Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) 10-Q2 Apr 192018 Q2 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Feb. 28, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001618921
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		914,298,978
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Feb. 28, 2019

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 818	$ 785
Accounts receivable, net	7,828	6,573
Inventories	10,188	9,565
Other current assets	1,016	923
Total current assets	19,851	17,846
Non-current assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net	13,828	13,911
Goodwill	17,027	16,914
Intangible assets, net	11,932	11,783
Equity method investments (see note 5)	6,683	6,610
Other non-current assets	1,114	1,060
Total non-current assets	50,584	50,278
Total assets	70,434	68,124
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	5,356	1,966
Trade accounts payable (see note 16)	14,348	13,566
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	5,436	5,862
Income taxes	163	273
Total current liabilities	25,303	21,667
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	12,685	12,431
Deferred income taxes	1,982	1,815
Other non-current liabilities	5,053	5,522
Total non-current liabilities	19,719	19,768
Commitments and contingencies (see note 10)
Equity:
Preferred stock $.01 par value; authorized 32 million shares, none issued	0	0
Common stock $.01 par value; authorized 3.2 billion shares; issued 1,172,513,618 at February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018	12	12
Paid-in capital	10,571	10,493
Retained earnings	34,928	33,551
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,705)	(3,002)
Treasury stock, at cost; 258,337,176 shares at February 28, 2019 and 220,380,200 at August 31, 2018	(18,036)	(15,047)
Total Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. shareholders’ equity	24,770	26,007
Noncontrolling interests	643	682
Total equity	25,413	26,689
Total liabilities and equity	$ 70,434	$ 68,124

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANC_2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	32,000,000	32,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	3,200,000,000	3,200,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	1,172,513,618	1,172,513,618
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	258,337,176	220,380,200

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMEN

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common stock shares	Treasury stock amount	Paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Retained earnings	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2017	$ 28,274	$ 12	$ (9,971)	$ 10,339	$ (3,051)	$ 30,137	$ 808
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2017		1,023,849,070
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings (loss)	2,171					2,170	1
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	908				888		20
Dividends declared	(800)					(794)	(6)
Treasury stock purchases	(2,525)		(2,525)
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)		(34,499,913)
Employee stock purchase and option plans	83		81	2
Employee stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		2,316,420
Stock-based compensation	63			63
Noncontrolling interests contribution	4			4			0
Ending Balance at Feb. 28, 2018	28,178	$ 12	(12,415)	10,408	(2,163)	31,513	823
Ending Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2018		991,665,577
Beginning Balance at Nov. 30, 2017	26,756	$ 12	(12,459)	10,359	(2,543)	30,560	827
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2017		990,446,414
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings (loss)	1,349					1,349	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	386				380		6
Dividends declared	(402)					(396)	(6)
Employee stock purchase and option plans	51		44	7
Employee stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		1,219,163
Stock-based compensation	38			38
Noncontrolling interests contribution	0			4			(4)
Ending Balance at Feb. 28, 2018	28,178	$ 12	(12,415)	10,408	(2,163)	31,513	823
Ending Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2018		991,665,577
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2018	26,689	$ 12	(15,047)	10,493	(3,002)	33,551	682
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2018		952,133,418
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings (loss)	2,238					2,279	(41)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	297				290		7
Dividends declared	(823)					(820)	(3)
Treasury stock purchases	(3,113)		(3,113)
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)		(42,097,919)
Employee stock purchase and option plans	138		124	14
Employee stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		4,140,943
Stock-based compensation	63			63
Other	11				7	6	(2)
Ending Balance at Feb. 28, 2019	25,413	$ 12	(18,036)	10,571	(2,705)	34,928	643
Ending Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2019		914,176,442
Beginning Balance at Nov. 30, 2018	26,263	$ 12	(15,862)	10,522	(3,231)	34,168	654
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2018		943,444,736
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings (loss)	1,138					1,156	(18)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	529				519		10
Dividends declared	(403)					(402)	(1)
Treasury stock purchases	(2,201)		(2,201)
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)		(30,103,362)
Employee stock purchase and option plans	37		25	12
Employee stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		835,068
Stock-based compensation	37			37
Other	11				7	6	(2)
Ending Balance at Feb. 28, 2019	$ 25,413	$ 12	$ (18,036)	$ 10,571	$ (2,705)	$ 34,928	$ 643
Ending Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2019		914,176,442

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEM_2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 34,528	$ 33,021	$ 68,321	$ 63,761
Cost of sales	26,773	24,925	52,925	48,324
Gross profit	7,754	8,096	15,395	15,437
Selling, general and administrative expenses	6,320	6,321	12,599	12,231
Equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen	83	202	121	90
Operating income	1,517	1,977	2,918	3,296
Other income (expense)	19	12	45	(122)
Earnings before interest and income tax provision	1,536	1,989	2,963	3,174
Interest expense, net	181	151	342	300
Earnings before income tax provision	1,356	1,838	2,621	2,874
Income tax provision	226	503	406	730
Post tax earnings from other equity method investments	9	14	24	27
Net earnings	1,138	1,349	2,238	2,171
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(18)	0	(41)	1
Net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.	$ 1,156	$ 1,349	$ 2,279	$ 2,170
Net earnings per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.36	$ 2.43	$ 2.17
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.24	$ 1.36	$ 2.42	$ 2.16
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	928.4	991	938.3	998.6
Diluted (in shares)	930.7	995.5	941.1	1,003.3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEM_3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
Comprehensive Income:
Net earnings	$ 1,138	$ 1,349	$ 2,238	$ 2,171
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension/postretirement obligations	(2)	(2)	(6)	(2)
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges	(13)	1	(10)	1
Share of other comprehensive (loss) income of equity method investments	(2)	0	(1)	2
Currency translation adjustments	553	387	321	907
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	536	386	304	908
Total comprehensive income	1,674	1,735	2,542	3,079
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8)	6	(34)	21
Comprehensive income attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.	$ 1,682	$ 1,729	$ 2,576	$ 3,058

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEM_4

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ 2,238	$ 2,171
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	990	858
Deferred income taxes	161	(474)
Stock compensation expense	63	63
Equity (earnings) from equity method investments	(145)	(117)
Other	155	87
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(1,164)	(637)
Inventories	(557)	(314)
Other current assets	(61)	(66)
Trade accounts payable	682	599
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(542)	188
Income taxes	(522)	903
Other non-current assets and liabilities	(104)	(52)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,195	3,208
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(793)	(666)
Proceeds from sale of other assets	54	18
Business, investment and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(347)	(3,375)
Other	41	(133)
Net cash used for investing activities	(1,046)	(4,156)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term debt with maturities of 3 months or less	336	836
Proceeds from debt	6,414	3,089
Payments of debt	(3,117)	(1,279)
Stock purchases	(3,113)	(2,525)
Proceeds related to employee stock plans	138	83
Cash dividends paid	(841)	(815)
Other	67	(5)
Net cash used for financing activities	(115)	(616)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	0	56
Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	34	(1,508)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	975	3,496
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 1,009	$ 1,988

Accounting policies

Accounting policies	6 Months Ended
Accounting policies	Feb. 28, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting policies	Accounting policies Basis of presentation The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (“Walgreens Boots Alliance” or the “Company”) included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding interim financial reporting. The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company holds a controlling interest. The Company uses the equity-method of accounting for equity investments in less than majority-owned companies if the investment provides the ability to exercise significant influence. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements included herein are unaudited. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Walgreens Boots Alliance Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018 . In the opinion of management, the unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for the interim periods presented include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the results for such interim periods. The influence of certain holidays, seasonality, foreign currency rates, changes in vendor, payer and customer relationships and terms, strategic transactions including acquisitions, changes in laws and general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates and other factors on the Company’s operations and net earnings for any period may not be comparable to the same period in previous years. Certain amounts in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and associated notes may not add due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 .

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Feb. 28, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Acquisition of certain Rite Aid Corporation ( “ Rite Aid ” ) assets On September 19, 2017, the Company announced that it had secured regulatory clearance for an amended and restated asset purchase agreement to purchase 1,932 stores, three distribution centers and related inventory from Rite Aid for $4.375 billion in cash and other consideration. The purchases of these stores have been accounted for as business combinations and occurred in waves during fiscal 2018. The Company purchased 1,932 stores for total cash consideration of $4.2 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018. As of February 28, 2019 , the Company had not completed the analysis to assign fair values for certain liabilities assumed for the acquired stores, and therefore the purchase price allocation has not been finalized as the Company is awaiting additional information to complete its assessment. During the three months ended February 28, 2019 , the Company recorded certain measurement period adjustments based on additional information, which did not have a material impact on goodwill. The following table summarizes the consideration paid and the preliminary amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed for purchase of 1,932 stores as of February 28, 2019 (in millions): Consideration $ 4,330 Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed Inventories $ 1,171 Property, plant and equipment 490 Intangible assets 2,039 Accrued expenses and other liabilities (55 ) Deferred income taxes 291 Other non-current liabilities (937 ) Total identifiable net assets 2,999 Goodwill $ 1,331 The identified definite-lived intangible assets were as follows: Definite-lived intangible assets Weighted-average useful life (in years) Amount (in millions) Customer relationships 12 $ 1,800 Favorable lease interests 10 219 Trade names 2 20 Total $ 2,039 Consideration includes cash of $4,157 million and the fair value of the option granted to Rite Aid to become a member of the Company’s group purchasing organization, Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH. The fair value for this option was determined using the income approach methodology. The fair value estimates are based on the market compensation for such services and appropriate discount rate, as relevant, that market participants would consider when estimating fair values. The goodwill of $1,331 million arising from the business combinations primarily reflects the expected operational synergies and cost savings generated from the Store Optimization Program as well as the expected growth from new customers. See note 3 , exit and disposal activities , for additional information. The goodwill was allocated to the Retail Pharmacy USA segment. Substantially all of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The fair value for customer relationships was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method, a form of the income approach. Real property fair values were determined using primarily the income approach and sales comparison approach. The fair value measurements of the intangible assets are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements. The fair value estimates for the intangible assets are based on projected discounted cash flows, historical and projected financial information and attrition rates, as relevant, that market participants would consider when estimating fair values. The following table presents supplemental unaudited condensed pro forma consolidated sales for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 and gives effect to the acquisition of all 1,932 stores acquired under the amended and restated asset purchase agreement as if such had been acquired on September 1, 2017. Pro forma net earnings of the Company for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 , assuming these purchases had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would not be materially different from the results reported. See note 3 , exit and disposal activities , for additional disclosures. The unaudited condensed pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of what the Company’s results would have been had the purchases occurred at the beginning of the periods presented or results which may occur in the future. Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, (in millions) 2018 2018 Sales $ 34,567 $ 67,693 The Company acquired the first distribution center and related inventory for cash consideration of $ 61 million during the six months ended February 28, 2019 . The transition of the remaining two distribution centers and related inventory remains subject to closing conditions set forth in the amended and restated asset purchase agreement. Other acquisitions The Company acquired certain prescription files and related pharmacy inventory from Fred’s Inc. for the aggregate purchase price of $ 77 million for the three months ended February 28, 2019 and $ 177 million for the six months ended February 28, 2019 .

