Walgreens Boots Alliance Reports Fiscal 2018 Third Quarter Results

DEERFIELD, Ill.--Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) today announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, which ended 31 May 2018.

Third quarter highlights

  • GAAP diluted net earnings per share increased 26.2 percent from the year-ago quarter, to $1.35; Adjusted diluted net earnings per share increased 15.0 percent to $1.53
  • GAAP net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance increased 15.5 percent, to $1.3 billion; Adjusted net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance increased 5.6 percent to $1.5 billion
  • Sales increased 14.0 percent to $34.3 billion
  • GAAP operating income increased 5.5 percent to $1.6 billion; Adjusted operating income increased 1.7 percent to $1.9 billion
  • GAAP net cash provided by operating activities was $2.2 billion; Free cash flow was $1.9 billion

Share repurchase program and dividend increase

  • Company authorized $10 billion share repurchase program
  • Company declared 10 percent dividend increase

Fiscal 2018 guidance

  • Company raised the lower end of its guidance for fiscal year 2018 by 5 cents per share and now anticipates adjusted diluted net earnings per share of $5.90 to $6.05

 

DEERFIELD, Ill.--Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) today announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, which ended 31 May 2018.

Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Stefano Pessina said, “I am pleased that, in what has been a challenging environment, we have again delivered solid earnings per share growth combined with healthy cash flow. We expect to continue to drive growth, bringing more patients to our U.S. pharmacies through the recent acquisition of Rite Aid stores and through strategic partnerships. The $10 billion share repurchase program announced this morning demonstrates our confidence in future business performance and, as ever, our focus on driving long-term stockholder value."

Overview of Third Quarter Results

Fiscal 2018 third quarter net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance determined in accordance with GAAP increased 15.5 percent to $1.3 billion compared with the same quarter a year ago, while GAAP diluted net earnings per share increased 26.2 percent to $1.35 compared with the same quarter a year ago.

Adjusted fiscal 2018 third quarter net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance1 increased 5.6 percent to $1.5 billion, up 4.6 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with the same quarter a year ago. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share for the quarter increased 15.0 percent to $1.53, up 13.5 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with the same quarter a year ago.

Sales in the third quarter were $34.3 billion, an increase of 14.0 percent from the year-ago quarter, and an increase of 11.8 percent on a constant currency basis.

GAAP operating income in the third quarter was $1.6 billion, an increase of 5.5 percent from the same quarter a year ago. Adjusted operating income in the third quarter was $1.9 billion, an increase of 1.7 percent from the same quarter a year ago, and an increase of 0.9 percent on a constant currency basis.

The company's GAAP effective tax rate was 7.6 percent in the third quarter, compared with 12.4 percent in the year-ago quarter. The decrease was due to the impact of U.S. tax law changes enacted in December 2017, including a revision to the company's estimated transition tax accrual in the quarter. The adjusted effective tax rate, calculated excluding income from the company's equity investment in AmerisourceBergen Corporation, was 16.7 percent in the third quarter compared with 19.1 percent in the year-ago quarter. The decrease was due to the impact of the U.S. tax law changes.

GAAP net cash provided by operating activities was $2.2 billion in the third quarter, and free cash flow was $1.9 billion.

Overview of Fiscal 2018 Year-to-Date Results

For the first nine months of fiscal 2018, net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance determined in accordance with GAAP increased 7.2 percent to $3.5 billion compared with the same period a year ago, while GAAP diluted net earnings per share increased 16.2 percent to $3.51 compared with the same period a year ago.

Adjusted net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance1 for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 increased 10.2 percent to $4.5 billion, up 9.1 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with the same period a year ago. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 increased 19.8 percent to $4.54, up 18.5 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with the same period a year ago.

Sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 were $98.1 billion, an increase of 11.4 percent from the same period a year ago, and an increase of 9.5 percent on a constant currency basis.

GAAP operating income in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 was $4.9 billion, an increase of 10.4 percent from the same period a year ago. Adjusted operating income in the first nine months of the fiscal year was $5.9 billion, an increase of 4.6 percent from the same period a year ago, and an increase of 3.8 percent on a constant currency basis.

