HB Wealth Management LLC Boosts Stake in Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

HB Wealth Management LLC has significantly increased its investment in Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBA – Free Report) by 128.5% during the fourth quarter, as detailed in its latest Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. After acquiring an additional 13,061 shares, HB Wealth Management now holds 23,228 shares of the pharmacy operator’s stock, valued at approximately $217,000 at the close of the quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also adjusted their positions with respect to Walgreens Boots Alliance. For instance, First Financial Corp IN expanded its stake by 49.2% during the fourth quarter, acquiring an additional 885 shares to now own 2,685 shares worth around $25,000. Additionally, TD Private Client Wealth LLC dramatically increased its holdings by 8,670.3% in the third quarter, totaling 3,245 shares valued at $29,000 after adding 3,208 shares. Other firms such as Sentry Investment Management LLC, Eastern Bank, and Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL also established new positions in Walgreens Boots Alliance, reflecting a growing interest in the company. Currently, 58.59% of Walgreens Boots Alliance stock is owned by institutional investors.

Transaction Highlights and Stock Performance

The shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance opened at $11.87 recently. The company’s stock has seen a fifty-two week low of $8.08 and a high of $23.76. Walgreens Boots Alliance maintains a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.30, and a current ratio of 0.64. Its market capitalization stands at approximately $10.26 billion, showing a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.16 and a PEG ratio of 1.46, with a beta of 0.64. The stock's moving averages are currently at 50 days ($9.79) and 200 days ($9.87).

Recently, Walgreens Boots Alliance reported its quarterly earnings on January 10th, revealing earnings of $0.51 per share which exceeded market expectations of $0.38 by $0.13. The firm generated revenues of $39.50 billion in the quarter, surpassing analyst estimates of $37.40 billion. Although Walgreens Boots Alliance experienced a negative net margin of 5.87%, it recorded a positive return on equity of 17.61%. Revenues increased by 7.6% year-over-year, showing growth compared to the same period last year when earnings per share were $0.66. Analysts generally forecast that Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. will achieve an estimated EPS of 1.59 for the current year.

Analysts’ Outlook on Walgreens Boots Alliance

Recent reports from analysts indicate a range of expectations for WBA stock. Truist Financial moved their price target up from $10.00 to $13.00, rating the stock as a “hold.” Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley lowered their price target from $9.00 to $7.00, designating Walgreens Boots Alliance as “underweight.” Bank of America and Barclays have provided updated price targets as well, with Bank of America moving from $7.50 to $8.50 and Barclays from $7.00 to $8.00, both issuing “underweight” ratings. On the other hand, Evercore ISI increased its target from $9.00 to $12.00, rating it as “in-line.” Overall, four analysts have issued sell ratings, nine have given hold ratings, and two have assigned buy ratings, resulting in an average rating of “Hold” and a price target of $13.27 for the stock.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Company Overview

About Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. operates as a global leader in healthcare and pharmacy services. The company functions across various segments including U.S. Retail Pharmacy, International, and U.S. Healthcare, providing essential services in retail drugstores, specialty pharmacy, and health and wellness solutions.

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