Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and VillageMD have announced plans to open 600 primary care clinics across over 30 U.S. markets within the next four years. The partnership aims to enhance healthcare delivery by integrating primary care services at Walgreens locations. Recently, they launched 18 Village Medical clinics in the Phoenix area, with four more expected by year-end. This initiative will create over 800 jobs in Arizona and address chronic illnesses, improving access to comprehensive care by combining pharmacy services with in-person and telehealth options.

Walgreens has launched Scarlet, a bank account and debit card powered by Mastercard and issued by MetaBank, to enhance financial wellness for customers. Available at over 9,000 Walgreens locations and online, Scarlet offers 3% Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible purchases, alongside personal finance tools. Accountholders receive features like $10 statement credits for initial spending, free direct deposits, and extensive ATM access. This initiative represents Walgreens' ongoing commitment to improving financial services and customer engagement.

US WorldMeds announced that Walgreens will stock LUCEMYRA (lofexidine) tablets in pharmacies nationwide effective September 1, 2021. LUCEMYRA is the only FDA-approved non-opioid treatment for opioid withdrawal symptoms, requiring a prescription. Eligible patients with commercial insurance may pay $0, while uninsured patients may face costs of $300. The announcement comes amid rising overdose deaths, exceeding 93,000 in 2020, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Walgreens has announced an increase in the starting hourly wage for its team members to $15.00, effective in phases starting October and fully implemented by November 1, 2022. This move, anticipating an investment of $450 million over three years, is aimed at retaining talent and enhancing community health care services. Since the pandemic began, Walgreens has added 25,000 pharmacy staff and implemented digital resources to improve patient care.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) announced key executive appointments to bolster leadership. Danielle Gray was named Executive Vice President and Global Chief Legal Officer, bringing significant legal experience. Tracey Brown, appointed President of Retail Products and Chief Customer Officer, will enhance customer experience and digital transformation strategies. Jeff Gruener takes the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, focusing on financial strategies to drive growth. These changes reflect WBA's commitment to innovation in healthcare and retail.

Walgreens is now offering flu shots for individuals aged 3 and up at over 9,000 locations nationwide, aiming to combat influenza amid a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. The CDC anticipates an active flu season as schools and workplaces reopen. Customers can receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccines in a single visit. Walgreens is enhancing its vaccine scheduling and expanding eligibility. In conjunction with its flu vaccine campaign, Walgreens continues its 'Get a Shot. Give a Shot' initiative, donating to the UN Foundation for childhood vaccinations worldwide.

Walgreens (Nasdaq: WBA) launched the myWalgreens Credit Card program in partnership with Synchrony Bank (NYSE: SYF). This program includes two innovative credit cards that reward personalized health and wellness choices, providing rewards at over 9,000 Walgreens locations and online. Cardholders can earn up to 10% in Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible purchases. The cards feature a digital-led experience for easy applications and seamless integration with the Walgreens app. This initiative expands Walgreens' financial services, aiming to enhance customer loyalty through unique health-focused rewards.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and VillageMD have announced the opening of three Village Medical clinics in Orlando, with plans for seven additional locations by year-end. This initiative aims to enhance patient access to coordinated pharmacy and primary care services, addressing the health needs of over 13 million Floridians with chronic conditions. The project will create approximately 400 jobs, including 200 high-paying STEM positions. The clinics will offer diverse insurance options and telehealth services, promoting improved health outcomes for patients.

Walgreens has administered over 29 million COVID-19 vaccinations across the U.S., witnessing a more than 30% increase in demand in key areas. The rise in cases, particularly due to the Delta variant, has also led to a doubling of testing volumes. As a safety measure, Walgreens has reinstated face cover requirements for all employees and mandated that U.S. support office team members be fully vaccinated by September 30. The company remains committed to health and wellness amid the ongoing pandemic.