Walgreens Reports $2.85B Loss, Sales Rise Amid Acquisition

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. reported a second-quarter revenue of $38.59 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $38 billion, driven by growth in U.S. Retail Pharmacy sales and improvements in the healthcare segment. Adjusted earnings per share were 63 cents, above the consensus of 53 cents, although this marked a 47.5% decline from the previous year. The company's U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment saw sales increase by 5.3% to $30.4 billion, with pharmacy sales up 8.9%. Despite improved healthcare business performance, Walgreens faces declining retail sales in discretionary categories and continues to deal with reimbursement pressures and competition. The company reported a narrower loss of $2.85 billion, down from $5.91 billion a year ago. Walgreens withdrew its 2025 guidance due to a pending acquisition by Sycamore Partners, expected to close by the end of 2025.