Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

CaringBridge and Walgreens (WBA) announced a two-day donation matching campaign on December 17-18, where Walgreens will match donations up to $50,000. This initiative extends their existing partnership through CaringBridge.TheGiftCardShop.com, where CaringBridge receives 3% of every Walgreens gift card purchase value to support caregivers of individuals with health challenges.

The platform, powered by InComm Payments, enables people to send gift cards to family caregivers, providing practical support for health supplies, prescriptions, and daily necessities. The gift cards are available through 'Ways to Help' on CaringBridge pages and their dedicated gift card shop website.

Walgreens has launched its inaugural Clinical Trials Patient Advisory Board, consisting of 10 patient experts who will serve 2-year terms. The board will collaborate with the Walgreens Clinical Trials team to enhance representation in clinical research, particularly focusing on historically excluded communities.

Since launching in June 2022, the Clinical Trials team has reached over 7 million patients for potential recruitment into sponsor-led trials. This initiative addresses significant challenges in clinical research, as only 5% of the U.S. population participates in clinical trials, and nearly 80% of trials fail to meet enrollment goals.

Walgreens reveals that 47% of Americans have missed holiday events due to illness, with nearly one-third worried about it happening again. The company's survey shows 82% of respondents prioritize health and well-being, with 40% planning preventative measures like vaccinations. Walgreens is responding with a holiday campaign focused on health, offering vaccinations nationwide and various wellness products.

The trend is particularly strong among younger generations, with 75% of Gen Z and 70% of Millennials more likely to make health-related changes this holiday season. To support customers, Walgreens is providing convenient access to health products, staying open during major holidays, and offering services like Same Day Refill, 30-minute in-store Pickup, and 1-hour Delivery.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced it will release its fiscal year 2025 first quarter financial results on Thursday, January 9 at 7 a.m. ET. The announcement will be followed by a one-hour conference call with management at 8:30 a.m. ET. The call will be available through a simulcast on the company's investor relations website, with a replay accessible for 12 months afterward.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) announces a proposed settlement for a stockholder derivative action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The lawsuit, filed by James Clem on behalf of Walgreens, addresses alleged breaches of fiduciary duties related to statements about a proposed Rite Aid merger. The settlement includes corporate governance reforms to be maintained for 5 years, focusing on board attendance, director training, audit committee responsibilities, and whistleblower controls. The agreement includes $750,000 in attorney fees and potential $2,500 service award for the plaintiff. A settlement hearing is scheduled for January 23, 2025.

Walgreens (WBA) has expanded its partnership with the CDC to offer no-cost rapid COVID-19 and flu testing to military veterans at stores nationwide. The service provides combination tests with results in 30 minutes or less. Veterans can schedule appointments online or walk in, requiring only self-attestation of veteran status and either symptoms or recent COVID-19 exposure. The program includes follow-up care referrals to VA Health Connect and pharmacist consultation for positive cases. Uninsured patients can also access free testing through this CDC program. Since partnering with CDC in 2020, Walgreens has administered over 37 million COVID-19 tests.

Walgreens has launched its 2024-2025 Flu Index, an interactive online tool tracking weekly flu activity through prescription data from its pharmacies nationwide. The index, running for 11 years, shows southern states typically experience earlier and more intense flu peaks. Despite current low activity levels, a seasonal spike is anticipated. Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, emphasizes the importance of protection against flu, COVID-19, and RSV before the holiday season. The company offers various vaccination options, including walk-ins and scheduled appointments, with a 20% discount promotion for myWalgreens members on purchases of $20 or more after vaccination.

Walgreens is offering a special 20% discount to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families from November 8 through November 11, 2024. The discount applies to regular-priced eligible store items at all Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide.

Through the free myWalgreens loyalty program, members can earn additional benefits including 1% Walgreens Cash rewards storewide and 5% on Walgreens branded products. The discount requires proof of service and myWalgreens membership, which can be obtained at checkout or online. Stores will maintain regular business hours on Veterans Day, with 24-hour pharmacies remaining open and select non-24-hour pharmacies operating with modified hours.

Uber Eats has launched nationwide acceptance of SNAP EBT payments, partnering with Albertsons Companies' grocery stores (including Safeway, Jewel-Osco, and Vons) and Walgreens locations. The initiative aims to expand access to nutritious food for millions of Americans. EBT cardholders will receive free delivery on their first three SNAP-eligible orders and a 3-month free Uber One membership. The service, powered by Forage's payment technology, allows eligible customers to order groceries through the Uber Eats app using their SNAP benefits. Uber plans to add more retailers to the program in the coming months.