Exit and disposal activities

Exit and disposal activities	6 Months Ended
Exit and disposal activities	Feb. 28, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Exit and disposal activities	Exit and disposal activities Transformational Cost Management Program On December 20, 2018, the Company announced a multi-faceted program (the “Transformational Cost Management Program”), which includes divisional optimization initiatives, global smart spending, global smart organization and digitalization of the enterprise to transform long-term capabilities. Divisional optimization includes cost reduction activities across all segments of the Company. Additionally, the Company has initiated global smart spending and smart organization programs, initially focused on the Company’s Retail Pharmacy USA division, its retail business in the UK and its global functions. Actions under the Transformational Cost Management Program announced on December 20, 2018 are expected to be complete by fiscal 2022. As of the date of this report, the Company is not able to make a determination of the total estimated amount or range of amounts that may be incurred for each major type of cost nor the future cash expenditures or charges, including non-cash impairment charges, it may incur. Costs related to the Transformational Cost Management Program, which were primarily recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (in millions): Three months ended February 28, 2019 Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Employee severance and other exit costs $ 14 $ 14 $ 11 $ 39 Asset impairments 1 — 26 85 111 Total costs $ 14 $ 40 $ 96 $ 150 Six months ended February 28, 2019 Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Employee severance and other exit costs $ 16 $ 35 $ 11 $ 62 Asset impairments 1 — 32 85 117 Total costs $ 16 $ 67 $ 96 $ 179 1 Primarily includes write down of certain software and inventory. The changes in liabilities related to the Transformational Cost Management Program include the following (in millions): Employee severance and other exit costs Asset impairments Total Balance at August 31, 2018 $ — $ — $ — Costs 62 117 179 Payments (33 ) — (33 ) Other - non cash — (117 ) (117 ) Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 30 $ — $ 30 Store Optimization Program On October 24, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to implement a program (the “Store Optimization Program”) to optimize store locations through the planned closure of approximately 600 stores and related assets within the Company’s Retail Pharmacy USA segment upon completion of the acquisition of certain stores and related assets from Rite Aid. As of the date of this report, the Company expects to close approximately 750 stores. The actions under the Store Optimization Program commenced in March 2018 and are now expected to be complete by the end of fiscal 2020. The Company currently estimates that it will recognize cumulative pre-tax charges to its GAAP financial results of approximately $350 million , including costs associated with lease obligations and other real estate costs and employee severance and other exit costs. The Company expects to incur pre-tax charges of approximately $160 million for lease obligations and other real estate costs and approximately $190 million for employee severance and other exit costs. The Company estimates that substantially all of these cumulative pre-tax charges will result in cash expenditures. Since approval of the Store Optimization Program, the Company has recognized cumulative pre-tax charges to its financial results in accordance with GAAP totaling $150 million , which were primarily recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. These charges included $21 million related to lease obligations and other real estate costs and $130 million in employee severance and other exit costs. Costs related to the Store Optimization Program were as follows (in millions): Three months ended February 28, 2019 Six months ended February 28, 2019 Lease obligations and other real estate costs $ 9 $ 2 Employee severance and other exit costs 22 49 Total costs $ 31 $ 51 The changes in liabilities related to the Store Optimization Program include the following (in millions): Lease obligations and other real estate costs Employee severance and other exit costs Total Balance at August 31, 2018 $ 308 $ 21 $ 329 Costs 2 49 51 Payments (91 ) (56 ) (147 ) Other - non cash 1 103 — 103 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 321 $ 14 $ 336 1 Primarily represents unfavorable lease liabilities from acquired Rite Aid stores. Cost Transformation Program On April 8, 2015, the Walgreens Boots Alliance Board of Directors approved a plan to implement a restructuring program (the “Cost Transformation Program”) as part of an initiative to reduce costs and increase operating efficiencies. The Cost Transformation Program implemented and built on the cost-reduction initiative previously announced by the Company on August 6, 2014 and included plans to close stores across the United States; reorganize corporate and field operations; drive operating efficiencies; and streamline information technology and other functions. The actions under the Cost Transformation Program focused primarily on the Retail Pharmacy USA segment, but included activities from all segments. The Company completed the Cost Transformation Program in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The changes in liabilities related to the Cost Transformation Program include the following (in millions): Real estate costs Severance and other business transition and exit costs Total Balance at August 31, 2018 $ 414 $ 7 $ 421 Payments (44 ) (2 ) (46 ) Other - non cash 19 — 19 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 390 $ 5 $ 395

Operating leases

Operating leases	6 Months Ended
Operating leases	Feb. 28, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating leases	Operating leases During the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 , the Company recorded charges of $29 million and $42 million for facilities that were closed or relocated. This compares to $28 million and $67 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 . These charges are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings. The changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges include the following (in millions): For the six months ended February 28, 2019 For the twelve months ended August 31, 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 964 $ 718 Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities 1 52 Changes in assumptions 21 19 Accretion expense 20 58 Other - non cash 1 86 338 Cash payments, net of sublease income (164 ) (221 ) Balance at end of period $ 928 $ 964 1 Represents unfavorable lease liabilities from acquired Rite Aid stores.

Equity method investments

Equity method investments	6 Months Ended
Equity method investments	Feb. 28, 2019
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity method investments	Equity method investments Equity method investments as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 , were as follows (in millions, except percentages): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Carrying value Ownership percentage Carrying value Ownership percentage AmerisourceBergen $ 5,212 27% $ 5,138 26% Others 1,471 8% - 50% 1,472 8% - 50% Total $ 6,683 $ 6,610 AmerisourceBergen Corporation (“AmerisourceBergen”) investment As of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 , the Company owned 56,854,867 AmerisourceBergen common shares, representing approximately 27% and 26% of the outstanding AmerisourceBergen common stock, respectively. The Company accounts for its equity investment in AmerisourceBergen using the equity method of accounting, with the net earnings attributable to the Company’s investment being classified within the operating income of its Pharmaceutical Wholesale segment. Due to the timing and availability of financial information of AmerisourceBergen, the Company accounts for this equity method investment on a financial reporting lag of two months . Equity earnings from AmerisourceBergen are reported as a separate line in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings. The Level 1 fair market value of the Company’s equity investment in AmerisourceBergen common stock at February 28, 2019 was $4.7 billion . As of February 28, 2019 , the Company’s investment in AmerisourceBergen carrying value exceeded its proportionate share of the net assets of AmerisourceBergen by $4.4 billion . This premium of $4.4 billion was recognized as part of the carrying value in the Company’s equity investment in AmerisourceBergen. The difference was primarily related to goodwill and the fair value of AmerisourceBergen intangible assets. Other investments The Company’s other equity method investments include its investments in Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Nanjing Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited, the Company’s pharmaceutical wholesale investments in China; Sinopharm Holding GuoDa Drugstores Co., Ltd., the Company's retail pharmacy investment in China and Option Care Inc., the Company's investment in the United States. The Company reported $9 million and $14 million of post-tax equity earnings from other equity method investments, including equity method investments classified as operating, for the three months ended February 28, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The Company reported $24 million and $27 million of post-tax equity earnings from other equity method investments for the six months ended February 28, 2019 and 2018 , respectively.

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	6 Months Ended
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Feb. 28, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit or intangible asset below its carrying value. Based on the fiscal 2018 annual impairment analysis, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts ranging from approximately 11% to approximately 312% . The fair value of the Boots reporting unit, within the Retail Pharmacy International division, is in excess of its carrying value by approximately 11% . The Company continues to monitor weakness in the U.K. retail market, uncertainty surrounding future NHS funding and the U.K.’s potential exit from the European Union (commonly referred to as “Brexit”), and the potential impact these and other factors may have on the fair value of the Boots reporting units in future periods. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. Although we believe our estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment consist of the following (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Balance at August 31, 2018 $ 10,483 $ 3,370 $ 3,061 $ 16,914 Acquisitions 8 — — 8 Disposals — (8 ) — (8 ) Currency translation adjustments — 59 54 113 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 10,491 $ 3,421 $ 3,115 $ 17,027 The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets consist of the following (in millions): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Gross amortizable intangible assets Customer relationships and loyalty card holders $ 4,421 $ 4,235 Favorable lease interests and non-compete agreements 669 680 Trade names and trademarks 507 489 Purchasing and payer contracts 382 390 Total gross amortizable intangible assets 5,979 5,794 Accumulated amortization Customer relationships and loyalty card holders $ 1,147 $ 997 Favorable lease interests and non-compete agreements 386 359 Trade names and trademarks 242 206 Purchasing and payer contracts 86 78 Total accumulated amortization 1,861 1,640 Total amortizable intangible assets, net $ 4,118 $ 4,154 Indefinite-lived intangible assets Trade names and trademarks $ 5,688 $ 5,557 Pharmacy licenses 2,126 2,072 Total indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 7,814 $ 7,629 Total intangible assets, net $ 11,932 $ 11,783 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $139 million and $273 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 , respectively, and $121 million and $217 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 , respectively. Estimated future annual amortization expense for the next five fiscal years for intangible assets recorded at February 28, 2019 is as follows (in millions): 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Estimated annual amortization expense $ 483 $ 432 $ 412 $ 378 $ 361

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
Debt	Feb. 28, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Debt consists of the following (all amounts are presented in millions of U.S. dollars and debt issuances are denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Short-term debt 1 Commercial paper $ 3,027 $ 430 Credit facilities 2 644 999 $8 billion note issuance 3,4 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 1,249 — $1 billion note issuance 5 5.250% unsecured notes due 2019 6 — 249 Other 7 436 288 Total short-term debt $ 5,356 $ 1,966 Long-term debt 1 $6 billion note issuance 3,4 3.450% unsecured notes due 2026 $ 1,889 $ 1,888 4.650% unsecured notes due 2046 590 590 $8 billion note issuance 3,4 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 — 1,248 3.300% unsecured notes due 2021 1,246 1,245 3.800% unsecured notes due 2024 1,991 1,990 4.500% unsecured notes due 2034 495 495 4.800% unsecured notes due 2044 1,492 1,492 £700 million note issuance 3,4 2.875% unsecured Pound sterling notes due 2020 531 517 3.600% unsecured Pound sterling notes due 2025 397 387 €750 million note issuance 3,4 2.125% unsecured Euro notes due 2026 849 868 $4 billion note issuance 3,5 3.100% unsecured notes due 2022 1,196 1,196 4.400% unsecured notes due 2042 493 492 Credit facilities 2 1,500 — Other 8 15 23 Total long-term debt, less current portion $ 12,685 $ 12,431 1 Carrying values are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable, and foreign currency denominated debt has been translated using the spot rates at February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 , respectively. 2 Credit facilities include debt outstanding under the January 2019 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement, the December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement, the December 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement, the November 2018 Credit Agreement and the August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement, which are described in more detail below. 3 The $6 billion , $8 billion , £0.7 billion , €0.75 billion and $4 billion note issuances as of February 28, 2019 had fair values and carrying values of $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion , $6.4 billion and $6.5 billion , $0.9 billion and $0.9 billion , $0.9 billion and $0.8 billion and $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion , respectively. The fair values of the notes outstanding are Level 1 fair value measures and determined based on quoted market price and translated at the February 28, 2019 spot rate, as applicable. The fair values and carrying values of these issuances do not include notes that have been redeemed or repaid as of February 28, 2019 . 4 Notes are unsubordinated debt obligations of Walgreens Boots Alliance and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance from time to time outstanding. 5 Notes are senior debt obligations of Walgreen Co. and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreen Co. On December 31, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance fully and unconditionally guaranteed the outstanding notes on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis. The guarantee, for so long as it is in place, is an unsecured, unsubordinated debt obligation of Walgreens Boots Alliance and will rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance. 6 Includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments. See note 9 , fair value measurements , for additional fair value disclosures. 7 Other short-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate debt with various maturities and working capital facilities denominated in various currencies. 8 Other long-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate debt in various currencies with various maturities. January 2019 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement On January 18, 2019, the Company entered into a $2.0 billion 364-day revolving credit agreement (the “January 2019 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement”) with the lenders from time to time party thereto. The January 2019 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement is a senior unsecured 364-day revolving credit facility, with a facility termination date of the earlier of (a) 364 days following January 31, 2019, the date of the effectiveness of the commitments pursuant to the January 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement, subject to extension thereof pursuant to the January 2019 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement and (b) the date of termination in whole of the aggregate amount of the commitments pursuant to the January 2019 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement. As of February 28, 2019 , there were no borrowings outstanding under the January 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement. December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement On December 21, 2018, the Company entered into a $1.0 billion revolving credit agreement (the “December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement”) with the lenders from time to time party thereto. The December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement is a senior unsecured revolving credit facility with a facility termination date of the earlier of (a) 18 months following January 28, 2019, the date of the effectiveness of the commitments pursuant to the December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement, subject to extension thereof pursuant to the December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement and (b) the date of termination in whole of the aggregate amount of the commitments pursuant to the December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement. As of February 28, 2019 , there were $0.5 billion borrowings outstanding under the December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement. December 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement On December 5, 2018, Walgreens Boots Alliance entered into a $1.0 billion term loan credit agreement (the “December 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement”) with the lenders from time to time party thereto. The December 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement is a senior unsecured term loan facility with a facility termination date of the earlier of (a) January 29, 2021 and (b) the date of acceleration of all term loans pursuant to the December 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement. As of February 28, 2019 , there were $1.0 billion borrowings outstanding under the December 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement. November 2018 Credit Agreement On November 30, 2018, the Company entered into a credit agreement (as amended, the “November 2018 Credit Agreement”) with the lenders from time to time party thereto and, on March 25, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to such credit agreement reflecting certain changes to the borrowing notice provisions thereto. The November 2018 Credit Agreement includes a $500 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility and a $500 million senior unsecured term loan facility. The facility termination date is, with respect to the revolving credit facility, the earlier of (a) May 30, 2020 and (b) the date of termination in whole of the aggregate amount of the revolving commitments pursuant to the November 2018 Credit Agreement and, with respect to the term loan facility, the earlier of (a) May 30, 2020 and (b) the date of acceleration of all term loans pursuant to the November 2018 Credit Agreement. As of February 28, 2019 , there were $0.7 billion borrowings outstanding under the November 2018 Credit Agreement. August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement On August 29, 2018, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement (the “August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement”) with the lenders and letter of credit issuers from time to time party thereto. The August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement is an unsecured revolving credit facility with an aggregate commitment in the amount of $3.5 billion , with a letter of credit subfacility commitment amount of $500 million . The facility termination date is the earlier of (a) August 29, 2023, subject to the extension thereof pursuant to the August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement and (b) the date of termination in whole of the aggregate amount of the revolving commitments pursuant to the August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement. As of February 28, 2019 , there were no borrowings outstanding under the August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement. August 2017 Credit Agreements On August 24, 2017, the Company entered into a $1.0 billion revolving credit agreement with the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “August 2017 Revolving Credit Agreement”) and a $1.0 billion term loan credit agreement with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (the “2017 Term Loan Credit Agreement”). On November 30, 2018, in connection with the entrance into the November 2018 Credit Agreement, the Company terminated the 2017 Term Loan Credit Agreement in accordance with its terms and as of such date paid all amounts due in connection therewith. On January 31, 2019, the August 2017 Revolving Credit Agreement matured and the Company paid all amounts due in connection therewith. February 2017 Revolving Credit Agreement On February 1, 2017, the Company entered into a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility (as amended, the “February 2017 Revolving Credit Agreement”) with the lenders from time to time party thereto and, on August 1, 2017, the Company entered into an amendment agreement thereto. On January 31, 2019, the February 2017 Revolving Credit Agreement matured and the Company paid all amounts due in connection therewith. Debt covenants Each of the Company’s credit facilities contain a covenant to maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization not to exceed 0.60 :1.00, subject to increase in certain circumstances set forth in the applicable credit agreement. The credit facilities contain various other customary covenants. Commercial paper The Company periodically borrows under its commercial paper program and may borrow under it in future periods. The Company had average daily commercial paper outstanding of $2.4 billion and $1.2 billion at a weighted average interest rate of 2.96% and 1.81% for the six months ended February 28, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Interest Interest paid was $349 million and $281 million for the six months ended February 28, 2019 and 2018 , respectively.

