8-K
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 14, 2024

 

 

WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-36759   47-1758322

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

  (Commission
File Number)
 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

 

108 Wilmot Road, Deerfield, Illinois   60015
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 315-3700

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value   WBA   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
3.600% Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. notes due 2025   WBA25   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
2.125% Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. notes due 2026   WBA26   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


Item2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 15, 2024, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing financial results for the fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended August 31, 2024 and related matters. A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated in this Item 2.02 by reference.

The information in this Item 2.02, including the exhibit attached hereto, and the information under Item 7.01 below, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. This information shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference to such disclosure in this Form 8-K in such a filing.

Item2.05. Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.

On October 14, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan to optimize its footprint and close underperforming stores, primarily within the Company’s U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment (the “Footprint Optimization Program”). The Company believes that execution of this program will realign the Company’s footprint with evolving demographic trends and enhance its capacity to respond more effectively to shifts in consumer behavior and buying preferences. This increased agility in adapting to a changing environment is a key objective of the Company’s strategic review, and a critical area in which the Company aims to close the competitive gap with peers that have taken similar initiatives over the past years. The Company expects the economic benefits of this program will begin to be tangible in fiscal 2025.

The Footprint Optimization Program includes plans to close approximately 900 to 1,000 stores primarily across the U.S. by the end of fiscal 2027. The cadence of expected store closures prioritizes estimated cash flow benefits, underperforming locations, and lease expirations. The program is expected to be accretive to adjusted operating income and cash flows beginning in fiscal 2025, net of closure costs, with the possible benefits scaling as underlying leases expire. Including the remaining approximately 300 stores approved but not yet closed under the Transformational Cost Management Program, the Company expects to close an aggregate of 1,200 to 1,300 stores over the next three years, including approximately 500 stores projected to close in fiscal 2025. The Company also intends to follow its historic practice of redeploying the majority of the workforce in those stores that are closed.

The Company currently estimates that it will recognize cumulative pre-tax charges to its GAAP financial results of approximately $2.2 billion to $2.4 billion, including costs associated with lease obligations and other real estate costs, asset impairments, and employee severance and other exit costs. The Company expects to incur pre-tax charges of approximately $1.8 billion to $2.0 billion for lease obligations and other real estate costs including runoff costs associated with location optimization under prior programs, approximately $300 million of asset impairments, and approximately $100 million for employee severance and other exit costs. The Company estimates that approximately 90% of these cumulative pre-tax charges will result in future cash expenditures.

The amounts and timing of all estimates are subject to change until finalized. The actual amounts and timing may vary materially based on various factors. See Part I, Item 1A Risk factors of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, as amended and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.

Item7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

On October 15, 2024, the Company is conducting a conference call and webcast beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time regarding its results for the fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended August 31, 2024 and related matters.

Slides prepared for the purposes of the conference call are available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://investor.walgreensbootsalliance.com. A link to the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at: http://investor.walgreensbootsalliance.com.


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This current report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “aim,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” and other similar expressions. All statements in this current report on Form 8-K that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to whether the Company will achieve the associated objectives with its Footprint Optimization Program, whether the costs and charges associated with optimization initiatives will exceed current estimates and forecasts, its ability to realize expected savings and benefits in the amounts and at the times anticipated, the timing of store closures, actual employee severance, asset impairments and other factors affecting inventory value, factors relating to real estate, including the timing and amount of sublease income and other lease expense, changes in management’s assumptions, including the Company’s ability to redeploy its existing workforce and performance and foot traffic of remaining stores, its ability to achieve anticipated financial results, risks associated with acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic investments, outcomes of legal and regulatory matters, and changes in legislation or regulations. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, known or unknown, including our ability to execute on the Footprint Optimization Program and the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, in Item 1A (Risk Factors) in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission, that could cause actual results to vary materially from those indicated or anticipated.

We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the date of this current report on Form 8-K, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

Item9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit   

Description

99.1    Press Release of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. dated October 15, 2024
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC.
 Date: October 15, 2024     By:  

/s/ Manmohan Mahajan

    Title:   Global Chief Financial Officer
EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO   LOGO

Walgreens Boots Alliance Reports Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings

Fourth Quarter In Line with Expectations; Announces Accretive Footprint Optimization Program

Fourth quarter financial results

 

   

Fourth quarter loss per share1 was $3.48 versus loss per share of $0.21 in the year-ago quarter. Loss per share in the current quarter includes a non-cash charge for valuation allowance on deferred tax assets primarily related to opioid liabilities recognized in prior periods, and non-cash impairment charges for CareCentrix goodwill and equity investment in China

 

   

Adjusted earnings per share (Adjusted EPS2) was $0.39, down 40.8 percent on a constant currency basis driven by net reimbursement pressure, lapping the reversal of incentive accruals, and prior year sale-leaseback gains, partly offset by cost savings and growth in U.S. Healthcare

 

   

Fourth quarter sales increased 6.0 percent year-over-year to $37.5 billion, up 6.1 percent on a constant currency basis

Fiscal year financial results

 

   

Fiscal 2024 loss per share was $10.01, an increase of 180.4 percent compared to the year-ago period. Loss per share in the current year includes a non-cash impairment related to VillageMD goodwill. Prior year results include a charge for opioid-related claims and litigation

 

   

Adjusted EPS2 was $2.88, down 27.9 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting a challenging U.S. retail environment, net reimbursement pressure, lower sale-leaseback gains, and lapping the reversal of incentive accruals in the prior year, partly offset by cost savings and improved profitability in the U.S. Healthcare segment

 

   

Fiscal 2024 sales increased 6.2 percent to $147.7 billion, up 5.7 percent on a constant currency basis

 

   

Achieved U.S. Healthcare segment adjusted EBITDA2 increase of $442 million in fiscal 2024

 

   

Exceeded fiscal 2024 targets for $1 billion in cost savings, $600 million reduction in capital expenditures, and $500 million in working capital initiatives

 

   

Fiscal 2024 net debt reduction of $1.9 billion and lease obligations reduction of $1.2 billion

Fiscal 2025 guidance

 

   

Expecting fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS2 of $1.40 to $1.80, with growth in U.S. Healthcare and International more than offset by a decline in U.S. Retail Pharmacy, a higher adjusted effective tax rate, and lower contributions from sale-leaseback and Cencora earnings

 

 

2 

The Company does not provide a reconciliation for non-GAAP estimates on a forward-looking basis where it is unable to provide a meaningful or accurate calculation or estimation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreasonable effort and the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information.

“Adjusted,” “constant currency” and free cash flow amounts are non-GAAP financial measures. See the appendix to this release for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, including a reconciliation to the most closely correlated GAAP measure.

 

1


Strategic actions

 

   

Announcing footprint optimization program targeting approximately 1,200 closures3 over the next three years, including approximately 500 closures in fiscal 2025, which will be immediately accretive to adjusted EPS and free cash flow

DEERFIELD, Ill., Oct. 15, 2024 — Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) today announced financial results for the fiscal year and fourth quarter that ended Aug. 31, 2024.

