Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

Walgreens has announced the winners of its 12th annual Expressions by Walgreens national art challenge, with nearly 3,400 high school entries in visual arts, spoken word, and media arts. Awards are given to top entries in each category, along with a People's Choice award and new Teachers' Champion awards recognizing educators supporting students. Since 2009, the initiative has engaged over one million students and awarded more than $350,000 in prizes, emphasizing Walgreens' commitment to community health and youth self-expression.

Walgreens Boots Alliance has sold 6.0 million shares of AmerisourceBergen Corporation for $900 million, reducing its stake from 28.1% to 25.2%. The proceeds will primarily be allocated for debt paydown and supporting strategic initiatives. Despite the sale, Walgreens maintains its long-term partnership with AmerisourceBergen, ensuring ongoing collaboration. This strategic move aims to optimize capital allocation and enhance the company's balance sheet, reflecting a commitment to shareholder value.

Walgreens has reached a $683 million settlement with the State of Florida regarding opioid medication distribution. This includes $620 million to be paid over 18 years and a $63 million one-time payment for legal fees. The settlement does not imply any wrongdoing by Walgreens. The funds will assist Florida in combating opioid addiction. Walgreens emphasizes its commitment to education, safe disposal of medications, and preventive actions against misuse, having halted self-distribution of opioids since 2014.

Walgreens has appointed three new senior executives: Linh Peters as SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Luke Rauch as SVP and Chief Merchandising Officer, and Bala Visalatha as SVP and Chief Product Officer. These appointments, effective May, aim to leverage their extensive retail experience to drive growth and enhance customer experiences. Tracey Brown, President of Retail Products, expressed confidence in their ability to innovate and transform Walgreens' offerings to meet evolving consumer needs.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has declared a quarterly dividend of 47.75 cents per share, maintaining the same amount as the previous quarter but marking a 2.1% increase from the year-ago quarter. The dividend is payable on June 10, 2022, to stockholders of record as of May 20, 2022. WBA has a strong dividend history, having paid dividends for 358 consecutive quarters and raised them for 46 consecutive years, reflecting the company’s commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) and VillageMD plan to open over 10 new Village Medical at Walgreens locations in Massachusetts by early 2023, creating 350 full-time jobs. The first practice opens in Quincy this May. This initiative aims to enhance access to coordinated primary care and pharmacy services for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions. The collaboration will expand to over 600 practices in more than 30 markets by 2025. Both companies are focused on improving patient care through technology and a streamlined healthcare experience.

Hey Humans, an eco-conscious personal care brand, expands its reach by launching products at over 6,000 Walgreens locations nationwide and on walgreens.com. Launched in 2021, the brand is committed to sustainability, with a product line that is 99% plastic-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. Items include deodorants priced at $6.99 and body washes at $7.99, designed to offer clean personal care without compromising on environmental responsibility. The partnership aims to make sustainable personal care accessible to a broader audience.

Walgreens, the exclusive retailer for Red Nose Day, is once again selling Red Noses at its stores across the U.S. after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. The campaign, running until May 31, supports efforts to combat child poverty. Since 2015, Red Nose Day has raised $275 million, with Walgreens contributing over $140 million. Customers can purchase a Red Nose for $1 and donate at checkout. Funds raised support various organizations dedicated to children’s welfare, addressing healthcare, nutrition, and education.