The company's GAAP effective tax rate in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 was 19.4 percent compared with 16.2 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2017. The increase primarily reflects net discrete tax benefits in the year-ago period. The company's adjusted effective tax rate, calculated excluding income from the company's equity investment in AmerisourceBergen Corporation, was 19.1 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2018, compared with 22.7 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2017. The decrease was due to the impact of the U.S. tax law changes.

GAAP net cash provided by operating activities was $5.4 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2018, and free cash flow was $4.4 billion.

Share Repurchase Program and Dividend Increase

As announced today, the company's board of directors has authorized a $10 billion share repurchase program and declared a quarterly dividend of 44 cents per share, an increase of 10 percent. Please refer to the separate press release issued today for additional information.

Company Outlook

The company raised the lower end of its guidance for fiscal year 2018 by 5 cents per share and now anticipates adjusted diluted net earnings per share of $5.90 to $6.05.

This guidance assumes current exchange rates for the rest of the fiscal year. As previously announced, the company does not expect Rite Aid to significantly impact fiscal 2018 adjusted diluted net earnings per share.

Third Quarter Business Division Highlights

Retail Pharmacy USA:

Retail Pharmacy USA had third quarter sales of $25.9 billion, an increase of 15.0 percent over the year-ago quarter. Sales in comparable stores decreased 1.2 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago.

Pharmacy sales, which accounted for 72.5 percent of the division’s sales in the quarter, increased 19.3 percent compared with the year-ago quarter, primarily due to higher prescription volume from the acquisition of Rite Aid stores and from central specialty. Comparable pharmacy sales were unchanged from the year-ago quarter, as brand inflation was offset by reimbursement pressure and the impact of generics. The division filled 285.2 million prescriptions (including immunizations) adjusted to 30-day equivalents in the quarter, an increase of 11.8 percent over the year-ago quarter. Prescriptions filled in comparable stores were unchanged from the same quarter a year ago. The division’s retail prescription market share on a 30-day adjusted basis in the third quarter increased approximately 190 basis points over the year-ago quarter to 22.4 percent, as reported by IQVIA. This was the division's highest reported quarterly retail prescription market share in the U.S.

Retail sales increased 5.2 percent in the third quarter compared with the year-ago period. Comparable retail sales were down 3.8 percent in the quarter, reflecting continued focus on profitability.

GAAP gross profit increased 9.5 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago and adjusted gross profit increased 7.7 percent. On an adjusted basis, pharmacy and retail gross profit both increased.

GAAP third quarter selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) as a percentage of sales decreased 0.9 percentage point compared with the year-ago quarter, primarily due to sales mix and cost savings, partially offset by the higher cost mix of acquired Rite Aid stores. On an adjusted basis, SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased 0.9 percentage point in the same period, for similar reasons.

GAAP operating income in the third quarter increased 7.1 percent from the year-ago quarter to $1.3 billion. Adjusted operating income in the third quarter increased 2.0 percent from the year-ago quarter to $1.5 billion.

As previously announced, during the third quarter the company completed the acquisition of all 1,932 Rite Aid stores under the amended and restated asset purchase agreement. The company continues to expect to transition three distribution centers and related inventory beginning in fiscal 2019 and to complete the integration of acquired stores and related assets by the end of fiscal 2020.

Retail Pharmacy International:

Retail Pharmacy International had third quarter sales of $3.0 billion, an increase of 6.6 percent from the year-ago quarter due to favorable currency exchange rates. Sales decreased 2.1 percent on a constant currency basis.

On a constant currency basis, comparable store sales decreased 1.4 percent compared with the year-ago quarter. Comparable pharmacy sales decreased 1.7 percent on a constant currency basis. Comparable retail sales decreased 1.3 percent on a constant currency basis mainly due to Boots UK.

GAAP gross profit increased 5.8 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago due to favorable currency exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, adjusted gross profit decreased 3.0 percent.

