Walgreen Boots Stock Price, News & Analysis

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) has initiated cash tender offers for up to $2.75 billion in senior notes. The offers include various fixed-rate notes due between 2022 and 2050, with acceptance priority levels and early tender premiums detailed. The tender offer expires at midnight on May 7, 2021, with an early deadline for withdrawals set for April 22, 2021. Payment will include accrued interest, and the company reserves rights to amend terms. Wells Fargo Securities, BofA Securities, HSBC, and J.P. Morgan are managing the offers.

Walgreens has launched the Digital Red Nose for the seventh consecutive year as part of Red Nose Day, which aims to combat child poverty, exacerbated by the pandemic. This initiative allows donations through Walgreens.com until May 31, unlocking a special filter for social media sharing. All donations go towards helping underserved children through various programs, including health care and education. Since 2015, Walgreens has contributed over $240 million to fight child poverty, emphasizing community support and urging customers to participate in this campaign.

Walgreens launched the "This Is Our Shot" campaign featuring John Legend to promote COVID-19 vaccination. The initiative aims to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure equitable vaccine access. The campaign begins on April 4, showcasing Legend's message on television and social media. Walgreens has administered over 8 million vaccines and is preparing to expand efforts as eligibility increases. The campaign collaborates with various community leaders and organizations to build trust in vaccines, highlighting Walgreens' role in encouraging vaccinations nationwide.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) reported second-quarter fiscal 2021 results, achieving $32.8 billion in sales, a 4.6% year-over-year increase. Net earnings rose 8.4% to $1.0 billion, while EPS increased 10.9% to $1.19. However, adjusted operating income dropped 22.5% to $1.2 billion, primarily due to COVID-19 impacts. The company raised its full-year EPS guidance to mid-to-high single-digit growth in constant currency. Significant growth was noted in the International segment, with $5.4 billion in sales, driven by a joint venture in Germany.

Walgreens has partnered with InComm Payments to introduce a new bank account offering through MetaBank, which will provide customers with a Mastercard debit card and myWalgreens Cash rewards. This initiative is part of Walgreens’ broader strategy to enhance its financial services and customer loyalty programs. The banking solution is expected to roll out to nearly 9,000 stores and online by the second half of 2021. Additionally, Walgreens plans to relaunch its gift card program in collaboration with InComm Payments, further expanding their offerings.

Walgreens will participate in the inaugural Localization Summit, a virtual event aimed at connecting local businesses with its Merchandising team. Scheduled for May 13, this event allows vendors to showcase their products for potential stocking in Walgreens stores. Walgreens is focused on creating a localized shopping experience by sourcing products from community neighborhoods. This initiative follows a successful virtual Supplier Summit that engaged nearly 250 suppliers, reinforcing Walgreens' commitment to local and community roots.

Walgreens has administered approximately 5 million COVID-19 vaccinations across facilities and clinics, completing over 60,000 clinics at long-term care facilities. With the recent delivery of 1 million vaccine doses from pharmaceutical companies, Walgreens is expanding its reach to 43 states as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. The company is also prioritizing vaccinations for teachers and childcare workers.

Walgreens plans to add 1,500 testing locations, raising the total to 5,000, while conducting nearly 5 million COVID-19 tests since last April.

Walgreens has expanded its digital health platform, Walgreens Find Care®, with 11 new and four expanded collaborations with service providers to improve access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This platform now connects users to over 45 national and local healthcare service providers, offering more than 65 services across 120 conditions. The usage of Walgreens Find Care® has surged to nearly 20 million visits, representing a 13-fold increase in web traffic over the past year. This initiative aligns with CDC guidance to offer telehealth as a means to reduce COVID-19 exposure.