Walgreens Boots Alliance Bolsa (NASDAQ: WBA)

Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:WBA) Bolsa

WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE INC

Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance is one of the largest retail pharmacy chains in the US, with over 8,000 locations. Nearly three quarters of Americans live within five miles of a Walgreens location. Roughly two thirds of revenue is generated from prescription drug sales; Walgreens makes up 20% of total prescription revenue in the US. Walgreens also generates sales from retail products (general wellness consumables and its own branded merchandise), European drug wholesale, and healthcare. With more locations incorporating additional services like Health Corner and Village Medical, Walgreens creates an omnichannel experience for patients and positions itself as a one-stop healthcare provider.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. WBA

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Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - Common Stock

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc

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U.S. stock futures were volatile on Wednesday after the equities reversed gains on Tuesday following President Donald Trump&#8216;s 104% tariff on China. Futures of major benchmark indices were mixed in premarket.
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44698697/markets-reverse-gains-as-trumps-104-china-tariff-announcement-rattles-wall-street">confirmed that Trump&#8217;s retaliatory</a> 104% tariff on Chinese imports would take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET Wednesday. Her remarks triggered a sharp deterioration in market sentiment and reignited fears of a global trade escalation.
Despite growing geopolitical concerns surrounding China, a new U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44700937/us-companies-stick-with-china-as-trump-tariffs-take-effect-report">report highlighted by</a> The Wall Street Journal reveals that most surveyed companies still find significant strategic advantages in staying or growing their operations there.
This finding underscores a divergence between Washington&#8217;s &#8220;selective decoupling&#8221; efforts and the deep reliance of corporate America on China&#8217;s manufacturing, workforce, and consumer base.
Major indices were significantly down from recent highs as of Tuesday&#8217;s close. The S&amp;P 500 was 18.95% lower, the Nasdaq 100 was down 23.10%, and the Dow Jones declined 16.48%, following a week of tariff-driven selloffs.
The 10-year Treasury bond yielded 4.35% and the two-year bond was at 3.80%. However, the CME Group's FedWatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">tool</a>‘s projections showed markets pricing a 58.3% likelihood of the Federal Reserve keeping the current interest rates unchanged in its May meeting.
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<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Change (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>-0.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>0.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>0.64%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>-0.17%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, were higher in premarket on Wednesday. The SPY was up 0.30% to $497.98, while the QQQ advanced 0.63% to $418.70, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
Cues From Last Session:
Consumer discretionary, materials, and energy sectors led a broad decline in U.S. stocks on Tuesday, as the S&amp;P 500 closed entirely in negative territory.
The selloff intensified after the President&#8217;s 104% tariff.
Among individual tech giants, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) saw significant drops, while Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) also traded lower.
In other news, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings, and small business optimism hit its lowest point since October 2024.
The Dow Jones index slumped 320 points or 0.84% to 37,645.59, whereas the S&amp;P 500 index fell 1.57% to 4,982.77. Nasdaq Composite declined to end 2.15% lower at 15,267.91, and the small-cap gauge, Russell 2000, tumbled 2.73% to 1,760.71.
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td>-2.15%</td>
<td>15,267.91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>-1.57%</td>
<td>4,982.77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>-0.84%</td>
<td>37,645.59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>-2.73%</td>
<td>1,760.71</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Insights From Analysts:
In this environment of heightened uncertainty, Julia Khandoshko, CEO at European broker Mind Money, advises investors to focus on capital preservation rather than chasing high returns.
&#8220;The most rational strategy in the short term is to focus on liquidity, reliable fixed-income instruments, and safe haven assets such as gold. This is not an attempt to make money but a need to preserve capital in conditions of high uncertainty,&#8221; she adds.
Even nations currently enjoying a trade surplus shouldn&#8217;t be complacent, warns Khandoshko. She points to the danger of stagflation – a damaging combination of stalled economic growth and ongoing inflation – using Japan&#8217;s long-lasting difficulties as a stark example.
The widening 3-year SOFR swap spread is signaling <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44705659/cathie-wood-points-to-serious-liquidity-issues-as-overnight-borrowing-rate-spreads-widen-o">growing liquidity problems</a> within the U.S. banking system, according to Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood. She argues that this crisis necessitates swift solutions, including a trade agreement and aggressive Federal Reserve intervention, emphasizing the urgency with &#8220;No more time to waste.&#8221;
This spread, a key indicator of U.S. banking liquidity, represents the difference between the fixed rate in a SOFR-based swap and the yield on a government bond of the same maturity.
SOFR, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, is the benchmark reflecting the cost of overnight cash borrowing used across various financial transactions, and its widening spread adds to existing concerns about emerging liquidity issues in the U.S. market.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">As Zerohedge notes, this swap spread is suggesting serious liquidity issues in the US banking system. This crisis is calling out for some kind of Mar-a-Lago Accord on free trade, in tandem with serious support from the Fed? No more time to waste. <a href="https://t.co/5VXYqLJemJ">https://t.co/5VXYqLJemJ</a>
&mdash; Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathieDWood/status/1909816910033678801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Meanwhile, Ed Yardeni of Yardeni Research suggests that "Fixed-income investors may be starting to worry that the Chinese and other foreigners might start selling their U.S. Treasuries," after Trump levied 104% tariff duties on China after the latter's retaliation.
Adding to the market unease, credit markets are exhibiting increasing strain, evidenced by a rapidly widening yield spread between high-yield corporate bonds and the 10-year Treasury.
Data from Yardeni indicates this spread reached 407 basis points as of April 7th, signaling declining investor confidence and growing concerns about an economic slowdown or potential recession.
"The good news is that the Fed Put will probably make a quick comeback if this happens," said Yardeni.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-trade-futures">How to Trade Futures</a> 
Upcoming Economic Data
Here&#8217;s what investors will keep an eye on Wednesday:
<ul>
<li>February&#8217;s wholesale inventories data will be released by 10:00 a.m., and Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin will speak at 11:00 a.m. ET.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Minutes of Fed&#8217;s March FOMC meeting will be out by 2:00 p.m. ET.</li>
</ul>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>) declined 1.11% in premarket on Tuesday before the opening bell. Analysts expect a quarterly earnings of 38 cents per share on revenue of $13.02 billion.</li>
<li>Simply Good Foods Co. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMPL#NASDAQ">SMPL</a>) was up 1.45% as Wall Street expects it to report earnings of 40 cents per share on revenue of $354.43 million before the opening bell.</li>
<li>Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STZ#NYSE">STZ</a>) was down 1.10% ahead of its earnings call after the closing bell. Analysts expect a quarterly earnings of $2.28 per share on revenue of $2.13 billion.</li>
<li>Kura Sushi USA Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRUS#NASDAQ">KRUS</a>) dropped 3.28% after posting downbeat results for its second quarter. The company also said it sees FY25 total sales of $275 million to $279 million, versus market estimates of $280.741 million.</li>
<li>Aehr Test Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEHR#NASDAQ">AEHR</a>) climbed 1.92% after posting better-than-expected earnings and sales results for its third quarter on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Redwire Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDW#NYSE">RDW</a>) was 2.98% higher after it announced to jointly pursue commercial lunar missions with ispace U.S., including NASA CLPS, leveraging Redwire&#8217;s space infrastructure and ispace U.S.&#8217;s lunar transportation.</li>
<li>Marsh &amp; McLennan Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMC#NYSE">MMC</a>) jumped 17.83% as it announced the acquisition of Arthur Hall Insurance on April 2.</li>
<li>Vincerx Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VINC#NASDAQ">VINC</a>) plunged 52.39% after disclosing that it has terminated the previously announced non-binding Letter of Intent with Global Digital Holdings regarding a potential merger.</li>
<li>Cartesian Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RNAC#NASDAQ">RNAC</a>) tumbled 36.97% after reporting 12-month data for lead cell therapy in myasthenia gravis patients.</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Gold, And Global Equity Markets:
Crude oil futures were trading lower in the early New York session by 2.59% to hover around $57.82 per barrel.
Gold Spot US Dollar advanced 2.04% to hover around $3,043.09 per ounce. Its fresh record high stood at $3,168.04 per ounce. The U.S. Dollar Index spot was lower by 0.49% at the 102.450 level.
Asian markets were mostly lower on Wednesday. Except for China&#8217;s CSI 300 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index, India's S&amp;P BSE Sensex, Japan's Nikkei 225, Australia's ASX 200, and South Korea's Kospi index declined. European markets were also lower in early trade.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44705659/cathie-wood-points-to-serious-liquidity-issues-as-overnight-borrowing-rate-spreads-widen-on-spiking-treasury-yields-this-crisis-is-calling-out-for-some-kind-of-mar-a-lago-accord">Cathie Wood Points To &#8216;Serious Liquidity Issues&#8217; As Overnight Borrowing Rate Spreads Widen On Spiking Treasury Yields</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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US Stocks Futures Trade Mixed Ahead Of Opening Bell: 'Preserve Capital In Conditions Of High Uncertainty,' Says Expert