“Our financial results in the fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2024 reflected our disciplined execution on cost management, working capital initiatives and capex reduction. In fiscal 2025, we are focusing on stabilizing the retail pharmacy by optimizing our footprint, controlling operating costs, improving cash flow, and continuing to address reimbursement models to support dispensing margins and preserve patient access for the future,” said Tim Wentworth, Chief Executive Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “Fiscal 2025 will be an important rebasing year as we advance our strategy to drive value creation. This turnaround will take time, but we are confident it will yield significant financial and consumer benefits over the long term.”

Overview of Fourth Quarter Results

WBA fourth quarter sales increased 6.0 percent from the year-ago quarter to $37.5 billion, an increase of 6.1 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting sales growth across all segments.

Fourth quarter operating loss was $978 million, an increase of 117.1 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in operating loss reflects a non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to CareCentrix. Adjusted operating income2 was $424 million, a decrease of 37.7 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting softer U.S. retail and pharmacy performance, lapping the reversal of incentive accruals and prior year sale-leaseback gains, partly offset by cost savings initiatives and improved profitability in the U.S. Healthcare segment.

Net loss in the fourth quarter was $3.0 billion compared to a net loss of $180 million in the year-ago quarter, primarily driven by a higher operating loss, a $2.3 billion non-cash charge for valuation allowance on deferred tax assets primarily related to opioid liabilities recognized in prior periods, and a non-cash impairment charge related to equity investment in China. Adjusted net earnings2 decreased 41.0 percent to $340 million, down 40.8 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting lower adjusted operating income.

Loss per share was $3.48, compared to a loss per share of $0.21 in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EPS2 decreased 41.0 percent to $0.39, reflecting a decrease of 40.8 percent on a constant currency basis.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter and free cash flow was $1.1 billion, a $537 million increase compared with the year-ago quarter, each driven primarily by working capital initiatives

 

2


and lower legal payments in the current period. Free cash flow also benefited from a $239 million decrease in capital expenditures.

Overview of Fiscal Year Results

Sales in fiscal 2024 were $147.7 billion, an increase of 6.2 percent from the year-ago period, and an increase of 5.7 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting sales growth across all segments.

Operating loss in fiscal 2024 was $14.1 billion, an increase of 104.5 percent compared to the year-ago period. Operating loss in the current period reflects a $12.4 billion non-cash impairment charge related to VillageMD goodwill, which resulted in a $5.8 billion charge attributable to WBA, net of tax and non-controlling interest. Operating loss in the current period also reflects non-cash impairments charges related to certain long-lived assets in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment and CareCentrix goodwill. Prior year operating loss reflects a $6.8 billion pre-tax charge for opioid-related claims and litigation and a $431 million non-cash impairment of pharmacy license intangible assets in Boots UK. Adjusted operating income was $2.6 billion, a decrease of 32.6 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting a challenging U.S. retail environment, net reimbursement pressure, lower sale-leaseback gains and lapping the reversal of incentive accruals in the prior year, partly offset by cost savings and improved profitability in the U.S. Healthcare segment.

Net loss in fiscal 2024 was $8.6 billion, an increase of 180.4 percent compared to the year-ago period, primarily driven by a higher operating loss, a $2.2 billion non-cash charge for valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets and a $717 million after-tax charge for fair value adjustments on variable prepaid forward derivatives related to the monetization of Cencora shares. Adjusted net earnings2 were $2.5 billion, a decrease of 27.9 percent on a constant currency basis, primarily driven by lower adjusted operating income, partly offset by lower interest expense and a lower adjusted effective tax rate due to the recognition of deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions in the second quarter.

Loss per share for fiscal 2024 was $10.01, an increase of 180.4 percent compared to the year-ago period. Adjusted EPS2 was $2.88, a decrease of 27.6 percent, reflecting a decrease of 27.9 percent on a constant currency basis.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.0 billion in fiscal 2024. Free cash flow2 was $23 million, a decrease of $642 million from fiscal 2023, with each driven by lower earnings, higher payments related to legal matters and phasing of working capital. Free cash flow benefited from a $736 million decrease in capital expenditures.

Business Segments

 

3


U.S. Retail Pharmacy

 

     Three months ended August 31,      Twelve months ended August 31,  
      2024        2023        2024        2023   

Sales

   $ 29,470      $ 27,666      $ 115,778      $ 110,314  

Adjusted operating income4

   $ 220      $ 554      $ 2,167      $ 3,689  

The U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment had fourth quarter sales of $29.5 billion, an increase of 6.5 percent from the year-ago quarter. Comparable sales increased 8.3 percent from the year-ago quarter.

Pharmacy sales increased 9.6 percent and comparable pharmacy sales increased 11.7 percent in the fourth quarter, each driven by higher brand inflation and mix impacts. Comparable prescriptions, adjusted to 30-day equivalents increased 2.5 percent and comparable prescriptions excluding immunizations increased 2.6 percent compared with the year-ago quarter. Total prescriptions filled in the quarter, including immunizations, adjusted to 30-day equivalents, increased 1.7 percent to 302 million. Pharmacy margin was negatively impacted by net reimbursement pressure, brand inflation and mix impacts.

Retail sales decreased 3.5 percent and comparable retail sales decreased 1.7 percent compared with the year-ago quarter, reflecting a challenging retail environment and continued channel shift. Retail margin was positively impacted by category mix and higher owned brand penetration, partly offset by elevated shrink levels.

Adjusted operating income4 decreased 60.4 percent to $220 million, reflecting net reimbursement pressure, a $123 million headwind from a prior year incentive accrual release, a $74 million headwind from lower sale-leaseback gains and a challenging retail environment, partly offset by cost savings initiatives.

International

 

     Three months ended August 31,      Twelve months ended August 31,  
      2024        2023        2024        2023   

Sales

   $ 5,971      $ 5,784      $ 23,552      $ 22,198  

Adjusted operating income4

   $ 231      $ 259      $ 793      $ 935  

The International segment had fourth quarter sales of $6.0 billion, an increase of 3.2 percent from the year-ago quarter. Sales increased 3.7 percent on a constant currency basis, with the Germany wholesale business sales growing 8.2 percent and Boots UK sales growing 2.3 percent.

Boots UK comparable pharmacy sales increased 10.0 percent compared with the year-ago quarter. Comparable retail sales increased 6.2 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, with growth across all categories. Boots.com continued to perform strongly with sales growing 19 percent, representing 15 percent of Boots total retail sales.

 

4


Adjusted operating income4 decreased 10.9 percent to $231 million, a decrease of 10.6 percent on a constant currency basis, mainly due to lapping real estate gains in the year-ago period.

