Walgreens Struggles Amid Industry Challenges

Stock Decline
Walgreens faces significant challenges in the U.S. drugstore market. Over the past five years, its stock has fallen by more than 80%, making it one of the worst performers in that period.

Store Closures and Potential Privatization
In response, Walgreens is closing 1,200 stores—about 15% of its locations. The company is also considering taking the business private through a deal with Sycamore Partners. Both Walgreens and Sycamore have declined to comment on the matter.

Challenges in the Traditional Pharmacy Model
Walgreens’ reliance on a traditional pharmacy model is a core issue. Unlike its larger competitor CVS, which benefits from greater scale and stronger negotiating power with insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), Walgreens struggles to maintain margins. PBMs, which manage reimbursements and negotiate rebates with drugmakers, have been cutting rates to boost their profits, further squeezing Walgreens.

CVS’ Diversification vs. Walgreens’ Dependence on Pharmacy Sales
CVS has diversified by merging with health insurance giant Aetna and its own PBM, Caremark. This has provided the company with a more stable revenue stream. Meanwhile, Walgreens remains highly dependent on pharmacy sales. Its retail segment accounts for 26% of U.S. pharmacy revenue, compared to CVS’s 21%. However, Walgreens’ retail segment is also facing struggles, as consumers increasingly turn to online retailers like Amazon or big-box stores such as Walmart and Costco.

The Impact of Pharmacy Closures
The broader U.S. pharmacy landscape is in turmoil. A study published in Health Affairs revealed that nearly a third of pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021. These closures disproportionately affect Black and Latino neighborhoods. Independent pharmacies are twice as likely to close as chains due to exclusion from PBM networks. This trend may widen health disparities, limiting access to essential services such as vaccinations and HIV prevention medications.

The Need for Change in the Industry
Walgreens and other pharmacy chains must adapt to shifting market dynamics. Although it remains uncertain whether Walgreens can recover, its potential privatization could be a significant turning point. Furthermore, the broader impact of pharmacy closures highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure equitable access to critical health services.

This summary offers a concise overview of Walgreens’ struggles and the broader issues facing the U.S. pharmacy market.