The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed an increase in the overall fear level, while the index remained in the &#8220;Extreme Fear&#8221; zone on Tuesday.
U.S. stocks settled lower on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 300 points during the session after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump&#8217;s retaliatory 104% tariff on Chinese imports would take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET Wednesday.
Among the Magnificent Seven, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) turned sharply lower, down 5%, while Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shed 4.9% and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) slipped 2.6%. Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) shares also dropped 1.4% during the session.
Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) on Tuesday reported better-than-expected earnings for its second quarter.
On the economic data front, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 3.3 points to a reading of 97.4 in March, recording its weakest level since October 2024 and down from market estimates of 101.3.
All sectors on the S&amp;P 500 closed on a negative note, with consumer discretionary, materials, and energy stocks recording the biggest losses on Tuesday.
The Dow Jones closed lower by around 320 points to 37,645.59 on Tuesday. The S&amp;P 500 fell 1.57% to 4,982.77, while the Nasdaq Composite dipped 2.15% to 15,267.91 during Tuesday's session.
Investors are awaiting earnings results from Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>), The Simply Good Foods Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMPL#NASDAQ">SMPL</a>), and Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STZ#NYSE">STZ</a>) today.
What is CNN Business Fear &amp; Greed Index?
At a current reading of 3.8, the index remained in the &#8220;Extreme Fear&#8221; zone on Tuesday, versus a prior reading of 4.5.
The Fear &amp; Greed Index is a measure of the current market sentiment. It is based on the premise that higher fear exerts pressure on stock prices, while higher greed has the opposite effect. The index is calculated based on seven equal-weighted indicators. The index ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents maximum fear and 100 signals maximum greediness.
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Photo via Shutterstock

Dow Dips Over 300 Points As US-China Trade Tensions Escalate: Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, Amazon Decline, Greed Index Remains In 'Extreme Fear' Zone

U.S. stocks traded higher midway through trading, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining more than 2% on Tuesday.
The Dow traded up 2.48% to 38,907.32 while the NASDAQ climbed 2.43% to 15,982.51. The S&amp;P 500 also rose, gaining, 2.38% to 5,182.79.
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44682228/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-spotlight-on-3-tech-stocks-delivering-high-dividend-yields">Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts Spotlight On 3 Tech Stocks Delivering High-Dividend Yields</a>
Leading and Lagging Sectors Information technology shares surged by 3.7% on Tuesday.
In trading on Tuesday, utilities shares rose by just by 1.1%.
Top Headline
Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) on Tuesday reported better-than-expected earnings for its second quarter.
The company posted second-quarter sales of $38.59 billion, up 4.1% year over year (+4.7% on constant currency), beating the consensus of $38 billion, reflecting sales growth in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and International segments. Adjusted EPS was 63 cents, down from $1.20 a year ago (47.5% decline), beating the consensus of 53 cents, according to data from Benzinga Pro.
Walgreens Boots Alliance withdrew its 2025 guidance under the M&amp;A deal with Sycamore Partners. The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2025.
Equities Trading UP &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>NextDecade Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEXT#NASDAQ">NEXT</a>) shares shot up 23% to $7.33 after the company announced a 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreement to supply 1.2 million tonnes per year to a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco.</li>
<li>Shares of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SXTP#NASDAQ">SXTP</a>)got a boost, surging 109% to $3.7395 after the company announced a patent license agreement with Yale&#8217;s School of Medicine and Public Health for the development and commercialization of Tafenoquine.</li>
<li>Cycurion, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYCU#NASDAQ">CYCU</a>) shares were also up, gaining 37% to $0.61 after the company announced an expanded partnership with Journal Technologies and a $22 million multi-year contract with a state police agency.</li>
</ul>
Equities Trading DOWN
<ul>
<li>Bluejay Diagnostics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BJDX#NASDAQ">BJDX</a>) shares dropped 57% to $3.2291 after the company announced entry into warrant inducement transaction for approximately $3.7 million in gross proceeds.</li>
<li>Shares of Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLRY#NASDAQ">TLRY</a>) were down 8% to $0.5319. The company's third-quarter net revenue decreased from $188.3 million to $185.8 million, missing the consensus of $210.45 million.</li>
<li>CVRx, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVRX#NASDAQ">CVRX</a>) was down, falling 40% to $6.96 after Canaccord Genuity cut its price target on the stock from $23 to $18.</li>
</ul>
Commodities In commodity news, oil traded up 1.3% to $61.47 while gold traded up 1.8% at $3,026.10.
Silver traded up 2.7% to $30.415 on Tuesday, while copper rose 0.8% to $4.2205.
Euro zone
European shares were higher today. The eurozone's STOXX 600 gained 3.67%, Germany's DAX 40 gained 3.17% and France's CAC 40 climbed 3.54%. Spain's IBEX 35 Index rose 3.11%, while London's FTSE 100 gained 3.54%.
Asia Pacific Markets
Asian markets closed higher on Tuesday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining 6.03%, China's Shanghai Composite gaining 1.58%, Hong Kong's Gang Seng index rising 1.51% and India's BSE Sensex gaining 1.49%.
Economics
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 3.3 points to a reading of 97.4 in March, recording its weakest level since October 2024 and down from market estimates of 101.3.
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Crude Oil Gains 1%; Walgreens Posts Upbeat Earnings