U.S. Healthcare

 

     Three months ended August 31,      Twelve months ended August 31,  
      2024        2023        2024        2023   

Sales

   $ 2,113      $ 1,972      $ 8,345      $ 6,570  

Operating loss

   $ (526    $ (294    $ (14,241    $ (1,725

Adjusted operating income/(loss)4

   $ 17      $ (83    $ (134    $ (566

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 65      $ (30    $ 66      $ (376

The U.S. Healthcare segment had fourth quarter sales of $2.1 billion, an increase of 7.1 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. VillageMD sales increased 7.2 percent, reflecting additional risk lives and fee-for-service revenue. Shields grew 27.8 percent, driven by growth within existing partnerships.

Operating loss in the quarter was $526 million compared to $294 million in the prior year period, reflecting the $332 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to CareCentrix. Adjusted operating income4, which excludes certain costs related to stock compensation expense and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was $17 million compared to an adjusted operating loss of $83 million in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA2 of $65 million improved by $94 million versus the prior year quarter, driven by cost discipline at VillageMD and growth from Shields.

Fiscal 2025 Outlook

 

     2025

Sales

   $147.0 to $151.0 Billion

Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP measure)

   $1.6 to $2.0 Billion

Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP measure)

   $1.40 to $1.80

For fiscal 2025, Walgreens Boots Alliance expects adjusted EPS of $1.40 to $1.80 with growth in U.S. Healthcare and International more than offset by decline in U.S. Retail Pharmacy, a higher adjusted effective tax rate, and lower contributions from sale-leaseback and Cencora earnings.

The Company does not provide a reconciliation for non-GAAP estimates to the most directly comparable financial measures on a forward-looking basis where it is unable to provide a meaningful or accurate calculation or estimation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreasonable effort. This is due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the timing or amount of various items that have not yet occurred, are out of the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted, such as unusual one-time charges, tax expenses, and

 

5


material litigation expenses, and that would impact diluted net earnings per share, the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measure. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures provided without the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures may vary materially from the corresponding GAAP financial measures.

Conference Call

WBA will hold a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal 2024 earnings results beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time today, Oct. 15, 2024. A live simulcast as well as related presentation materials will be available through WBA’s investor relations website at: https://investor.walgreensbootsalliance.com. A replay of the conference will be archived on the website for at least 12 months after the event.

 

1

All references to net earnings or net loss are to net earnings or net loss attributable to WBA, and all references to EPS or loss per share are to diluted EPS or diluted loss per share attributable to WBA.

2

“Adjusted,” “constant currency” and free cash flow amounts are non-GAAP financial measures. Measures identified as “comparable” constitute key performance indicators. See the appendix to this release for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, including a reconciliation to the most closely correlated GAAP measure, and key performance indicators.

3

Future expected store closures of approximately 1,200 includes approximately 300 stores previously approved under the Transformational Cost Management Program.

4 

The Company uses Adjusted operating income (loss) as its principal measure of segment performance as it enhances the Company’s ability to compare past financial performance with current performance and analyze underlying segment performance and trends. The consolidated WBA measure is not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, consolidated operating income. See the appendix to this release for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, including a reconciliation to the most closely correlated GAAP measure.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, estimates of and goals for future operating, financial and tax performance and results, including the impact of opioid-related claims and litigation settlements, our fiscal year 2025 outlook, our long-term outlook and targets and related assumptions and drivers, as well as forward-looking statements concerning the expected execution and effect of our business strategies, including the breadth, timing and impact of the actions related to our strategic review, our ability to successfully turn around the business and return to growth; our ability to reverse valuation allowances on deferred tax assets; and the potential impacts on our business of COVID-19, the impact of adverse global macroeconomic conditions caused by factors including, among others, inflation, high interest rates, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and pandemics like COVID-19 on our operations and financial results, the

 

6


financial performance of our equity method investments, including Cencora, the amount of our goodwill impairment charge (which is based in part on estimates of future performance), the influence of certain holidays and seasonality, our cost-savings and growth initiatives, including statements relating to our expected cost savings under our Footprint Optimization Program and expansion and future operating and financial results of our U.S. Healthcare segment, including our long-term sales targets and profitability expectations. All statements in the future tense and all statements accompanied by words such as “expect,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “can,” “will,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “guidance,” “vision,” “target,” “aim,” “enable,” “continue,” “transform,” “accelerate,” “model,” “long-term,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “possible,” “assume,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “focusing on,”and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, known or unknown, that could cause actual results to vary materially from those indicated or anticipated.

These risks, assumptions and uncertainties include those described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, as amended, and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materializes, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements we make or that are made on our behalf are qualified by these cautionary statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made.

We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

Please refer to the supplemental information presented below for reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures used in this release to the most comparable GAAP financial measure and related disclosures.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) is an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader serving millions of customers and patients every day, with a 170-year heritage of caring for communities.

A trusted, global innovator in retail pharmacy with approximately 12,500 locations across the U.S., Europe and Latin America, WBA plays a critical role in the healthcare ecosystem. The company is reimagining local healthcare and well-being for all as part of its purpose. Through dispensing medicines, improving access to a wide range of

 

7


health services, providing high quality health and beauty products and offering anytime, anywhere convenience across its digital platforms, WBA is shaping the future of healthcare.

WBA employs approximately 312,000 people and has a presence in eight countries through its portfolio of consumer brands: Walgreens, Boots, Duane Reade, the No7 Beauty Company and Benavides in Mexico.

Additionally, WBA has a portfolio of healthcare-focused investments located in several countries, including China and the U.S.

The Company is proud of its contributions to healthy communities, a healthy planet, an inclusive workplace and a sustainable marketplace. WBA has been recognized for its commitment to being an inclusive workplace. In fiscal 2024, the Company scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index for disability inclusion.

More Company information is available at www.walgreensbootsalliance.com.

(WBA-ER)

 

Media Relations    Contact
U.S. / Jim Cohn    +1 224 813 9057
International    +44 (0)20 7980 8585
Investor Relations    Contact
Tiffany Kanaga    +1 847 315 2922

 

8


WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

     Three months ended August 31,     Twelve months ended August 31,  
      2024       2023       2024       2023   

Sales

   $ 37,547     $ 35,422     $ 147,658     $ 139,081  

Cost of sales

     31,294       28,947       121,134       112,009  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     6,253       6,475       26,524       27,072  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     6,948       6,991       28,113       34,205  

Impairment of goodwill

     332       —        12,701       —   

Equity earnings in Cencora

     49       65       213       252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (978     (450     (14,076     (6,882

Other income, net

     112       231       340       2,043  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before interest and income tax provision (benefit)

     (866     (220     (13,736     (4,839

Interest expense, net

     132       155       482       580  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income tax provision (benefit)

     (998     (375     (14,219     (5,419

Income tax provision (benefit)

     2,082       (151     1,246       (1,858

Post-tax earnings from other equity method investments

     2       16       17       33  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (3,078     (208     (15,448     (3,528

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

     (73     (28     (6,812     (448
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

