Boots owner raises guidance as UK sees 16.3% rise in sales

Boots owner Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has raised guidance as performance across business segments has exceeded expectations, driven by COVID-19 vaccinations and testing.

WBA's latest quarter sales from retail operations increased by 7.8% compared to the same quarter the previous year to $33.9 billion, reflecting strong comparable sales growth at Walgreens and in its international segment.

Boots UK's comparable pharmacy sales increased 8.8% compared to the quarter results from last year, reflecting stronger demand for pharmacy services.

It delivered 2 million flu vaccinations in the latest quarter, an increase of 150% compared to last year. It also opened 27 new beauty halls and its online sales nearly doubled versus pre-COVID levels.

Boots UK comparable retail sales increased 16.3% compared to the same period last year. While footfall improved, traffic still remained below pre-COVID-19 levels.

Gross profit increased 21.9% compared with the same quarter last year reflecting strong UK growth.

Boots UK announced last month that it was mulling over the sale of its Aromatherapy Associates brand, which sells handmade aromatherapy inspired skincare products and candles and is stocked across the UK and the US.