Financial instruments

Financial instruments	6 Months Ended
Financial instruments	Feb. 28, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial instruments	Financial instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate and foreign currency exchange risks. The notional amounts and fair value of derivative instruments outstanding were as follows (in millions): February 28, 2019 Notional Fair value Location in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as hedges: Cross currency interest rate swaps $ 623 $ 16 Other non-current liabilities Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign currency forwards 748 3 Other current assets Foreign currency forwards 2,807 92 Accrued expenses and other liabilities August 31, 2018 Notional Fair value Location in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 250 $ 1 Accrued expenses and other liabilities Foreign currency forwards 15 — Other current assets Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign currency forwards 3,273 52 Other current assets Foreign currency forwards 825 4 Accrued expenses and other liabilities The Company has non-U.S. dollar denominated net investments and uses foreign currency denominated financial instruments, specifically foreign currency derivatives and foreign currency denominated debt, to hedge its foreign currency risk. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward contracts and other foreign currency derivatives to hedge significant committed and highly probable future transactions and cash flows denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company uses interest rate swaps from time to time to manage the interest rate exposure associated with some of its fixed-rate debt and designates them as fair value hedges. From time to time, the Company uses forward starting interest rate swaps to hedge its interest rate exposure of some of its anticipated debt issuances. Net investment hedges The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps as hedges of net investments in subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies. For qualifying net investment hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded in the currency translation adjustment within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Derivatives not designated as hedges The Company enters into derivative transactions that are not designated as accounting hedges. These derivative instruments are economic hedges of foreign currency risks. The income and (expense) due to changes in fair value of these derivative instruments were as follows (in millions): Three months ended Six months ended Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings 2019 2018 2019 2018 Foreign currency forwards Selling, general and administrative expenses $ (106 ) $ (164 ) $ (60 ) $ (183 ) Foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) (6 ) (1 ) (2 ) 33 Derivatives credit risk Counterparties to derivative financial instruments expose the Company to credit-related losses in the event of counterparty nonperformance, and the Company regularly monitors the credit worthiness of each counterparty. Derivatives offsetting The Company does not offset the fair value amounts of derivative instruments subject to master netting agreements in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements	6 Months Ended
Fair value measurements	Feb. 28, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements The Company measures certain assets and liabilities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In addition, it establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs. Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (in millions): February 28, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets : Money market funds 1 $ 142 $ 142 $ — $ — Available-for-sale investments 2 5 5 — — Foreign currency forwards 3 3 — 3 — Liabilities : Foreign currency forwards 3 92 — 92 — Cross currency interest rate swaps 4 16 — 16 — August 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets : Money market funds 1 $ 227 $ 227 $ — $ — Available-for-sale investments 2 1 1 — — Foreign currency forwards 3 52 — 52 — Liabilities : Interest rate swaps 4 1 — 1 — Foreign currency forwards 3 4 — 4 — 1 Money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor. 2 Fair value of quoted investments are based on current bid prices as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 . 3 The fair value of forward currency contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current available forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using observable market rates. 4 The fair value of interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps is calculated by discounting the estimated future cash flows based on the applicable observable yield curves. See note 8 , financial instruments , for additional information. There were no transfers between Levels for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 . The Company reports its debt instruments under the guidance of ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which requires disclosure of the fair value of the Company’s debt in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements. Unless otherwise noted, the fair value for all notes was determined based upon quoted market prices and therefore categorized as Level 1. See note 7 , debt , for further information. The carrying values of accounts receivable and trade accounts payable approximated their respective fair values due to their short-term nature.

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	6 Months Ended
Commitments and contingencies	Feb. 28, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies The Company is involved in legal proceedings, including litigation, arbitration and other claims, and investigations, inspections, audits, claims, inquiries and similar actions by pharmacy, healthcare, tax and other governmental authorities, arising in the normal course of the Company’s business, including the matters described below. Legal proceedings, in general, and securities, class action and multi-district litigation, in particular, can be expensive and disruptive. Some of these suits may purport or may be determined to be class actions and/or involve parties seeking large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive or exemplary damages, and may remain unresolved for several years. The Company also may be named from time to time in qui tam actions initiated by private third parties. In such actions, the private parties purport to act on behalf of federal or state governments, allege that false claims have been submitted for payment by the government and may receive an award if their claims are successful. After a private party has filed a qui tam action, the government must investigate the private party's claim and determine whether to intervene in and take control over the litigation. These actions may remain under seal while the government makes this determination. If the government declines to intervene, the private party may nonetheless continue to pursue the litigation on his or her own purporting to act on behalf of the government. From time to time, the Company is also involved in legal proceedings as a plaintiff involving antitrust, tax, contract, intellectual property and other matters. Gain contingencies, if any, are recognized when they are realized. The results of legal proceedings are often uncertain and difficult to predict, and the costs incurred in litigation can be substantial, regardless of the outcome. With respect to litigation and other legal proceedings where the Company has determined that a loss is reasonably possible, the Company is unable to estimate the amount or range of reasonably possible loss due to the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of and uncertainties regarding such litigation and legal proceedings. The Company believes that its defenses and assertions in pending legal proceedings have merit and does not believe that any of these pending matters, after consideration of applicable reserves and rights to indemnification, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position. However, substantial unanticipated verdicts, fines and rulings do sometimes occur. As a result, the Company could from time to time incur judgments, enter into settlements or revise its expectations regarding the outcome of certain matters, and such developments could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations in the period in which the amounts are accrued and/or its cash flows in the period in which the amounts are paid. On December 29, 2014, a putative shareholder filed a derivative action in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois against certain current and former directors and officers of Walgreen Co., and Walgreen Co. as a nominal defendant, arising out of certain public statements the Company made regarding its former fiscal 2016 goals. The action asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, waste and unjust enrichment. On April 10, 2015, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss. On May 18, 2015, the case was stayed in light of a securities class action that was filed on April 10, 2015. After a ruling issued on September 30, 2016 in the securities class action, which is described below, on November 3, 2016, the Court entered a stipulation and order extending the stay until the securities case is fully resolved. On April 10, 2015, a putative shareholder filed a securities class action in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois against Walgreen Co. and certain former officers of Walgreen Co. The action asserts claims for violation of the federal securities laws arising out of certain public statements the Company made regarding its former fiscal 2016 goals. On June 16, 2015, the Court entered an order appointing a lead plaintiff. Pursuant to the Court’s order, lead plaintiff filed a consolidated class action complaint on August 17, 2015, and defendants moved to dismiss the complaint on October 16, 2015. On September 30, 2016, the Court issued an order granting in part and denying in part defendants’ motion to dismiss. Defendants filed their answer to the complaint on November 4, 2016 and filed an amended answer on January 16, 2017. Plaintiff filed its motion for class certification on April 21, 2017. The Court granted plaintiffs’ motion on March 29, 2018 and merits discovery is proceeding. On December 19, 2018, plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint and defendants moved to dismiss the new complaint on February 19, 2019. As of the date of this report, the Company was aware of two previously disclosed putative class action lawsuits filed by purported Rite Aid stockholders against Walgreens Boots Alliance and certain of its officers regarding the transactions contemplated by the original merger agreement between the Company and Rite Aid (prior to its amendment on January 29, 2017) (such transactions, the “Rite Aid Transactions”). One of the Rite Aid actions was filed in the State of Pennsylvania in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County (the “Pennsylvania action”) and primarily alleged that Walgreens Boots Alliance and one of its subsidiaries aided and abetted certain alleged breaches of fiduciary duty by the board of directors of Rite Aid in connection with the Rite Aid Transactions. This action was terminated by the court for lack of prosecution in December 2018. The other action was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania (the “federal action”) and alleges, among other things, that the Company and certain of its officers made false or misleading statements regarding the Rite Aid Transactions. The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the federal action, which motion is fully briefed and awaits ruling. In December 2017, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated numerous cases filed against an array of defendants by various plaintiffs such as counties, cities, hospitals, Indian tribes and others, alleging claims generally concerning the impacts of widespread opioid abuse. The consolidated multidistrict litigation, captioned In re National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL No. 2804), is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The Company is named as a defendant in a subset of the cases included in this multidistrict litigation. The Company also has been named as a defendant in several lawsuits brought in state courts relating to opioid matters. The relief sought by various plaintiffs is compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief. Additionally, the Company has received from the Attorney Generals of several states subpoenas, civil investigative demands and/or other requests concerning opioid matters. On September 28, 2018, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement with the SEC to fully resolve an investigation into certain forward-looking financial goals and related disclosures by Walgreens. The disclosures at issue were made prior to the strategic combination with Alliance Boots and the merger pursuant to which Walgreens Boots Alliance became the parent holding company on December 31, 2014. The settlement does not involve any of the Company’s current officers or executives, nor does it allege intentional or reckless conduct by the Company. In agreeing to the settlement, the Company neither admitted nor denied the SEC’s allegations. Pursuant to the agreement with the SEC, the Company consented to the SEC’s issuance of an administrative order, and the Company paid a $34.5 million penalty, which was fully reserved for in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of August 31, 2018. On January 22, 2019, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement to resolve a civil investigation involving allegations under the False Claims Act by a United States Attorney’s Office, working in conjunction with several states, regarding certain dispensing practices. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company paid $209.2 million to the United States and the various states involved in the matter, substantially all of which was reserved for in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of November 30, 2018.

Income taxes

Income taxes	6 Months Ended
Income taxes	Feb. 28, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 was 16.7% and 15.5% , respectively, compared to 27.4% and 25.4% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 , respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rates for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 was primarily due to the provisional net discrete tax expense that was recorded during the three months ended February 28, 2018 as a result of the U.S. tax law changes, which were enacted on December 22, 2017. Income taxes paid for the six months ended February 28, 2019 were $766 million , compared to $301 million for the six months ended February 28, 2018 . U.S. tax law changes In connection with the U.S. tax law changes enacted in December 2017 and in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”), the Company completed its analysis of the income tax effects of the U.S. tax law changes during the three months ended February 28, 2019 . The incremental net tax benefit for the six months ended recorded upon completion of the analysis of the income tax effects of the U.S. tax law changes was not material to our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. While the Company completed its analysis of the income tax effects of the U.S. tax law changes, the final impact of the U.S. tax law changes may differ from this analysis, due to, among other things, technical clarifications from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), interpretations of the U.S. tax law changes and actions the Company may take. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of any future authoritative guidance with respect to the U.S. tax law changes. The U.S. tax law changes created new rules that allow the Company to make an accounting policy election to either treat taxes due on future global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) inclusions in taxable income as either a current period expense or reflect such inclusions related to temporary basis differences in the Company’s measurement of deferred taxes. The Company has elected to treat GILTI as a current period expense. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the GILTI provisions under the U.S. tax law changes, which are complex and subject to continuing regulatory interpretation by the IRS. As we repatriate the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries for use in the United States, the earnings from our foreign subsidiaries will generally not be subject to U.S. federal tax. We continuously evaluate the amount of foreign earnings that are not necessary to be permanently reinvested in our foreign subsidiaries.

