This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. About five months after formally being acquired by Sycamore Partners, Walgreens is laying off hundreds of employees. In Texas, 159 employees are impacted, according to a notice the company filed with the state dated Feb. 12. The effective layoff date is June 1 and marks the closure of the company’s distribution center in Houston. Additionally, 469 employees are im ...

Core Viewpoint - Walgreens is laying off over 600 employees following its acquisition by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, as part of a cost-reduction strategy aimed at improving profitability after facing competitive pressures and operational challenges [1]. Company Actions - Walgreens is cutting 469 jobs in Illinois and plans to cut another 159 positions in Texas due to the closure of a distribution center [1]. - The company is also eliminating paid holidays for some employees as part of the cost-cutting measures [1]. Acquisition Details - Walgreens was taken private for $10 billion last year after experiencing a series of costly missteps and increased competition from lower-priced rivals like Amazon and Walmart [1]. - Sycamore Partners, known for acquiring distressed retailers, aims to enhance store sales by introducing new products such as electronic cigarettes [1].

Core Insights - Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) has launched the Alliance for Advancing Rural Healthcare (AARH) to support the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, a federal initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare systems in rural communities [1][2] - The RHT Program represents a significant federal investment in rural healthcare, emphasizing the need for effective execution to translate funding into improved healthcare access and outcomes [2][3] Company Overview - SAIC is a leading Fortune 500 mission integrator with a focus on technology and innovation, generating annual revenues of approximately $7.5 billion [5] - The AARH includes partnerships with organizations such as Arcadia, Castlight Health, Covista, Mission Mobile Medical, Telemedicine.com, TruBridge, and Walgreens, each contributing unique expertise to address rural healthcare challenges [1][3] Industry Context - The RHT Program is described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for states to enhance rural healthcare, requiring collaboration and execution beyond mere funding [3] - AARH aims to assist state governments in overcoming challenges related to public sector accountability and healthcare operations, ensuring sustainable, people-centered solutions for rural communities [3] Partner Contributions - Each partner in the AARH brings specialized capabilities: - SAIC integrates AI, data management, and cybersecurity solutions [3] - Arcadia focuses on improving provider performance through data analytics [3] - Castlight Health enhances care navigation and access [3] - Covista addresses workforce needs by educating healthcare professionals [3] - Mission Mobile Medical expands access through mobile healthcare delivery [3] - Telemedicine.com provides telemedicine solutions to improve care access [3] - TruBridge supports rural hospitals with financial sustainability solutions [3] - Walgreens offers essential care in underserved areas through community pharmacies [3]

FEBRUARY 2026 Agree Realty Overview (NYSE: ADC) NET LEASE REIT FOCUSED ON THE ACQUISITION & DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH-QUALITY RETAIL PROPERTIES OUR COMPANY Founded in 1971 by Executive Chairman, Richard Agree Public on the NYSE since 1994 $12.6 billion retail net lease REIT headquartered in Royal Oak, Michigan(1) 2,674 retail properties totaling approximately 55.5 million square feet in all 50 states Investment grade issuer ratings of A- from Fitch, Baa1 from Moody's, and BBB+ from S&P RETHINK RETAIL Capitalize o ...

Core Viewpoint - CVS Health is a significant player in the healthcare sector, with a diverse range of services and is set to release its quarterly earnings on February 10, 2026, with estimated EPS of $0.99 and revenue of approximately $103.57 billion [1][6] Financial Performance - CVS has consistently exceeded earnings estimates over the past four quarters, indicating strong financial performance [2] - For Q4 2025, analysts expect non-GAAP earnings of $0.99 per share, a decline from $1.19 per share in Q4 2024, potentially influenced by Medicare news [3] Market Valuation - CVS's P/E ratio of 212 suggests that investors are willing to pay a high price for its earnings, reflecting high expectations [3] - The price-to-sales ratio of 0.25 indicates that the market values CVS at 25 cents for every dollar of sales, while the enterprise value to sales ratio of 0.44 reflects its valuation in relation to sales [4] - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio of 18.89 highlights how the market values CVS's cash-generating ability [4] Capital Structure - CVS's debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12 shows a moderate use of debt in its capital structure [5] - The current ratio of 0.83 suggests potential liquidity concerns, as CVS has less than one dollar in current assets for every dollar of current liabilities [5] - The earnings yield of 0.47% provides a comprehensive view of CVS's financial health and market valuation [5]

