Walgreen Company, 1990: The Cash Distribution Decision

Walgreen Company completed new five-year financial projections in preparation for the succession of Daniel Jorndt, senior vice president of finance and company treasurer, to the presidency of the company. Joanna Doode, Jorndt's assistant, had been requested by Jorndt to consider specifically whether the company's projected dividend path was appropriate in light of Walgreens' changing circumstances. Did Walgreens' expected surge in cash flow necessitate that its cash distribution policy be more dramatically overhauled? Joanna was charged with evaluating whether Walgreens should maintain or revamp its dividend policy and whether Walgreens should repurchase any of its common stock.