GAAP SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased 1.0 percentage point. Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of sales, on a constant currency basis, increased 0.1 percentage point.

GAAP operating income in the third quarter increased 21.1 percent from the year-ago quarter to $172 million. Adjusted operating income increased 2.6 percent to $198 million, down 9.3 percent on a constant currency basis.

Pharmaceutical Wholesale:

Pharmaceutical Wholesale had third quarter sales of $6.0 billion, an increase of 12.6 percent from the year-ago quarter, including the favorable impact of currency exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, comparable sales increased 4.0 percent, which was behind the company’s estimate of market growth, weighted on the basis of country wholesale sales, due to challenging market conditions in certain continental European countries partially offset by strong performance in emerging markets and the UK.

GAAP operating income in the third quarter was $176 million, which included $52 million from the company’s equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen, compared with GAAP operating income of $200 million in the year-ago quarter, which included $84 million from the company's equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen. Adjusted operating income increased 1.6 percent to $257 million, up 0.4 percent on a constant currency basis.

Conference Call

Walgreens Boots Alliance will hold a one-hour conference call to discuss the third quarter results beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time today, 28 June 2018. The conference call will be simulcast through the Walgreens Boots Alliance investor relations website at: http://investor.walgreensbootsalliance.com. A replay of the conference call will be archived on the website for 12 months after the call.

The replay also will be available from 11:30 a.m. Eastern time, 28 June 2018 through 5 July 2018, by calling +1 855 859 2056 within the U.S. and Canada, or +1 404 537 3406 outside the U.S. and Canada, using replay code 7668398.

1 Please see the “Supplemental Information (Unaudited) Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” at the end of this press release for more detailed information regarding non-GAAP financial measures.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: All statements in this release that are not historical including, without limitation, those regarding estimates of and goals for future tax, financial and operating performance and results (including those under “Company Outlook” above), the expected execution and effect of our business strategies, our cost-savings and growth initiatives, pilot programs and initiatives, and restructuring activities and the amounts and timing of their expected impact, and our amended and restated asset purchase agreement with Rite Aid and the transactions contemplated thereby and their possible timing and effects, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “likely,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “preliminary,” “pilot,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “can,” “will,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “guidance,” “target,” “aim,” “continue,” “sustain,” “synergy,” “on track,” “on schedule,” “headwind,” “tailwind,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” "upcoming," "to come," “may,” “possible,” “assume,” 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, including, but not limited to, those relating to the impact of private and public third-party payers’ efforts to reduce prescription drug reimbursements, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, the timing and magnitude of the impact of branded to generic drug conversions and changes in generic drug prices, our ability to realize synergies and achieve financial, tax and operating results in the amounts and at the times anticipated, supply arrangements including our commercial agreement with AmerisourceBergen, the arrangements and transactions contemplated by our framework agreement with AmerisourceBergen and their possible effects, the risks associated with the company’s equity method investment in AmerisourceBergen, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination, cross-termination or modification of any of our contractual obligations, the amount of costs, fees, expenses and charges incurred in connection with strategic transactions, whether the costs and charges associated with our store optimization program will exceed estimates, our ability to realize expected savings and benefits from cost-savings initiatives, restructuring activities and acquisitions and joint ventures in the amounts and at the times anticipated, the timing and amount of any impairment or other charges, the timing and severity of cough, cold and flu season, risks related to pilot programs and new business initiatives and ventures generally, including the risks that anticipated benefits may not be realized, changes in management’s plans and assumptions, the risks associated with governance and control matters, the ability to retain key personnel, changes in economic and business conditions generally or in particular markets in which we participate, changes in financial markets, credit ratings and interest rates, the risks associated with international business operations, including the risks associated with the proposed withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the risk of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays, changes in vendor, customer and payer relationships and terms, including changes in network participation and reimbursement terms and the associated impacts on volume and operating results, risks of inflation in the cost of goods, risks associated with the operation and growth of our customer loyalty programs, risks related to competition, risks associated with new business areas and activities, risks associated with acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic investments, including those relating to the acquisition of certain assets pursuant to our amended and restated asset purchase agreement with Rite Aid, the risks associated with the integration of complex businesses, outcomes of legal and regulatory matters, and risks associated with changes in laws, including those related to the December 2017 U.S. tax law changes, regulations or interpretations thereof. These and other risks, assumptions and uncertainties are described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 31 August 2017 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended 30 November 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except to the extent required by law, 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.

