Has ‘Print’ Media’s Ad Spending Decline Bottomed Out?

Fiscal 2017 highlights: •GAAP diluted net earnings per share decrease 1.0 percent from the prior year, to $3.78; Adjusted diluted net earnings per share increase 11.1 percent to $5.10, up 12.9 percent on a constant currency basis •GAAP net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance decrease 2.3 percent, to $4.1 billion; Adjusted net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance increase 9.9 percent to $5.5 billion, up 11.6 percent on a constant currency basis •Sales increase 0.7 percent to $118.2 billion, an increase of 3.3 percent on a constant currency basis •GAAP operating income decreases 7.4 percent to $5.6 billion; Adjusted operating income increases 4.6 percent to $7.5 billion, up 6.5 percent on a constant currency basis. Click Read More below for additional information.

For the third quarter of 2017, the company reported non-cash after-tax charges of $252.5 million, leading to a quarterly net loss of $260.5 million, or $34.11 per share. The non-cash charges relate almost solely to a non-cash deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The third quarter 2017 adjusted net loss remains unchanged from the previously reported results at $5.9 million. The net loss for the first nine months of 2017 was $393.5 million, or $51.67 per share, and included the effect of $359.4 million non-cash after-tax charges inclusive of the write-down of its CareerBuilder investment, mastheads, inventory, and the deferred tax asset valuation allowance mentioned above. The company refers readers to its October 16, 2017 release on third quarter results and its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 24, 2017 for additional information. Click Read More below for additional information.

Ulta Beauty, Inc. shared further updates to its operations as it continues to navigate the impact of COVID-19. Ulta Beauty has completed its phased reopening process. To meet individual comfort levels, guests can shop via Curbside Pickup, Buy Online Pickup in Store, on ulta.com, via the Ulta Beauty app and in Ulta Beauty stores. In addition to our Shop Safe Standards, starting today Ulta Beauty will require all guests and associates to wear facial coverings when in stores. As different parts of the country manage rising COVID-19 cases, the Company will maintain its close monitoring of government and health guidance as well as local case prevalence to inform nimble actions where necessary. Mirroring its thoughtful reopening approach, the Company began welcoming back furloughed employees consistent with individual store operational needs. To date, approximately 50% of those furloughed in April have been reactivated.