Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2022

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	—		—		9,549		9,549
Currency translation adjustments	—		(12)		—		(12)
February 28, 2022	$	10,947	$	1,462	$	9,549	$	21,958

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	February 28, 2022		August 31, 2021
Gross amortizable intangible assets
Customer relationships and loyalty card holders 1	$	4,439	$	3,522
Primary care provider network	1,244		—
Trade names and trademarks	703		361
Developed technology 2	352		156
Purchasing and payor contracts	15		317
Others 2	77		65
Total gross amortizable intangible assets	$	6,829	$	4,421
Accumulated amortization
Customer relationships and loyalty card holders 1	$	1,457	$	1,335
Primary care provider network	26		—
Trade names and trademarks	242		226
Developed technology 2	29		8
Purchasing and payor contracts	3		227
Others 2	31		29
Total accumulated amortization	1,787		1,826
Total amortizable intangible assets, net	$	5,042	$	2,595
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Trade names and trademarks	$	5,265	$	5,276
Pharmacy licenses	2,045		2,066
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	$	7,310	$	7,342
Total intangible assets, net	$	12,352	$	9,936

1Includes purchased prescription files.

2Includes certain reclassifications to conform to the current period presentation.

Schedule of Future Amortization Expense

Estimated future annual amortization expense for the next five fiscal years for intangible assets recorded at February 28, 2022 is as follows (in millions):

	2022 (Remaining period)		2023		2024		2025		2026		2027
Estimated annual amortization expense	$	302	$	576	$	557	$	524	$	504	$	454