For the quarter ended August 2026, Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI - Free Report) reported revenue of $18.89 billion, down 0.1% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.36, compared to $0.44 in the year-ago quarter.
The reported revenue represents a surprise of +0.37% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $18.83 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.33, the EPS surprise was +9.09%.
While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.
Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.
Here is how Albertsons Companies performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Number of stores at end of quarter: 2,240 versus 2,238 estimated by four analysts on average.Same - Store Sales (Identical sales, excluding fuel): -0.8% compared to the -1% average estimate based on four analysts.Retail Square Feet (Based on Square Footage) - Total stores: 111.9 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of 111.73 million.Net sales and other revenue by product type- Fuel: $1.04 billion versus $985.5 million estimated by three analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +14.2% change.View all Key Company Metrics for Albertsons Companies here>>>
Shares of Albertsons Companies have returned +8.4% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.7% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
On its second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call, held on Oct. 13, 2026, Albertsons (ACI +1.19%) announced a comprehensive business review and a pause on financial guidance. For long-term investors, the grocery retailer's decision to pause forward estimates signals a structural turnaround aimed at cutting operational costs and reducing shelf prices. Three things management said stand out.
1. Aggressive Cost Cuts Will Fund Price ReductionsManagement recognized that sales and market share trends lagged despite holding prime store locations across local markets. The business is accelerating cost reductions across procurement and administrative overhead to fund lower prices and protect long-term market share.
We must move faster to reduce costs, reinvest much of those savings into lower prices, improve the store experience for customers, grow traffic and share in core markets, drive ID sales and revenue, and improve returns for shareholders.
-- Meg Whitman, Executive Chair2. Operational Complexity Is Being Cut to Speed Up ExecutionOver recent years, multiple corporate initiatives created layers of complexity that slowed store execution and raised operating expenses. Management is pausing non-essential projects to sharpen focus on store standards, customer service, and cost discipline.
Going forward, our focus will be much narrower. Our resources will be concentrated on the right projects that most accelerate our results, and our expectations and accountability for results will be significantly higher.
-- Susan Morris, Chief Executive Officer3. Financial Guidance Is Paused Ahead of a Comprehensive ReviewAlbertsons paused updates to its financial outlook while evaluating its banner portfolio, cost structure, and capital plans. The company plans to present a refreshed customer strategy, expanded cost targets, and a multiyear outlook by its fourth quarter earnings call.
Instead, we believe the better path is to look closely at the business, establish clear priorities, and come back to investors with a comprehensive plan and multi-year financial outlook.
-- Cody Perdue, Interim Chief Financial OfficerLooking AheadOperating results reflect economic pressure on lower-income shoppers, yet local banner positions, digital reach, and pharmacy customer loyalty provide structural advantages for future value creation. Leadership is focusing on pricing discipline, store execution, and inventory control to rebuild customer traffic.
Albertsons is now fully engaged in a turnaround. The company has strong assets, talented associates, and significant potential.
-- Susan Morris, Chief Executive OfficerManagement is streamlining operations through its restructuring initiative, called ACI Edge, to centralize procurement and unlock savings for price reinvestment. Capital allocation remains supported by $1.2 billion in first-half operating cash flow while leadership prepares its updated strategic framework.
Until then, our focus is simple: drive execution, accelerate cost out, and improve the customer value proposition.
-- Susan Morris, Chief Executive OfficerThis article was created using Large Language Models (LLMs) based on The Motley Fool's insights and investing approach. It has been reviewed by our AI quality control systems. Since LLMs cannot (currently) own stocks, it has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
FULLERTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Albertsons® today announced plans to build a new Albertsons grocery store in Valley Center, bringing fresh food, pharmacy services, ecommerce services and everyday essentials closer to residents in a growing San Diego County community.
Scheduled to open in spring 2028, the new approximately 51,000-square-foot store will be located on property owned by the San Pasqual Economic Development Corporation. The project represents a significant investment in the Valley Center, a community of approximately 22,000 residents where many families currently travel several miles to access a full-service grocery store.