Notes to Editors:

About Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) is the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. The company's heritage of trusted health care services through community pharmacy care and pharmaceutical wholesaling dates back more than 100 years.

Walgreens Boots Alliance is the largest retail pharmacy, health and daily living destination across the U.S. and Europe. Walgreens Boots Alliance and the companies in which it has equity method investments together have a presence in more than 25* countries and employ more than 385,000* people. The company is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail and, together with the companies in which it has equity method investments, has more than 13,200* stores in 11* countries as well as one of the largest global pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution networks, with more than 390* distribution centers delivering to more than 230,000** pharmacies, doctors, health centers and hospitals each year in more than 20* countries. In addition, Walgreens Boots Alliance is one of the world’s largest purchasers of prescription drugs and many other health and wellbeing products.

The company’s portfolio of retail and business brands includes Walgreens, Duane Reade, Boots and Alliance Healthcare, as well as increasingly global health and beauty product brands, such as No7, Soap & Glory, Liz Earle, Sleek MakeUP and Botanics.

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

* As of 31 August 2017, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen.

** For 12 months ending 31 August 2017, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen

(WBA-ER)

     
WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(UNAUDITED)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
     
  Three months ended Nine months ended
  May 31, May 31,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Sales $34,334  $30,118  $98,095  $88,065 
Cost of sales 26,554  22,973  74,878  66,243 
Gross profit 7,780  7,145  23,217  21,822 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 6,231  5,712  18,456  17,522 
Equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen 52  84  142  143 
Operating income 1,601  1,517  4,903  4,443 
         
Other income (expense) (4) (8) (132) (22)
Earnings before interest and income tax provision 1,597  1,509  4,771  4,421 
         
Interest expense, net 157  155  457  500 
Earnings before income tax provision 1,440  1,354  4,314  3,921 
         
Income tax provision 109  168  839  634 
Post tax earnings (loss) from other equity method investments 15  (21) 42  7 
Net earnings 1,346  1,165  3,517  3,294 
         
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 4  3  5  18 
Net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. $1,342  $1,162  $3,512  $3,276 
         
Net earnings per common share:        
Basic $1.35  $1.08  $3.52  $3.03 
Diluted $1.35  $1.07  $3.51  $3.02 
         
Dividends declared per share $0.400  $0.375  $1.200  $1.125 
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding:        
Basic 992.1  1,077.1  996.4  1,079.6 
Diluted 995.3  1,082.6  1,000.6  1,085.5 
     
WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
(in millions)
     
  May 31, 2018 August 31, 2017
Assets    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $1,818  $3,301
Accounts receivable, net 7,159  6,528
Inventories 9,889  8,899
Other current assets 1,122  1,025
Total current assets 19,988  19,753
     
Non-current assets:    
Property, plant and equipment, net 13,938  13,642
Goodwill 17,089  15,632
Intangible assets, net 12,111  10,156
Equity method investments 6,272  6,320
Other non-current assets 754  506
Total non-current assets 50,164  46,256
Total assets $70,152  $66,009
     
Liabilities and equity    
Current liabilities:    
Short-term debt $2,587  $251
Trade accounts payable 13,089  12,494
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 5,435  5,473
Income taxes 371  329
Total current liabilities 21,482  18,547
     
Non-current liabilities:    
Long-term debt 12,456  12,684
Deferred income taxes 1,973  2,281
Other non-current liabilities 5,771  4,223
Total non-current liabilities 20,200  19,188
Total equity 28,470  28,274
Total liabilities and equity $70,152  $66,009
 
WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(in millions)
  Nine months ended May 31,
  2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net earnings $3,517  $3,294 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 1,300  1,244 
Deferred income taxes (382) (211)
Stock compensation expense 91  71 
Equity earnings from equity method investments (184) (150)
Other 266  289 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable, net (762) (153)
Inventories 230  259 
Other current assets (4) 22 
Trade accounts payable 627  821 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 10  (268)
Income taxes 793  6 
Other non-current assets and liabilities (117) 13 
Net cash provided by operating activities 5,385  5,237 
     
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Additions to property, plant and equipment (983) (912)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions   436 
Proceeds from sale of other assets 221  39 
Business and intangible asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired (4,220) (63)
Other (129) 48 
Net cash used for investing activities (5,111) (452)
     
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Net change in short-term debt with maturities of 3 months or less 596  277 
Proceeds from debt 5,043   
Payments of debt (3,507) (40)
Stock purchases (2,525) (1,457)
Proceeds related to employee stock plans 118  174 
Cash dividends paid (1,291) (1,228)
Other (217) (59)
Net cash used for financing activities (1,783) (2,333)
     
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 26  (6)
     
Changes in cash and cash equivalents:    
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,483) 2,446 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,301  9,807 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $1,818  $12,253 
 

WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
The following information provides reconciliations of the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures, as defined under 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 believe that the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures presented provide additional perspective and insights when analyzing the core operating performance of the Company’s business from period to period and trends in the Company’s historical operating results. 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 on a forward-looking basis (including the information under “Company Outlook” above) 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, 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 United States reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and this presentation provides a framework to assess how its business performed excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
 

Comparable sales

For our Retail Pharmacy divisions, comparable stores are defined as those that have been open for at least 12 consecutive months and that have not been closed for seven or more consecutive days, undergone a major remodel or been subject to a natural disaster during the past 12 months. Relocated and acquired stores are not included as comparable stores for the first 12 months after the relocation or acquisition. Comparable store sales, comparable pharmacy sales and comparable retail sales refer to total sales, pharmacy sales and retail sales, respectively, in such stores. For our Pharmaceutical Wholesale division, comparable sales are defined as sales excluding acquisitions and dispositions. The method of calculating comparable sales varies across the industries in which we operate. As a result, our method of calculating comparable sales may not be the same as other companies’ methods.
 
Comparable sales are presented on a constant currency basis for the Retail Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Wholesale divisions. In the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the year-ago quarter, the Retail Pharmacy International division’s comparable store sales on a reported currency basis increased 7.4 percent, comparable pharmacy sales on a reported currency basis increased 6.8 percent and comparable retail sales on a reported currency basis increased 7.7 percent. The Pharmaceutical Wholesale division’s comparable sales excluding acquisitions and dispositions on a reported currency basis increased 12.6 percent.
     

NET EARNINGS AND DILUTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

     
  Three months ended Nine months ended
  May 31, May 31,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (GAAP) $1,342  $1,162  $3,512  $3,276 
         
Adjustments to operating income:        
Acquisition-related amortization 131  83  329  247 
Acquisition-related costs 57  29  173  75 
LIFO provision 69  97  166  204 
Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen 60  17  136  95 
Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements 5    120   
Hurricane-related costs     83   
Store optimization 24    24   
Cost transformation   171    592 
Asset recovery     (15)  
Total adjustments to operating income 346  397  1,016  1,213 
         
Adjustments to other income (expense):        
Impairment of equity method investment 8    178   
Net investment hedging (gain) loss (3) 1  (36) 15 
Total adjustments to other income (expense) 5  1  142  15 
         
Adjustments to interest expense, net:        
Prefunded acquisition financing costs   34  29  123 
Total adjustments to interest expense, net   34  29  123 
         
Adjustments to income tax provision:        
U.S. tax law changes1 (140)   44   
Equity method non-cash tax 8  24  19  34 
UK tax rate change1       (77)
Tax impact of adjustments2 (39) (177) (224) (466)
Total adjustments to income tax provision (171) (153) (161) (509)
         
