Walgreens said Thursday that its sales rose 6.2 percent in the fourth quarter, driven largely by pharmacy sales.
Sales reached $19.06 billion, in line with Wall Street’s estimates. Sales in stores open at least a year — a key gauge of retailer health since it excludes a boost from new stores — rose 5.6 percent in the quarter that ended August 31.
The Deerfield-based company said pharmacy sales in established stores rose 8.2 percent in the fourth quarter, while prescriptions filled in established stores climbed 3.9 percent. Pharmacy sales account for two-thirds of Walgreens business.
The company also reported overall sales in August rose to $6.39 billion, up from $6.1 billion at the same time last year.
August sales in established stores rose 3.7 percent. Customer traffic in established stores dropped by 1.7 percent in August, although customers’ purchases rose 3.1 percent. Prescriptions filled in established stores rose 1.1 percent.
Also last month, pharmacy sales at established stores rose 5 percent, while prescriptions in stores open at least a year rose 1.1 percent.
Walgreens opened 23 stores in August, including four relocations, and closed five stores. The company operates 8,309 locations in the United States, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
More Top Picks Telescopes