Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ: WBA), better known as Walgreens, was one of the worst-performing stocks of 2024. Although the S&P 500 index rose by more than 20% for the year, Walgreens dropped by a staggering 64% due to consumer spending headwinds and poor performance from its primary care business efforts.

Walgreens Boots Alliance posted a wider quarterly loss, hit by the costs of closing stores and weaker retail sales, but shares surged after a smaller-than-expected drop in adjusted earnings. Walgreens shares soared more than 28% to$11.

The company's turnaround plan will continue, and though Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth said it will take time, he also said "our early progress reinforces our belief in a sustainable, retail pharmacy-led operating model.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (WBA) reports a 6.9% sales increase while navigating challenges in retail and executing a Footprint Optimization Program.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:WBA) shares surged 19% on Friday after the pharmacy retailer reported first-quarter earnings and revenue above analyst expectations, and delivered an upbeat annual forecast.