Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

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.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ: WBA) is set to announce its fiscal 2022 first quarter earnings on January 6, 2022, at 7 a.m. Eastern Time. A conference call will follow at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Investors can access the call via the WBA investor relations website and will have the option to listen to a replay for up to 12 months. WBA continues to position itself as a leader in integrated pharmacy, healthcare, and retail, with approximately 13,000 locations worldwide and over 315,000 team members.

Walgreens, in collaboration with Western Dental & Orthodontics and the Southern California Chapter of NFL Alumni, will offer free COVID vaccinations at a Holiday Block Party on December 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Santa Ana, California. The event provides free COVID vaccines, boosters, and flu shots to individuals aged 5 and older. Notable attendees include NFL alumni James Washington and Jarrod Bunch. The initiative aims to increase vaccination rates in Southern California as part of ongoing pandemic efforts.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced its agreement to acquire the remaining 30% share of its joint venture with McKesson Corporation (MCK) in Germany, making WBA the sole owner of GEHE Pharma Handel and Alliance Healthcare Deutschland. This acquisition is part of McKesson's strategy to fully exit the European market. The transaction's financial terms were not disclosed and are subject to regulatory approval. This move aims to strengthen WBA's presence in the German pharmaceutical distribution market.