Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

SigmaLedger has announced the adoption of its coupon fraud prevention solution, CuBE, by Procter & Gamble and Walgreens. This innovative system addresses the over $100 million annual losses due to coupon fraud in the retail industry. CuBE uses blockchain technology to validate coupons at the point of sale, effectively eliminating fraudulent transactions in real-time. With its deployment in over 10,000 US stores, CuBE has reportedly reduced coupon fraud by nearly 90%. The product streamlines the coupon clearing process, leading to faster reimbursements for retailers.

Walgreens will start administering Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 5-11, beginning November 6, following FDA Emergency Use Authorization. With around 45 million COVID-19 vaccinations given by Walgreens thus far, the initiative targets pediatric health, especially in areas with high Social Vulnerability Index scores. The vaccine boasts a 90% efficacy rate, and appointments can be scheduled online or via phone, accommodating family schedules. This step is pivotal for preventing severe illness in children during the upcoming holiday season.

Western Dental & Orthodontics, in collaboration with the NFL Alumni Association-Southern California Chapter and Walgreens, will host a free COVID vaccination event on October 30 from 11 am to 3 pm in Inglewood, CA. The event aims to promote COVID awareness and provide free vaccinations and flu shots to attendees aged 12 and older. Families can also enjoy Halloween-themed activities. Walgreens pharmacists will administer the vaccines free of charge, contributing to community health during the pandemic.

Walgreens (WBA) has expanded COVID-19 booster shot eligibility, now offering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines nationwide following FDA and CDC guidelines. As of September 24, Pfizer booster doses were also authorized. Eligible individuals include seniors, long-term care residents, and those with underlying health conditions. Despite increasing vaccination rates among Hispanic and Black adults, disparities persist. Walgreens aims to address vaccine hesitancy through community-focused initiatives, having administered nearly 60% of COVID vaccines to people of color. Appointments can be scheduled online or via phone.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has declared a quarterly dividend of 47.75 cents per share, maintaining the previous quarter's rate and marking a 2.1% increase from last year. The dividend will be payable on December 10, 2021, to shareholders of record as of November 15, 2021. WBA has paid dividends for 356 consecutive quarters and has increased the dividend for 46 consecutive years. This commitment reflects the company’s stability and confidence in its financial outlook.

Walgreens has launched the Flu Index® for the 2021-2022 season, showing a 23% increase in flu activity nationwide compared to last season. This index, now in its eighth year, aims to help communities track flu activity and encourage vaccinations. Las Vegas and Texas markets lead in flu activity due to heightened interactions as COVID restrictions ease. The CDC advises vaccination by the end of October. The index highlights disparities in flu vaccination rates among Black and Hispanic communities, prompting Walgreens to enhance outreach efforts for underserved populations.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has launched Walgreens Health, a new consumer-focused healthcare strategy, supported by majority investments in VillageMD and CareCentrix. This initiative aims to enhance primary care and home care services, improving health outcomes and reducing costs. Key objectives include transforming core operations, optimizing capital allocation, and building a high-performance culture. The company anticipates 4% adjusted EPS growth over the next three years, with a flat growth prediction for fiscal 2022. WBA's investments in VillageMD and CareCentrix total $1.19 billion, expanding its presence in the healthcare market.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) announces a $5.2 billion investment in VillageMD, increasing its ownership stake from 30% to 63%. This investment will enable the opening of over 600 co-located primary care practices within Walgreens stores across more than 30 U.S. markets by 2025, expanding to 1,000 by 2027. The initiative aims to enhance access to primary care, particularly in underserved communities, where more than 75% of Americans live within five miles of a Walgreens location. VillageMD plans to conduct an IPO in 2022.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) reported strong fourth quarter and fiscal year results, with fourth quarter EPS of $0.41, a 6.4% increase year-over-year, and adjusted EPS up 29.5% to $1.17. Sales from continuing operations rose 12.8% to $34.3 billion, reflecting robust growth across U.S. and International segments. Fiscal 2021 EPS increased significantly to $2.30, with total annual sales of $132.5 billion. Free cash flow for the year was $4.2 billion. The company surpassed its COVID-19 vaccination goal, administering over 34.6 million vaccinations during the fiscal year.