   $ (3,005   $ (180   $ (8,636   $ (3,080
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per common share:

        

Basic

   $ (3.48   $ (0.21   $ (10.01   $ (3.57

Diluted

   $ (3.48   $ (0.21   $ (10.01   $ (3.57

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     863.7       864.3       863.1       863.2  

Diluted

     863.7       864.3       863.1       863.2  

 

9


WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions)

 

     August 31,
2024
     August 31,
2023
 

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,319      $ 728  

Marketable securities

     1,790        11  

Accounts receivable, net

     5,851        5,381  

Inventories

     8,320        8,257  

Other current assets

     1,055        1,127  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     18,335        15,503  

Non-current assets:

     

Property, plant and equipment, net

     9,772        11,587  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     20,335        21,667  

Goodwill

     15,506        28,187  

Intangible assets, net

     12,973        13,635  

Equity method investments

     2,269        3,497  

Other non-current assets

     1,846        2,550  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

     62,702        81,125  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 81,037      $ 96,628  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Short-term debt

   $ 1,505      $ 917  

Trade accounts payable

     14,082        12,635  

Operating lease obligations

     2,382        2,347  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     8,673        8,426  

Income taxes

     312        209  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     26,953        24,535  

Non-current liabilities:

     

Long-term debt

     8,044        8,145  

Operating lease obligations

     20,921        22,124  

Deferred income taxes

     1,195        1,318  

Accrued litigation obligations

     6,008        6,261  

Other non-current liabilities

     5,736        5,757  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

     41,905        43,605  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Redeemable non-controlling interests

     174        167  

Total equity

     12,005        28,322  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and equity

   $ 81,037      $ 96,628  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

10


WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions)

 

     Twelve months ended August 31,  
      2024       2023   

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (15,448   $ (3,528

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     2,459       2,257  

Deferred income taxes

     917       (2,371

Stock compensation expense

     182       385  

Earnings from equity method investments

     (230     (286

Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets

     14,370       1,293  

Gain on sale of equity method investments

     (1,520     (1,855

Gain on sale-leaseback transactions

     (295     (925

Loss (gain) on variable prepaid forward contracts

     946       (19

Impairment of equity method investments and investments in debt and equity securities

     364       36  

Other

     (242     (173

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable, net

     (464     72  

Inventories

     (31     287  

Other current assets

     82       (188

Trade accounts payable

     1,409       1,243  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (536     (561

Income taxes

     30       441  

Accrued litigation obligations

     (333     6,378  

Other non-current assets and liabilities

     (643     (228
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,018       2,258  

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (1,381     (2,117

Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions

     898       1,767  

Proceeds from sale of other assets

     2,860       4,495  

Business, investment and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (402     (7,313

Other

     (97     75  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     1,878       (3,094

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net change in short-term debt with maturities of 3 months or less

     (2     (1

Proceeds from debt

     31,365       6,276  

Payments of debt

     (30,474     (8,978

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

     —        (1,316

Proceeds from issuance of non-controlling interests

     —        2,725  

 

11


Proceeds from variable prepaid forwards

     424       2,568  

Treasury stock purchases

     (69     (150

Cash dividends paid

     (1,260     (1,659

Early debt extinguishment

     (318     —   

Other

     (203     (351
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

     (538     (887

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash

     4       20  

Changes in cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash

    

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash

     2,362       (1,702

Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash at beginning of period

     856       2,558  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash at end of period

   $ 3,218     $ 856  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

12


WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following information provides reconciliations of the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures, as defined under the SEC rules, presented in this press release to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). The Company has provided the non-GAAP financial measures in the press release, which are not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP, as supplemental information and in addition to the financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

These supplemental non-GAAP financial measures are presented because management has evaluated the Company’s financial results both including and excluding the adjusted items or the effects of foreign currency translation, as applicable, and believes that the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures presented provide additional perspective and insights when analyzing the core operating performance of the Company from period to period and trends in the Company’s historical operating results. The Company also uses non-GAAP financial measures as a basis for certain compensation programs it sponsors. These supplemental non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented in the press release.

The Company does not provide a reconciliation for non-GAAP estimates to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis where it is unable to provide a meaningful or accurate calculation or estimation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreasonable effort. This is due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the timing or amount of various items that have not yet occurred, are out of the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted, such as unusual one-time charges, tax expenses, and material litigation expenses, and that would impact diluted net earnings per share, the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measure. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures provided without the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures may vary materially from the corresponding GAAP financial measures.

Constant currency

The Company also presents certain information related to current period operating results in “constant currency,” which is a non-GAAP financial measure. These amounts are calculated by translating current period results at the foreign currency exchange rates used in the comparable period in the prior year. The Company presents such constant currency financial information because it has significant operations outside of the U.S. reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and such presentation provides a framework to assess how its business performed excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Comparable sales

The twelve months ended August 31, 2024 comparable sales and prescriptions filled figures for the Company exclude the benefit of this year’s leap day.

 

13


For the Company’s U.S. Retail Pharmacy and International segments, Comparable sales are defined as sales from stores that have been open for at least twelve consecutive months without closure for seven or more consecutive days, including due to looting or store damage, and without a major remodel or being subject to a natural disaster, in the past twelve months as well as e-commerce sales. Comparable sales in constant currency exclude wholesale

sales in Germany and sales from dispositions in the current period. E-commerce sales include digitally initiated sales online or through mobile applications. Relocated stores are not included as comparable sales for the first twelve months after the relocation. Acquired stores are not included as comparable sales for the first twelve months after acquisition or conversion, when applicable, whichever is later. Comparable sales, comparable pharmacy sales, comparable retail sales, comparable number of prescriptions and comparable number of 30-day equivalent prescriptions refer to total sales, pharmacy sales, retail sales, number of prescriptions and number of 30-day equivalent prescriptions, respectively. The method of calculating comparable sales varies across the retail industry and our method of calculating comparable sales may not be the same as other retailers’ methods.

With respect to the International segment, comparable sales, comparable pharmacy sales and comparable retail sales, are presented on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the discussion above in “Constant currency” for further details on constant currency calculations.

Key Performance Indicators

The Company considers certain metrics, such as comparable sales (in constant currency), comparable pharmacy sales (in constant currency), comparable retail sales (in constant currency), comparable number of prescriptions, and comparable 30-day equivalent prescriptions to be key performance indicators because the Company’s management has evaluated its results of operations using these metrics and believes that these key performance indicators presented provide additional perspective and insights when analyzing the core operating performance of the Company from period to period and trends in its historical operating results. These key performance indicators should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented herein. These measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled performance indicators used by other companies.