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;WBA) on Tuesday reported second-quarter sales of $38.59 billion, up 4.1% year over year (+4.7% on constant currency), beating the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $38 billion</a>, reflecting sales growth in the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Retail Pharmacy&nbsp;and International segments.
Adjusted operating income&nbsp;was&nbsp;$785 million&nbsp;compared to $900 million a year ago, reflecting lower&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;retail sales in the current quarter and sale-leaseback gains in the year-ago quarter, partly offset by cost savings within&nbsp;U.S. Retail Pharmacy&nbsp;and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/b44681111/walgreens-boots-alliance-reports-fiscal-2025-second-quarter-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth in&nbsp;U.S. Healthcare</a>.
Adjusted EPS was&nbsp;63 cents, down from $1.20 a year ago (47.5% decline), beating the consensus of 53 cents, according to data from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174?tblci=GiCUX7wvU_AgmIIiQduNYr6JQuJQLy6SZJGvpyeZuCzyqiCN1VcoxvTN4f7-y-PqATDviEo" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44377660/walgreens-executive-chair-stefano-pessina-seeks-to-strengthen-control-with-nearly-double-stake" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walgreens&#8217; Executive Chair Stefano Pessina Seeks To Strengthen Control With Nearly Double Stake</a>
The U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment sales reached $30.4 billion, up 5.3%. Comparable sales increased 8.2%.
Pharmacy sales increased by 8.9%, and comparable pharmacy sales increased by 12.2%, each benefiting from higher branded drug inflation and prescription volume.
Comparable prescriptions increased by 3.4%, and prescriptions excluding immunizations increased by 3.9% compared to a year ago.
Total prescriptions filled in the quarter, including immunizations, increased 1.3% to 309 million.
Retail sales decreased by 5.5%, and comparable retail sales decreased by 2.8% compared with the year-ago quarter,&nbsp;driven by lower sales in discretionary categories, including beauty, seasonal, and general merchandise.
Cough cold flu season negatively impacted retail sales by approximately 45 basis points compared to the year-ago quarter, an improvement compared to the fiscal first quarter.
The U.S. Healthcare&nbsp;segment&#8217;s sales were&nbsp;$2.2 billion. VillageMD sales decreased 6.2%, CareCentrix sales increased 6.5%, and Shields sales rose 29.7%.
Guidance:&nbsp;Walgreens Boots Alliance withdrew its 2025 guidance under the M&amp;A deal with Sycamore Partners. The merger is expected to close in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44182479/walgreens-stock-rises-as-company-inks-10b-deal-to-go-private" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth quarter of calendar year 2025</a>.
In the first quarter of 2025, Walgreens Boots Alliance maintained fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS&nbsp;guidance of $1.40 – $1.80 versus the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/42912519/walgreens-boots-alliance-stock-jumps-on-better-than-expected-q1-earnings-sticks-to-annual-profit-forecast" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $1.52</a>.
The company&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://investor.walgreensbootsalliance.com/static-files/b93516a3-ac11-4bf3-af48-08739983eaaf?tblci=GiCUX7wvU_AgmIIiQduNYr6JQuJQLy6SZJGvpyeZuCzyqiCN1VcoxvTN4f7-y-PqATDviEo" rel="noreferrer noopener">expected</a> growth in U.S. Healthcare and International offset by pressure in U.S. Retail Pharmacy, largely driven by weaker retail front end performance.
Price Action:&nbsp;WBA stock is up 1.63% at $10.88 at the last check Tuesday.
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Image via Shutterstock

Guidance

Health Care

Movers

General

Walgreens Boots Alliance Q2 Profit Falls 47.5%, Suspends Guidance On Pending Private Equity Deal

Given The Pending Transaction Pursuant To Which Walgreens Boots Alliance Will Be Acquired By Sycamore Partners, The Company Is Withdrawing Fiscal 2025 Guidance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.63 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.53 by 18.87 percent. This is a 47.5 percent decrease over earnings of $1.20 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $38.59 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $38.00 billion by 1.55 percent. This is a 4.15 percent increase over sales of $37.05 billion the same period last year.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Q2 2025 Adj EPS $0.63 Beats $0.53 Estimate, Sales $38.59B Beat $38.00B Estimate

