Walgreens Boots Alliance Shocks Investors with Nearly 50% Dividend Cut, Despite Positive Earnings: What’s Next for WBA Stock?

Walgreens Boots Alliance has almost halved its quarterly dividend to $0.25. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, which represents a 47.9% decrease from the previous dividend. This drastic cut in the quarterly dividend was announced on the occasion of the publication of its results for the first quarter of 2023-24. 

The company’s board of directors had previously declared a quarterly dividend of 48 cents per share. The new dividend of $0.25 per share reflects a significant reduction compared to the previous amount.

This decision is part of the company’s efforts to evaluate strategic options to generate long-term sustainable value for shareholders, with a focus on rapid action to adjust costs and increase cash flow. The new dividend amount is payable to shareholders of record on a specified date.

Reason Behind Walgreens Boots Alliance’s Decision to Cut Dividend

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s decision to cut its dividend by almost 50% was made to strengthen its long-term balance sheet and cash position, and to invest in sustainable growth initiatives in its pharmacy and healthcare businesses, according to CEO Tim Wentworth.

The company is evaluating all strategic options to generate long-term sustainable value for shareholders, with a focus on rapid action to adjust costs and increase cash flow. Walgreens Boots Alliance’s quarterly losses narrowed, but the company still posted a loss of $67 million in the first quarter of 2023-24. 

The company’s adjusted EPS fell by 43% to $0.66, despite sales growth of 10% to $36.7 billion, including an 8.7% increase at constant exchange rate. 

The company’s new dividend of $0.25 per share represents a 47.9% decrease from the previous dividend of 48 cents per share. The decision to cut the dividend was a necessary move, according to Edward Jones analyst John Boylan.

Impact on Its Financials

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s decision to cut its dividend by almost 50% has a significant impact on its financials. The main effects of this decision are:

1. Strengthening the balance sheet and cash position: By reducing the quarterly dividend to $0.25 per share, Walgreens Boots Alliance aims to strengthen its long-term balance sheet and cash position, which will help the company maintain financial stability and adapt to changing market conditions.
2. Increasing cash flow: The dividend cut is expected to increase cash flow, allowing the company to invest in sustainable growth initiatives in its pharmacy and healthcare businesses. This increased cash flow can be used to fund new projects and expand the company’s presence in the market.
3. Investing in specialty pharmacy and healthcare: With the additional cash generated from the dividend cut, Walgreens Boots Alliance plans to increase spending on specialty pharmacy, which is an area where most growth in prescription drug sales is occurring. The company aims to address unmet treatment needs in the specialty pharmacy sector, ultimately improving shareholder value.
4. Impact on earnings per share (EPS): The company’s adjusted EPS fell by 43% to $0.66 in the first quarter of 2023-24, despite sales growth of 10% to $36.7 billion. The dividend cut is expected to help improve the company’s EPS in the future, as it frees up capital for growth initiatives and strengthens the balance sheet.

Overall, the dividend cut is a strategic move by Walgreens Boots Alliance to maintain financial stability, increase cash flow, and invest in growth opportunities within its pharmacy and healthcare businesses. While the decision may have a short-term impact on earnings per share, it is expected to lead to long-term sustainable value for shareholders.

Current Financial Situation of Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s current financial situation reflects a mixed performance. The company reported a 10% increase in sales to $36.7 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) falling by 43% to $0.66, despite the sales growth.

For the full fiscal year 2023, the company expected adjusted EPS of $4.45 to $4.65, and for fiscal 2024, it expects adjusted EPS of $3.20 to $3.50, reflecting incremental cost savings and investments in its healthcare business. 

The company’s decision to cut its quarterly dividend to $0.25 per share is part of its efforts to generate long-term sustainable value for shareholders, strengthen its balance sheet, and invest in growth initiatives. 

The dividend cut is expected to increase cash flow and help the company adapt to changing market conditions. Despite the challenges, Walgreens Boots Alliance remains committed to its long-term growth and sustainability goals, as evidenced by its continued investments in its healthcare and pharmacy businesses.