Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. WBA, +0.25% reported fiscal second-quarter net income of $1.03 billion, or $1.19 per share, up from $946.0 million, or $1.07 per share last year. Adjusted EPS of $1.40 beat the FactSet consensus for $1.10 per share. Sales of $32.78 billion were up from $31.34 billion last year but below the FactSet consensus for $36.59 billion. Comparable sales in the U.S. fell 3.5% due to a weak cough, cold and flu season. Comp sales for Boots UK fell 17.9% as COVID-19 restrictions reduced foot traffic on major high streets and transportation hubs. “Overall, we have achieved a good financial quarter with results well ahead of expectations, despite significant impacts from COVID-19, and we have raised our full-year EPS guidance,” said Walgreens’ new Chief Executive Roz Brewer in a statement. The former Starbucks Corp. SBUX, +1.04% executive assumed the role on March 15. “I am optimistic about our ability to drive sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders, while acknowledging that there is still work to be done to stabilize the base business.” Walgreens raised its fiscal 2021 adjusted EPS guidance to mid-to-high single digit growth in constant currency from low single-digit growth. The pharmacy retailer also expects the $6.5 billion divestiture of Alliance Healthcare to be complete before the end of the fiscal year. Walgreens says it has administered eight million COVID-19 vaccinations and conducted five million COVID-19 tests. Walgreens stock rose 2.6% in Wednesday premarket trading and have gained 15.8% over the past year. The S&P 500 index SPX, -0.32% is up 53.2% for the last 12 months.
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