Walgreens Stock Pops on Sycamore Deal Report
Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025 4:24 pm ET
3min read Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) shares jumped Tuesday following a report that the pharmacy chain's talks with private equity firm Sycamore Partners could be back on the table. CNBC reported Tuesday that the deal is "alive" after previously being considered "mostly dead." The news sent Walgreens stock up more than 12% in afternoon trading, although it has lost about half its value over the last 12 months.
The potential deal with Sycamore Partners comes as Walgreens has been facing several challenges, including slowing growth, warnings, and plans to shutter some 1,200 "underperforming" stores, including 500 in fiscal 2025. In January, the company suspended its quarterly dividend to conserve cash and improve its financial position. The retailer has also been grappling with opioid lawsuits and a slowdown in COVID vaccine sales.
Analysts have been mixed on Walgreens' prospects. The average analyst rating for the stock from 14 stock analysts is "Hold," indicating that analysts believe this stock is likely to perform similarly to the overall market. However, the range of price targets suggests that Walgreens stock is trading near its floor with the potential for a 35% gain at the consensus.
The potential deal with Sycamore Partners could provide a much-needed boost for Walgreens' stock price and help the company address its challenges. If the deal goes through, Sycamore could help Walgreens refocus on its core businesses, optimize its store portfolio, and improve its financial position. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the deal, and it is subject to various factors, including regulatory approval and market conditions.
WBA Trend
In conclusion, Walgreens stock popped on the report of a potential deal with Sycamore Partners, which could provide a much-needed boost for the company's turnaround efforts. However, the deal's success depends on various factors, and there is still uncertainty surrounding its outcome. Investors should closely monitor the situation and consider the potential benefits and risks before making any investment decisions.