Adjusted net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Non-GAAP measure) $1,522  $1,441  $4,538  $4,118 
         
Diluted net earnings per common share (GAAP) $1.35  $1.07  $3.51  $3.02 
Adjustments to operating income 0.35  0.37  1.02  1.12 
Adjustments to other income (expense) 0.01    0.14  0.01 
Adjustments to interest expense, net   0.03  0.03  0.11 
Adjustments to income tax provision (0.18) (0.14) (0.16) (0.47)
Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share (Non-GAAP measure) $1.53  $1.33  $4.54  $3.79 
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 995.3  1,082.6  1,000.6  1,085.5 

1

 Discrete tax-only items.
   

2

 Represents the adjustment to the GAAP basis tax provision commensurate with non-GAAP adjustments.
   

GROSS PROFIT BY DIVISION

   
  Three months ended May 31, 2018
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International Wholesale Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Gross profit (GAAP) $6,029  $1,215  $536  $  $7,780 
Acquisition-related amortization 6        6 
LIFO provision 69        69 
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP measure) $6,104  $1,215  $536  $  $7,855 
           
Sales $25,917  $2,995  $5,965  $(543) $34,334 
Gross margin (GAAP) 23.3% 40.6% 9.0%   22.7%
Adjusted gross margin (Non-GAAP measure) 23.6% 40.6% 9.0%   22.9%
   
  Three months ended May 31, 2017
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International Wholesale Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Gross profit (GAAP) $5,507  $1,148  $491  $(1) $7,145 
LIFO provision 97        97 
Cost transformation 61        61 
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP measure) $5,665  $1,148  $491  $(1) $7,303 
           
Sales $22,528  $2,809  $5,296  $(515) $30,118 
Gross margin (GAAP) 24.4% 40.9% 9.3%   23.7%
Adjusted gross margin (Non-GAAP measure) 25.1% 40.9% 9.3%   24.2%
   
  Nine months ended May 31, 2018
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International Wholesale Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Gross profit (GAAP) $17,898  $3,733  $1,590  $(4) $23,217 
Acquisition-related amortization 14        14 
LIFO provision 166        166 
Hurricane-related costs 43        43 
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP measure) $18,121  $3,733  $1,590  $(4) $23,440 
           
Sales $72,884  $9,395  $17,438  $(1,622) $98,095 
Gross margin (GAAP) 24.6% 39.7% 9.1%   23.7%
Adjusted gross margin (Non-GAAP measure) 24.9% 39.7% 9.1%   23.9%
   
  Nine months ended May 31, 2017
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International Wholesale Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Gross profit (GAAP) $16,822  $3,527  $1,478  $(5) $21,822 
LIFO provision 204        204 
Cost transformation 61        61 
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP measure) $17,087  $3,527  $1,478  $(5) $22,087 
           
Sales $65,001  $8,872  $15,743  $(1,551) $88,065 
Gross margin (GAAP) 25.9% 39.8% 9.4%   24.8%
Adjusted gross margin (Non-GAAP measure) 26.3% 39.8% 9.4%   25.1%
   

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES BY DIVISION

   
  Three months ended May 31, 2018
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International Wholesale Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (GAAP) $4,776  $1,043  $412  $  $6,231 
Acquisition-related amortization (78) (26) (21)   (125)
Acquisition-related costs (57)       (57)
Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements (5)       (5)
Store optimization (24)       (24)
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (Non-GAAP measure) $4,612  $1,017  $391  $  $6,020 
           
Sales $25,917  $2,995  $5,965  $(543) $34,334 
Selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (GAAP) 18.4% 34.8% 6.9%   18.1%
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (Non-GAAP measure) 17.8% 34.0% 6.6%   17.5%
   
  Three months ended May 31, 2017
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International Wholesale Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (GAAP) $4,337  $1,006  $375  $(6) $5,712 
Acquisition-related amortization (38) (25) (20)   (83)
Acquisition-related costs (29)       (29)
Cost transformation (68) (26) (16)   (110)
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (Non-GAAP measure) $4,202  $955  $339  $(6) $5,490 
           
