it happening again. The company's survey shows 82% of respondents prioritize health and well-being, with 40% planning preventative measures like vaccinations. Walgreens is responding with a holiday campaign focused on health, offering vaccinations nationwide and various wellness products.

The trend is particularly strong among younger generations, with 75% of Gen Z and 70% of Millennials more likely to make health-related changes this holiday season. To support customers, Walgreens is providing convenient access to health products, staying open during major holidays, and offering services like Same Day Refill, 30-minute in-store Pickup, and 1-hour Delivery.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced it will release its fiscal year 2025 first quarter financial results on Thursday, January 9 at 7 a.m. ET. The announcement will be followed by a one-hour conference call with management at 8:30 a.m. ET. The call will be available through a simulcast on the company's investor relations website, with a replay accessible for 12 months afterward.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) announces a proposed settlement for a stockholder derivative action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The lawsuit, filed by James Clem on behalf of Walgreens, addresses alleged breaches of fiduciary duties related to statements about a proposed Rite Aid merger. The settlement includes corporate governance reforms to be maintained for 5 years, focusing on board attendance, director training, audit committee responsibilities, and whistleblower controls. The agreement includes $750,000 in attorney fees and potential $2,500 service award for the plaintiff. A settlement hearing is scheduled for January 23, 2025.