WBA Stock Today: December 26 Flu Wave Lifts Tamiflu, Test Demand
Walgreens stock is in focus today as a strong flu surge boosts pharmacy traffic and scripts. Walgreens reports very high Tamiflu demand and a 61% jump in OTC at-home flu test sales tied to an early H3N2 “subclade K” season. The recent quote shows $11.98 for Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), with a $10.37 billion market cap and a 52-week range of $8.08 to $13.25. Investors now watch January peaks and CDC-tracked hotspots to gauge how long flu strength can support revenue and operating leverage for Walgreens stock.
Flu Wave Snapshot and Near-Term Impact
Walgreens reports very high nationwide Tamiflu demand and a 61% surge in at-home flu test sales. Public health experts say flu activity started early and continues to rise, which can lift store traffic and prescriptions for Walgreens stock. National coverage highlights an intense season that is straining clinics and pharmacies source.
Reports flag H3N2 “subclade K” spread and local hotspots referenced by Walgreens’ Respiratory Index. Media note a “super flu variant” narrative raising concern in parts of Southern California source. If severity persists into January, Walgreens stock could benefit from stronger Tamiflu demand and flu test sales, though any wave-driven boost will depend on inventory and staffing capacity.
Revenue, Margins, and Logistics Watch
Higher prescription volume and cough-cold baskets can aid comps, but OTC promos and procurement costs may pressure margins. Gross margin sits near 17.13%. The stock trades at a low 0.067x price-to-sales and 0.25x EV/sales. These metrics suggest room for multiple support if flu-driven tickets hold, yet profitability must improve to sustain gains in Walgreens stock.
Flu spikes can cause stockouts if supply is tight. Walgreens shows fast turns with 17.50x inventory turnover and about 20.86 days of inventory on hand. Allocation, expedited freight, and substitution protocols matter if Tamiflu demand outpaces expected flows. Any shortages or fulfillment delays could cap the near-term sales upside for Walgreens stock.
Valuation and Technical Setup
Walgreens stock is quoted at $11.98 versus the 50-day average of $11.6626 and the 200-day at $10.80725. Street targets cluster at $10.50 consensus, with a $9.00 low and $12.00 high. Ratings show 1 Hold and 2 Sell. Leverage is high at 4.04x debt-to-equity, and the current ratio is 0.605. Stock Grade is 63.38 (B), with a Hold suggestion.
Momentum screens hot: RSI is 100 and ADX is 50, signaling an overbought, strong trend. ATR sits at 0.16, and Keltner Channels bracket roughly $11.60 to $12.26 around a $11.93 midline. On-balance volume prints 452,081,061 versus an average volume of 16,940,296. Short-term traders should expect pullback risk in Walgreens stock.
What We Are Watching Into January
We will track Walgreens’ Respiratory Index trends, refill rates, Tamiflu demand, and flu test sales to judge staying power. If activity peaks in early January and moderates quickly, any traffic lift could fade. A slower decline would support comps for longer and help stabilize sentiment around Walgreens stock.
CDC advisories, state public health alerts, and employer sick policies can influence testing and treatment behavior. Supply availability and pharmacy staffing will decide how much demand converts to sales. Watch fill times, substitution rates, and customer satisfaction scores for clues on operational execution that affect Walgreens stock.
Final Thoughts
For investors, the flu wave is a clear, near-term catalyst, but it is not a full fix. Very strong Tamiflu demand and a 61% rise in at-home flu test sales can lift traffic, scripts, and baskets. Yet margins face pressure from promotions and procurement, and supply tightness could limit upside. Valuation looks compressed at 0.067x sales, but leverage at 4.04x debt-to-equity and a current ratio of 0.605 raise balance sheet questions. Technically, RSI at 100 and ADX at 50 imply an overbought trend, so pullbacks are possible. Our takeaway: traders can lean on flu momentum and watch January hotspots, while long-term holders should wait for clearer profitability and inventory signals before adding to Walgreens stock.
FAQs
Yes, in the short term. Walgreens reports very high Tamiflu demand and a 61% jump in at-home flu test sales, which can lift scripts and baskets. The key is duration. If activity stays strong into January, comps benefit. If it fades fast, the boost to Walgreens stock may be brief.
Media report a “super flu variant” tied to H3N2 spread. If severity and cases stay high, Tamiflu demand and flu test sales can remain elevated. That supports near-term revenue for Walgreens stock, though inventory, staffing, and pricing decisions will shape how much demand converts to earnings.
Stockouts, shipping delays, and higher procurement costs can squeeze margins. High leverage at 4.04x debt-to-equity and a 0.605 current ratio also limit flexibility. If flu cases peak early or consumer spending slows, the benefit to Walgreens stock could be smaller and shorter than bulls expect.
RSI at 100 and ADX at 50 show a strong, overbought setup. Keltner levels cluster near $11.60 to $12.26 with a $11.93 midline, and ATR is 0.16. With Walgreens stock quoted at $11.98, traders should manage pullback risk and watch the 50-day average at $11.6626 as a near support.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
