Top Stocks to Watch Today: WBA, DRYS, PNRA

The top stocks to watch today (Wednesday) are Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq: DRYS), and Panera Bread Co. (Nasdaq: PNRA).

Yesterday, Richmond Federal Reserve President Jeffrey Lacker resigned. The resignation came after an investigation into a leak of sensitive information back in 2012. The leak resulted in insider trading investigations but no charges were filed.

On the heels of Lacker's resignation, the meeting minutes from the March FOMC meeting will be released today at 2:00 p.m. after three other economic reports. The reports being released are the ADP employment change, Markit PMIs, and ISM nonmanufacturing.

Now that we know what's moving markets, here are the three top stocks to watch today...

Top Stocks to Watch Today: Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA)

Walgreens stock is down 0.8% in early morning trading after missing earnings expectations.

The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.98, up from the same quarter a year ago. However, adjusted EPS came in $0.01 below the expected $1.37.

Revenue also missed expectations, coming in at $30.18 billion. Analysts expected $30.26 billion in revenue for the quarter.

Wrapped up in earnings, Walgreens announced that it will set a share buyback program of $1 billion. It will start before the end of the year when the previous buyback program expires.

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WBA stock is currently trading at $82.50 for a loss of 0.3% so far this year.

Top Stocks to Watch Today: DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq: DRYS)

DryShips stock is down 4% in early morning trading after ending its buying spree with six more vessels.

The drybulk carrier bought six more vessels in order to rebuild its fleet. The purchase will cost $268 million and brings its acquisitions up to 14 vessels this year at a total cost of $663 million.

While the fleet buildup was necessary, there are fears that building the fleet in three months has spread the company too thin. Especially since the fleet is highly diversified, increasing upkeep costs.

DRYS stock is trading at $1.24 for a loss of 95.8% year to date.

Top Stocks to Watch Today: Panera Bread Co. (Nasdaq: PNRA)

Panera stock is up 13.7% in early morning trading after accepting an acquisition bid.

The food service company will be acquired by JAB for $7.5 billion. JAB, a privately held company, will buy Panera shares for $315 each in cash. That deal is a 30% premium from the 30-day volume-weighted average stock price on March 31.

The deal is expected to close sometime in the third quarter.

PNRA stock is currently trading at $274.00 for a gain of 33.6% so far this year.

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