The new Albertsons store will offer residents a convenient destination for fresh produce, quality meat and seafood, bakery and deli offerings, pharmacy services and a wide selection of grocery and household products.
“Albertsons is proud to expand our presence in Valley Center and help meet the community’s need for greater access to fresh, affordable food,” said Wayne Denningham, EVP of the California Region. “This new store will provide greater convenience for families, create local jobs and serve as an important community resource for years to come."
The project reflects a collaborative effort between Albertsons and the San Pasqual Economic Development Corporation to support the long-term growth and well-being of the Valley Center community.
In addition to expanding access to fresh food, ecommerce services and pharmacy services, the new store is expected to create local employment opportunities and contribute to economic development in the region. Albertsons has a long history of serving communities throughout Southern California and remains committed to providing customers with quality products, exceptional service and meaningful community engagement.
Additional information regarding construction milestones, hiring opportunities and grand opening celebrations will be shared as the project moves forward.
About Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions
Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions, part of Albertsons Companies, operate 325 stores and have over 33,000 employees in Southern California. Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of Sept. 12, 2026, the Company operated 2,240 retail stores with 1,709 in-store pharmacies, 408 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 well known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons, ACME Markets, Shaw's, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Randalls, Star Market, Kings Food Markets, Haggen, Carrs and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2025, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed $497 million in food and financial support, including $56 million through its Nourishing Neighbors Program, to ensure those living in its communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.
Albertsons, Safeway, Amigos, Andronico’s, Balducci's, Haggen, Jewel-Osco, Market Street, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Vons are registered service marks of Albertsons Companies, Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACME, Carrs, Kings, Shaw's, Star Market and United Supermarkets are service marks of Albertsons Companies, Inc. or its subsidiaries. Albertsons associated logos, product names and services are trademarks or service marks of Albertsons Companies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Albertsons Companies (NYSE:ACI) reported a 0.8% decline in second-quarter identical sales and outlined a broader turnaround effort centered on cost reductions, targeted price investments, operational simplification and a review of its portfolio of businesses and assets.
Chief Executive Officer Susan Morris said the company saw “some early signs of improvement” during the quarter, including sequential improvement in core grocery identical sales versus the first quarter, but said those gains were not enough to offset pressure in the retail business. Albertsons reported adjusted EBITDA of $784 million and adjusted earnings per share of $0.36.
New Executive Chair Meg Whitman said Albertsons has strong local banners, valuable pharmacy and e-commerce operations, substantial cash flow and committed associates, but said its results have not matched the quality of its assets. “Sales and earnings growth have not met our expectations,” Whitman said, adding that market-share trends have lagged.
Whitman said the company is evaluating opportunities to improve operations, reduce costs, lower prices for customers, reset capital-allocation priorities and examine its portfolio of banners, markets, assets and businesses. “Everything should be on the table” as Albertsons considers how it should be structured to compete more effectively, she said.
Sales headwinds and digital growth
Albertsons said e-commerce sales rose 11% in the quarter, while digital penetration reached 10.5%. Pharmacy identical sales continued to grow, supported by prescription growth, although the business faced sales headwinds from the Inflation Reduction Act and an ongoing shift from branded drugs to generics.
Interim Chief Financial Officer Cody Perdue said the Inflation Reduction Act reduced total reported identical sales by about 120 basis points, while the brand-to-generic prescription mix shift created another 30-basis-point headwind. The company also cited a 30-basis-point impact from the Cyclospora outbreak, which broadly affected produce sales, and a 30-basis-point impact from egg deflation. Together, those factors represented approximately 210 basis points of pressure on reported identical sales.
Perdue said pharmacy identical sales increased in the low- to mid-single digits, while the core business declined by a little more than 1.5%. Management said the business’s performance at the end of the second quarter had not materially changed from its quarterly exit rate.
Morris said lower-income customers remain under pressure, trading down, seeking value and buying more private-label products. She said Albertsons does not intend to become the lowest-priced operator in each market, but plans to make selective pricing and promotional investments by market, category and item.