U.S. stock futures rose on Tuesday following a volatile day of trading on Monday that led the indices to close on a mixed note. Futures of major benchmark indices were higher in premarket.
The sell-off that began on Thursday has driven the Nasdaq into bear market territory, whereas the S&amp;P 500 and Dow Jones continue to be in the correction zone.
As China&#8217;s Commerce Ministry said that it "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44677506/china-resolutely-opposes-trumps-50-tariff-threat-vows-countermeasures-as-trade-tensions-jolt-markets?_gl=1kzrvdi_gcl_auNzQyMjgxNjUuMTczNzYwNzI4NQ.._gaZGVsZXRlZA.._ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTc0NDEwMDY0OS4yNDkuMC4xNzQ0MTAwNjQ5LjAuMC4w">resolutely opposes</a>" U.S. President Donald Trump‘s threat to impose additional 50% duties on Chinese imports, the ministry vowed to take countermeasures to protect its interests, intensifying trade tensions that have already triggered market turmoil.
Major indices were significantly down from recent highs as of Tuesday. The S&amp;P 500 was 17.65% lower, the Nasdaq 100 was down 21.56%, and the Dow Jones declined 15.77%, following a week of tariff-driven selloffs.
The 10-year Treasury bond yielded 4.17% and the two-year bond was at 3.77%. However, the CME Group's FedWatch <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">tool</a>&#8216;s projections showed markets pricing a 71.4% likelihood of the Federal Reserve keeping the current interest rates unchanged in its May meeting. 
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Change (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>2.03%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>1.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>1.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2.06%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, advanced in premarket on Tuesday. The SPY was up 1.13% to $510.07, while the QQQ declined 1.09% to $428.30, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
Cues From Last Session:
Real estate, materials, and utilities sectors led Monday&#8217;s S&amp;P 500 decline, pulling the U.S. stocks to a mixed close, with the Dow Jones falling for its third consecutive session.
Conversely, communication services and information technology stocks bucked the trend, closing higher.
Within tech, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shares fell roughly 2.6%, while Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) lost 3.7%. Market volatility stemmed from Trump&#8217;s Truth Social post, threatening 50% U.S. tariffs on China following China&#8217;s 34% retaliatory tariffs.
The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index reported a 0.7% month-over-month drop in March, consistent with February&#8217;s decline.
The Dow Jones index slumped 349 points or 0.91% to 37,965.60, whereas the S&amp;P 500 index fell 0.23% to 5,062.25. Nasdaq Composite bucked the trend to end 0.099% higher at 15,603.26, and the small-cap gauge, Russell 2000, tumbled 0.92% to 1,810.14.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td> 0.099%</td>
<td>15,603.26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>-0.23%</td>
<td>5,062.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>-0.91%</td>
<td>37,965.60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>-0.92%</td>
<td>1,810.14</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Insights From Analysts:
Lawrence McDonald, founder of Bear Traps Report, calculates that<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds/25/04/44679299/trump-tariffs-triggers-historic-equity-wipeout-outpacing-covid-lehman-crashes-with-no-bond-rally-to-cushion-the-blow-says-lawrence-mcdonald"> Trump&#8217;s tariff-driven selloff</a> has obliterated $9 trillion in just six weeks, matching the COVID crash&#8217;s one-month losses and exceeding the 2008 Lehman collapse&#8217;s 12-month decline.
Only the 2022 inflation downturn saw greater losses, at $10 trillion over 11 months. Notably, unlike previous crises where bond yields plummeted, current 30-year yields remain high, near 4.5%, eliminating a traditional bond-market safety net. Reuters reports the global impact of these tariffs at a $10 trillion market wipeout.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">What do Bonds Know? &#x2A;Last 20 years, large equity market risk-off events have &#8212; always &#8212; brought in &quot;flight to quality&quot; buyers of long duration U.S. Treasuries. Not this time. &#x2A;&#x2A;Book Ideas &#8211; &quot;How to Listen When Markets Speak&quot; on Amazon. <a href="https://t.co/naR2vpsuLr">pic.twitter.com/naR2vpsuLr</a>
&mdash; Lawrence McDonald (@Convertbond) <a href="https://twitter.com/Convertbond/status/1909236400127455548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The VIX sustained levels above 45 for two consecutive days, closing at 45.31 on Monday and 46.98 on Tuesday. As former Luby Asset Management CIO Bill Luby noted, this marks the first such occurrence since the 2008-09 Great Financial Crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Consecutive 45+ <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24VIX&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$VIX</a> closes are extremely rare. So rare that only two previous crises have included at least two 45+ closes in a row: the Great Financial Crisis of 2008-09 and the Pandemic of 2020.
&mdash; Bill Luby (@VIXandMore) <a href="https://twitter.com/VIXandMore/status/1909346105835634993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
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A dramatic 118% surge in the VIX over three days marks its fifth-largest such spike. Creative Planning&#8217;s Charlie Bilello&#8216;s data shows that the two larger three-day VIX spikes of 176% in 2018 and 167% in 2015, preceded strong S&amp;P 500 returns over the following one to five years, leading Bilello to conclude that &#8220;high volatility/fear = opportunity&#8221;.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24VIX&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$VIX</a> increased 118% over the last 3 trading days, the 5th biggest 3-day spike ever. What has happened in the past following the biggest <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24VIX&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$VIX</a> spikes? Stocks have tended to bounce back with above-average returns over the next 1-5 years. High volatility/fear = opportunity. <a href="https://t.co/3X373zS1K8">pic.twitter.com/3X373zS1K8</a>
&mdash; Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello) <a href="https://twitter.com/charliebilello/status/1909370006569206218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Bravos Research indicates a &#8220;risk-off&#8221; sentiment in the U.S. stock market, triggered by a gold-to-silver ratio breakout, currently at 99.59. This closely watched metric suggests investors are shifting from volatile silver to safe-haven gold, a pattern seen before the 2022, 2020, and 2008 market downturns.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">15/ This is what the gold-to-silver ratio looks like since 2020 It just broke out above a major basing pattern that had been forming since 2022 This is a risk-off signal, showing traders are moving away from the more volatile silver and into gold <a href="https://t.co/YlcE5Q0oVm">pic.twitter.com/YlcE5Q0oVm</a>
&mdash; Bravos Research (@bravosresearch) <a href="https://twitter.com/bravosresearch/status/1909253763153436992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-trade-futures">How to Trade Futures </a>
Upcoming Economic Data
Here&#8217;s what investors will keep an eye on Tuesday:
<ul>
<li>The NFIB optimism index for March will be out by 6:00 a.m., and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly will speak at 8:00 a.m. ET.</li>
</ul>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) was up 1.31% in premarket on Tuesday before the opening bell. Analysts expect a quarterly earnings of 53 cents per share on revenue of $38 billion.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>RPM International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RPM#NYSE">RPM</a>) was down 0.19% as Wall Street expects it to report earnings of 49 cents per share on revenue of $1.51 billion before the opening bell.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cal-Maine Foods Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CALM#NASDAQ">CALM</a>) rose 0.59% ahead of its earnings call after the closing bell. Analysts expect a quarterly earnings of $10.90 per share on revenue of $1.43 billion.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Greenbrier Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GBX#NYSE">GBX</a>) dropped 4.72% after posting downbeat results for its second quarter. The company reported quarterly sales of $762.1 million, which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $898.530 million.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Levi Strauss &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEVI#NYSE">LEVI</a>) surged 10.37% after reporting better-than-expected earnings for its first quarter on Monday. Levi also said its 2025 guidance remains unchanged, other than to reflect its Dockers business as a discontinued operation, and does not reflect any impact from the recently announced tariffs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) advanced 3.14% after it announced the sale of its automotive Ethernet business to Infineon for $2.5 billion in cash.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSAT#NASDAQ">VSAT</a>) was 1.32% higher after announcing the launch of Amara, its next-generation In-flight Connectivity (IFC) solution for commercial aviation.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>P10 Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PX#NYSE">PX</a>) moved 0.70% higher after acquiring Madrid-based Qualitas Equity Funds for $63 million. Qualitas manages roughly $1 billion in fee-paying assets for over 1,300 partners.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Heavyweights, Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) rose 2.41%, Apple Inc. advanced 1.34%, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) gained 0.79%, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) was 2.04% higher, and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) climbed 1.89%.</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Gold, And Global Equity Markets:
Crude oil futures were trading higher in the early New York session by 0.05% to hover around $60.73 per barrel.
Gold Spot US Dollar advanced 0.82% to hover around $3,007.02 per ounce. Its fresh record high stood at $3,168.04 per ounce. The U.S. Dollar Index spot was lower by 0.14% at the 103.111 level.
Asian markets rose on Tuesday. India's S&amp;P BSE Sensex, Japan's Nikkei 225, Australia's ASX 200, China&#8217;s CSI 300, Hong Kong's Hang Seng, and South Korea's Kospi index advanced. European markets were also higher in early trade.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44679385/market-enters-risk-off-mode-as-analyst-predicts-this-signal-flashing-warnings-similar-to-2020-and-2008-crisis">Market Enters &#8216;Risk-Off&#8217; Mode As Analyst Predicts This Signal Flashing Warnings Similar To 2020, 2008 Crisis</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Market Summary

Treasuries

Analyst Ratings

MRVL

MSFT

VSAT

Wall Street Eyes Recovery As S&P 500, Nasdaq Futures Rise After Trump's Tariff-Driven Selloff Wipes Out $9 Trillion In Six Weeks

<h3>Companies Reporting Before The Bell</h3>
• Tilray Brands (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLRY#NASDAQ">TLRY</a>) is expected to report quarterly loss at $0.03 per share on revenue of $209.77 million. 
• WD-40 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDFC#NASDAQ">WDFC</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $1.42 per share on revenue of $154.40 million. 
• Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.53 per share on revenue of $37.99 billion. 
• RPM Intl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RPM#NYSE">RPM</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.49 per share on revenue of $1.50 billion. 
<h3>Companies Reporting After The Bell</h3>
• Gold Resource (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GORO#AMEX">GORO</a>) is likely to report earnings for its fourth quarter. 
• Kura Sushi USA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRUS#NASDAQ">KRUS</a>) is expected to report quarterly loss at $0.14 per share on revenue of $64.87 million. 
• Cal-Maine Foods (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CALM#NASDAQ">CALM</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $10.90 per share on revenue of $1.43 billion. 
• Techprecision (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPCS#NASDAQ">TPCS</a>) is estimated to report earnings for its third quarter. 
• Aehr Test System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEHR#NASDAQ">AEHR</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.04 per share on revenue of $17.76 million. 
• Mama's Creations (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAMA#NASDAQ">MAMA</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.03 per share on revenue of $31.02 million. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