Sales $22,528  $2,809  $5,296  $(515) $30,118 
Selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (GAAP) 19.3% 35.8% 7.1%   19.0%
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (Non-GAAP measure) 18.7% 34.0% 6.4%   18.2%
   
  Nine months ended May 31, 2018
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International Wholesale Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (GAAP) $14,117  $3,125  $1,219  $(5) $18,456 
Acquisition-related amortization (172) (80) (63)   (315)
Acquisition-related costs (173)       (173)
Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements (120)       (120)
Hurricane-related costs (40)       (40)
Store optimization (24)       (24)
Asset recovery 15        15 
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (Non-GAAP measure) $13,603  $3,045  $1,156  $(5) $17,799 
           
Sales $72,884  $9,395  $17,438  $(1,622) $98,095 
Selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (GAAP) 19.4% 33.3% 7.0%   18.8%
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (Non-GAAP measure) 18.7% 32.4% 6.6%   18.1%
   
  Nine months ended May 31, 2017
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International Wholesale Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (GAAP) $13,427  $3,005  $1,096  $(6) $17,522 
Acquisition-related amortization (113) (75) (59)   (247)
Acquisition-related costs (75)       (75)
Cost transformation (456) (51) (24)   (531)
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (Non-GAAP measure) $12,783  $2,879  $1,013  $(6) $16,669 
           
Sales $65,001  $8,872  $15,743  $(1,551) $88,065 
Selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (GAAP) 20.7% 33.9% 7.0%   19.9%
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses percent to sales (Non-GAAP measure) 19.7% 32.5% 6.4%   18.9%
     

EQUITY EARNINGS IN AMERISOURCEBERGEN

     
  Three months ended Nine months ended
  May 31, May 31,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (GAAP) $52  $84  $142  $143 
Litigation settlements and other 7  2  185  7 
Acquisition-related amortization 30  29  87  80 
Loss on previously held equity interest 11    11   
Asset impairment 8    8   
Early debt extinguishment     5   
PharMEDium remediation costs 4    4   
Change in fair market value of AmerisourceBergen warrants       29 
LIFO provision   (14) (12) (21)
U.S. tax law changes     (152)  
Adjusted equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (Non-GAAP measure) $112  $101  $278  $238 
   

OPERATING INCOME BY DIVISION

   
  Three months ended May 31, 2018
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International 

Wholesale1

 Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Operating income (GAAP) $1,253  $172  $176  $  $1,601 
Acquisition-related amortization 84  26  21    131 
Acquisition-related costs 57        57 
LIFO provision 69        69 
Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen     60    60 
Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements 5        5 
Store optimization 24        24 
Adjusted operating income
(Non-GAAP measure)
 $1,492  $198  $257  $  $1,947 
           
Sales $25,917  $2,995  $5,965  $(543) $34,334 
Operating margin (GAAP)2 4.8% 5.7% 2.1%   4.5%
Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP measure)2 5.8% 6.6% 2.4%   5.3%
   
  Three months ended May 31, 2017
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International 

Wholesale1

 Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Operating income (GAAP) $1,170  $142  $200  $5  $1,517 
Acquisition-related amortization 38  25  20    83 
Acquisition-related costs 29        29 
LIFO provision 97        97 
Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen     17    17 
Cost transformation 129  26  16    171 
Adjusted operating income
(Non-GAAP measure)
 $1,463  $193  $253  $5  $1,914 
           
Sales $22,528  $2,809  $5,296  $(515) $30,118 
Operating margin (GAAP)2 5.2% 5.1% 2.2%   4.8%
Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP measure)2 6.5% 6.9% 2.9%   6.0%
   
  Nine months ended May 31, 2018
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International 

Wholesale1

 Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Operating income (GAAP) $3,781  $608  $513  $1  $4,903 
Acquisition-related amortization 186  80  63    329 
Acquisition-related costs 173        173 
LIFO provision 166        166 
Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen     136    136 
Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements 120        120 
Hurricane-related costs 83        83 
Store optimization 24        24 
Asset recovery (15)       (15)
Adjusted operating income