Cost reduction and ACI Edge acceleration
The company plans to accelerate its ACI Edge program, which began with the consolidation of 11 divisions into four regions and the centralization of center-store merchandising. Morris said centralized purchasing efforts, referred to as “Buying Better Together,” are already showing early signs of success and could generate more substantial benefits through the rest of the year and into next year.
Albertsons had previously increased its cost-savings target to $2 billion over the next three years, from $1.5 billion. Morris said management believes there is further opportunity to reduce costs at a faster pace.
Areas of focus include:
Lowering costs for goods for resale through centralized buying and vendor negotiations.
Reducing spending on goods not for resale by consolidating demand across the organization.
Further reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses, including potential headcount actions.
Improving inventory discipline and reducing shrink and waste in stores.
Simplifying initiatives and decision-making to improve store execution and customer experience.
Morris acknowledged that the company had created complexity through too many initiatives and competing priorities. She said projects not directly tied to store standards, customer value or cost reduction could be paused or stopped.
Gross margin, excluding fuel and LIFO, was 26.8%, down 17 basis points year over year. Perdue said the decline reflected the mix effect of e-commerce growth and higher shrink, primarily related to the Cyclospora outbreak. Selling and administrative expense dollars were relatively flat from a year earlier, though the expense rate rose 38 basis points as lower sales reduced operating leverage.
Portfolio review, capital allocation and outlook
Management said it is conducting a disciplined review of its portfolio and will invest more aggressively in markets where it holds a leading position while considering exits from underperforming areas. Perdue said the company is evaluating both store performance and the capital required to maintain locations, but did not quantify the potential scale of portfolio actions.
Albertsons generated $1.2 billion of operating cash flow in the first half of fiscal 2026 and spent about $900 million on capital expenditures, including 38 remodels, seven new stores and continued digital and technology investments. Free cash flow exceeded $300 million, while net leverage ended the quarter at 2.4 times.
The company repurchased approximately $175 million of shares during the quarter and about $400 million in the first half. It had $1.7 billion remaining under its $2 billion repurchase authorization. Albertsons also paid an $0.17-per-share quarterly dividend, totaling $83 million, and declared another $0.17 dividend.
While Albertsons said second-quarter performance was in line with its revised expectations, management declined to provide an updated financial outlook. Perdue said the company wants to complete its comprehensive review before presenting a multi-year financial plan.
By its fourth-quarter earnings call, Albertsons expects to provide a refreshed customer strategy, expanded productivity and cost-reduction plans, pricing initiatives, portfolio optimization actions, a revised capital-allocation framework and measurable performance metrics. The company also plans to host an Investor Day in spring 2027.
About Albertsons Companies (NYSE:ACI)
Albertsons Companies, Inc is a U.S. food and drug retailer headquartered in Boise, Idaho. The company operates supermarkets, pharmacies and related retail businesses under banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Carrs and Haggen.
Its stores offer groceries, fresh produce, meat and seafood, bakery and deli items, household products, health and beauty products, and pharmacy services. Albertsons also provides private-label products, fuel at select locations, grocery delivery and pickup, digital shopping tools, and customer loyalty programs.
The company’s history traces to 1939, when Joe Albertson opened the first Albertsons store in Boise.
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) on Tuesday reported better-than-expected second-quarter fiscal 2026 results.
Albertsons reported adjusted earnings of 36 cents per share, beating the analyst estimate of 33 cents. Net sales and other revenue fell 0.1% year over year to $18.895 billion but topped the $18.867 billion consensus estimate.
Albertsons withdrew its fiscal 2026 outlook as management conducts a comprehensive review of the business.
“Although our second quarter performance was in-line with the expectations in our revised outlook, our results do not reflect the potential of the Company,” said Susan Morris, Chief Executive Officer. “We are launching a comprehensive business review to speed up improvements in Albertsons’ performance and tackle even harder a cost structure we can no longer afford. Our work will find opportunities to simplify the organization, improve decision-making, reinvest savings in customer value, and boost long-term shareholder returns.”
Albertsons shares fell 1.4% to trade at $12.55 on Wednesday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Albertsons following earnings announcement.
