Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA)

In March 2025, Walgreens Boots Alliance entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Sycamore Partners for $11.45 per share, which was approved by shareholders and is expected to close in the fourth quarter. On February 26, 2024, Walgreens Boots Alliance was replaced by Amazon on the Dow Jones Industrial Index. Walgreens Boots Alliance reported its fiscal 2025 third-quarter results on June 26, 2025, with total revenue increasing by 7.2% year-over-year, though adjusted earnings per share declined by approximately 40%. Walgreens suspended its dividend on January 30, 2025. In February 2025, the company sold its 6% stake in Cencora. Several investors have changed their positions in WBA stock.

Demand seasonality for Walgreens Boots Alliance's products and services is influenced by various factors, and the company uses AI-powered predictive analytics to forecast demand. Demand for certain products increases during flu season. It is generally difficult for the company to consistently and successfully predict customer demand for all products and services, and to respond to value-seeking consumer behavior, which can impact margins. The aging population is also expected to drive increased demand for prescription drugs.

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. is an integrated healthcare, pharmacy, and retail leader operating in the retail pharmacy sector. The company's business is segmented into U.S. Retail Pharmacy, International, and U.S. Healthcare. Its major products and services include pharmacy products, health and wellness services, beauty and personal care products, retail products, and pharmaceutical wholesale. Key retail drugstore brands include Walgreens, Boots, and Duane Reade, while global health and beauty brands feature No7, NICE!, and others.

Walgreens Boots Alliance has a significant global presence, operating in eight countries with approximately 12,500 retail stores and healthcare locations across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. The U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment includes Walgreens and Duane Reade, forming one of the largest drugstore chains in the U.S. with over 8,500 retail locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The International segment includes pharmacy-led health and beauty retail businesses in four countries, such as Boots in the UK, Thailand, and the Republic of Ireland, Boots Opticians, and Benavides in Mexico, as well as WBA's pharmaceutical wholesale operation in Germany. While WBA has operations in around 25 countries, the majority of its revenue historically comes from the U.S. market.

In the past year, Walgreens Boots Alliance has focused on its contributions to healthy communities, a healthy planet, an inclusive workplace, and a sustainable marketplace. The company scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index for disability inclusion in fiscal 2024. WBA's owned brands have made progress in reducing single-use plastic and expanding products made from recycled content or recyclable materials. Walgreens has continued its "Get a Shot. Give a Shot." program, donated free flu shot vouchers, and raised funds for cancer research organizations. Walgreens has safely disposed of millions of pounds of unwanted medication through its kiosks since 2016. Walgreens supports people with disabilities through in-store training programs. Boots UK and Boots Ireland have expanded their Mental Health First Aid training for team members.

Walgreens Boots Alliance has a mixed ownership structure, including institutional, individual, and retail investors. As of March 2025, institutional investors held approximately 61.65% of Walgreens Boots Alliance's shares. The largest individual shareholder is Stefano Pessina, who owns 783.09 million shares, representing 90.47% of the company. Insiders held approximately 0.74% of the company's shares as of March 2025. Private companies own 17% of Walgreens Boots Alliance stock.