WALGREENS

Rite Aid reported a $123.1 million profit for fourth quarter 2013 and $118.1 million for the fiscal year — its first profitable year since 2007 — amid greater generic drug penetration and retention of at least three-quarters of the customers who switched over to the chain during the dispute between Walgreens and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, among other factors.

 LOS ANGELES — Walgreens and NBC’s hit weight-loss competition series "The Biggest Loser" on Wednesday joined forces to launch a new web series that follows former contestant Filipe Fa's journey to lose weight and keep it off once and for all.

“The Biggest Loser is changing how American’s view health and wellness, and together we are highlighting Walgreens 'Way to Well Commitment’ by sharing Felipe and Sione's dramatic stories,” stated Megan McCambridge, divisional VP customer relationship marketing for Walgreens.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's profits grew in fourth quarter and fiscal year 2013 amid stronger front-end sales and prescription count, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The board of directors at Walgreens on Wednesday declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share, a 22.2% increase over the year ago dividend. The dividend is payable June 12, 2013, to shareholders of record May 21, 2013.

Walgreens has paid a dividend in 322 straight quarters (more than 80 years) and has raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years. Over the last five years, Walgreens annual dividend rate has increased from 38 cents per share to $1.10 per share, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of nearly 24%.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — A new Walgreens research article released Wednesday projects that by taking an innovative approach to classifying patient populations, health systems can more effectively prevent “triple-fail” events — or outcomes that fail to advance population health, reduce per capita healthcare costs and improve individual patient experience.

NEW YORK — Duane Reade on Wednesday announced the launch of its first mobile application for iOS devices. The free app, available in the iTunes store, will facilitate and further enhance customer access to Duane Reade’s pharmacy services, photo printers, prescription refills, Balance Rewards offers, account information and in-store maps.  

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Step by step, Walgreens of South Florida and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation on Tuesday announced the third annual Walk with Walgreens Family Fun Day and Health Fair, which takes place April 20 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, home to both the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes football teams. 

NEW YORK — A joint conference by the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy and the Association of Managed Care Pharmacy attracted hundreds of leaders from across the specialty pharmacy industry.