Walgreens Stock Pops as Private Equity Lurks

WBA has traded up off the mat in 2025, despite its lengthy struggles

Laura McCandless

Deputy Editor

Mar 4, 2025 at 11:47 AM

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:WBA) was last seen up 7.1% at $10.99, amid news the embattled drugstore giant is nearing a $10 billion deal with private equity firm Sycamore Partners that would take it private, possibly as soon as Thursday. Per the Wall Street Journal, the firm would keep the core U.S. retail business and sell off or take public other parts of the company.

Since the start of 2025, WBA is up 17.8%, cutting into its now 46.6% year-over-year deficit. The stock's record high of $97.30 was nearly 10 years ago, and the shares have finished with annual losses for the past three years.

Options bulls are targeting the stock today, with 54,000 calls exchanged so far -- quadruple the call volume typically seen at this point -- in comparison to 8,267 puts. The March 11 call is the most popular, with new positions opening there.

Some short covering could provide tailwinds for the stock's bounce, too. Short interest represents 9.4% of the stock's available float.

Follow @Schaeffers

Are You Ready for AI's Potential Supercycle Phase?
Amazon's Jeff Bezos surprised investors when he revealed that one emerging technology is the key to Amazon's future success... This technology could be worth $80 trillion by 2030. Learn more and join Motley Fool's Stock Advisor for 50% off!

“Buy This Stock Now!” - Expert Who Called 11x On TSLA

He called a rare 11x on Tesla…

But now, thanks to Elon & Trump’s new alliance…

He says there’s a new opportunity that could be 1,000x BIGGER than Tesla – and it could completely revolutionize a $23 Trillion market.

It’s trading for less than $5 per share right now…

But it won’t be under the radar for long.

Discover The 1,000x Bigger Elon Opportunity Here

Featured Articles from Trusted Partners:

👀Learn How Dividends Create Passive Income for Life
Receive $200 Off Motley Fool Epic. The Motley Fool Epic $299 discounted offer is based on $499/year list price. Introductory promotion for new members only. Take control of your money and your portfolio with Motley Fool Epic.

💵New Income System Could Pay You $4,243 Monthly
You could collect an average of $4,243 per month starting as early as next week with a new payout system for income investors. New registrations are being accepted for investors who want to be in a position to start with their first payout next week.

🚀Easy 92% Crypto Dividends (No Coins Required)
COIN stock doesn't pay a dividend... But there's actually a new way to collect a massive dividend that's indirectly based on the stock and offers a terrific monthly income (currently yielding nearly 92% on a forward basis).

🤝Free Advisor Match with Wiseradvisor.com
Don't leave your retirement to chance! Get matched with a trusted financial expert for FREE and make the most of your tax refund. Get started now.

⚠️Dennis Quaid's #1 Warning for Americans
Here's the thing: life doesn't come with guarantees. The economy shifts, markets stumble, and years of hard work could slip through your fingers like sand. But it doesn't have to be that way for you. So request a free copy of this Gold & Silver Guide that will arrive right to your doorstep when you act now.