Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2021

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):

Goodwill roll forward:	United States		International		Walgreens Health		Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
August 31, 2021	$	10,947	$	1,474	$	—	$	12,421
Acquisitions	—		—		9,130		9,130
Currency translation adjustments	—		(32)		—		(32)
November 30, 2021	$	10,947	$	1,443	$	9,130	$	21,520

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets consist of the following (in millions):

Intangible assets	November 30, 2021		August 31, 2021
Gross amortizable intangible assets
Customer relationships and loyalty card holders 1	$	4,430	$	3,522
Primary care provider network	1,660		—
Trade names and trademarks	708		361
Purchasing and payer contracts	317		317
Developed technology	290		—
Others	75		221
Total gross amortizable intangible assets	$	7,479	$	4,421
Accumulated amortization
Customer relationships and loyalty card holders 1	$	1,395	$	1,335
Trade names and trademarks	228		226
Purchasing and payer contracts	284		227
Developed technology	17		—
Others	29		37
Total accumulated amortization	1,953		1,826
Total amortizable intangible assets, net	$	5,526	$	2,595
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Trade names and trademarks	$	5,208	$	5,276
Pharmacy licenses	2,036		2,066
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	$	7,244	$	7,342
Total intangible assets, net	$	12,770	$	9,936

1Includes purchased prescription files.

Schedule of Future Amortization Expense

Estimated future annual amortization expense for the next five fiscal years for intangible assets recorded at November 30, 2021 is as follows (in millions):

	2022 (Remaining period)		2023		2024		2025		2026		2027
Estimated annual amortization expense	$	462	$	560	$	541	$	514	$	490	$	443