Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has declared a quarterly dividend of 47.75 cents per share, unchanged from the last quarter but up 2.1% from the same quarter last year. The dividend will be payable on March 11, 2022, to stockholders of record by February 18, 2022. WBA has consistently paid dividends for 357 quarters and increased it for 46 consecutive years, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder returns.

Walgreens has launched the 12th Annual Expressions competition for high school students, promoting creativity as a means to address mental health issues. The contest invites submissions in visual arts, video production, and spoken word, with $2,000 prizes for each of the 12 winners. The initiative aligns with concerns raised by the U.S. Surgeon General regarding youth mental health, exacerbated by the pandemic. Since 2009, the program has reached 1 million students and awarded over $350,000 in prizes. Submissions are open until March 31, 2022.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) announces the opening of eight new Village Medical at Walgreens locations in Tucson, Arizona, by the end of 2022, creating 285 full-time jobs, including 140 STEM roles. These openings enhance access to primary care for over 3 million Arizonans, addressing a significant doctor shortage. The investment aims to expand its primary care services, with plans to launch over 600 Village Medical practices by 2025. This collaborative approach between VillageMD and Walgreens is expected to improve healthcare access and patient outcomes.

The Walgreens COVID-19 Index, a new tracking tool created in partnership with Aegis Sciences Corporation, provides real-time data on COVID-19 variants. Currently, over 95% of positive cases are presumed to be the Omicron variant. The Index can deliver insights within 24 to 48 hours and allows users to review data by state. Key states report positivity rates exceeding 45%. Walgreens emphasizes the importance of vaccinations and offers them at nearly 9,000 locations.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) reported strong first-quarter results for fiscal 2022, with earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations at $4.13, recovering from a loss of $0.45 last year. Sales increased 7.8% to $33.9 billion, while operating income rose to $1.3 billion compared to a loss in the previous year. The company has raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance, anticipating low-single digit growth. Highlights included significant growth in U.S. retail comparable sales and effective COVID-19 vaccination efforts, with over 15.6 million administered in the quarter.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ: WBA) announced that CEO Roz Brewer and CFO James Kehoe will speak at the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, January 11 at 2:15 p.m. ET. The virtual event will be webcast live, accessible on the Walgreens investor relations website. With a 170-year legacy, WBA operates approximately 13,000 locations across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, focusing on integrating healthcare, pharmacy, and retail services to enhance community well-being.

Walgreens and Faith for Black Lives have launched the 'Shots for Tots' initiative to promote COVID-19 vaccination among children and families in underserved communities. Starting on December 18, this campaign includes on-site vaccination clinics at churches across 10 states, aiming to address vaccine hesitancy, especially among Black youths. The partnership seeks to encourage vaccinations for individuals of all ages while also hosting toy drives this holiday season. This effort highlights the critical role faith leaders play in improving vaccine access within their communities.

Walgreens aims to alleviate holiday shopping stress with extended Same Day Delivery and Pickup services available nationwide. Customers can order up to 7 PM for delivery within an hour on Christmas Eve and Day, with adjusted hours on those days. Stores will operate on regular hours on Christmas Eve and adjusted hours from 9 AM to 6 PM on Christmas Day. Additionally, Walgreens promotes affordable gift options under $20, and is partnering with Mental Health America for donations through the holiday season, matching up to $500,000 of public contributions.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and VillageMD have announced a significant expansion into San Antonio, Texas, with plans to open nine Village Medical at Walgreens primary care practices over the next year. This initiative marks their entry into the fifth major Texas market, following Houston, El Paso, Austin, and Dallas. The coordinated care model aims to provide comprehensive services, addressing chronic health conditions that account for 75% of Texas's healthcare expenditures. The expansion will create over 850 full-time jobs, with 380 positions for STEM professionals.