PNRA, AMZN, and WBA are among the stocks in the news today
The Dow is rallying this morning, following an impressive
ADP employment report. Among specific equities in focus are restaurant chain
Panera, e-commerce giant
Amazon, and pharmacy issue
Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:WBA). Here's a quick roundup of what's moving shares of PNRA, AMZN, and WBA today.
PNRA Stock Soars on JAB Buyout
PNRA stock is up 13.7% at $311.62, on news the company agreed to be
bought by JAB in an all-cash deal valued at $7.5 billion, or $315 per share. Earlier, in fact, Panera stock hit an all-time high of $312.98. The shares have now added almost 68% since their November low, living up to analysts' bullish outlooks. Heading into today, 13 of 20 brokerage firms recommended buying PNRA stock, versus seven "hold" ratings and zero "sells." Brokerages are reacting to the M&A deal today, with Piper Jaffray lowering its assessment to "neutral" from "overweight," and Maxim raising its price target on PNRA to $315 from $260.
AMZN Stock Gains on Plug Power, NFL Deals
AMZN stock is up 0.3% today at $909.59, and hit a record high of $920, thanks to reports the company has struck a deal allowing it to take a 23% stake in
Plug Power Inc (NASDAQ:PLUG). What's more, the company won the rights to stream 10
Thursday night NFL games on Amazon Prime. Today's price action brings Amazon's year-over-year gain to 51%, yet options traders have been more put-focused than normal. AMZN shares have a 50-day put/call volume ratio of 1.04 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), an annual high.
Weak Sales Sink Walgreens Stock
An unexpected drop in fiscal
second-quarter sales is weighing on WBA stock this morning, with the shares down 1.4% at $81.37. The stock is slightly in the red on a year-to-date basis, but analysts are still very bullish. By the numbers, 12 brokerage firms have "buy" or "strong buy" ratings on Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc, compared to three "holds" and no "sells." Plus, WBA shares have an average 12-month price target of $94.12 -- territory not explored since October 2015.