Walgreen Co.'s fiscal first-quarter earnings sank nearly 26 percent as the nation's largest drugstore chain filled fewer prescriptions and absorbed costs tied to acquisitions and Superstorm Sandy.

Walgreen Co. will report fiscal first-quarter earnings for fiscal 2013 on Friday, and analysts will be looking for more signs that the nation's largest drugstore chain is repairing its revenue after a temporary business split with Express Scripts Holding Co.

All the national drugstore chains now offer a free customer loyalty program loaded with incentives to use their cards. Walgreen Co., the nation's largest drugstore chain, became the latest when it unveiled its Balance Rewards program in September.

Walgreen Co. revenue from established stores came in lower than Wall Street expected once again last month, as the introduction of generic drugs continued to squeeze revenue for the nation's largest drugstore chain.

Walgreen CEO Gregory D. Wassons total compensation slipped in fiscal 2012, as earnings sank 21 percent and a contract dispute hurt revenue for the nation's largest drugstore operator.

Hostess Brands Inc. says it's going out of business after striking workers across the country crippled its ability to make its Twinkies, Ding Dongs and other snacks.

For some American workers, picking the right health insurance is becoming more like hunting for the perfect business suit: It takes some shopping around to find a good fit and avoid sticker shock.

UnitedHealth Group's third-quarter net income jumped 23 percent to trump expectations, as preparations for retiring Baby Boomers started to pay off for the nation's largest health insurer. UnitedHealth also raised its 2012 earnings forecast.