Additionally, same-store sales for August were up 7%and comp pharmacy sales increased 13%. Pharmacy salesaccounted for 65.3% of total sales. Sofar this year, the retailer has achieved sales of$28.2 billion, an increase of 12.7% from the sameperiod in 2004.
Walgreens opened 112 stores during August, including16 relocations, and closed two stores. Currently, thecompany operates 4,953 drugstores in 45 states andPuerto Rico, versus 4,582 a year ago. HurricaneKatrina forced the closing of 74 Walgreens stores inGulf Coast states, but only 49 remain closedtoday. The company said in a statement that it expectsto incur expenses related to losses of inventory,property and equipment. However, the retailer isuncertain of the exact amount.
The drugstore has several strong quarters behind it.During the third quarter fiscal 2005, Walgreenachieved 20% earnings growth. Net earnings for thequarter were up to $411 million or 40 cents pershare from $342.3 million or 33 cents per share in thesame quarter a year ago. Sales increased 13.1% to arecord $10.8 billion for the third quarter, whilecomp-store sales jumped 8.7% in the quarter.
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