Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) stock is down nearly 25% Thursday to trade at a 27-year low after the pharmacy retail chain missed earnings expectations for its fiscal third quarter and cut its outlook for the full year.
In the three months ended May 31, Walgreens' revenue increased 2.6% year-over-year to $36.4 billion, which included a 2.3% year-over-year rise in its domestic retail pharmacy segment to $28.5 billion. The company said earnings per share (EPS) slumped 36.6% to 63 cents from the year-ago period.
"We continue to face a difficult operating environment, including persistent pressures on the U.S. consumer and the impact of recent marketplace dynamics which have eroded pharmacy margins," Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth said in a statement. "Our results and outlook reflect these headwinds, despite solid performance in both our International and U.S. Healthcare segments."
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The results were mixed compared with analysts' expectations. According to Yahoo Finance, Wall Street was anticipating revenue of $35.9 billion and earnings of 68 cents per share.
As a result of "challenging pharmacy industry trends and a worse-than-expected U.S. consumer environment," Walgreens cut its full-year earnings guidance. The company now anticipates EPS in the range of $2.80 to $2.95, down from its previous guidance of a range of $3.20 to $3.35.
Is Walgreens stock a buy, sell or hold?
It's been a rough stretch for the former Dow Jones stock, which was replaced in the 30-stock index by Amazon (AMZN) earlier this year. Indeed, shares were down nearly 40% heading into today's session, so it's unsurprising that Wall Street is on the sidelines when it comes to WBA.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for WBA stock is $21.52, representing implied upside of more than 82% to current levels. Despite the significant implied upside, the consensus recommendation is a Hold.
Given the weak quarter and reduced full-year outlook, it would not be a surprise to see analysts downwardly revise their price targets on WBA stock in the days and weeks ahead.
Related Content
-
Is Your Social Security Earnings Record Wrong? Here's How to Fix ItYour Social Security benefits are based on your Social Security earnings record. It's important to review your records to avoid having your benefits reduced.
-
Stock Market Today: Markets Discount Another U.S. DowngradeAfter Friday's closing bell, Moody's followed Standard & Poor's and Fitch and cut its rating on U.S. government debt.
-
Stock Market Today: Markets Discount Another U.S. Downgrade
After Friday's closing bell, Moody's followed Standard & Poor's and Fitch and cut its rating on U.S. government debt.
-
Donating Complex Assets Doesn't Have to Be ComplicatedIf you're looking to donate less-conventional assets but don't know where to start, this charity executive has answers, such as considering a donor-advised fund (DAF) for its tax benefits and ease of use.
-
What's Next for Stocks After a Chaotic SpringA chaotic tariff policy buffets investors looking for clarity on the economy and inflation.
-
Think a Repeal of the Estate Tax Wouldn't Affect You? WrongThe wording of any law that repeals or otherwise changes the federal estate tax could have an impact on all of us. Here's what you need to know, courtesy of an estate planning and tax attorney.
-
In Your 50s? We Need to Talk About Long-Term CareMany people don't like thinking about long-term care, but most people will need it. This financial professional recommends planning for these costs as early as possible to avoid stress later.
-
Where to Invest in an Uncertain MarketIn an uncertain market, you can still pocket juicy payouts ranging from 4% to 14%, depending on risk.
-
My First $1 Million: Events Industry CEO, 65, Northern New JerseyEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Social Security Pop Quiz: Are You Among the 89% of Americans Who'd Fail?Shockingly few people have any clue what their Social Security benefits could be. This financial adviser notes it's essential to understand that info and when it might be best to access your benefits.