 

14


NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE TO ADJUSTED DILUTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

     (in millions, except per share amounts)  
     Three months ended August 31,     Twelve months ended August 31,  
      2024       2023       2024       2023   

Net loss attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (GAAP)

   $ (3,005   $ (180   $ (8,636   $ (3,080

Adjustments to operating loss:

        

Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets 1

     332       —        13,422       299  

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements 2

     185       217       561       7,466  

Transformational cost management 3

     489       485       891       1,181  

Acquisition-related amortization 4

     264       275       1,075       1,126  

Acquisition-related costs 5

     62       65       542       323  

Adjustments to equity earnings in Cencora 6

     33       33       162       211  

LIFO provision 7

     36       97       47       187  

Store damage and inventory loss insurance recovery 8

     —        (40     —        (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjustments to operating loss

     1,402       1,133       16,701       10,752  

Adjustments to other income, net:

        

Impairment of equity method investment and investments in debt and equity securities 9

     364       —        364       —   

Loss on disposal of business 10

     (2     34       2       34  

Loss (gain) on certain non-hedging derivatives 11

     213       (45     946       (19

Gain on investments, net 12

     —        (32     —        (109

Gain on sale of equity method investment 13

     (673     (163     (1,614     (1,855
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjustments to other income, net

     (98     (207     (301     (1,949

Adjustments to interest expense, net:

        

Interest expense on debt 14

     6       —        19       —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjustments to interest expense, net

     6       —        19       —   

Adjustments to income tax provision (benefit):

        

Equity method non-cash tax 15

     7       11       27       44  

Discrete tax items and tax impact of adjustments 15

     2,036       (219     1,216       (2,187
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjustments to income tax provision (benefit)

     2,043       (208     1,243       (2,143

Adjustments to post-tax earnings from other equity method investments:

        

Adjustments to earnings in other equity method investments 16

     15       9       40       40  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjustments to post-tax earnings from other equity method investments

     15       9       40       40  

Adjustments to net loss attributable to non-controlling interests:

        

Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets 1

     —        —        (6,195     —   

Transformational cost management 3

     1       —        —        —   

Loss on disposal of business 10

     1       (14     1       (14

Acquisition-related costs 5

     (17     (10     (217     (80

Discrete tax items 15

     37       108       37       108  

Acquisition-related amortization 4

     (48     (56     (200     (196
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjustments to net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

     (25     28       (6,573     (182
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 340     $ 575     $ 2,491     $ 3,439  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net loss per common share (GAAP) 17

   $ (3.48   $ (0.21   $ (10.01   $ (3.57

Adjustments to operating loss

     1.62       1.31       19.32       12.45  

Adjustments to other income, net

     (0.11     (0.24     (0.35     (2.26

Adjustments to interest expense, net

     0.01       —        0.02       —   

Adjustments to income tax provision (benefit)

     2.36       (0.24     1.44       (2.48

Adjustments to post-tax earnings from other equity method investments

     0.02       0.01       0.05       0.05  

Adjustments to net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

     (0.03     0.03       (7.61     (0.21
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share (Non-GAAP measure) 18

   $ 0.39     $ 0.67     $ 2.88     $ 3.98  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted (in millions) 18

     864.1       864.3       864.3       864.0  

 

15


1 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company recorded $12.4 billion of non-cash impairment charges related to VillageMD goodwill. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company recorded $332 million of non-cash impairment charges related to CareCentrix goodwill. These charges are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses and Impairment of goodwill within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In fiscal 2023, the Company recognized a $431 million impairment of pharmacy license intangible assets in Boots UK of which $132 million was attributed to additional store closures recognized as part of the Transformational Cost Management Program. These charges are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company excludes these charges when evaluating operating performance because it does not incur such charges on a predictable basis and exclusion of such charges enables more consistent evaluation of the Company’s operating performance.

2 

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements relate to significant charges associated with certain legal proceedings, including legal defense costs. The Company excludes these charges when evaluating operating performance because it does not incur such charges on a predictable basis and exclusion of such charges enables more consistent evaluation of the Company’s operating performance. These charges are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In fiscal 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded charges related to the opioid litigation Multistate Agreement and certain other legal matters.

3 

Transformational Cost Management Program charges are costs associated with a formal restructuring plan. These charges are primarily recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. These costs do not reflect current operating performance and are impacted by the timing of restructuring activity.

4 

Acquisition-related amortization includes amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and stock-based compensation fair valuation adjustments. Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets includes amortization of intangible assets such as customer relationships, trade names, trademarks, developed technology and contract intangibles. Intangible asset amortization excluded from the related non-GAAP measure represents the entire amount recorded within the Company’s GAAP financial statements. The revenue generated by the associated intangible assets has not been excluded from the related non-GAAP measures. Amortization expense, unlike the related revenue, is not affected by operations of any particular period unless an intangible asset becomes impaired, or the estimated useful life of an intangible asset is revised. These charges are primarily recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The stock-based compensation fair valuation adjustment reflects the difference between the fair value based remeasurement of awards under purchase accounting and the grant date fair valuation. Post-acquisition compensation expense recognized in excess of the original grant date fair value of acquiree awards are excluded from the related non-GAAP measures as these arise from acquisition-related accounting requirements or agreements, and are not reflective of normal operating activities.

5 

Acquisition-related costs are transaction and integration costs associated with certain merger, acquisition and divestitures related activities recorded in Operating (loss) income within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Examples of such costs include deal costs, severance, stock-based compensation, employee transaction success bonuses, and other integration related exit and disposal charges. These charges are primarily recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. These costs are significantly impacted by the timing and complexity of the underlying merger, acquisition and divestitures related activities and do not reflect the Company’s current operating performance.

6 

Adjustments to equity earnings in Cencora consist of the Company’s proportionate share of non-GAAP adjustments reported by Cencora consistent with the Company’s non-GAAP measures. Adjustments are recorded to equity earnings in Cencora within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

7 

The Company’s U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment inventory is accounted for using the last-in-first-out (“LIFO”) method. This adjustment represents the impact on cost of sales as if the U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment inventory is accounted for using first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method. The LIFO provision is affected by changes in inventory quantities, product mix, and manufacturer pricing practices, which may be impacted by market and other external influences. Therefore, the Company cannot control the amounts recognized or timing of these items. These charges are recorded within Cost of sales within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

8 

Store damage and inventory loss insurance recovery for losses incurred in fiscal 2020 as a result of looting in the U.S. These charges are primarily recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

9 

Impairment of equity method investment and investments in debt and equity securities includes impairment of certain investments. The Company excludes these charges when evaluating operating performance because these do not relate to the ordinary course of the Company’s business and it does not incur such charges on a predictable basis. Exclusion of such charges enables more consistent evaluation of the Company’s operating performance. These charges are recorded within Other income, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

10 

Includes gains or losses related to the sale of businesses. These charges are recorded to Other income, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

11 

Includes fair value gains or losses on the VPF derivatives and certain derivative instruments used as economic hedges of the Company’s net investments in foreign subsidiaries. These charges are recorded within Other income, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company does not believe this volatility related to the non-cash mark-to-market adjustments on the underlying derivative instruments reflects the Company’s operational performance.