Retirement benefits

Retirement benefits	6 Months Ended
Retirement benefits	Feb. 28, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement benefits	Retirement benefits The Company sponsors several retirement plans, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans and a postretirement health plan. Defined benefit pension plans (non-U.S. plans) The Company has various defined benefit pension plans outside the United States. The principal defined benefit pension plan is the Boots Pension Plan (the “Boots Plan”), which covers certain employees in the United Kingdom. The Boots Plan is a funded final salary defined benefit plan providing pensions and death benefits to members. The Boots Plan was closed to future accrual effective July 1, 2010, with pensions calculated based on salaries up until that date. The Boots Plan is governed by a trustee board, which is independent of the Company. The plan is subject to a full funding actuarial valuation on a triennial basis. Components of net periodic pension costs for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions): Three months ended Six months ended Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service costs Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 3 Interest costs Other expense 1 50 49 99 96 Expected returns on plan assets/other Other income 1 (64 ) (53 ) (124 ) (104 ) Total net periodic pension costs (income) $ (13 ) $ (3 ) $ (23 ) $ (5 ) 1 Shown as Other income (expense) on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings. The Company made cash contributions to its defined benefit pension plans of $11 million for the six months ended February 28, 2019 , which primarily related to committed funded payments. The Company plans to contribute an additional $23 million to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2019 . Defined contribution plans The principal retirement plan for U.S. employees is the Walgreen Profit-Sharing Retirement Trust, to which both the Company and participating employees contribute. The Company’s contribution is in the form of a guaranteed match which is approved annually by the Walgreen Co. Board of Directors and reviewed by the Compensation Committee and Finance Committee of the Walgreens Boots Alliance Board of Directors. The profit-sharing provision was an expense of $64 million and $125 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 compared to an expense of $55 million and $111 million in the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 . The Company also has certain contract based defined contribution arrangements. The principal one is the Alliance Healthcare & Boots Retirement Savings Plan, which is United Kingdom based and to which both the Company and participating employees contribute. The cost recognized for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 was $33 million and $64 million compared to a cost of $31 million and $61 million in the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 .

Accumulated other comprehensive

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	6 Months Ended
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Feb. 28, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) The following is a summary of net changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component and net of tax for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018 (in millions): Pension/ post- Unrealized Share of AOCI of Cumulative Total Balance at November 30, 2018 $ 97 $ (27 ) $ 4 $ (3,305 ) $ (3,231 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments — (19 ) (2 ) 537 516 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (4 ) 2 — — (2 ) Other — — — 7 7 Tax benefit (provision) 2 4 — (1 ) 5 Net change in other comprehensive (2 ) (13 ) (2 ) 543 526 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 95 $ (40 ) $ 2 $ (2,762 ) $ (2,705 ) Pension/ post- Unrealized Share of AOCI of Cumulative Total Balance at August 31, 2018 $ 101 $ (30 ) $ 3 $ (3,076 ) $ (3,002 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments — (16 ) (1 ) 309 292 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (8 ) 3 — — (5 ) Other — — — 7 7 Tax benefit (provision) 2 3 — (2 ) 3 Net change in other comprehensive (6 ) (10 ) (1 ) 314 297 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 95 $ (40 ) $ 2 $ (2,762 ) $ (2,705 ) Pension/ post- Unrealized Share of AOCI of Cumulative Total Balance at November 30, 2017 $ (139 ) $ (33 ) $ — $ (2,371 ) $ (2,543 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments — — 1 381 382 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (3 ) 1 — — (2 ) Tax benefit (provision) 1 — (1 ) — — Net change in other comprehensive (2 ) 1 — 381 380 Balance at February 28, 2018 $ (141 ) $ (32 ) $ — $ (1,990 ) $ (2,163 ) Pension/ post- Unrealized Share of AOCI of Cumulative Total Balance at August 31, 2017 $ (139 ) $ (33 ) $ (2 ) $ (2,877 ) $ (3,051 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments (1 ) — 4 887 890 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (3 ) 2 — — (1 ) Tax benefit (provision) 2 (1 ) (2 ) — (1 ) Net change in other comprehensive (2 ) 1 2 887 888 Balance at February 28, 2018 $ (141 ) $ (32 ) $ — $ (1,990 ) $ (2,163 )

Segment reporting

Segment reporting	6 Months Ended
Segment reporting	Feb. 28, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment reporting	Segment reporting The Company has aligned its operations into three reportable segments: Retail Pharmacy USA, Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale. The operating segments have been identified based on the financial data utilized by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the chief operating decision maker) to assess segment performance and allocate resources among the Company’s operating segments, which have been aggregated as described below. The chief operating decision maker uses adjusted operating income to assess segment profitability. The chief operating decision maker does not use total assets by segment to make decisions regarding resources, therefore the total asset disclosure by segment has not been included. Retail Pharmacy USA The Retail Pharmacy USA segment consists of the Walgreens business, which includes the operation of retail drugstores, convenient care clinics and mail and central specialty pharmacy services. Sales for the segment are principally derived from the sale of prescription drugs and a wide assortment of retail products, including health and wellness, beauty and personal care and consumables and general merchandise. Retail Pharmacy International The Retail Pharmacy International segment consists of pharmacy-led health and beauty retail businesses and optical practices. These businesses include Boots branded stores in the United Kingdom, Thailand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands, Benavides in Mexico and Ahumada in Chile. Sales for the segment are principally derived from the sale of prescription drugs and health and wellness, beauty and personal care and other consumer products. Pharmaceutical Wholesale The Pharmaceutical Wholesale segment consists of the Alliance Healthcare pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution businesses and an equity method investment in AmerisourceBergen. Wholesale operations are located in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Turkey, Spain, the Netherlands, Egypt, Norway, Romania, Czech Republic and Lithuania. Sales for the segment are principally derived from wholesaling and distribution of a comprehensive offering of brand-name pharmaceuticals (including specialty pharmaceutical products) and generic pharmaceuticals, health and beauty products, home healthcare supplies and equipment and related services to pharmacies and other healthcare providers. The results of operations for each reportable segment include procurement benefits and an allocation of corporate-related overhead costs. The following table reflects results of operations and reconciles adjusted operating income to operating income for the Company's reportable segments (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations 1 Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Three months ended February 28, 2019 Sales $ 26,257 $ 3,082 $ 5,738 $ (549 ) $ 34,528 Adjusted operating income $ 1,455 $ 256 $ 225 $ (1 ) $ 1,935 Acquisition-related amortization (123 ) Transformational cost management (150 ) Acquisition-related costs (82 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (9 ) Store optimization (31 ) LIFO provision (8 ) Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements (14 ) Operating income $ 1,517 Three months ended February 28, 2018 Sales $ 24,478 $ 3,317 $ 5,755 $ (529 ) $ 33,021 Adjusted operating income 3 $ 1,650 $ 276 $ 231 $ 3 $ 2,160 Acquisition-related amortization (113 ) Acquisition-related costs (65 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen 113 LIFO provision (43 ) Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements 2 (90 ) Asset recovery 15 Operating income 3 $ 1,977 Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations 1 Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Six months ended February 28, 2019 Sales $ 51,979 $ 5,982 $ 11,446 $ (1,086 ) $ 68,321 Adjusted operating income $ 2,834 $ 388 $ 445 $ — $ 3,667 Acquisition-related amortization (246 ) Transformational cost management (179 ) Acquisition-related costs (148 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (54 ) Store optimization (51 ) LIFO provision (48 ) Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements (24 ) Operating income $ 2,918 Six months ended February 28, 2018 Sales $ 46,967 $ 6,400 $ 11,473 $ (1,079 ) $ 63,761 Adjusted operating income 3 $ 3,028 $ 481 $ 456 $ 1 $ 3,966 Acquisition-related amortization (198 ) Acquisition-related costs (116 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (76 ) LIFO provision (97 ) Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements 2 (115 ) Hurricane-related costs (83 ) Asset recovery 15 Operating income 3 $ 3,296 1 Eliminations relate to intersegment sales between the Pharmaceutical Wholesale and the Retail Pharmacy International segments. 2 As previously disclosed, beginning in the quarter ended August 31, 2018, management reviewed and refined its practice to include all charges related to the matters included in certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements. In order to present non-GAAP measures on a consistent basis for fiscal year 2018, the Company included adjustments in the quarter ended August 31, 2018 of $14 million , $50 million and $5 million which were previously accrued in the Company’s financial statements for the quarters ended November 30, 2017, February 28, 2018 and May 31, 2018, respectively. These additional adjustments impact the comparability of such results to the results reported in prior and future quarters. 3 The Company adopted new accounting guidance in Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 as of September 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) on a retrospective basis for the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings presentation. See note 17 , new accounting pronouncements, for further information.

Sales

Sales	6 Months Ended
Sales	Feb. 28, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Sales	Sales The following table summarizes the Company’s sales by segment and by major source (in millions): Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Retail Pharmacy USA Pharmacy $ 18,892 $ 17,208 $ 38,039 $ 33,487 Retail 7,366 7,270 13,940 13,480 Total 26,257 24,478 51,979 46,967 Retail Pharmacy International Pharmacy 1,010 1,095 2,049 2,202 Retail 2,072 2,222 3,933 4,198 Total 3,082 3,317 5,982 6,400 Pharmaceutical Wholesale 5,738 5,755 11,446 11,473 Eliminations 1 (549 ) (529 ) (1,086 ) (1,079 ) Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. $ 34,528 $ 33,021 $ 68,321 $ 63,761 1 Eliminations relate to intersegment sales between the Pharmaceutical Wholesale and the Retail Pharmacy International segments. Contract balances with customers Contract liabilities primarily represent the Company’s obligation to transfer additional goods or services to a customer for which the Company has received consideration, for example the Company’s Balance Rewards® and Boots Advantage Card loyalty programs. Under such programs, customers earn reward points on purchases for redemption at a later date. See note 18 , supplemental information , for further information on receivables from contracts with customers.

Related parties

Related parties	6 Months Ended
Related parties	Feb. 28, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related parties	Related parties The Company has a long-term pharmaceutical distribution agreement with AmerisourceBergen pursuant to which the Company sources branded and generic pharmaceutical products from AmerisourceBergen principally for its U.S. operations. Additionally, AmerisourceBergen receives sourcing services for generic pharmaceutical products. Related party transactions with AmerisourceBergen (in millions): Three months ended Six months ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Purchases, net $ 14,064 $ 12,132 $ 28,386 $ 23,736 February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Trade accounts payable, net $ 6,511 $ 6,274