GORO

MAMA

TPCS

WDFC

Earnings Scheduled For April 8, 2025

The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed some easing in the overall fear level, while the index remained in the &#8220;Extreme Fear&#8221; zone on Monday.
U.S. stocks settled mixed on Monday, with the Dow Jones index falling for the third straight session.
Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shares fell around 2.6% on Monday, while Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) lost 3.7% during the session.
On Truth Social, Trump stated that China had imposed retaliatory tariffs of 34%, on top of what he described as already record-setting tariffs, despite prior warnings that such measures would be met with significantly higher U.S. tariffs. He added that if China did not reverse the 34% hike by April 8, the United States would respond with additional tariffs of 50%, effective the following day.
On the economic data front, the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index fell 0.7% month-over-month in March, matching the pace of decline in the previous month.
Most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 closed on a negative note, with real estate, materials, and utilities stocks recording the biggest losses on Monday. However, communication services and information technology stocks bucked the overall market trend, closing the session higher.
The Dow Jones closed lower by around 349 points to 37,965.60 on Monday. The S&amp;P 500 fell 0.23% to 5,062.25, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.10% at 15,603.26 during Monday's session.
Investors are awaiting earnings results from Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>), RPM International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RPM#NYSE">RPM</a>), and Cal-Maine Foods Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CALM#NASDAQ">CALM</a>) today.
What is CNN Business Fear &amp; Greed Index?
At a current reading of 4.4, the index remained in the &#8220;Extreme Fear&#8221; zone on Monday, versus a prior reading of 4.0.
The Fear &amp; Greed Index is a measure of the current market sentiment. It is based on the premise that higher fear exerts pressure on stock prices, while higher greed has the opposite effect. The index is calculated based on seven equal-weighted indicators. The index ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents maximum fear and 100 signals maximum greediness.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/04/44669062/top-3-health-care-stocks-that-may-crash-in-q2">Top 3 Health Care Stocks That May Crash In Q2</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Dow Falls For 3rd Session Amid Trump's Tariff Threats As Apple, Tesla Decline: Greed Index Remains In 'Extreme Fear' Zone

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) will release earnings results for the second quarter, before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WBA/earnings">opening bell on Tuesday, April 8.</a>
Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings at 53 cents per share, down from $1.2 per share in the year-ago period. According to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>, Walgreens projects quarterly revenue at $38.0 billion, compared to $37.05 billion a year earlier.
On March 6, Walgreens Boots Alliance entered an agreement to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners.
Walgreens shares gained 0.3% to close at $10.71 on Monday.
Benzinga readers can access the latest analyst ratings on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Readers can sort by stock ticker, company name, analyst firm, rating change or other variables.
Let's have a look at how Benzinga's most-accurate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WBA/analyst-ratings">analysts have rated the company</a> in the recent period.
<ul>
<li>Deutsche Bank analyst George Hill downgraded the stock from Hold to Sell and cut the price target from $11 to $9 on Feb. 28, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 63%.</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald maintained a Hold rating and lowered the price target from $13 to $12 on Jan. 31, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 69%.</li>
<li>RBC Capital analyst Ben Hendrix maintained a Sector Perform rating and raised the price target from $9 to $12 on Jan. 15, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 61%.</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Allen Lutz maintained an Underperform rating and boosted the price target from $7.5 to $8.5 on Jan. 13, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 61%.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Kevin Caliendo maintained a Neutral rating and increased the price target from $9 to $10 on Oct. 17, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 72%.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying WBA stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think:
Read This Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/04/44669062/top-3-health-care-stocks-that-may-crash-in-q2">Top 3 Health Care Stocks That May Crash In Q2</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Price Target

Top Wall Street Forecasters Revamp Walgreens Price Expectations Ahead Of Q2 Earnings

With U.S. stock futures trading higher this morning on Tuesday, some of the stocks that may grab investor focus today are as follows:
<ul>
<li>Wall Street expects Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) to report quarterly earnings at 53 cents per share on revenue of $38 billion before the opening bell, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>. Walgreens shares fell 0.1% to $10.70 in after-hours trading.</li>
<li>The Greenbrier Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GBX#NYSE">GBX</a>) posted downbeat results for its second quarter. The company reported quarterly sales of $762.1 million, which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $898.530 million. Greenbrier shares fell 2.9% to $43.43 in the after-hours trading session.</li>
<li>Analysts are expecting RPM International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RPM#NYSE">RPM</a>) to post quarterly earnings at 49 cents per share on revenue of $1.51 billion. The company will release earnings before the markets open. RPM shares gained 2.6% to $109.48 in after-hours trading.</li>
</ul>
Check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">premarket coverage here</a>
<ul>
<li>Levi Strauss &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEVI#NYSE">LEVI</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its first quarter on Monday. Levi also said its 2025 guidance remains unchanged, other than to reflect its Dockers business as a discontinued operation, and does not reflect any impact from the recently announced tariffs. Levi Strauss shares jumped 7.4% to $14.50 in the after-hours trading session.</li>
<li>Analysts expect Cal-Maine Foods Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CALM#NASDAQ">CALM</a>) to post quarterly earnings at $10.90 per share on revenue of $1.43 billion after the closing bell. Cal-Maine shares gained 2.2% to $95.49 in the after-hours trading session.</li>
</ul>
Check This Out: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/04/44669062/top-3-health-care-stocks-that-may-crash-in-q2">Top 3 Health Care Stocks That May Crash In Q2</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Walgreens, RPM International And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Tuesday

Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) is gearing up to announce its quarterly earnings on Tuesday, 2025-04-08. Here's a quick overview of what investors should know before the release.
Analysts are estimating that Walgreens Boots Alliance will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.54.
The announcement from Walgreens Boots Alliance is eagerly anticipated, with investors seeking news of surpassing estimates and favorable guidance for the next quarter.
It's worth noting for new investors that guidance can be a key determinant of stock price movements.
<h3>Earnings Track Record</h3>
The company's EPS beat by $0.14 in the last quarter, leading to a 0.0% drop in the share price on the following day.
Here's a look at Walgreens Boots Alliance's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q1 2025</th>
<th>Q4 2024</th>
<th>Q3 2024</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>0.37</td>
<td>0.36</td>
<td>0.71</td>
<td>0.82</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>0.51</td>
<td>0.39</td>
<td>0.63</td>
<td>1.20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>28.000000000000004%</td>
<td>6.0%</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
<td>3.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744034412_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Stock Performance</h3>
Shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance were trading at $10.68 as of April 04. Over the last 52-week period, shares are down 47.18%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are likely a little upset going into this earnings release. 
<h3>Analyst Insights on Walgreens Boots Alliance</h3>
Understanding market sentiments and expectations within the industry is crucial for investors. This analysis delves into the latest insights on Walgreens Boots Alliance.
With 6 analyst ratings, Walgreens Boots Alliance has a consensus rating of Neutral. The average one-year price target is $11.08, indicating a potential 3.75% upside.
<h3>Comparing Ratings Among Industry Peers</h3>
In this analysis, we delve into the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of and Walgreens Boots Alliance, three key industry players, offering insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
<h3>Peer Metrics Summary</h3>
The peer analysis summary provides a snapshot of key metrics for and Walgreens Boots Alliance, illuminating their respective standings within the industry. These metrics offer valuable insights into their market positions and comparative performance.

