Walgreens Boots Alliance suspends quarterly dividend

Walgreens Boots Alliance announced that its board of directors is suspending the company’s cash dividend historically paid to stockholders on a quarterly basis, as management continues to evaluate and refine its capital allocation policy consistent with the company’s broader long-term turnaround efforts.

WBA said, “This change in capital allocation is aimed at strengthening WBA’s balance sheet by reducing debt over time and improving free cash flow, as the company works toward achieving a retail pharmacy-led turnaround underpinned by a sustainable economic model. The company’s cash needs over the next several years, including with respect to litigation and debt refinancing, were important considerations as part of the decision to suspend the dividend." 

[Read more: Walgreens buyout talks reportedly unlikely to culminate in a deal]

“WBA leadership remains focused on successfully executing against its strategic priorities and maintaining financial discipline, which it believes will deliver sustained value creation over the long term.”