New accounting pronouncements

New accounting pronouncements	6 Months Ended
New accounting pronouncements	Feb. 28, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New accounting pronouncements	New accounting pronouncements Adoption of new accounting pronouncements Presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This ASU requires an employer to report the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the same line item in the statement of earnings as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the related employees during the period. All other net cost components are required to be presented in the statement of earnings separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. Additionally, the line item used in the statement of earnings to present the other net cost components must be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance as of September 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) on a retrospective basis and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position. The impact on our previously reported net periodic costs as a result of the retrospective adoption of this standard results in a reclassification from selling, general and administrative expenses to other income (expense) of $125 million , $73 million and $(69) million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The updated accounting policy for pension and postretirement benefits is as follows: Pension and postretirement benefits The Company has various defined benefit pension plans, which cover some of its non-U.S. employees. The Company also has a postretirement healthcare plan, which covers qualifying U.S. employees. Eligibility and the level of benefits for these plans vary depending on participants’ status, date of hire and or length of service. Pension and postretirement plan expenses and valuations are dependent on assumptions used by third-party actuaries in calculating those amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, healthcare cost trends, long-term return on plan assets, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. The Company funds its pension plans in accordance with applicable regulations. The Company records the service cost component of net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company records all other net cost components of net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost in other income (expense). See note 12, retirement benefits, for further information. The following is a reconciliation of the effect of the reclassification of all other net cost components (excluding service cost component) of net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost from selling, general and administrative expenses to other income (expense) in the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings (in millions): As reported Adjustments As revised Three months ended February 28, 2018 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 6,318 $ 3 $ 6,321 Operating income 1,980 (3 ) 1,977 Other income (expense) 9 3 12 As reported Adjustments As revised Six months ended February 28, 2018 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 12,225 $ 6 $ 12,231 Operating income 3,302 (6 ) 3,296 Other income (expense) (128 ) 6 (122 ) Restricted cash In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This ASU requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the Statement of Cash Flows. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance as of September 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) on a full retrospective basis and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s Statement of Cash Flows. The following is a reconciliation of the effect on the relevant line items on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended February 28, 2018 as a result of adopting this new accounting guidance (in millions): As reported Adjustments As revised Six months ended February 28, 2018 Trade accounts payable $ 592 $ 7 $ 599 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 182 6 188 Other non-current assets and liabilities (72 ) 20 (52 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 3,176 32 3,208 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 44 12 56 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (1,552 ) 44 (1,508 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 3,301 195 3,496 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 1,749 $ 239 $ 1,988 Tax accounting for intra-entity asset transfers In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This ASU prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. In addition, interpretations of this guidance have developed in practice for transfers of certain intangible and tangible assets. This prohibition on recognition is an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes. To more faithfully represent the economics of intra-entity asset transfers, the amendments in this ASU require that entities recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This ASU does not change the pre-tax effects of an intra-entity asset transfer under Topic 810, Consolidation, or for an intra-entity transfer of inventory. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance as of September 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) on a modified retrospective basis and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations. Classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU addresses the classification of certain specific cash flow issues including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of certain debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of certain insurance claims, and distributions received from equity method investees. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance as of September 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) and adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s Statement of Cash Flows. Revenue recognition on contracts with customers In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Subsequently, the FASB issued additional ASUs, which further clarify this guidance. This ASU provides a single principles-based revenue recognition model with a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on September 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) using the modified retrospective transition approach for all contracts and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations. The adoption mainly resulted in changes to recognition of revenues related to loyalty programs and gift card breakage. Prior to adoption, the Company used the cost approach to account for loyalty programs. Upon adoption, the Company uses the deferred revenue approach. Prior to adoption, gift card breakage was primarily recognized at point of sale. Upon adoption, all gift card breakage is recognized based on the redemption pattern. The changes in accounting for loyalty programs and gift card breakage resulted in a cumulative transition adjustment of $98 million in retained earnings. See note 15, sales, for additional disclosures. The updated accounting policy for revenue recognition and loyalty programs are as follows: Revenue recognition Retail Pharmacy USA and Retail Pharmacy International The Company recognizes revenue, net of taxes and expected returns, at the time it sells merchandise or dispenses prescription drugs to the customer. The Company estimates revenue based on expected reimbursements from third-party payers (e.g., pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies and governmental agencies) for dispensing prescription drugs. The estimates are based on all available information including historical experience and are updated to actual reimbursement amounts. Pharmaceutical Wholesale Wholesale revenue is recognized, net of taxes and expected returns, upon shipment of goods, which is generally also the day of delivery. Returns are estimated using expected returns. Loyalty programs and gift card The Company’s loyalty rewards programs represent a separate performance obligation and are accounted for using the deferred revenue approach. When goods are sold, the transaction price is allocated between goods sold and loyalty points awarded based upon the relative standalone selling price. The revenue allocated to the loyalty points is recognized upon redemption. Loyalty program breakage is recognized as revenue based on the redemption pattern. Customer purchases of gift cards are not recognized as revenue until the card is redeemed. Gift card breakage (i.e., unused gift card) is recognized as revenue based on the redemption pattern. Classification and measurement of financial instruments In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. Subsequently, the FASB issued additional ASUs, which further clarify this guidance. This ASU requires equity investments (except those under the equity method of accounting or those that result in the consolidation of an investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost less impairment, if any, and changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. This simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments previous held at cost. Separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category is required. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance as of September 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) and adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. The new guidance was applied on a modified retrospective basis, with the exception of the amendments related to the measurement alternative for equity investments without readily determinable fair values, which was applied on a prospective basis. New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted Collaborative arrangements In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808). This ASU clarifies the interaction between Topic 808, Collaborative Arrangements, and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal 2021). The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. Financial instruments - hedging and derivatives In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. This ASU permits use of the OIS rate based on the SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance must be applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. Intangibles – goodwill and other – internal-use software In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other- Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40). This ASU addresses customer’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract and also adds certain disclosure requirements related to implementation costs incurred for internal-use software and cloud computing arrangements. This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal 2021), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance, but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Compensation – retirement benefits – defined benefit plans In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement benefits (Topic 715-20). This ASU amends ASC 715 to add, remove and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The ASU eliminates the requirement to disclose the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as part of net periodic benefit cost over the next year. The ASU also removes the disclosure requirements for the effects of a one-percentage-point change on the assumed health care costs and the effect of this change in rates on service cost, interest cost and the benefit obligation for postretirement health care benefits. This ASU is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 (fiscal 2022) and must be applied on a full retrospective basis. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance, but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company's financial position and disclosures. Fair value measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). This ASU eliminates such disclosures as the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The ASU adds new disclosure requirements for Level 3 measurements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal 2021), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance, but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company's disclosures. Compensation – stock compensation In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This ASU eliminated most of the differences between accounting guidance for share-based compensation granted to nonemployees and the guidance for share-based compensation granted to employees. The ASU supersedes the guidance for nonemployees and expands the scope of the guidance for employees to include both. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020), and interim periods within those years. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance, but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company's financial position. Accounting for reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This ASU addresses the income tax effects of items in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) that were originally recognized in other comprehensive income, rather than in income from continuing operations. Specifically, it permits a reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings for the adjustment of deferred taxes due to the reduction of the historical corporate income tax rate to the newly enacted corporate income tax rate resulting from the U.S. tax law changes enacted in December 2017. It also requires certain disclosures about these reclassifications. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance must be applied either on a prospective basis in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate are recognized. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance, but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes Topic 840, Leases. Subsequently, the FASB issued additional ASUs, which further clarify this guidance. This ASU increases the transparency and comparability of organizations by requiring the capitalization of substantially all leases on the balance sheet and disclosures of key information about leasing arrangements. Under this new guidance, at the lease commencement date, a lessee recognizes a right-of-use asset and lease liability. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments and the asset is based on the liability, subject to certain adjustments. For income statement purposes, a dual model was retained for lessees, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance leases. Under the operating lease model, lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Under the finance lease model, interest on the lease liability is recognized separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020), and interim periods within those fiscal years. In transition, lessees are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented (fiscal 2018) using a modified retrospective approach which includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. In July 2018, a new ASU was issued to provide relief to the companies from restating the comparative period. Pursuant to this ASU, WBA will not restate comparative periods presented in the Company’s financial statements in the period of adoption. The Company will adopt this ASU and related amendments on September 1, 2019 (fiscal 2020). The Company continues to plan for adoption and implementation of this ASU, including implementing a new global lease accounting system, evaluating practical expedient and accounting policy elections and assessing the overall financial statement impact. This ASU will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position. The impact on the Company’s results of operations is being evaluated. The impact of this ASU is non-cash in nature and will not affect the Company’s cash flows.

Supplemental information

Supplemental information	6 Months Ended
Supplemental information	Feb. 28, 2019
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Supplemental information	Supplemental information Accounts receivable Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances primarily consist of trade receivables due from customers, including amounts due from third party providers (e.g., pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies and governmental agencies), clients and members. Trade receivables were $6.3 billion and $5.4 billion at February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 , respectively. Other accounts receivable balances, which consist primarily of receivables from vendors and manufacturers, including receivables from AmerisourceBergen (see note 16, related parties), were $1.5 billion and $1.2 billion at February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 , respectively. Depreciation and amortization The Company has recorded the following depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings (in millions): Three months ended Six months ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Depreciation expense $ 360 $ 347 $ 717 $ 682 Intangible asset and other amortization 139 95 273 176 Total depreciation and amortization expense $ 499 $ 442 $ 990 $ 858 Accumulated depreciation and amortization on property, plant and equipment was $ 11.0 billion at February 28, 2019 and $ 10.5 billion at August 31, 2018 . Restricted cash The Company is required to maintain cash deposits with certain banks which consist of deposits restricted under contractual agency agreements and cash restricted by law and other obligations. As of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 , the amount of such restricted cash was $191 million and $190 million , respectively, and is reported in other current assets on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. The following represents a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets to total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 (in millions): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 818 $ 785 Restricted cash (included in other current assets) 191 190 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,009 $ 975 Earnings per share The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options on earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method. Stock options are anti-dilutive and excluded from the earnings per share calculation if the exercise price exceeds the average market price of the common shares. There were 14.4 million outstanding options to purchase common shares that were anti-dilutive and excluded from the second quarter earnings per share calculation as of February 28, 2019 compared to 10.6 million as of February 28, 2018 . Cash dividends declared per common share Cash dividends per common share declared during the six months ended fiscal 2019 and the six months ended fiscal 2018 were as follows: Quarter ended 2019 2018 November $ 0.440 $ 0.400 February 0.440 0.400 $ 0.880 $ 0.800

Accounting policies (Policies)

Accounting policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Accounting policies (Policies)	Feb. 28, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of presentation The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (“Walgreens Boots Alliance” or the “Company”) included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding interim financial reporting. The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company holds a controlling interest. The Company uses the equity-method of accounting for equity investments in less than majority-owned companies if the investment provides the ability to exercise significant influence. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements included herein are unaudited. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Walgreens Boots Alliance Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018 . In the opinion of management, the unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for the interim periods presented include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the results for such interim periods. The influence of certain holidays, seasonality, foreign currency rates, changes in vendor, payer and customer relationships and terms, strategic transactions including acquisitions, changes in laws and general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates and other factors on the Company’s operations and net earnings for any period may not be comparable to the same period in previous years. Certain amounts in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and associated notes may not add due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 .

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Consideration for the Acquisition	The following table summarizes the consideration paid and the preliminary amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed for purchase of 1,932 stores as of February 28, 2019 (in millions): Consideration $ 4,330 Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed Inventories $ 1,171 Property, plant and equipment 490 Intangible assets 2,039 Accrued expenses and other liabilities (55 ) Deferred income taxes 291 Other non-current liabilities (937 ) Total identifiable net assets 2,999 Goodwill $ 1,331
Schedule of Definite Lived Intangible Assets	The identified definite-lived intangible assets were as follows: Definite-lived intangible assets Weighted-average useful life (in years) Amount (in millions) Customer relationships 12 $ 1,800 Favorable lease interests 10 219 Trade names 2 20 Total $ 2,039
Schedule of Pro Forma Information	The following table presents supplemental unaudited condensed pro forma consolidated sales for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 and gives effect to the acquisition of all 1,932 stores acquired under the amended and restated asset purchase agreement as if such had been acquired on September 1, 2017. Pro forma net earnings of the Company for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 , assuming these purchases had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would not be materially different from the results reported. See note 3 , exit and disposal activities , for additional disclosures. The unaudited condensed pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of what the Company’s results would have been had the purchases occurred at the beginning of the periods presented or results which may occur in the future. Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, (in millions) 2018 2018 Sales $ 34,567 $ 67,693

Exit and disposal activities (T

Exit and disposal activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Exit and disposal activities (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	Costs related to the Transformational Cost Management Program, which were primarily recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (in millions): Three months ended February 28, 2019 Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Employee severance and other exit costs $ 14 $ 14 $ 11 $ 39 Asset impairments 1 — 26 85 111 Total costs $ 14 $ 40 $ 96 $ 150 Six months ended February 28, 2019 Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Employee severance and other exit costs $ 16 $ 35 $ 11 $ 62 Asset impairments 1 — 32 85 117 Total costs $ 16 $ 67 $ 96 $ 179 1 Primarily includes write down of certain software and inventory. The changes in liabilities related to the Transformational Cost Management Program include the following (in millions): Employee severance and other exit costs Asset impairments Total Balance at August 31, 2018 $ — $ — $ — Costs 62 117 179 Payments (33 ) — (33 ) Other - non cash — (117 ) (117 ) Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 30 $ — $ 30 Costs related to the Store Optimization Program were as follows (in millions): Three months ended February 28, 2019 Six months ended February 28, 2019 Lease obligations and other real estate costs $ 9 $ 2 Employee severance and other exit costs 22 49 Total costs $ 31 $ 51
Accrued Expenses Related to Cost Transformation	The changes in liabilities related to the Cost Transformation Program include the following (in millions): Real estate costs Severance and other business transition and exit costs Total Balance at August 31, 2018 $ 414 $ 7 $ 421 Payments (44 ) (2 ) (46 ) Other - non cash 19 — 19 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 390 $ 5 $ 395 The changes in liabilities related to the Store Optimization Program include the following (in millions): Lease obligations and other real estate costs Employee severance and other exit costs Total Balance at August 31, 2018 $ 308 $ 21 $ 329 Costs 2 49 51 Payments (91 ) (56 ) (147 ) Other - non cash 1 103 — 103 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 321 $ 14 $ 336 1 Primarily represents unfavorable lease liabilities from acquired Rite Aid stores.

Operating leases (Tables)

Operating leases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Operating leases (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Reserve for Facility Closings and Related Lease Termination Charges	The changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges include the following (in millions): For the six months ended February 28, 2019 For the twelve months ended August 31, 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 964 $ 718 Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities 1 52 Changes in assumptions 21 19 Accretion expense 20 58 Other - non cash 1 86 338 Cash payments, net of sublease income (164 ) (221 ) Balance at end of period $ 928 $ 964 1 Represents unfavorable lease liabilities from acquired Rite Aid stores.