12 

Includes significant gains resulting from the change in classification of investments as well as the fair value adjustments recorded on investments in equity securities to Other income, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In fiscal 2023, the Company recorded pre-tax gains of $109 million related to the change in classification of its previously held equity method investment in Option Care Health to an investment in equity security held at fair value and subsequent related fair value adjustments.

13 

Gains on the sale of equity method investments are recorded in Other income, net within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company excludes these charges when evaluating operating performance because these do not relate to the ordinary course of the Company’s business.

 

16


14 

Includes interest expense on external debt to fund incremental contributions to the Boots Plan required to complete the Trustee’s acquisition of a bulk annuity policy (the “Buy-In”) from Legal & General. The payments and related incremental interest expense are not indicative of normal operating performance.

15 

In fiscal 2024, the Company recorded a $2.2 billion non-cash charge due to recognition of a valuation allowance against certain U.S. and state deferred tax assets primarily related to opioid liabilities recognized in prior periods. Adjustments to income tax provision (benefit) include adjustments to the GAAP basis tax provision (benefit) commensurate with non-GAAP adjustments and certain discrete tax items including U.S. and UK tax law changes and equity method non-cash tax. These charges are recorded within Income tax provision (benefit) within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

16 

Adjustments to post-tax earnings from other equity method investments consist of the proportionate share of certain equity method investees’ non-cash items or unusual or infrequent items consistent with the Company’s non-GAAP adjustments. These charges are recorded in Post-tax earnings from other equity method investments within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Although the Company may have shareholder rights and board representation commensurate with its ownership interests in these equity method investees, adjustments relating to equity method investments are not intended to imply that the Company has direct control over their operations and resulting revenue and expenses. Moreover, these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all revenue and expenses of these equity method investees.

17 

Due to the anti-dilutive effect resulting from periods where the Company reports a net loss, the impact of potentially dilutive securities on the per share amounts has been omitted from the calculation of weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted net loss per common share.

18 

Includes impact of potentially dilutive securities in the calculation of weighted-average common shares, diluted for adjusted diluted net earnings per common share calculation purposes.

 

17


NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS BY SEGMENT

 

     (in millions)  
     Three months ended August 31, 2024  
     U.S. Retail
Pharmacy 1
    International     U.S.
Healthcare
    Corporate
and Other
    Walgreens
Boots Alliance,
Inc.
 

Sales

   $ 29,470     $ 5,971     $ 2,113     $ (7   $ 37,547  

Gross profit (GAAP)

   $ 4,706     $ 1,305     $ 236     $ 7     $ 6,253  

LIFO provision

     36       —        —        —        36  

Transformational cost management

     21       2       —        —        23  

Acquisition-related amortization

     6       —        17       —        22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 4,768     $ 1,307     $ 253     $ 7     $ 6,334  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (GAAP) 3

   $ 5,377     $ 1,091     $ 762     $ 50     $ 7,280  

Transformational cost management

     (452     7       (21     —        (467

Impairment of goodwill, intangibles, and long-lived assets

     —        —        (332     —        (332

Acquisition-related amortization

     (101     (16     (125     —        (242

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements

     (185     —        —        —        (185

Acquisition-related costs

     (8     (6     (49     1       (62
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 4,631     $ 1,076     $ 236     $ 50     $ 5,992  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income (GAAP)

   $ (623   $ 214     $ (526   $ (43   $ (978

Transformational cost management

     473       (5     21       —        489  

Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets

     —        —        332       —        332  

Acquisition-related amortization

     107       16       142       —        264  

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements

     185       —        —        —        185  

Acquisition-related costs

     8       6       49       (1     62  

LIFO provision

     36       —        —        —        36  

Adjustments to equity earnings in Cencora

     33       —        —        —        33  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted operating income (loss) (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 220     $ 231     $ 17     $ (43   $ 424  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin (GAAP)

     16.0     21.9     11.2       16.7

Adjusted gross margin (Non-GAAP measure)

     16.2     21.9     12.0       16.9

Selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (GAAP) 3

     18.2     18.3     36.1       19.4

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (Non-GAAP measure)

     15.7     18.0     11.1       16.0

Operating margin 2

     (2.3 )%      3.6     (24.9 )%        (2.7 )% 

Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP measure) 2

     0.5     3.9     0.8       0.9

 

1 

Operating loss for U.S. Retail Pharmacy includes equity earnings in Cencora. As a result of the two month reporting lag, operating loss for the three month period ended August 31, 2024 includes Cencora equity earnings for the period of April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.

2 

Operating margins and adjusted operating margins have been calculated excluding equity earnings in Cencora and adjusted equity earnings in Cencora, respectively.

3 

Includes goodwill impairment of $332 million in U.S. Healthcare in the three months ended August 31, 2024.

 

18


NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS BY SEGMENT

 

     ( in millions)  
     Three months ended August 31, 2023  
     U.S. Retail
Pharmacy 1
    International     U.S.
Healthcare
    Corporate
and Other
    Walgreens
Boots Alliance,
Inc.
 

Sales

   $ 27,666     $ 5,784     $ 1,972     $ —      $ 35,422  

Gross profit (GAAP)

   $ 5,077     $ 1,284     $ 114     $ —      $ 6,475  

LIFO provision

     97       —        —        —        97  

Acquisition-related amortization

     5       —        32       —        38  

Store damage and inventory loss insurance recovery

     (14     —        —        —        (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 5,166     $ 1,284     $ 147     $ —      $ 6,596  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (GAAP)

   $ 5,460     $ 1,061     $ 409     $ 61     $ 6,991  

Transformational cost management

     (462     (16     (2     (5     (485

Acquisition-related amortization

     (80     (16     (141     —        (237

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements

     (217     —        —        —        (217

Acquisition-related costs

     (16     (5     (36     (9     (65

Store damage and inventory loss insurance recovery

     25       —        —        —        25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 4,710     $ 1,025     $ 230     $ 48     $ 6,012  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income (GAAP)

   $ (317   $ 222     $ (294   $ (61   $ (450

Transformational cost management

     462       16       2       5       485  

Acquisition-related amortization

     86       16       173       —        275  

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements

     217       —        —        —        217  

LIFO provision

     97       —        —        —        97  

Acquisition-related costs

     16       5       36       9       65  

Adjustments to equity earnings in Cencora

     33       —        —        —        33  

Store damage and inventory loss insurance recovery

     (40     —        —        —        (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted operating income (loss) (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 554     $ 259     $ (83   $ (48   $ 683  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin (GAAP)

     18.4     22.2     5.8       18.3

Adjusted gross margin (Non-GAAP measure)

     18.7     22.2     7.4       18.6

Selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (GAAP)

     19.7     18.3     20.7       19.7

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (Non-GAAP measure)

     17.0     17.7     11.7       17.0

Operating margin 2

     (1.4 )%      3.8     (14.9 )%        (1.5 )% 

Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP measure) 2

     1.6     4.5     (4.2 )%        1.6

 

1 

Operating loss for U.S. Retail Pharmacy includes equity earnings in Cencora. As a result of the two-month reporting lag, operating loss for the three month period ended August 31, 2023 includes Cencora equity earnings for the period of April 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023.