B of A Securities analyst Kendall Toscano downgraded the stock from Neutral to Underperform and cut the price target from $16 to $12. RBC Capital analyst Steven Shemesh maintained the stock with an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $13 to $16. Considering buying ACI stock? Here’s what analysts think:
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Albertsons Companies NYSE: ACI stock showed signs of bottoming in mid-October, rising by more than 2% following its Q2 fiscal year 2027 (FY2027) earnings report. While the report left some to be desired, the price action suggests renewed investor confidence in the value, dividend, and future cash flow. The report also outlined management's plan to accelerate the turnaround. Executives withdrew full-year guidance and announced a comprehensive business review, building on the aggressive turnaround plan called ACI Edge, which launched in July. They plan to give an update by the fiscal fourth-quarter earnings call, potentially unlocking value as they do it.
ACI Edge is intended as the first step in a broader turnaround plan aimed at addressing sluggish consumer trends, margin compression, and market share loss. The plan includes consolidating its previous 11 operating divisions into four new regions, centralizing center-store merchandising to improve purchasing efficiency. Management is also prioritizing AI and other technology to improve supply chains, operational efficiency, and consumer engagement.
Get Albertsons Companies alerts:
Albertsons Outperforms in Q2: Capital Return ProgressesAlbertsons had a tough Q2 FY2027, with revenue down 0.1% and comparable sales down 0.8%, but adjusted earnings exceeded analysts' expectations. Within that, digital was a strength, but it was also a double-edged sword that weighed on margins. Pharmacy was another area of strength, but its growth was insufficient to offset weakness in the core grocery business.
Margins were also a mixed bag, with gross margin contracting slightly and selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses rising as a percentage of sales. Adjusted net income totaled $179 million, while $1.21 billion in operating cash flow during the first 28 weeks of fiscal 2026 helped support operations, turnaround investments, and shareholder returns.
Dividends and buybacks remain an important part of ACI’s investment thesis and stock price rebound. Following the collapse of the proposed merger with Kroger NYSE: KR, Albertsons continued its aggressive share repurchase program. While buyback spending has slowed, Albertsons reduced its weighted average diluted share count by approximately 13% on a trailing 12-month basis, aided by the low share price, and could continue reducing the count through additional repurchases.
The balance sheet presents a mixed picture. Shareholders' equity has declined partly because of aggressive buybacks, although the company continues to generate substantial operating cash flow. Debt remains a risk but is partly offset by the company's real estate holdings. Albertsons owns or ground-leases approximately 39% of its operating stores, providing potential opportunities for sale-leaseback transactions, although such arrangements would create additional lease obligations.
Analysts Reflect Cautious Optimism: ACI Is a HoldAnalysts' responses remain cautious about Albertsons' outlook, although the consensus price target suggests room for recovery. MarketBeat tracks 17 analysts with current ratings, with the stock rated Hold and carrying a consensus price target of $15.31. The average target is down from last year but has stabilized since early 2026, implying roughly 20% upside from recent share prices.
Albertsons Companies MarketRank™ Stock Analysis3.66539373189 of 5 stars
73rd Percentile
Hold
14.7% Upside
Bearish
Moderate
0.20 Acquiring Shares
1.82%
See Full Analysis
Institutional ownership remains high, at more than 70% of outstanding shares, with institutions buying on balance over the past year. Short-covering may also be contributing to the post-release rally. Short interest has been running hot for over a year, hitting a 12-month high ahead of the report, but the turnaround announcement may give short-sellers a reason to reassess their positions. The stock has fallen to historically low levels, reflecting significant doubts about the company's outlook. Albertsons has headwinds and hurdles to overcome, but appears to be on the right track. A return to growth over the coming year and improving profitability remain possible as the company restructures and streamlines its operations.
Investors should not misread the causes of Q2 weakness, as several factors were largely out of the company’s control. Pharmacy revenue headwinds related to the Inflation Reduction Act, the impact of the Cyclospora outbreak, egg deflation, and consumer shifts toward generic drugs all impaired top-line results. Potential upcoming catalysts include margin recovery, a return to comparable and systemwide sales growth, and resolution of legal claims. Margin recovery and comparable-sales growth will depend on the success of the turnaround, while the outcome of Albertsons' legal battle with Kroger remains uncertain. The company is suing for damages and could receive a substantial cash injection if it wins.