Equity method investments (Tabl

Equity method investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Equity method investments (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	Equity method investments as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 , were as follows (in millions, except percentages): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Carrying value Ownership percentage Carrying value Ownership percentage AmerisourceBergen $ 5,212 27% $ 5,138 26% Others 1,471 8% - 50% 1,472 8% - 50% Total $ 6,683 $ 6,610

Goodwill and other intangible_2

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment consist of the following (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Balance at August 31, 2018 $ 10,483 $ 3,370 $ 3,061 $ 16,914 Acquisitions 8 — — 8 Disposals — (8 ) — (8 ) Currency translation adjustments — 59 54 113 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 10,491 $ 3,421 $ 3,115 $ 17,027
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets consist of the following (in millions): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Gross amortizable intangible assets Customer relationships and loyalty card holders $ 4,421 $ 4,235 Favorable lease interests and non-compete agreements 669 680 Trade names and trademarks 507 489 Purchasing and payer contracts 382 390 Total gross amortizable intangible assets 5,979 5,794 Accumulated amortization Customer relationships and loyalty card holders $ 1,147 $ 997 Favorable lease interests and non-compete agreements 386 359 Trade names and trademarks 242 206 Purchasing and payer contracts 86 78 Total accumulated amortization 1,861 1,640 Total amortizable intangible assets, net $ 4,118 $ 4,154 Indefinite-lived intangible assets Trade names and trademarks $ 5,688 $ 5,557 Pharmacy licenses 2,126 2,072 Total indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 7,814 $ 7,629 Total intangible assets, net $ 11,932 $ 11,783
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Estimated future annual amortization expense for the next five fiscal years for intangible assets recorded at February 28, 2019 is as follows (in millions): 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Estimated annual amortization expense $ 483 $ 432 $ 412 $ 378 $ 361

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Debt (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-Term Borrowings	Debt consists of the following (all amounts are presented in millions of U.S. dollars and debt issuances are denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Short-term debt 1 Commercial paper $ 3,027 $ 430 Credit facilities 2 644 999 $8 billion note issuance 3,4 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 1,249 — $1 billion note issuance 5 5.250% unsecured notes due 2019 6 — 249 Other 7 436 288 Total short-term debt $ 5,356 $ 1,966 Long-term debt 1 $6 billion note issuance 3,4 3.450% unsecured notes due 2026 $ 1,889 $ 1,888 4.650% unsecured notes due 2046 590 590 $8 billion note issuance 3,4 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 — 1,248 3.300% unsecured notes due 2021 1,246 1,245 3.800% unsecured notes due 2024 1,991 1,990 4.500% unsecured notes due 2034 495 495 4.800% unsecured notes due 2044 1,492 1,492 £700 million note issuance 3,4 2.875% unsecured Pound sterling notes due 2020 531 517 3.600% unsecured Pound sterling notes due 2025 397 387 €750 million note issuance 3,4 2.125% unsecured Euro notes due 2026 849 868 $4 billion note issuance 3,5 3.100% unsecured notes due 2022 1,196 1,196 4.400% unsecured notes due 2042 493 492 Credit facilities 2 1,500 — Other 8 15 23 Total long-term debt, less current portion $ 12,685 $ 12,431 1 Carrying values are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable, and foreign currency denominated debt has been translated using the spot rates at February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 , respectively. 2 Credit facilities include debt outstanding under the January 2019 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement, the December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement, the December 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement, the November 2018 Credit Agreement and the August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement, which are described in more detail below. 3 The $6 billion , $8 billion , £0.7 billion , €0.75 billion and $4 billion note issuances as of February 28, 2019 had fair values and carrying values of $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion , $6.4 billion and $6.5 billion , $0.9 billion and $0.9 billion , $0.9 billion and $0.8 billion and $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion , respectively. The fair values of the notes outstanding are Level 1 fair value measures and determined based on quoted market price and translated at the February 28, 2019 spot rate, as applicable. The fair values and carrying values of these issuances do not include notes that have been redeemed or repaid as of February 28, 2019 . 4 Notes are unsubordinated debt obligations of Walgreens Boots Alliance and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance from time to time outstanding. 5 Notes are senior debt obligations of Walgreen Co. and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreen Co. On December 31, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance fully and unconditionally guaranteed the outstanding notes on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis. The guarantee, for so long as it is in place, is an unsecured, unsubordinated debt obligation of Walgreens Boots Alliance and will rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance. 6 Includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments. See note 9 , fair value measurements , for additional fair value disclosures. 7 Other short-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate debt with various maturities and working capital facilities denominated in various currencies. 8 Other long-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate debt in various currencies with various maturities.
Long-Term Debt	Debt consists of the following (all amounts are presented in millions of U.S. dollars and debt issuances are denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Short-term debt 1 Commercial paper $ 3,027 $ 430 Credit facilities 2 644 999 $8 billion note issuance 3,4 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 1,249 — $1 billion note issuance 5 5.250% unsecured notes due 2019 6 — 249 Other 7 436 288 Total short-term debt $ 5,356 $ 1,966 Long-term debt 1 $6 billion note issuance 3,4 3.450% unsecured notes due 2026 $ 1,889 $ 1,888 4.650% unsecured notes due 2046 590 590 $8 billion note issuance 3,4 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 — 1,248 3.300% unsecured notes due 2021 1,246 1,245 3.800% unsecured notes due 2024 1,991 1,990 4.500% unsecured notes due 2034 495 495 4.800% unsecured notes due 2044 1,492 1,492 £700 million note issuance 3,4 2.875% unsecured Pound sterling notes due 2020 531 517 3.600% unsecured Pound sterling notes due 2025 397 387 €750 million note issuance 3,4 2.125% unsecured Euro notes due 2026 849 868 $4 billion note issuance 3,5 3.100% unsecured notes due 2022 1,196 1,196 4.400% unsecured notes due 2042 493 492 Credit facilities 2 1,500 — Other 8 15 23 Total long-term debt, less current portion $ 12,685 $ 12,431 1 Carrying values are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable, and foreign currency denominated debt has been translated using the spot rates at February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 , respectively. 2 Credit facilities include debt outstanding under the January 2019 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement, the December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement, the December 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement, the November 2018 Credit Agreement and the August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement, which are described in more detail below. 3 The $6 billion , $8 billion , £0.7 billion , €0.75 billion and $4 billion note issuances as of February 28, 2019 had fair values and carrying values of $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion , $6.4 billion and $6.5 billion , $0.9 billion and $0.9 billion , $0.9 billion and $0.8 billion and $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion , respectively. The fair values of the notes outstanding are Level 1 fair value measures and determined based on quoted market price and translated at the February 28, 2019 spot rate, as applicable. The fair values and carrying values of these issuances do not include notes that have been redeemed or repaid as of February 28, 2019 . 4 Notes are unsubordinated debt obligations of Walgreens Boots Alliance and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance from time to time outstanding. 5 Notes are senior debt obligations of Walgreen Co. and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreen Co. On December 31, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance fully and unconditionally guaranteed the outstanding notes on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis. The guarantee, for so long as it is in place, is an unsecured, unsubordinated debt obligation of Walgreens Boots Alliance and will rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance. 6 Includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments. See note 9 , fair value measurements , for additional fair value disclosures. 7 Other short-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate debt with various maturities and working capital facilities denominated in various currencies. 8 Other long-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate debt in various currencies with various maturities.

Financial instruments (Tables)

Financial instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Notional Amounts, Fair Value and Balance Sheet Presentation of Derivative Instruments Outstanding	The notional amounts and fair value of derivative instruments outstanding were as follows (in millions): February 28, 2019 Notional Fair value Location in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as hedges: Cross currency interest rate swaps $ 623 $ 16 Other non-current liabilities Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign currency forwards 748 3 Other current assets Foreign currency forwards 2,807 92 Accrued expenses and other liabilities August 31, 2018 Notional Fair value Location in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 250 $ 1 Accrued expenses and other liabilities Foreign currency forwards 15 — Other current assets Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign currency forwards 3,273 52 Other current assets Foreign currency forwards 825 4 Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Gains and (Losses) due to Changes in Fair Value Recognized in Earnings	The income and (expense) due to changes in fair value of these derivative instruments were as follows (in millions): Three months ended Six months ended Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings 2019 2018 2019 2018 Foreign currency forwards Selling, general and administrative expenses $ (106 ) $ (164 ) $ (60 ) $ (183 ) Foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) (6 ) (1 ) (2 ) 33

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Fair value measurements (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (in millions): February 28, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets : Money market funds 1 $ 142 $ 142 $ — $ — Available-for-sale investments 2 5 5 — — Foreign currency forwards 3 3 — 3 — Liabilities : Foreign currency forwards 3 92 — 92 — Cross currency interest rate swaps 4 16 — 16 — August 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets : Money market funds 1 $ 227 $ 227 $ — $ — Available-for-sale investments 2 1 1 — — Foreign currency forwards 3 52 — 52 — Liabilities : Interest rate swaps 4 1 — 1 — Foreign currency forwards 3 4 — 4 — 1 Money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor. 2 Fair value of quoted investments are based on current bid prices as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 . 3 The fair value of forward currency contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current available forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using observable market rates. 4 The fair value of interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps is calculated by discounting the estimated future cash flows based on the applicable observable yield curves. See note 8 , financial instruments , for additional information.

Retirement benefits (Tables)

Retirement benefits (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Retirement benefits (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of net periodic pension costs for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions): Three months ended Six months ended Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service costs Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 3 Interest costs Other expense 1 50 49 99 96 Expected returns on plan assets/other Other income 1 (64 ) (53 ) (124 ) (104 ) Total net periodic pension costs (income) $ (13 ) $ (3 ) $ (23 ) $ (5 ) 1 Shown as Other income (expense) on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.

Accumulated other comprehensi_2

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following is a summary of net changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component and net of tax for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018 (in millions): Pension/ post- Unrealized Share of AOCI of Cumulative Total Balance at November 30, 2018 $ 97 $ (27 ) $ 4 $ (3,305 ) $ (3,231 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments — (19 ) (2 ) 537 516 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (4 ) 2 — — (2 ) Other — — — 7 7 Tax benefit (provision) 2 4 — (1 ) 5 Net change in other comprehensive (2 ) (13 ) (2 ) 543 526 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 95 $ (40 ) $ 2 $ (2,762 ) $ (2,705 ) Pension/ post- Unrealized Share of AOCI of Cumulative Total Balance at August 31, 2018 $ 101 $ (30 ) $ 3 $ (3,076 ) $ (3,002 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments — (16 ) (1 ) 309 292 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (8 ) 3 — — (5 ) Other — — — 7 7 Tax benefit (provision) 2 3 — (2 ) 3 Net change in other comprehensive (6 ) (10 ) (1 ) 314 297 Balance at February 28, 2019 $ 95 $ (40 ) $ 2 $ (2,762 ) $ (2,705 ) Pension/ post- Unrealized Share of AOCI of Cumulative Total Balance at November 30, 2017 $ (139 ) $ (33 ) $ — $ (2,371 ) $ (2,543 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments — — 1 381 382 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (3 ) 1 — — (2 ) Tax benefit (provision) 1 — (1 ) — — Net change in other comprehensive (2 ) 1 — 381 380 Balance at February 28, 2018 $ (141 ) $ (32 ) $ — $ (1,990 ) $ (2,163 ) Pension/ post- Unrealized Share of AOCI of Cumulative Total Balance at August 31, 2017 $ (139 ) $ (33 ) $ (2 ) $ (2,877 ) $ (3,051 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments (1 ) — 4 887 890 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (3 ) 2 — — (1 ) Tax benefit (provision) 2 (1 ) (2 ) — (1 ) Net change in other comprehensive (2 ) 1 2 887 888 Balance at February 28, 2018 $ (141 ) $ (32 ) $ — $ (1,990 ) $ (2,163 )

Segment reporting (Tables)

Segment reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Segment reporting (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	The following table reflects results of operations and reconciles adjusted operating income to operating income for the Company's reportable segments (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations 1 Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Three months ended February 28, 2019 Sales $ 26,257 $ 3,082 $ 5,738 $ (549 ) $ 34,528 Adjusted operating income $ 1,455 $ 256 $ 225 $ (1 ) $ 1,935 Acquisition-related amortization (123 ) Transformational cost management (150 ) Acquisition-related costs (82 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (9 ) Store optimization (31 ) LIFO provision (8 ) Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements (14 ) Operating income $ 1,517 Three months ended February 28, 2018 Sales $ 24,478 $ 3,317 $ 5,755 $ (529 ) $ 33,021 Adjusted operating income 3 $ 1,650 $ 276 $ 231 $ 3 $ 2,160 Acquisition-related amortization (113 ) Acquisition-related costs (65 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen 113 LIFO provision (43 ) Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements 2 (90 ) Asset recovery 15 Operating income 3 $ 1,977 Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations 1 Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Six months ended February 28, 2019 Sales $ 51,979 $ 5,982 $ 11,446 $ (1,086 ) $ 68,321 Adjusted operating income $ 2,834 $ 388 $ 445 $ — $ 3,667 Acquisition-related amortization (246 ) Transformational cost management (179 ) Acquisition-related costs (148 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (54 ) Store optimization (51 ) LIFO provision (48 ) Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements (24 ) Operating income $ 2,918 Six months ended February 28, 2018 Sales $ 46,967 $ 6,400 $ 11,473 $ (1,079 ) $ 63,761 Adjusted operating income 3 $ 3,028 $ 481 $ 456 $ 1 $ 3,966 Acquisition-related amortization (198 ) Acquisition-related costs (116 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (76 ) LIFO provision (97 ) Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements 2 (115 ) Hurricane-related costs (83 ) Asset recovery 15 Operating income 3 $ 3,296 1 Eliminations relate to intersegment sales between the Pharmaceutical Wholesale and the Retail Pharmacy International segments. 2 As previously disclosed, beginning in the quarter ended August 31, 2018, management reviewed and refined its practice to include all charges related to the matters included in certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements. In order to present non-GAAP measures on a consistent basis for fiscal year 2018, the Company included adjustments in the quarter ended August 31, 2018 of $14 million , $50 million and $5 million which were previously accrued in the Company’s financial statements for the quarters ended November 30, 2017, February 28, 2018 and May 31, 2018, respectively. These additional adjustments impact the comparability of such results to the results reported in prior and future quarters. 3 The Company adopted new accounting guidance in Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 as of September 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) on a retrospective basis for the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings presentation. See note 17 , new accounting pronouncements, for further information.