2 

Operating margins and adjusted operating margins have been calculated excluding equity earnings in Cencora and adjusted equity earnings in Cencora, respectively.

 

19


NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS BY SEGMENT

 

     (in millions)  
     Twelve months ended August 31, 2024  
     U.S. Retail
Pharmacy 1
    International     U.S.
Healthcare
    Corporate
and Other
    Walgreens
Boots Alliance,
Inc.
 

Sales

   $ 115,778     $ 23,552     $ 8,345     $ (16   $ 147,658  

Gross profit (GAAP)

   $ 20,736     $ 5,025     $ 734     $ 30     $ 26,524  

Acquisition-related amortization

     22       —        79       —        100  

Transformational cost management

     49       2       —        —        51  

LIFO provision

     47       —        —        —        47  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 20,854     $ 5,027     $ 812     $ 30     $ 26,723  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (GAAP) 3

   $ 21,334     $ 4,343     $ 14,974     $ 163     $ 40,814  

Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets

     (477     —        (12,911     (34     (13,422

Acquisition-related amortization

     (372     (62     (541     —        (975

Transformational cost management

     (777     (30     (26     (6     (839

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements

     (561     —        —        —        (561

Acquisition-related costs

     (84     (17     (550     109       (542
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 19,062     $ 4,234     $ 946     $ 232     $ 24,474  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income (GAAP)

   $ (385   $ 682     $ (14,241   $ (133   $ (14,076

Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets

     477       —        12,911       34       13,422  

Acquisition-related amortization

     393       62       620       —        1,075  

Transformational cost management

     827       32       26       6       891  

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements

     561       —        —        —        561  

Acquisition-related costs

     84       17       550       (109     542  

Adjustments to equity earnings in Cencora

     162       —        —        —        162  

LIFO provision

     47       —        —        —        47  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted operating income (loss) (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 2,167     $ 793     $ (134   $ (202   $ 2,624  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin (GAAP)

     17.9     21.3     8.8       18.0

Adjusted gross margin (Non-GAAP measure)

     18.0     21.3     9.7       18.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (GAAP) 3

     18.4     18.4     179.4       27.6

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (Non-GAAP measure)

     16.5     18.0     11.3       16.6

Operating margin 2

     (0.5 )%      2.9     (170.7 )%        (9.7 )% 

Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP measure) 2

     1.5     3.4     (1.6 )%        1.5

 

1 

Operating loss for U.S. Retail Pharmacy includes equity earnings in Cencora. As a result of the two month reporting lag, operating loss for the twelve month period ended August 31, 2024 includes Cencora equity earnings for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

2 

Operating margins and adjusted operating margins have been calculated excluding equity earnings in Cencora and adjusted equity earnings in Cencora, respectively.

3 

Includes goodwill impairment of $12.7 billion in U.S. Healthcare in the twelve months ended August 31, 2024.

 

20


NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS BY SEGMENT

 

     (in millions)  
     Twelve months ended August 31, 2023  
     U.S. Retail
Pharmacy 1
    International     U.S.
Healthcare
    Corporate
and Other
    Walgreens
Boots Alliance,
Inc.
 

Sales

   $ 110,314     $ 22,198     $ 6,570     $ —      $ 139,081  

Gross profit (GAAP)

   $ 22,115     $ 4,704     $ 252     $ —      $ 27,072  

LIFO provision

     187       —        —        —        187  

Acquisition-related amortization

     21       —        102       —        123  

Acquisition-related costs

     —        —        60       —        60  

Store damage and inventory loss insurance recovery

     (14     —        —        —        (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 22,309     $ 4,704     $ 414     $ —      $ 27,427  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (GAAP)

   $ 27,674     $ 4,326     $ 1,977     $ 228     $ 34,205  

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements

     (7,466     —        —        —        (7,466

Transformational cost management

     (830     (222     (115     (14     (1,181

Acquisition-related amortization

     (301     (60     (642     —        (1,003

Impairment of intangible assets

     —        (299     —        —        (299

Acquisition-related costs

     (19     25       (241     (27     (263

Store damage and inventory loss insurance recovery

     25       —        —        —        25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 19,083     $ 3,769     $ 980     $ 187     $ 24,019  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income (GAAP)

   $ (5,307   $ 379     $ (1,725   $ (228   $ (6,882

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements

     7,466       —        —        —        7,466  

Transformational cost management

     830       222       115       14       1,181  

Acquisition-related amortization

     322       60       743       —        1,126  

Acquisition-related costs

     19       (25     301       27       323  

Impairment of intangible assets

     —        299       —        —        299  

Adjustments to equity earnings in Cencora

     211       —        —        —        211  

LIFO provision

     187       —        —        —        187  

Store damage and inventory loss insurance recovery

     (40     —        —        —        (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted operating income (loss) (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 3,689     $ 935     $ (566   $ (187   $ 3,871  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin (GAAP)

     20.0     21.2     3.8       19.5

Adjusted gross margin (Non-GAAP measure)

     20.2     21.2     6.3       19.7

Selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (GAAP)

     25.1     19.5     30.1       24.6

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (Non-GAAP measure)

     17.3     17.0     14.9       17.3

Operating margin 2

     (5.0 )%      1.7     (26.3 )%        (5.1 )% 

Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP measure) 2

     2.9     4.2     (8.6 )%        2.4

 

1 

Operating loss for U.S. Retail Pharmacy includes equity earnings in Cencora. As a result of the two month reporting lag, operating loss for the twelve month period ended August 31, 2023 includes Cencora equity earnings for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

2 

Operating margins and adjusted operating margins have been calculated excluding equity earnings in Cencora and adjusted equity earnings in Cencora, respectively.

 

21


OPERATING LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA FOR THE U.S. HEALTHCARE SEGMENT

 

     (in millions)  
     Three months ended August 31,      Twelve months ended August 31,  
      2024        2023        2024        2023   

Operating loss (GAAP) 1

   $ (526    $ (294    $ (14,241    $ (1,725

Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets 2

     332        —         12,911        —   

Acquisition-related amortization 3

     142        173        620        743  

Acquisition-related costs 4

     49        36        550        301  

Transformational cost management 5

     21        2        26        115  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted operating income (loss)

     17        (83      (134      (566

Depreciation expense

     33        37        146        129  

Stock-based compensation expense 6

     14        16        53        61  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 65      $ (30    $ 66      $ (376
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 

The Company reconciles Adjusted EBITDA for the U.S. Healthcare segment to Operating loss as the closest GAAP measure for the segment profitability. The Company does not measure Net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. for its segments.