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Consensus</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
<th>Gross Profit</th>
<th>Return on Equity</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Walgreens Boots Alliance</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>7.50%</td>
<td>$6.78B</td>
<td>-2.60%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Key Takeaway:
Walgreens Boots Alliance ranks in the middle among peers for consensus rating. It is at the bottom for revenue growth. It is at the top for gross profit. It is at the bottom for return on equity.
<h3>Get to Know Walgreens Boots Alliance Better</h3>
Walgreens Boots Alliance is one of the largest retail pharmacy chains in the US, with over 8,000 locations. Nearly three quarters of Americans live within five miles of a Walgreens location. Roughly two thirds of revenue is generated from prescription drug sales; Walgreens makes up 20% of total prescription revenue in the US. Walgreens also generates sales from retail products (general wellness consumables and its own branded merchandise), European drug wholesale, and healthcare. With more locations incorporating additional services like Health Corner and Village Medical, Walgreens creates an omnichannel experience for patients and positions itself as a one-stop healthcare provider.
<h3>Walgreens Boots Alliance's Economic Impact: An Analysis</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Above industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization emphasizes a noteworthy size, indicative of a strong market presence.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Walgreens Boots Alliance showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 7.5% as of 30 November, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: Walgreens Boots Alliance's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of -0.67%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Walgreens Boots Alliance's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of -2.6%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of -0.33%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: With a high debt-to-equity ratio of 3.09, Walgreens Boots Alliance faces challenges in effectively managing its debt levels, indicating potential financial strain.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WBA/earnings">To track all earnings releases for Walgreens Boots Alliance visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Earnings Preview

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) will release earnings results for the second quarter, before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WBA/earnings">opening bell on Tuesday, April 8.</a>
Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings at 53 cents per share, down from $1.2 per share in the year-ago period. According to data from Benzinga Pro, Walgreens projects quarterly revenue at $38.0 billion, compared to $37.05 billion a year earlier.
On March 6, Walgreens Boots Alliance entered an agreement to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners.
With the recent buzz around Walgreens, some investors may also be eyeing potential gains from the company's dividends. As of now, Walgreens offers an annual dividend yield of 9.36%, which is a quarterly dividend amount of 25 cents per share ($1.00 a year).  
So, how can investors exploit its dividend yield to pocket a regular $500 monthly?
To earn $500 per month or $6,000 annually from dividends alone, you would need an investment of approximately $64,080 or around 6,000 shares. For a more modest $100 per month or $1,200 per year, you would need $12,816 or around 1,200 shares.
To calculate: Divide the desired annual income ($6,000 or $1,200) by the dividend ($1.00 in this case). So, $6,000 / $1.00 = 6,000 ($500 per month), and $1,200 / $1.00 = 1,200 shares ($100 per month).
Note that dividend yield can change on a rolling basis as the dividend payment and stock price fluctuate over time.
How that works: The dividend yield is computed by dividing the annual dividend payment by the stock&#8217;s current price.
For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and is currently priced at $50, the dividend yield would be 4% ($2/$50). However, if the stock price increases to $60, the dividend yield drops to 3.33% ($2/$60). Conversely, if the stock price falls to $40, the dividend yield rises to 5% ($2/$40).
Similarly, changes in the dividend payment can impact the yield. If a company increases its dividend, the yield will also increase, provided the stock price stays the same. Conversely, if the dividend payment decreases, so will the yield.
WBA Price Action: Shares of Walgreens fell 3.4% to close at $10.68 on Friday.
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Long Ideas

How To Earn $500 A Month From Walgreens Stock Ahead Of Q2 Earnings

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/yield-investments"> high dividend payout</a>.
Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">by analyst accuracy</a>.
Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the consumer staples sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 6.94%</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Lisa Lewandowski upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy and increased the price target from $55 to $65 on Dec. 6, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 66%.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Gaurav Jain maintained an Underweight rating and raised the price target from $45 to $46 on Nov. 6, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Jan. 30, the company posted upbeat quarterly sales.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s real-time newsfeed alerted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0402">latest MO news</a>. </li>
</ul>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 8.96%</li>
<li>Deutsche Bank analyst George Hill downgraded the stock from Hold to Sell and cut the price target from $11 to $9 on Feb. 28, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 62%.</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald maintained a Hold rating and cut the price target from $13 to $12 on Jan. 31, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 68%</li>
<li>Recent News: On March 6, Walgreens announced it entered into a definitive agreement to be taken private by an entity affiliated with Sycamore Partners for $10 billion.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0402">latest WBA news</a> </li>
</ul>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">B&amp;G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BGS#NYSE">BGS</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 10.92%</li>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery maintained a Neutral rating and lowered the price target from $8 to $7 on Feb. 26, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 67%.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Brandt Montour maintained an Equal-Weight rating and cut the price target from $8 to $7 on Nov. 7, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 61%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Feb. 25, B&amp;G Foods posted better-than-expected quarterly earnings.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s real-time newsfeed alerted to latest BGS <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0402">news </a></li>
</ul>
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Dividends

Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts Give Their Take On 3 Defensive Stocks With Over 6% Dividend Yields

Walgreens Boots Alliance's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NYSE">WBA</a>) short percent of float has fallen 6.14% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 62.97 million shares sold short, which is 8.72% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.21 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Walgreens Boots Alliance Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742414449_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Walgreens Boots Alliance has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Walgreens Boots Alliance's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Walgreens Boots Alliance's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 1.24%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

How Is The Market Feeling About Walgreens Boots Alliance?