Summary of NewLake Capital Partners Update Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: NewLake Capital Partners (OTCPK:NLCP) - **Business Model**: Sale-leaseback REIT focused on cannabis real estate - **Market Position**: Second largest owner of cannabis real estate in the U.S. with 34 properties across 12 states - **Lease Structure**: Average remaining lease term of 12 years and a yield of approximately 13% on leased portfolio [5][6] Financial Performance - **Dividend Growth**: 80% growth in dividends since IPO in mid-2021, although growth has leveled off due to market conditions [7][8] - **Tenant Composition**: Top three tenants (Curaleaf, Cresco, Trulieve) account for about 50% of annualized base rent [7] - **Comparison with Non-Cannabis REITs**: Non-cannabis REITs have lower yields (6%-7%) compared to NewLake's 13% [10][12] Market Dynamics - **Cannabis Sector Sentiment**: The sentiment in the cannabis sector has softened, impacting deal-making and growth strategies [8] - **Comparison with Other Financing Options**: Sale-leaseback REITs provide longer duration and potentially higher proceeds compared to BDCs and mortgage REITs, which typically have shorter transaction durations [14][17] Regulatory Environment - **International Opportunities**: Interest in exploring deals outside the U.S., including Canada and Europe, but regulatory uncertainties remain a concern [22][58] - **Impact of Rescheduling**: Anticipated positive effects from potential rescheduling of cannabis, including increased demand for services and improved credit quality for tenants [60][61] Tenant Issues and Portfolio Management - **Recent Tenant Recoveries**: Properties from Ayr and Rev Clinics have been recovered and are being re-tenanted for cannabis purposes [89][92] - **Proactive Tenant Relationships**: NewLake aims to maintain strong relationships with tenants to maximize returns and address issues collaboratively [95] Investor Considerations - **Dividend Yield**: Attractive low to mid-teens dividend yield, but concerns about discount to NAV and market perception of leverage and dividend sustainability [38][44] - **Market Positioning**: NewLake's focus on a diversified portfolio of cannabis real estate may provide lower volatility compared to direct cannabis operators [36][37] Future Outlook - **Potential for Increased Deal Flow**: Positive regulatory changes could lead to more opportunities in 2026 and 2027, although current activity remains cautious [60][61] - **Challenges Ahead**: The company faces challenges in gaining a listing on major exchanges due to federal cannabis laws, despite potential regulatory changes [79][81]

GoodRx FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: GoodRx (NasdaqGS:GDRX) - **Date of Conference**: January 13, 2026 - **Speakers**: CEO Wendy Barnes, CFO Chris McGinnis, and Lisa Gill from JPMorgan Key Industry Dynamics - **Health Benefits Landscape**: Significant changes are occurring, including reductions in ACA subsidies, changes to Medicaid coverage, and an increase in high-deductible plans, which are leading to higher uninsured and underinsured rates [4][5] - **Consumer Behavior**: The trend of underinsurance is pushing more consumers to utilize cash for prescriptions, with approximately 90% of GoodRx users having insurance but still facing high out-of-pocket costs for medications [6] Core Business Insights - **Drug Affordability**: The current administration's focus on drug affordability aligns with GoodRx's mission, although the effectiveness of policy changes remains uncertain [9][10] - **Retail Pharmacy Challenges**: Retail pharmacies are facing closures and margin pressures, prompting GoodRx to partner directly with retailers to enhance their profitability and efficiency [11][12] - **Script Recapture Strategy**: GoodRx aims to recapture scripts from closed pharmacies like Rite Aid, estimating a potential recovery of 20%-40% of those scripts over time [19][21] Subscription Services - **Condition-Based Offerings**: GoodRx launched subscription services for conditions like ED, hair loss, and weight loss in 2025, focusing on branded therapies and competitive pricing [22][25] - **Market Potential**: The company sees significant opportunities in condition subscriptions, particularly in areas where traditional insurance coverage is limited [27] Manufacturer Solutions - **Growth in Manufacturer Solutions**: This segment has grown over 40% year-over-year, driven by manufacturers rethinking their commercial strategies and seeking partnerships with GoodRx to reach consumers effectively [29][30] - **Regulatory Environment**: The favorable regulatory landscape is encouraging manufacturers to engage in direct-to-consumer strategies, enhancing GoodRx's appeal as a partner [32] New Strategic Partnership - **Partnership with Surescripts**: GoodRx announced a partnership with Surescripts to launch "Script Corner," a tool aimed at providing price transparency to patients at the point of prescription [42][43] - **Impact on Patient Care**: The initiative aims to reduce prescription abandonment by providing patients with upfront pricing information, thereby improving adherence to prescribed therapies [55][61] Financial Outlook - **EBITDA Margins**: GoodRx is focused on maintaining cost discipline and expanding EBITDA margins, with potential variability based on strategic investments in marketing and partnerships [38][39] - **Future Guidance**: Specific financial guidance for 2026 will be provided later, but the company is optimistic about its growth trajectory [26][70] Conclusion - **Investor Understanding**: GoodRx aims to clarify its revenue model, emphasizing the integration of manufacturer solutions with its Rx marketplace and the potential for partnerships at the employer level [69][70] - **Commitment to Transparency**: The company is dedicated to enhancing transparency in drug pricing and improving consumer access to affordable medications [58][62]