2 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company recorded $12.4 billion of non-cash impairment charges related to VillageMD goodwill. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company recorded $332 million of non-cash impairment charges related to CareCentrix goodwill. These charges are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses and Impairment of goodwill within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company excludes these charges when evaluating operating performance because it does not incur such charges on a predictable basis and exclusion of such charges enables more consistent evaluation of the Company’s operating performance.

3 

Acquisition-related amortization includes amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and stock-based compensation fair valuation adjustments. Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets includes amortization of intangible assets such as customer relationships, trade names, trademarks, developed technology and contract intangibles. Intangible asset amortization excluded from the related non-GAAP measure represents the entire amount recorded within the Company’s GAAP financial statements. The revenue generated by the associated intangible assets has not been excluded from the related non-GAAP measures. Amortization expense, unlike the related revenue, is not affected by operations of any particular period unless an intangible asset becomes impaired, or the estimated useful life of an intangible asset is revised. These charges are primarily recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The stock-based compensation fair valuation adjustment reflects the difference between the fair value based remeasurement of awards under purchase accounting and the grant date fair valuation. Post-acquisition compensation expense recognized in excess of the original grant date fair value of acquiree awards are excluded from the related non-GAAP measures as these arise from acquisition-related accounting requirements or agreements, and are not reflective of normal operating activities.

4 

Acquisition-related costs are transaction and integration costs associated with certain merger, acquisition and divestitures related activities recorded in Operating (loss) income within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Examples of such costs include deal costs, severance, stock-based compensation, employee transaction success bonuses, and other integration related exit and disposal charges. These charges are primarily recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. These costs are significantly impacted by the timing and complexity of the underlying merger, acquisition and divestitures related activities and do not reflect the Company’s current operating performance.

5 

Transformational Cost Management Program charges are costs associated with a formal restructuring plan. These charges are primarily recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. These costs do not reflect current operating performance and are impacted by the timing of restructuring activity.

6 

Includes GAAP stock-based compensation expense excluding expenses related to acquisition-related amortization and acquisition-related costs.

 

22


EQUITY EARNINGS IN CENCORA

 

     (in millions)  
     Three months ended August 31,      Twelve months ended August 31,  
      2024        2023        2024        2023   

Equity earnings in Cencora (GAAP)

   $ 49      $ 65      $ 213      $ 252  

Amortization of basis difference in OneOncology investment

     —         —         2        —   

Gain/Loss from divestitures

     —         —         (7      —   

Acquisition-related intangibles amortization

     26        36        120        133  

LIFO expense

     1        4        4        35  

Employee severance, litigation, and other

     —         —         —         21  

Restructuring and other expenses

     4        8        23        18  

Acquisition integration and restructuring expenses

     3        2        12        18  

Turkey hyperinflation impact

     1        9        11        16  

Tax reform

     1        1        —         5  

Recovery of non-customer note receivable

     —         (1      —         (1

Gain/Loss on remeasurement of equity investment

     2        —         3        (1

Certain discrete tax expense

     —         —         —         (2

Litigation and opioid-related expenses

     1        (12      16        (8

Gain from antitrust litigation settlements

     (5      (15      (20      (23
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted equity earnings in Cencora (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 82      $ 98      $ 375      $ 463  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

23


ADJUSTED EFFECTIVE TAX RATE

 

     (in millions)  
     Three months ended August 31, 2024     Three months ended August 31, 2023  
     (Loss)
earnings
before
income tax
provision
    Income tax
provision
    Effective
tax rate
    (Loss)
Earnings
before
income tax
(benefit)
provision
    Income tax
(benefit)
provision
    Effective
tax rate
 

Effective tax rate (GAAP)

   $ (998   $ 2,082       NM     $ (375   $ (151     40.3

Impact of non-GAAP adjustments and discrete tax items 1

     1,311       (2,185       926       394    

Adjusted tax rate true-up

     —        148         —        (174  

Equity method non-cash tax

     —        (7       —        (11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

   $ 313     $ 38       $ 551     $ 57    

Exclude adjusted equity earnings in Cencora

     (82     —          (98     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted effective tax rate excluding adjusted equity earnings in Cencora (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 230     $ 38       16.6   $ 453     $ 57       12.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

     (in millions)  
     Twelve months ended August 31, 2024     Twelve months ended August 31, 2023  
     (Loss)
earnings
before
income tax
provision
    Income tax
provision
    Effective
tax rate
    (Loss)
Earnings
before
income tax
(benefit)
provision
    Income tax
(benefit)
provision
    Effective tax
rate
 

Effective tax rate (GAAP)

   $ (14,219   $ 1,246       (8.8 )%    $ (5,419   $ (1,858     34.3

Impact of non-GAAP adjustments and discrete tax items 1

     16,418       (1,216       8,804       2,180    

Adjusted tax rate true-up

     —        —          —        7    

Equity method non-cash tax

     —        (27       —        (44  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

   $ 2,200     $ 3       $ 3,384     $ 285    

Exclude adjusted equity earnings in Cencora

     (375     —          (463     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted effective tax rate excluding adjusted equity earnings in Cencora (Non-GAAP measure)

   $ 1,824     $ 3       0.2   $ 2,921     $ 285       9.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

NM - Not meaningful. Percentage increases above 200% or when one period includes income and other period includes loss are considered not meaningful.

 

1 

Fiscal 2024 Income tax provision includes a $2.2 billion non-cash charge for valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. A significant portion of the Company’s deferred tax assets impacted by the fiscal 2024 valuation allowance was recognized as a result of the fiscal 2023 opioid charge.

 

24


FREE CASH FLOW

 

     (in millions)  
     Three months ended August 31,      Twelve months ended August 31,  
      2024        2023        2024        2023   

Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)

   $ 1,331      $ 1,039      $ 1,018      $ 2,258  

Less: Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (245      (484      (1,381      (2,117

Plus: Acquisition related payments 2

     —         (6      —         524  

Plus: Bulk purchase annuity premium contributions 3

     —         —         386        —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Free cash flow (Non-GAAP measure) 1

   $ 1,086      $ 549      $ 23      $ 665  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 

Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities in a period less additions to property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), plus acquisition related payments and incremental pension payments made in that period. This measure does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures as the measure does not deduct the payments required for debt service and other contractual obligations or payments for future business acquisitions. Therefore, we believe it is important to view free cash flow as a measure that provides supplemental information to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

2

In fiscal 2023, the Company paid $335 million to settle liability classified share-based payment awards related to acquiring the remaining 30% equity interest in Shields, $101 million to settle liability classified share-based payment awards related to acquiring the remaining 45% equity interest in CareCentrix, and also one-time compensation costs related to VillageMD’s acquisition of Summit. These payments are not indicative of normal operating performance.

3 

In fiscal 2024, the Company made incremental pension contributions of $386M to the Boots Plan as part of the Trustee’s acquisition of a bulk annuity policy (the “Buy-In”) from Legal and General. The payments are not indicative of normal operating performance.

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