Albertsons also faces legal risks beyond the Kroger dispute. It faces several lawsuits alleging wrongdoing, including claims involving product labeling and consumer protection matters. These cases could affect earnings and cash flow, depending on their outcomes. If the restructuring succeeds, Albertsons could benefit from its discounted valuation and a meaningful stock price recovery, but volatility is also on tap. Any recovery could unfold in fits and starts, pausing at resistance levels to consolidate, with potential for periodic trading ranges and corrections.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Albertsons Companies Right Now?Before you consider Albertsons Companies, you'll want to hear this.
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MAMA Says a Fresh High Could Come Before Mid-YearAlbertsons Companies NYSE: ACI reported a 0.8% decline in second-quarter identical sales and outlined a broader turnaround effort centered on cost reductions, targeted price investments, operational simplification and a review of its portfolio of businesses and assets.
Chief Executive Officer Susan Morris said the company saw “some early signs of improvement” during the quarter, including sequential improvement in core grocery identical sales versus the first quarter, but said those gains were not enough to offset pressure in the retail business. Albertsons reported adjusted EBITDA of $784 million and adjusted earnings per share of $0.36.
Get Albertsons Companies alerts:
Albertsons—Is It the Best Buy in the Grocery Aisle?New Executive Chair Meg Whitman said Albertsons has strong local banners, valuable pharmacy and e-commerce operations, substantial cash flow and committed associates, but said its results have not matched the quality of its assets. “Sales and earnings growth have not met our expectations,” Whitman said, adding that market-share trends have lagged.
Whitman said the company is evaluating opportunities to improve operations, reduce costs, lower prices for customers, reset capital-allocation priorities and examine its portfolio of banners, markets, assets and businesses. “Everything should be on the table” as Albertsons considers how it should be structured to compete more effectively, she said.
Sales headwinds and digital growth
3 Contrarian "Buy the Dip" Picks—and One Area to AvoidAlbertsons said e-commerce sales rose 11% in the quarter, while digital penetration reached 10.5%. Pharmacy identical sales continued to grow, supported by prescription growth, although the business faced sales headwinds from the Inflation Reduction Act and an ongoing shift from branded drugs to generics.
Interim Chief Financial Officer Cody Perdue said the Inflation Reduction Act reduced total reported identical sales by about 120 basis points, while the brand-to-generic prescription mix shift created another 30-basis-point headwind. The company also cited a 30-basis-point impact from the Cyclospora outbreak, which broadly affected produce sales, and a 30-basis-point impact from egg deflation. Together, those factors represented approximately 210 basis points of pressure on reported identical sales.
Perdue said pharmacy identical sales increased in the low- to mid-single digits, while the core business declined by a little more than 1.5%. Management said the business’s performance at the end of the second quarter had not materially changed from its quarterly exit rate.
Morris said lower-income customers remain under pressure, trading down, seeking value and buying more private-label products. She said Albertsons does not intend to become the lowest-priced operator in each market, but plans to make selective pricing and promotional investments by market, category and item.
Cost reduction and ACI Edge acceleration
The company plans to accelerate its ACI Edge program, which began with the consolidation of 11 divisions into four regions and the centralization of center-store merchandising. Morris said centralized purchasing efforts, referred to as “Buying Better Together,” are already showing early signs of success and could generate more substantial benefits through the rest of the year and into next year.
Albertsons had previously increased its cost-savings target to $2 billion over the next three years, from $1.5 billion. Morris said management believes there is further opportunity to reduce costs at a faster pace.
Areas of focus include:
Lowering costs for goods for resale through centralized buying and vendor negotiations.
Reducing spending on goods not for resale by consolidating demand across the organization.
Further reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses, including potential headcount actions.
Improving inventory discipline and reducing shrink and waste in stores.
Simplifying initiatives and decision-making to improve store execution and customer experience.
Morris acknowledged that the company had created complexity through too many initiatives and competing priorities. She said projects not directly tied to store standards, customer value or cost reduction could be paused or stopped.
