Pre-Market Most Active: Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) $11.98 on 23 Feb 2026: heavy volume may set the tone
WBA stock trades pre-market at $11.98 on 23 Feb 2026 after a surge in activity that lifted volume to 452,081,061 shares. This trading volume is roughly 26.69x the average and is the main driver for early price action. Investors should note the company lists on the NASDAQ in the United States and that fundamentals show negative EPS and heavy leverage, which ties directly to near-term volatility and trade opportunity.
WBA stock pre-market snapshot
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA) opened pre-market at $11.98 with a prior close of $11.92. The share range over the last 12 months is $8.08 to $13.25. Market cap is $10.37B and shares outstanding are 865,561,024. The stock is listed on NASDAQ and priced in USD.
Fundamentals and valuation metrics for WBA stock
WBA’s trailing EPS is -7.29 producing a P/E of -1.64, reflecting negative earnings. Price-to-sales is 0.07 and price-to-book is 1.44, signaling the market values WBA near book. Debt-to-equity is 4.04 and interest coverage is -6.13, which shows balance-sheet stress and high leverage. These metrics explain why valuation multiples remain muted despite retail scale.
Technical picture and extreme pre-market volume
Technical indicators show a concentrated pre-market move with on-balance volume at 452,081,061 and relative volume 26.69. The 50-day average price is $11.66 and 200-day average price is $10.81, suggesting recent momentum. ATR is 0.16, and the stock is trading nearer its 52-week high than low, so price action will be sensitive to news and liquidity shifts.
Analyst views, price targets and WBA stock news
Analyst coverage is limited and tilts cautious: MarketBeat lists a current price target of $9.00 source. Upgrade/downgrade data shows one Hold and two Sell opinions in the consensus. Recent headlines include coverage on Dow composition and short interest trends reported by Investors Business Daily and MarketBeat source. Those narratives feed current trading and explain the outsized volume.
Meyka AI grade and model forecast for WBA stock
Meyka AI rates WBA with a score out of 100: Score: 61.90 | Grade: B | Suggestion: HOLD. This grade factors in S&P 500 comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. Meyka AI’s forecast model projects $4.08 versus the current price $11.98, implying a model-based downside of -65.97%. Forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees. For more data see WBA on Meyka: WBA on Meyka.
Risks, catalysts and WBA stock outlook
Immediate risks are high leverage, negative EPS, and narrow operating margins. Key catalysts that could re-rate the stock include margin improvement, asset sales, or a sustained turnaround in pharmacy reimbursements. Sector backdrop: Healthcare retail shows slower growth versus high-growth biotech, so WBA’s upside depends on cost discipline and cash flow improvements.
Final Thoughts
WBA stock is most-active in pre-market trade on 23 Feb 2026 because volume surged to 452,081,061 shares and price sits at $11.98. Fundamentals show negative EPS (-7.29) and a high debt-to-equity ratio (4.04), which increases event risk around earnings and macro shifts. Analyst price targets are conservative, with MarketBeat at $9.00 and visible downside to the Meyka AI model at $4.08 (model-based -65.97% vs current price). A realistic trading plan should use tight risk controls: consider short-term trades around liquidity events or look for improving free cash flow and margin signals before establishing a longer-term position. Meyka AI, our AI-powered market analysis platform, flags WBA as a HOLD on grade metrics but highlights elevated volatility. Traders should weigh high pre-market volume and sector dynamics when sizing exposure and set stops that reflect WBA’s current volatility.
FAQs
What is driving WBA stock pre-market volume today?
Heavy trading stems from two factors: a spike in short interest monitoring and coverage updates on WBA’s place in market indices. The pre-market volume of 452,081,061 shares is the immediate driver for price moves.
How do analysts value Walgreens Boots Alliance?
Coverage is cautious: MarketBeat shows a $9.00 price target with more Hold/Sell views than Buys. Limited positive analyst momentum keeps valuation pressure in place.
What does Meyka AI forecast imply for WBA stock?
Meyka AI’s forecast projects $4.08 versus current $11.98, implying a model-based downside of -65.97%. Forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees.
Should investors consider WBA for dividend income?
Walgreens currently shows no dividend yield in the trailing twelve months data. Given negative EPS and cashflow pressure, dividend income is not a reliable reason to hold WBA now.
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.