Earlier this month, Sycamore Partners agreed to acquire Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) for $11.45 per share <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in cash at closing</a>. Shareholders are also eligible to receive up to $3 in cash per share from the future monetization of Walgreens&#8217; debt and equity interests in VillageMD, which includes the Village Medical, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44182479/walgreens-stock-rises-as-company-inks-10b-deal-to-go-private" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summit Health and CityMD businesses</a>.
Soon after, Gary Black, managing partner at The Future Fund LLC, said, &#8220;I&#8217;ve talked before about how this company shouldn&#8217;t be public,&#8221; adding that the move is driven by its largest shareholder, executive chairman Stefano Pessina, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44185847/gary-black-says-walgreens-is-a-company-that-shouldnt-be-public-cites-largest-shareholders-role-in-10-billion-sycamore-deal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holds a 16.9% stake</a>.
The Financial Times, citing sources, writes that Stefano Pessina plans to nearly double his stake in the company to about 30% as part of its acquisition.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43104245/justice-department-accuses-walgreens-of-violating-drug-laws-in-opioid-epidemic-ignored-red-flags-in-opioid-crisis" rel="noreferrer noopener">Justice Department Accuses Walgreens Of Violating Drug Laws In Opioid Epidemic, Ignored Red Flags In Opioid Crisis</a>
The move signals Pessina&#8217;s deepening involvement in the company&#8217;s future, potentially ahead of a breakup of its various business units.
The FT report <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/ef898a28-ed96-45b5-baae-7569b8b778a3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">added</a> that the transaction will allow Walgreens to restructure the struggling pharmacy giant. Walgreens is currently in a 35-day window to evaluate competing offers.
Pessina&#8217;s existing stake is worth approximately $2.1 billion. The deal&#8217;s complex financing structure is expected to allow Sycamore to potentially separate Walgreens&#8217; various business units into independent entities, reviving the possibility of selling Boots after <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/22/01/24860084/bain-capital-reportedly-eyeing-boots-uk-takeover-from-walgreens-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous failed attempts</a>.
Walgreens&#8217; market value once exceeded $100 billion following the 2014 merger of Walgreens and Alliance Boots, a deal orchestrated by Pessina. However, the company&#8217;s value has since fallen below $10 billion, facing mounting challenges from online competitors and shifting consumer habits.
Sources indicate that Pessina played a key role in securing the Sycamore deal as he sought a solution to Walgreens&#8217; declining stock price.
In January,&nbsp;Walgreens reported first-quarter sales of $39.46 billion, up 7.5% year over year (+6.9% on constant currency), beating the&nbsp;consensus of $37.28 billion, reflecting sales growth <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/42912519/walgreens-boots-alliance-stock-jumps-on-better-than-expected-q1-earnings-sticks-to-annual-profit-forecast" rel="noreferrer noopener">across all segments</a>.
Analysts estimate Walgreens&#8217; second quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of 53 cents, with sales of $37.9 billion. Wall Street forecasts 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.61 and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">sales of $151.6 billion</a>.
Price Action: WBA stock is down 0.04% at $11.26&nbsp;at the last check Tuesday.
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Large Cap

Walgreens' Executive Chair Stefano Pessina Seeks To Strengthen Control With Nearly Double Stake

Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) has been on a wild ride &#8211; up 215.99% over the past year, but down 33.51% in just the last month. The stock is now stuck below its key moving averages, flashing strong bearish signals. 
Can the upcoming AIPCon and a wave of high-profile deals set PLTR up for a turnaround?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is PLTR Stock Facing A Technical Knockout?</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="618" height="487" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12070947/Screenshot-2025-03-12-at-4.37.59-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-820535" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12070947/Screenshot-2025-03-12-at-4.37.59-PM.png 618w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12070947/Screenshot-2025-03-12-at-4.37.59-PM-300x236.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px" /></a></figure>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Chart created using Benzinga Pro</a>
PLTR stock, at $78.05, is trading below its five, 20 and 50-day exponential moving averages, signaling continued selling pressure. The eight-day simple moving average (SMA) at $81.98, 20-day SMA at $94.60 and 50-day SMA at $86.96 all suggest the stock is still in bearish territory.
However, the 200-day SMA at $51.95 paints a different picture, hinting at longer-term strength.
Momentum indicators aren't helping the bulls either. The MACD at a negative 3.95 is firmly bearish, while the RSI at 39.82 signals PLTR stock isn't quite oversold yet.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44267822/palantir-executive-pushes-pentagon-to-adopt-software-first-approach-noting-us-allocates-less-than-1-of-defense-budget-to-modern-battlefield">Palantir Calls For &#8216;Software-First Approach&#8217; As Pentagon Spends Under 1% On Modern Warfare</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AIPCon &amp; New Deals: Can They Break The Trend?</h2>
Palantir is gearing up for its sixth AIPCon on March 13, where it will <a href="https://investors.palantir.com/news-details/2025/Palantirs-Latest-Wave-of-Customers-Take-Center-Stage-at-AIPCon/">showcase </a>new AI-driven partnerships. 
Big-name customers like Heineken NV (OTCPK:HEINY), Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) and AT&amp;T Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>) are on board, while fresh government contracts, including a $178 million defense <a href="https://in.investing.com/news/company-news/palantir-to-host-aipcon-with-new-customer-reveals-93CH-4716118">deal</a> for mobile battle stations, keep rolling in.
On the tech front, Palantir is strengthening its grip in autonomous drones (<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/contracts/25/03/44248119/ondas-taps-palantirs-ai-to-scale-autonomous-systems-stock-jumps">Ondas Holdings partnership</a>) and space security (<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/01/43170228/palantir-takes-aim-at-microsofts-22-billion-army-contract-as-ai-push-expands">Voyager Technologies collaboration</a>). 
But will these be enough to shift sentiment?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Long-Term Bulls Vs. Short-Term Bears</h2>
Despite its expanding influence, Palantir's stock is stuck in a bearish trend. AIPCon could provide the narrative boost bulls need, but the technicals suggest caution. 
For now, the stock remains a battleground between long-term believers and short-term skeptics.
Will Palantir stock break free from this slump or is the AI hype cooling off?
Investors will be watching closely.
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Palantir's Stock Takes A Hit: Will AIPCon And Defense Deals Be The Comeback Catalyst?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h2>
Raizen, a Brazilian joint venture between Shell plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>) and Cosan SA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSAN#NYSE">CSAN</a>), tapped JPMorgan to shop around its Argentinian oil refinery and gas stations network. Bloomberg recently <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-06/raizen-is-said-to-hire-jpmorgan-for-argentina-energy-assets-sale?srnd=phx-deals">reported</a> that the company is undergoing a "profound" portfolio revision, citing CEO Nelson Gomes&#8216;s comments to analysts during an earnings call.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h2>
Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) may be heading to the private sector, thanks to a $10 billion deal with Sycamore Partners. The transaction, approved by Walgreens&#8217; board, offers shareholders $11.45 per share in cash. Gary Black of The Future Fund LLC shared the news on social media, quipping, "I've talked before about how this company shouldn't be public." And who's pulling the strings? Executive chairman Stefano Pessina, who owns a 16.9% stake and clearly decided it was time to take his pharmacy empire <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44185847/gary-black-says-walgreens-is-a-company-that-shouldnt-be-public-cites-largest-shareholders-role-in-10-billion-sycamore-deal">out of the public eye</a>.
President Donald Trump wants a U.S. sovereign wealth fund to buy TikTok&#8216;s U.S. business. That&#8217;s a bit like suggesting that a college student who is knee-deep in loans save up for a private jet. U.S. debt is exorbitant and the Trump administration is (they say) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44143475/trumps-u-s-doge-service-claims-65b-in-savings-experts-call-it-smoke-and-mirrors-amid-resignations">focused on reducing it</a>. However, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/wealth/dealmaker-michael-grimes-expected-lead-new-us-sovereign-wealth-fund-sources-say-2025-03-05/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosprorata&amp;stream=top">Reuters</a> is reporting that Morgan Stanley&#8216;s Michael Grimes, who helped steer the Uber IPO and the Twitter takeover, is overseeing the formation of a sovereign wealth fund for Uncle Sam. But with TikTok&#8217;s April 5 deadline looming, time is of the essence. Tick tock. Pun intended.
Sure, a deal could get signed by then, but each passing day makes it feel more like a Hail Mary pass—except this time, instead of catching a football, the U.S. is hoping to catch a lip-syncing, trendsetting social media giant.
Meanwhile, Onsemi (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>) upped its bid for Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALGM#NASDAQ">ALGM</a>) to acquire the company for $35.10 per share, valuing the deal at $6.9 billion. This represents an increase over an initial $34.50 per share proposal submitted on Sept. 2.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Off The Block</h2>
American Express (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>) agreed to acquire Bellevue, Wash.-based Center, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-06/american-express-to-acquire-expense-management-company-center?srnd=phx-deals">Bloomberg</a>. Center is a software provider backed by Durable Capital Partners, Top Tier Capital Partners and Mango Capital.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h2>
Canoo, the electric vehicle startup that never quite got rolling, is getting a reboot—from its own CEO, no less. Anthony Aquila is buying nearly all of Canoo's assets out of bankruptcy for $4 million in cash, per <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/05/canoos-ceo-is-buying-the-bankrupt-ev-startups-assets/">TechCrunch</a>. The sale is expected to erase the $11 million debt Canoo owes to a financial firm&#8230; conveniently run by Aquila himself. Canoo filed for Chapter 7 liquidation just six weeks ago. Government contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense bore little fruit. The startup has roughly $145 million in assets but $175 million in liabilities. Now, other buyers can still throw their hats in the ring before March 28.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Notes From The Block</h2>
So much for the wave of M&amp;A dealmakers expected with Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41979935/golden-years-for-ma-deals-ahead-under-trump-analysts-highlight-top-10-large-cap-candidates">return to the White House</a>. 
They banked on <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/25/02/44045159/trumps-plan-to-rein-in-regulators-could-erode-market-trust-says-2-3-trillion-asset-manager">looser regulations</a> and a more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44197558/whats-moving-markets-friday">vibrant stock market</a>. So far, neither scenario has come to fruition. According to Dealogic, U.S.-based M&amp;A volume is down about 29% compared to this timeframe in 2024. 
Consider the Federal Trade Commission&#8217;s (FTC) latest move. The agency, with a Trump appointee at the helm, is throwing a wrench into a private equity firm's plan to acquire Surmodics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRDX#NASDAQ">SRDX</a>), a company that specializes in drug delivery and in vitro diagnostic technologies.
The buyer, GTCR, already owns Biocoat, a Surmodics rival. Owning both would give them over 50% market control and the ability to squash competition. And the cost of the tech would indeed hurt the consumer. Since it's unlikely a new competitor would rise to challenge the dynamic duo of Biocoat and Surmodics, the FTC has taken the matter to court in the Northern District of Illinois.
For those surprised that the Trump administration isn&#8217;t letting this merger slide, recall his first term when the Department of Justice blocked deals between AT&amp;T and Time Warner; Sinclair and Tribune Media; Broadcom and Qualcomm as well as DraftKings and FanDuel.
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For last week&#8217;s edition of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/25/02/43897289/deal-dispatch-hooters-plans-restructuring-prada-in-talks-to-acquire-versace">Deal Dispatch, click here</a>.

