Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has reached a significant milestone, distributing life-changing vitamins and minerals to over 300 million women and children worldwide through its partnership with Vitamin Angels since 2013. The company aims to reach 500 million by August 2025. The initiative focuses on providing essential nutrients to at-risk populations, especially in the U.S. and 65 other countries. Additionally, WBA has launched a prenatal vitamin pilot program in Chicago, addressing gaps in access due to inadequate insurance coverage during pregnancy.

No7 Beauty Company, part of Walgreen Boots Alliance, has launched its new Pure Retinol Collection, focusing on gentle skincare solutions. The collection includes a Night Cream and Eye Cream, developed after 15 years of research. Utilizing slow-release encapsulation technology, the products aim to address common concerns like fine lines and dark circles while minimizing irritation. The launch coincides with the ‘We See You’ campaign, emphasizing inclusivity for women historically underrepresented in the beauty sector.

Walgreens and Safeguard have launched the Hope is in Your Hands program, donating $300,000 worth of hand hygiene essentials to underserved communities. This initiative aims to distribute 10 million handwashes through Americares, an organization focused on health relief. The program is critical as CDC emphasizes handwashing to prevent illnesses, especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The products will be distributed via partner clinics in the U.S. and globally, enhancing access to essential hygiene items for low-income families.

Walgreens has announced that eligible individuals can now receive Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccinations along with flu shots in stores across the U.S. This follows FDA Emergency Use Authorization and CDC guidance. Eligible populations include individuals aged 65 and older, those in long-term care, and others with underlying conditions. Patients can schedule appointments through Walgreens' website or by phone. Additionally, Walgreens is offering a $5 reward for those who receive vaccinations in-store, promoting community health and convenience.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced a majority investment of approximately $970 million in Shields Health Solutions, increasing its ownership to 71%. This partnership aims to enhance innovative healthcare models and further develop health system partnerships, particularly in managing complex chronic conditions. Following this investment, Shields will operate independently while its financials will be consolidated by WBA, potentially becoming modestly accretive in its first full year. The transaction is expected to close by the end of WBA's second fiscal quarter in 2022.

Walgreens has announced new bonuses and rewards for its pharmacy teams, including a $1,250 bonus for full-time pharmacists and $1,000 for part-time pharmacists, to be paid in September 2021. Certified pharmacy technicians will also receive a $1,000 reward if they administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, Walgreens is incentivizing team members with $200 in myWalgreens cash for COVID-19 vaccinations completed by November 30, 2021. These initiatives aim to support employee dedication amidst ongoing COVID-19 efforts.

Walgreens (WBA) and Northwell Health announced a five-year strategic affiliation aimed at enhancing health equity and improving the health of populations in New York State. This partnership will focus on innovative health care delivery models that reduce costs and improve access and quality of care. Collaborative efforts include digital services, retail pharmacy offerings, and making Walgreens an in-network pharmacy for Northwell employees. This initiative also aims to expand telehealth services and explore retail health clinics in underserved areas.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) will announce its fourth quarter and fiscal 2021 earnings results on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, at 7 a.m. Eastern time, along with supplementary financial slides. Following this, a Virtual Investor Conference will be held at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time, led by WBA’s global leadership team, discussing future strategic priorities and initial outlook for fiscal 2022. Investors can access a live simulcast and presentation materials on WBA’s investor relations website.

Blue Shield of California and Walgreens announced a collaboration to improve healthcare access for Californians, focusing on cost reduction and innovative consumer services. The initiative will debut Walgreens Health Corner™ services, enhancing care through health advisors like pharmacists and dieticians. Initially, eligible Blue Shield members will access services such as blood pressure screenings and A1C blood tests. The program aims to expand further in 2022, promoting holistic health solutions. This partnership supports Blue Shield's 'Health Reimagined' strategy to enhance care quality across communities.