Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

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.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced two significant executive appointments. Holly May is appointed as the Executive Vice President and Global Chief Human Resources Officer, bringing extensive HR experience from Abercrombie & Fitch and Starbucks. Anita Allemand joins as Chief Transformation and Integration Officer, focusing on healthcare innovation and transformation strategies. Both will report to CEO Roz Brewer. May's start date is set for late October, while Allemand's is October 29, signaling a strategic shift in leadership as the company aims to enhance its healthcare offerings.

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.