Cencora (NYSE:COR) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Cencora is a global pharmaceutical services healthcare company that ships over a billion medications annually and employs 51,000 team members [2][3] - The company reported a 9% year-over-year revenue increase and a 16% increase in both adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted EPS, generating $3 billion in free cash flow [2] Core Strategic Drivers - **Digital Transformation**: Focus on optimizing business processes through advanced analytics and AI [3] - **Talent Development**: Commitment to career growth for employees [3] - **Productivity Improvement**: Continuous focus on enhancing operational efficiency [4] - **Growth-Oriented Investments**: Prioritization of investments that align with future strategies [4] Recent Developments - Cencora completed the acquisition of Retina Consultants of America and plans to accelerate the acquisition of OneOncology, which is expected to enhance the company's MSO platform [5][8] - The company announced a $1 billion investment in supply chain infrastructure through 2030, focusing on expanding capacity and cold chain logistics [6] Financial Guidance - Long-term operating income growth guidance was raised from 5%-8% to 6%-9%, and EPS guidance was increased from 8%-12% to 9%-13% [14][15] - Following the OneOncology acquisition announcement, long-term guidance was further raised to 7%-10% for operating income and 10%-14% for EPS [15] Market Position and Growth - Cencora is well-positioned in the specialty pharmaceuticals market, which is experiencing significant innovation and growth [7] - The MSO platform is expected to drive additional growth, enhancing relationships with providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers [7][23] Challenges and Opportunities - The company is monitoring potential impacts from changes in pharmaceutical pricing policies, particularly regarding WAC decreases and their effect on physician reimbursement [25][26] - Cencora has a strong strategic global sourcing department that has successfully managed gross margin dollars despite pricing pressures [27] International Segment - The international segment, which accounts for about 20% of operating income, is expected to see 5%-8% growth, with improvements anticipated in global specialty logistics and a more focused portfolio [59][60] Share Repurchase and Capital Deployment - Share repurchases have been paused due to the OneOncology acquisition, with plans to resume after prioritizing debt repayment [66] Conclusion - Cencora is focused on enhancing its pharmaceutical-centric strategy, investing in growth-oriented opportunities, and maintaining strong financial performance while navigating market challenges [10][66]

Core Viewpoint - CVS Health Corporation has shown significant performance improvement, becoming the best performer in the healthcare sector under CEO David Joyner, with a notable stock increase of nearly 77% in the previous year [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance - CVS Health's stock increased by nearly 77% as it recovered under the leadership of new CEO David Joyner [1]. - The company has laid out bullish long-term earnings targets, contributing to a 2% increase in stock price on the day of the report [2]. Group 2: Market Context - The healthcare sector finished up 12.5% in 2025, with CVS Health being the standout performer amidst concerns regarding regulatory changes under the leadership of RFK Jr. that ultimately did not materialize [1]. - Competitor Walgreens is shutting down many stores, which may provide CVS with a competitive advantage in the market [1].

Group 1 - The core issue is the extreme shortage of the antiviral drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir) in the U.S. and globally, particularly in cold regions facing a severe flu season [1][2] - The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is urgently assessing the shortage, noting that areas with historically high flu activity are experiencing the most severe supply issues [2] - The CDC reports that hospital visits due to flu-like symptoms have reached the highest level since the 1997-98 flu season, attributed to a new, rapidly spreading flu variant known as subclade K [3] Group 2 - Tamiflu is a neuraminidase inhibitor that reduces the spread of the flu virus and is most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset [4] - The FDA has approved Tamiflu for use in individuals aged 2 weeks and older, with an emphasis on early treatment for high-risk populations [5] - Other commonly prescribed antiviral medications for the flu include zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir, each with different mechanisms of action [5] Group 3 - UBS forecasts that the supply shortage of DDR memory products will persist until Q1 2027, with contract prices for DDR products expected to rise significantly [1] - The demand for DDR4 and DDR5 memory is projected to outpace supply growth during this period, with contract pricing expected to increase by 35% in Q4 of this year and by 40% in Q1 2026 [1]