Sales (Tables)

Sales (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Sales (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table summarizes the Company’s sales by segment and by major source (in millions): Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Retail Pharmacy USA Pharmacy $ 18,892 $ 17,208 $ 38,039 $ 33,487 Retail 7,366 7,270 13,940 13,480 Total 26,257 24,478 51,979 46,967 Retail Pharmacy International Pharmacy 1,010 1,095 2,049 2,202 Retail 2,072 2,222 3,933 4,198 Total 3,082 3,317 5,982 6,400 Pharmaceutical Wholesale 5,738 5,755 11,446 11,473 Eliminations 1 (549 ) (529 ) (1,086 ) (1,079 ) Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. $ 34,528 $ 33,021 $ 68,321 $ 63,761 1 Eliminations relate to intersegment sales between the Pharmaceutical Wholesale and the Retail Pharmacy International segments.

Related parties (Tables)

Related parties (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Related parties (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	Related party transactions with AmerisourceBergen (in millions): Three months ended Six months ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Purchases, net $ 14,064 $ 12,132 $ 28,386 $ 23,736 February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Trade accounts payable, net $ 6,511 $ 6,274

New accounting pronouncements (

New accounting pronouncements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
New accounting pronouncements (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	The following is a reconciliation of the effect on the relevant line items on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended February 28, 2018 as a result of adopting this new accounting guidance (in millions): As reported Adjustments As revised Six months ended February 28, 2018 Trade accounts payable $ 592 $ 7 $ 599 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 182 6 188 Other non-current assets and liabilities (72 ) 20 (52 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 3,176 32 3,208 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 44 12 56 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (1,552 ) 44 (1,508 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 3,301 195 3,496 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 1,749 $ 239 $ 1,988 The following is a reconciliation of the effect of the reclassification of all other net cost components (excluding service cost component) of net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost from selling, general and administrative expenses to other income (expense) in the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings (in millions): As reported Adjustments As revised Three months ended February 28, 2018 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 6,318 $ 3 $ 6,321 Operating income 1,980 (3 ) 1,977 Other income (expense) 9 3 12 As reported Adjustments As revised Six months ended February 28, 2018 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 12,225 $ 6 $ 12,231 Operating income 3,302 (6 ) 3,296 Other income (expense) (128 ) 6 (122 )

Supplemental information (Table

Supplemental information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Supplemental information (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2019
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense	The Company has recorded the following depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings (in millions): Three months ended Six months ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Depreciation expense $ 360 $ 347 $ 717 $ 682 Intangible asset and other amortization 139 95 273 176 Total depreciation and amortization expense $ 499 $ 442 $ 990 $ 858
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following represents a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets to total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 (in millions): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 818 $ 785 Restricted cash (included in other current assets) 191 190 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,009 $ 975
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following represents a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets to total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 (in millions): February 28, 2019 August 31, 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 818 $ 785 Restricted cash (included in other current assets) 191 190 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,009 $ 975
Schedule of Dividends Payable	Cash dividends per common share declared during the six months ended fiscal 2019 and the six months ended fiscal 2018 were as follows: Quarter ended 2019 2018 November $ 0.440 $ 0.400 February 0.440 0.400 $ 0.880 $ 0.800

Acquisitions - Narrative (Deta

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 19, 2017USD ($)distribution_centerstore	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)store	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)store	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)distribution_center	Aug. 31, 2018USD ($)store
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 17,027	$ 17,027		$ 16,914
Fred, Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred to acquire assets		$ 77	$ 177
Rite Aid Corporation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations acquired \| store	1,932	1,932	1,932		1,932
Number of distribution centers expected to be acquired \| distribution_center	3			2
Consideration to be transferred	$ 4,375
Cash consideration			$ 4,157		$ 4,200
Goodwill		$ 1,331	$ 1,331
Rite Aid Corporation - First Distribution Center
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, gross				$ 61

Acquisitions - Schedule of con

Acquisitions - Schedule of consideration (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 17,027	$ 16,914
Rite Aid Corporation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration	4,330
Inventories	1,171
Property, plant and equipment	490
Intangible assets	2,039
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(55)
Deferred income taxes	291
Other non-current liabilities	(937)
Total identifiable net assets	2,999
Goodwill	$ 1,331

Acquisitions - Intangible Asse

Acquisitions - Intangible Assets (Details) - Rite Aid Corporation $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles	$ 2,039
Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average useful life (in years)	12 years
Finite-lived intangibles	$ 1,800
Favorable lease interests
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average useful life (in years)	10 years
Finite-lived intangibles	$ 219
Trade names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average useful life (in years)	2 years
Finite-lived intangibles	$ 20

Acquisitions - Pro Forma (Deta

Acquisitions - Pro Forma (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Acquisitions - Pro Forma (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018
Rite Aid Corporation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma sales	$ 34,567	$ 67,693

Exit and disposal activities -

Exit and disposal activities - Narrative and Changes in Restructuring Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 02, 2019store	Oct. 24, 2017store	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)
Transformational Cost Management Program
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Restructuring costs			$ 150	$ 179
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				0
Costs				179
Payments				(33)
Other - non cash				(117)
Ending Balance			30	30	$ 30
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Severance and other business transition and exit costs
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Restructuring costs			39	62
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				0
Costs				62
Payments				(33)
Other - non cash				0
Ending Balance			30	30	30
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Asset impairments
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Restructuring costs			111	117
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				0
Costs				117
Payments				0
Other - non cash				(117)
Ending Balance			0	0	0
Store Optimization Program
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of stores expected to close \| store		600
Expected cost			350	350	350
Restructuring costs			31	51	150
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				329
Costs				51
Payments				(147)
Other - non cash				103
Ending Balance			336	336	336
Store Optimization Program \| Severance and other business transition and exit costs
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected cost			190	190	190
Restructuring costs			22	49	130
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				21
Costs				49
Payments				(56)
Other - non cash				0
Ending Balance			14	14	14
Store Optimization Program \| Lease obligations and other real estate costs
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected cost			160	160	160
Restructuring costs			9	2	21
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				308
Costs				2
Payments				(91)
Other - non cash				103
Ending Balance			321	321	321
Cost Transformation Program
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				421
Payments				(46)
Other - non cash				19
Ending Balance			395	395	395
Cost Transformation Program \| Severance and other business transition and exit costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				7
Payments				(2)
Other - non cash				0
Ending Balance			5	5	5
Cost Transformation Program \| Real estate costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				414
Payments				(44)
Other - non cash				19
Ending Balance			$ 390	$ 390	$ 390
Subsequent Event \| Store Optimization Program
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of stores expected to close \| store	750

Exit and disposal activities -

Exit and disposal activities - Restructuring costs and reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	16 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019
Transformational Cost Management Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 150	$ 179
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Severance and other business transition and exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	39	62
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Asset impairments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	111	117
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Retail Pharmacy USA
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	14	16
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Retail Pharmacy USA \| Severance and other business transition and exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	14	16
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Retail Pharmacy USA \| Asset impairments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	0	0
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Retail Pharmacy International
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	40	67
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Retail Pharmacy International \| Severance and other business transition and exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	14	35
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Retail Pharmacy International \| Asset impairments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	26	32
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Pharmaceutical Wholesale
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	96	96
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Pharmaceutical Wholesale \| Severance and other business transition and exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	11	11
Transformational Cost Management Program \| Pharmaceutical Wholesale \| Asset impairments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	85	85
Store Optimization Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	31	51	$ 150
Store Optimization Program \| Severance and other business transition and exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	22	49	130
Store Optimization Program \| Lease obligations and other real estate costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 9	$ 2	$ 21

Operating leases (Details)

Operating leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Operating leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Charges related to facilities that were closed or relocated	$ 29	$ 28	$ 42	$ 67
Changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			964	$ 718	$ 718
Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities			1		52
Changes in assumptions			21		19
Accretion expense			20		58
Other - non cash			86		338
Cash payments, net of sublease income			(164)		(221)
Balance at end of period	$ 928		$ 928		$ 964

Equity method investments - Sc

Equity method investments - Schedule of Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 6,683	$ 6,610
AmerisourceBergen
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 5,212	$ 5,138
Ownership percentage	27.00%	26.00%
Others
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 1,471	$ 1,472
Others \| Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	8.00%	8.00%
Others \| Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%
Total
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 6,683	$ 6,610

Equity method investments - Na

Equity method investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity earnings (losses)	$ 9	$ 14	$ 24	$ 27
AmerisourceBergen
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Outstanding shares owned (in shares)	56,854,867		56,854,867		56,854,867
Ownership percentage	27.00%		27.00%		26.00%
Period of reporting lag			2 months
Equity investment, exceeded its proportionate share of net assets	$ 4,400		$ 4,400
AmerisourceBergen \| Level 1
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Fair market value of equity investment	4,700		4,700
Other Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity earnings (losses)	$ 9	$ 14	$ 24	$ 27

Goodwill and other intangible_3

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period	$ 16,914
Acquisitions	8
Disposals	(8)
Currency translation adjustments	113
Net book value - Ending Period	17,027
Retail Pharmacy USA
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period	10,483
Acquisitions	8
Disposals	0
Currency translation adjustments	0
Net book value - Ending Period	10,491
Retail Pharmacy International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period	3,370
Acquisitions	0
Disposals	(8)
Currency translation adjustments	59
Net book value - Ending Period	3,421
Pharmaceutical Wholesale
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period	3,061
Acquisitions	0
Disposals	0
Currency translation adjustments	54
Net book value - Ending Period	$ 3,115

Goodwill and other intangible_4

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amortizable intangible assets	$ 5,979	$ 5,794
Accumulated amortization	1,861	1,640
Total amortizable intangible assets, net	4,118	4,154
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	7,814	7,629
Total intangible assets, net	11,932	11,783
Trade names and trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	5,688	5,557
Pharmacy licenses
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	2,126	2,072
Customer relationships and loyalty card holders
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amortizable intangible assets	4,421	4,235
Accumulated amortization	1,147	997
Favorable lease interests and non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amortizable intangible assets	669	680
Accumulated amortization	386	359
Trade names and trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amortizable intangible assets	507	489
Accumulated amortization	242	206
Purchasing and payer contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amortizable intangible assets	382	390
Accumulated amortization	$ 86	$ 78

Goodwill and other intangible_5

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$ 139	$ 121	$ 273	$ 217
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, fair value in excess of carrying amount (as a percent)	11.00%		11.00%
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, fair value in excess of carrying amount (as a percent)	312.00%		312.00%

Goodwill and other intangible_6

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)
Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense [Abstract]
2020	$ 483
2021	432
2022	412
2023	378
2024	$ 361

Debt - Short and Long-Term Deb

Debt - Short and Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt	$ 5,356	$ 1,966
Credit facilities	1,500	0
Other	15	23
Total long-term debt, less current portion	12,685	12,431
Other Short Term Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt	436	288
Unsecured Notes \| 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 0	1,248
Stated interest rate	2.70%
Maturity year	2019
Unsecured Notes \| 3.450% unsecured notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 1,889	1,888
Stated interest rate	3.45%
Maturity year	2026
Unsecured Notes \| 4.650% unsecured notes due 2046
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 590	590
Stated interest rate	4.65%
Maturity year	2046
Unsecured Notes \| 3.300% unsecured notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 1,246	1,245
Stated interest rate	3.30%
Maturity year	2021
Unsecured Notes \| 3.800% unsecured notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 1,991	1,990
Stated interest rate	3.80%
Maturity year	2024
Unsecured Notes \| 4.500% unsecured notes due 2034
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 495	495
Stated interest rate	4.50%
Maturity year	2034
Unsecured Notes \| 4.800% unsecured notes due 2044
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 1,492	1,492
Stated interest rate	4.80%
Maturity year	2044
Unsecured Notes \| 2.875% unsecured Pound sterling notes due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 531	517
Stated interest rate	2.875%
Maturity year	2020
Unsecured Notes \| 3.600% unsecured Pound sterling notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 397	387
Stated interest rate	3.60%
Maturity year	2025
Unsecured Notes \| 2.125% unsecured Euro notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 849	868
Stated interest rate	2.125%
Maturity year	2026
Unsecured Notes \| 3.100% unsecured notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 1,196	1,196
Stated interest rate	3.10%
Maturity year	2022
Unsecured Notes \| 4.400% unsecured notes due 2042
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	$ 493	492
Stated interest rate	4.40%
Maturity year	2042
Commercial paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt	$ 3,027	430
Credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt	644	999
Notes Payable \| 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt	$ 1,249	0
Stated interest rate	2.70%
Maturity year	2019
Notes Payable \| 5.250% unsecured notes due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt	$ 0	$ 249
Stated interest rate	5.25%
Maturity year	2019

