RITE AID

NEW YORK — The Jean Coutu Group sold 72.5 million of its 178.4 million shares of Rite Aid stock, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Monday and company announcement Tuesday.

The Canadian retail pharmacy group said it sold the shares for $158.5 million and would record a gain of $49.7 million in its net profit during first quarter 2014. The sale brings Jean Coutu's stake in Rite Aid down to 11.7%, the company said.

NEW YORK — The University of Utah's College of Pharmacy has opened a new research organization designed to encourage collaboration and interaction, according to published reports.

The Salt Lake City-based Deseret News reported on the opening of the L.S. Skaggs Pharmacy Institute, a 150,000-sq.-ft. facility that includes open lab space.

Rite Aid reported a $123.1 million profit for fourth quarter 2013 and $118.1 million for the fiscal year — its first profitable year since 2007 — amid greater generic drug penetration and retention of at least three-quarters of the customers who switched over to the chain during the dispute between Walgreens and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, among other factors.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's profits grew in fourth quarter and fiscal year 2013 amid stronger front-end sales and prescription count, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Same-store sales at Rite Aid decreased 2% in March, including a 3.8% increase in same-store sales on the front end and a 4.5% decrease in pharmacy sales due in part to new introductions of generic drugs, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

The 4,621-store chain reported total sales for the month of $1.939 billion, a 2.5% decrease compared with $1.989 billion in March 2012, while same-store prescription count increased 0.3%.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering free allergy screenings, information and a range of products as the allergy season approaches, the retail pharmacy chain said Tuesday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is tying in its fundraising efforts for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals with an upcoming children's movie.

The retail pharmacy chain announced it would kick off its 19th annual campaign for the group tied in with "Epic," the 20th Century Fox Films movie that will be in theaters starting May 24. The animated movie tells the story of a teenage girl who is magically shrunk to meet a group of warriors who protect the natural world.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid raised $5.9 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in 2012, the retail pharmacy chain said.

The company said the amount marked a record and was 41% higher than the year before. Rite Aid has supported the organization for 18 years, and the money funds critical care, research and equipment at 95 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in communities served by Rite Aid.