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Deal Dispatch: Clock Ticks On TikTok, Raizen Explores Asset Sale, Investors Urge Walgreens To Go Private

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) shares are moving higher on Friday after the company entered an agreement <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44114248">to be acquired</a> by private equity firm Sycamore Partners.
The Details: Sycamore Partners will pay approximately $10 billion to acquire the chain drug store. This equates to $11.45 per share, which represents an 8% premium over the stock&#8217;s closing price of $10.60 on Thursday.
Shareholders might receive an extra $3 in cash from the future monetization of the company's debt and equity holdings in VillageMD, a primary-care provider.
This deal comes after Walgreens has spent years struggling to compete with retail giants like Amazon and Walmart. The chain&#8217;s market capitalization has declined by 90% over the last decade.
Under CEO Tim Wentworth, the company began closing stores and cutting costs through a $1 billion program. Wentworth emphasized that while progress has been made in the company&#8217;s turnaround efforts, creating significant value will require time, focus and changes that are more effectively managed as a private company.
Sycamore Partners has experience acquiring major retail chains, having previously purchased Staples in a $6.9 billion deal before breaking the office supply company into separate parts.
&#8220;You have a business that is shrinking, and then you layer on losses and cash burn, all of that was the perfect recipe for what we are seeing today,&#8221; Brian Tanquilut, a healthcare services research analyst at Jefferies, told Reuters.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/news/25/03/44190588/heres-how-much-1000-invested-in-ferrari-5-years-ago-would-be-worth-today">Here&#8217;s How Much $1000 Invested In Ferrari 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today</a>
WBA Price Action: At the time of publication, Walgreens stock is trading 7.12% higher at $11.36, according to data form <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image: via Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

What's Going On With Walgreens Stock Friday?

Investors holding ETFs with exposure to Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) are closely watching how the company's buyout by Sycamore Partners will impact their portfolios. As Walgreens <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44102644/walgreens-could-go-private-this-week-after-a-10-billion-deal-with-sycamore-partners-report">prepares to go private</a>, ETFs that currently hold its stock will need to readjust their allocations. Let's dive into how this transition could play out for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">some key ETFs</a>.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44182479/walgreens-stock-rises-as-company-inks-10b-deal-to-go-private">Walgreens Stock Rises As Company Inks $10B Deal To Go Private</a>
ETFs With Walgreens Exposure: What's At Stake?
SPDR S&amp;P Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRT#NYSE">XRT</a>): This ETF provides broad exposure to the retail sector, including Walgreens (almost 2% allocation). Since Walgreens is being delisted from the Nasdaq upon the deal's completion, XRT will need to rebalance its holdings, shifting funds to other retail stocks. This reallocation could create short-term volatility but will ultimately diversify its exposure further. The ETF was up 0.04% on Thursday.
Invesco S&amp;P 500 Pure Value ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RPV#NYSE">RPV</a>): As a fund focused on undervalued stocks, RPV has included Walgreens due to its relatively low valuation. With WBA exiting the public market, RPV will likely redistribute its assets toward other value stocks in the consumer sector. This fund also saw a marginal gain of 0.12% on Thursday.
Invesco S&amp;P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RSPS#NYSE">RSPS</a>): RSPS applies an equal-weight strategy within the consumer staples sector, where Walgreens has been a key player. The buyout will remove WBA from its holdings, allowing other consumer staples stocks to gain weight in the index. The ETF gained 0.62% at market close on Thursday.
The Deal: Walgreens Goes Private
Walgreens has agreed to be taken private by Sycamore Partners in a $10 billion deal, offering shareholders $11.45 per share in cash, with additional potential payouts linked to the monetization of VillageMD. While this provides an immediate cash payout for Walgreens shareholders, it also means that ETFs holding WBA shares must adjust.
For now, Walgreens remains a publicly traded company, but as the deal progresses, ETFs will prepare to rebalance. Since none of these ETFs rely heavily on a single stock, the broader impact should be manageable. Retail-focused ETFs like XRT may see some short-term fluctuations, while value-oriented funds like RPV will likely scout for alternative investments. However, the Walgreens buyout will not upend their strategies. 
The Walgreens buyout comes at a time when the retail sector is navigating mixed earnings reports. Several major retailers have reported varied results, reflecting shifting consumer spending habits amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. While some companies have exceeded expectations, others have issued cautious guidance, impacting sector-wide sentiment.
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Retail ETFs Anticipate Adjustments As Walgreens Prepares To Go Private

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