Debt - Note Issuances (Details

Debt - Note Issuances (Details) - Feb. 28, 2019	USD ($)	EUR (€)	GBP (£)
Total $6.0 billion debt issuance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 6,000,000,000
Fair value of the notes	2,400,000,000
Carrying value of the notes	2,500,000,000
Total $8.0 billion debt issuance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	8,000,000,000
Fair value of the notes	6,400,000,000
Carrying value of the notes	6,500,000,000
Total 700 million pounds debt issuance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount \| £			£ 700,000,000
Fair value of the notes	900,000,000
Carrying value of the notes	900,000,000
Total 750 million euros debt issuance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount \| €		€ 750,000,000
Fair value of the notes	900,000,000
Carrying value of the notes	800,000,000
Total $4.0 billion debt issuance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	4,000,000,000
Fair value of the notes	1,600,000,000
Carrying value of the notes	$ 1,700,000,000

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
Debt - Narrative (Details)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 18, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 05, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2018USD ($)	Aug. 29, 2018USD ($)	Aug. 24, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 01, 2017USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest paid	$ 349,000,000	$ 281,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| January 2019 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 2,000,000,000
Borrowing outstanding	0
Revolving Credit Facility \| December 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 1,000,000,000
Borrowing outstanding	500,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing outstanding	0
Face amount							$ 3,500,000,000
Term Loan \| December 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Face amount					$ 1,000,000,000
Long-term debt outstanding	$ 1,000,000,000
Letter of Credit \| August 2018 Revolving Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Face amount							$ 500,000,000
Term Loan \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt to total capitalization ratio	0.60
Line of Credit \| November 2018 Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing outstanding	$ 700,000,000
Line of Credit \| Revolving Credit Facility \| November 2018 Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity						$ 500,000,000
Line of Credit \| Unsecured Notes \| November 2018 Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Face amount						$ 500,000,000
Medium-term Notes \| August 2017 Revolving Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity								$ 1,000,000,000
Medium-term Notes \| 2017 Term Loan Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity								$ 1,000,000,000
Medium-term Notes \| February 2017 Revolving Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity									$ 1,000,000,000
Commercial paper
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Average daily short-term borrowings	$ 2,400,000,000	$ 1,200,000,000
Weighted-average interest rate	2.96%	1.81%

Financial instruments (Details)

Financial instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018
Foreign currency forwards \| Not designated as hedges \| Selling, general and administrative expenses
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and (losses) due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments	$ (106)	$ (164)	$ (60)	$ (183)
Foreign currency forwards \| Not designated as hedges \| Other income (expense)
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and (losses) due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments	(6)	$ (1)	(2)	$ 33
Accrued expenses and other liabilities \| Interest rate swaps \| Designated as hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional					$ 250
Fair value					1
Accrued expenses and other liabilities \| Foreign currency forwards \| Not designated as hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	2,807		2,807		825
Fair value	92		92		4
Other current assets \| Foreign currency forwards \| Designated as hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional					15
Fair value					0
Other current assets \| Foreign currency forwards \| Not designated as hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	748		748		3,273
Fair value	3		3		$ 52
Other non-current liabilities \| Cross currency interest rate swap \| Designated as hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	623		623
Fair value	$ 16		$ 16

Fair value measurements (Detail

Fair value measurements (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Money market funds
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	$ 142	$ 227
Available-for-sale investments
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	5	1
Foreign currency forwards
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	3	52
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	92	4
Cross currency interest rate swap
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	16
Interest rate swaps
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities		1
Level 1 \| Money market funds
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	142	227
Level 1 \| Available-for-sale investments
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	5	1
Level 1 \| Foreign currency forwards
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	0	0
Level 1 \| Cross currency interest rate swap
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	0
Level 1 \| Interest rate swaps
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities		0
Level 2 \| Money market funds
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Level 2 \| Available-for-sale investments
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Level 2 \| Foreign currency forwards
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	3	52
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	92	4
Level 2 \| Cross currency interest rate swap
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	16
Level 2 \| Interest rate swaps
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities		1
Level 3 \| Money market funds
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Level 3 \| Available-for-sale investments
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Level 3 \| Foreign currency forwards
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	0	0
Level 3 \| Cross currency interest rate swap
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	$ 0
Level 3 \| Interest rate swaps
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities		$ 0

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 22, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2018USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019lawsuit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments for legal settlements \| $	$ 209.2	$ 34.5
Rite Aid Transactions
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits filed			2
State of Pennsylvania in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits filed			1

Income taxes (Details)

Income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	16.70%	27.40%	15.50%	25.40%
Cash paid for income taxes			$ 766	$ 301

Retirement benefits (Details)

Retirement benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Retirement benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Employer cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans			$ 11
Employee expected additional contribution in current fiscal year			23
Boots and Other Pension Plans
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Total net periodic pension costs (income)	$ (13)	$ (3)	(23)	$ (5)
Walgreen Profit Sharing Retirement Trust
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Profit sharing provision expense	64	55	125	111
Alliance Boots Retirement Savings Plan
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cost recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of earnings	33	31	64	61
Selling, general and administrative expenses \| Boots and Other Pension Plans
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Service costs	1	1	2	3
Other income (expense) \| Boots and Other Pension Plans
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Interest costs	50	49	99	96
Expected returns on plan assets/other	$ (64)	$ (53)	$ (124)	$ (104)

Accumulated other comprehensi_3

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
AOCI [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 26,263	$ 26,756	$ 26,689	$ 28,274
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	536	386	304	908
Ending Balance	25,413	28,178	25,413	28,178
Pension/ post- retirement obligations
AOCI [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	97	(139)	101	(139)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	0	0	0	(1)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(4)	(3)	(8)	(3)
Other	0		0
Tax benefit (provision)	2	1	2	2
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(2)	(2)	(6)	(2)
Ending Balance	95	(141)	95	(141)
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges
AOCI [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(27)	(33)	(30)	(33)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(19)	0	(16)	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	2	1	3	2
Other	0		0
Tax benefit (provision)	4	0	3	(1)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(13)	1	(10)	1
Ending Balance	(40)	(32)	(40)	(32)
Share of AOCI of equity method investments
AOCI [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4	0	3	(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(2)	1	(1)	4
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
Other	0		0
Tax benefit (provision)	0	(1)	0	(2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(2)	0	(1)	2
Ending Balance	2	0	2	0
Cumulative translation adjustments
AOCI [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(3,305)	(2,371)	(3,076)	(2,877)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	537	381	309	887
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
Other	7		7
Tax benefit (provision)	(1)	0	(2)	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	543	381	314	887
Ending Balance	(2,762)	(1,990)	(2,762)	(1,990)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
AOCI [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(3,231)	(2,543)	(3,002)	(3,051)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	516	382	292	890
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2)	(2)	(5)	(1)
Other	7		7
Tax benefit (provision)	5	0	3	(1)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	526	380	297	888
Ending Balance	$ (2,705)	$ (2,163)	$ (2,705)	$ (2,163)

Segment reporting (Details)

Segment reporting (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Segment reporting (Details) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)segment	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments \| segment			3
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales	$ 34,528	$ 33,021	$ 68,321	$ 63,761
Adjusted operating income	1,935	2,160	3,667	3,966
Acquisition-related amortization	(123)	(113)	(246)	(198)
Transformational cost management	(150)		(179)
Acquisition-related costs	(82)	(65)	(148)	(116)
Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen	(9)	113	(54)	(76)
Store optimization	(31)		(51)
LIFO provision	(8)	(43)	(48)	(97)
Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements	(14)	(90)	(24)	(115)
LIFO provision				(83)
Asset recovery		15		15
Operating income	1,517	1,977	2,918	3,296
Reportable Segments \| Retail Pharmacy USA
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales	26,257	24,478	51,979	46,967
Adjusted operating income	1,455	1,650	2,834	3,028
Reportable Segments \| Retail Pharmacy International
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales	3,082	3,317	5,982	6,400
Adjusted operating income	256	276	388	481
Reportable Segments \| Pharmaceutical Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales	5,738	5,755	11,446	11,473
Adjusted operating income	225	231	445	456
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales	(549)	(529)	(1,086)	(1,079)
Adjusted operating income	$ (1)	$ 3	0	$ 1
November 30, 2017 Legal And Regulatory Accruals And Settlements
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Adjustments to financial statements to present non-GAAP measures			14
February 28, 2018 Legal And Regulatory Accruals And Settlements
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Adjustments to financial statements to present non-GAAP measures			50
May 31, 2018 Legal And Regulatory Accruals And Settlements
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Adjustments to financial statements to present non-GAAP measures			$ 5

Sales (Details)

Sales (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Sales (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	$ 34,528	$ 33,021	$ 68,321	$ 63,761
Eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	(549)	(529)	(1,086)	(1,079)
Retail Pharmacy USA \| Reportable Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	26,257	24,478	51,979	46,967
Retail Pharmacy USA \| Reportable Segments \| Pharmacy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	18,892	17,208	38,039	33,487
Retail Pharmacy USA \| Reportable Segments \| Retail
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	7,366	7,270	13,940	13,480
Retail Pharmacy International \| Reportable Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	3,082	3,317	5,982	6,400
Retail Pharmacy International \| Reportable Segments \| Pharmacy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	1,010	1,095	2,049	2,202
Retail Pharmacy International \| Reportable Segments \| Retail
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	2,072	2,222	3,933	4,198
Pharmaceutical Wholesale \| Reportable Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	$ 5,738	$ 5,755	$ 11,446	$ 11,473

Related parties (Details)

Related parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Related parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Purchases, net	$ 14,064	$ 12,132	$ 28,386	$ 23,736
Trade accounts payable, net	$ 6,511		$ 6,511		$ 6,274

New accounting pronouncements -

New accounting pronouncements - Reconciliation of Effect of New Pension and Postretirement Benefits Accounting Guidance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 6,320	$ 6,321	$ 12,599	$ 12,231
Operating income	1,517	1,977	2,918	3,296
Other income (expense)	$ 19	12	$ 45	(122)
Previously Reported
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses		6,318		12,225
Operating income		1,980		3,302
Other income (expense)		9		(128)
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses					$ (125)	$ (73)	$ 69
Other income (expense)					$ 125	$ 73	$ (69)
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 \| Restatement Adjustment
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses		3		6
Operating income		(3)		(6)
Other income (expense)		$ 3		$ 6

New accounting pronouncements_2

New accounting pronouncements - Reconciliation of Effect of New Restricted Cash Accounting Guidance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Trade accounts payable	$ 682	$ 599
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(542)	188
Other non-current assets and liabilities	(104)	(52)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,195	3,208
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	0	56
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	34	(1,508)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	975	3,496
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 1,009	1,988
Previously Reported
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Trade accounts payable		592
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		182
Other non-current assets and liabilities		(72)
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,176
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		44
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(1,552)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		3,301
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period		1,749
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] \| Restatement Adjustment
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Trade accounts payable		7
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		6
Other non-current assets and liabilities		20
Net cash provided by operating activities		32
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		12
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		44
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		195
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period		$ 239

New accounting pronouncements_3

New accounting pronouncements - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Sep. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expense	$ 6,320	$ 6,321	$ 12,599	$ 12,231
Other income (expense)	$ 19	$ 12	$ 45	$ (122)
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle								$ (88)
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expense					$ (125)	$ (73)	$ 69
Other income (expense)					$ 125	$ 73	$ (69)
Retained earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle								(88)
Retained earnings \| Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle								$ 98

Supplemental information - Narr

Supplemental information - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable from related party		$ 1,500	$ 1,200
Restricted cash (included in other current assets)	$ 191		190
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS calculations (in shares)	14.4	10.6
Trade Accounts Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Trade receivables		$ 6,300	$ 5,400

Supplemental information - Depr

Supplemental information - Depreciation and Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 360	$ 347	$ 717	$ 682
Intangible asset and other amortization	139	95	273	176
Total depreciation and amortization expense	499	$ 442	990	$ 858
Accumulated depreciation and amortization on property, plant, and equipment	$ 11,000		$ 11,000		$ 10,500

Supplemental information - Summ

Supplemental information - Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 818	$ 785
Restricted cash (included in other current assets)	191	190
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 1,009	$ 975	$ 1,988	$ 3,496

Supplemental information - Su_2

Supplemental information - Summary of Dividends per Share (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.440	$ 0.440	$ 0.400	$ 0.400	$ 0.88	$ 0.8