(Non-GAAP measure)

 $4,518  $688  $712  $1  $5,919 
           
Sales $72,884  $9,395  $17,438  $(1,622) $98,095 
Operating margin (GAAP)2 5.2% 6.5% 2.1%   4.9%
Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP measure)2 6.2% 7.3% 2.5%   5.8%
  Nine months ended May 31, 2017
  Retail Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Pharmaceutical   Walgreens Boots
  USA International 

Wholesale1

 Eliminations Alliance, Inc.
Operating income (GAAP) $3,395  $522  $525  $1  $4,443 
Acquisition-related amortization 113  75  59    247 
Acquisition-related costs 75        75 
LIFO provision 204        204 
Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen     95    95 
Cost transformation 517  51  24    592 
Adjusted operating income

(Non-GAAP measure)

 $4,304  $648  $703  $1  $5,656 
           
Sales $65,001  $8,872  $15,743  $(1,551) $88,065 
Operating margin (GAAP)2 5.2% 5.9% 2.4%   4.9%
Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP measure)2 6.6% 7.3% 3.0%   6.2%

1

 Operating income for Pharmaceutical Wholesale includes equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen. As a result of the two month reporting lag, operating income for the three and nine month periods ended May 31, 2018 includes AmerisourceBergen equity earnings for the periods of January 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018 and July 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018, respectively. Operating income for the three and nine month periods ended May 31, 2017 includes AmerisourceBergen equity earnings for the periods of January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017 and July 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017, respectively.
   

2

 Operating margins and adjusted operating margins have been calculated excluding equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen.
     

ADJUSTED EFFECTIVE TAX RATE1

     
  Three months ended May 31, 2018 Three months ended May 31, 2017
  Earnings     Earnings    
  before     before    
  income tax   Effective income tax   Effective
  provision Income tax tax rate provision Income tax tax rate
Effective tax rate (GAAP) $1,440  $109  7.6% $1,354  $168  12.4%
Impact of non-GAAP adjustments 351  71    432  97   
U.S. tax law changes   140         
Equity method non-cash   (8)     (24)  
Adjusted tax rate true-up   (32)     80   
Subtotal $1,791  $280    $1,786  $321   
             
Exclude adjusted equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (112)     (101)    
Adjusted effective tax rate excluding adjusted equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (Non-GAAP measure) $1,679  $280  16.7% $1,685  $321  19.1%
     
  Nine months ended May 31, 2018 Nine months ended May 31, 2017
  Earnings     Earnings    
  before     before    
  income tax   Effective income tax   Effective
  provision Income tax tax rate provision Income tax tax rate
Effective tax rate (GAAP) $4,314  $839  19.4% $3,921  $634  16.2%
Impact of non-GAAP adjustments 1,187  213    1,351  319   
U.S. tax law changes   (44)        
Equity method non-cash   (19)     (34)  
UK tax rate change         77   
Adjusted tax rate true-up   11      147   
Subtotal $5,501  $1,000    $5,272  $1,143   
             
Exclude adjusted equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (278)     (238)    
Adjusted effective tax rate excluding adjusted equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (Non-GAAP measure) $5,223  $1,000  19.1% $5,034  $1,143  22.7%

1

 A change to the presentation of these tables was made to reflect the tax impact of non-GAAP excluded items as a single adjustment for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018 and 2017. No change in calculation methodology was made.
     

FREE CASH FLOW

     
  Three months ended Nine months ended
  May 31, May 31,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) $2,209  $1,855  $5,385  $5,237 
Less: Additions to property, plant and equipment (317) (273) (983) (912)
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP measure)1 $1,892  $1,582  $4,402  $4,325 

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) 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 our entire statements of cash flows.

 

Contacts

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Media Relations
USA / Fiona Ortiz, +1 847 315 6402
or
International / Laura Vergani, +44 (0)207 980 8585
or
Investor Relations
Gerald Gradwell and Ashish Kohli, +1 847 315 2922