Gross margin, excluding fuel and LIFO, was 26.8%, down 17 basis points year over year. Perdue said the decline reflected the mix effect of e-commerce growth and higher shrink, primarily related to the Cyclospora outbreak. Selling and administrative expense dollars were relatively flat from a year earlier, though the expense rate rose 38 basis points as lower sales reduced operating leverage.
Portfolio review, capital allocation and outlook
Management said it is conducting a disciplined review of its portfolio and will invest more aggressively in markets where it holds a leading position while considering exits from underperforming areas. Perdue said the company is evaluating both store performance and the capital required to maintain locations, but did not quantify the potential scale of portfolio actions.
Albertsons generated $1.2 billion of operating cash flow in the first half of fiscal 2026 and spent about $900 million on capital expenditures, including 38 remodels, seven new stores and continued digital and technology investments. Free cash flow exceeded $300 million, while net leverage ended the quarter at 2.4 times.
The company repurchased approximately $175 million of shares during the quarter and about $400 million in the first half. It had $1.7 billion remaining under its $2 billion repurchase authorization. Albertsons also paid an $0.17-per-share quarterly dividend, totaling $83 million, and declared another $0.17 dividend.
While Albertsons said second-quarter performance was in line with its revised expectations, management declined to provide an updated financial outlook. Perdue said the company wants to complete its comprehensive review before presenting a multi-year financial plan.
By its fourth-quarter earnings call, Albertsons expects to provide a refreshed customer strategy, expanded productivity and cost-reduction plans, pricing initiatives, portfolio optimization actions, a revised capital-allocation framework and measurable performance metrics. The company also plans to host an Investor Day in spring 2027.
About Albertsons Companies (NYSE:ACI)Albertsons Companies, Inc is a U.S. food and drug retailer headquartered in Boise, Idaho. The company operates supermarkets, pharmacies and related retail businesses under banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Carrs and Haggen.
Its stores offer groceries, fresh produce, meat and seafood, bakery and deli items, household products, health and beauty products, and pharmacy services. Albertsons also provides private-label products, fuel at select locations, grocery delivery and pickup, digital shopping tools, and customer loyalty programs.
The company's history traces to 1939, when Joe Albertson opened the first Albertsons store in Boise.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Should You Invest $1,000 in Albertsons Companies Right Now?Before you consider Albertsons Companies, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Albertsons Companies wasn't on the list.
While Albertsons Companies currently has a Hold rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.
View The Five Stocks Here
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Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI) Q2 2026 Earnings Call October 13, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
Company Participants
Cody Perdue - Interim CFO and Senior Vice President of Treasury, Investor Relations & Risk Management
Susan Morris - CEO & Director
Margaret Whitman - Executive Chairman of the Board
Conference Call Participants
Mark Carden - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Edward Kelly - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division
John Heinbockel - Guggenheim Securities, LLC, Research Division
Leah Jordan - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division
Simeon Gutman - Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Rupesh Parikh - Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Research Division
Thomas Palmer - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Robert Ohmes - BofA Securities, Research Division
William Kirk - ROTH Capital Partners, LLC, Research Division
Joseph Feldman - Telsey Advisory Group LLC
Brandon Cheatham - Citigroup Inc., Research Division
Kelly Bania - BMO Capital Markets Equity Research
Charles Cerankosky - Northcoast Research Partners, LLC
Presentation
Operator
Greetings. Welcome to the Albertsons Companies' Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] This call is being recorded.
I would now like to hand the call over to Cody Perdue, Interim Chief Financial Officer of Albertsons Companies. Please go ahead.
Cody Perdue
Interim CFO and Senior Vice President of Treasury, Investor Relations & Risk Management
Good morning, and thank you for joining us. Before we get started, I would like to remind you that management may make forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors identified in our filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements we make today are only as of today's date, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any such statements.
Albertsons (ACI.N) withdrew its fiscal 2026 forecasts on Tuesday as the grocer launched a broad review of its business aimed at cutting costs, lowering prices and reversing sluggish sales.
The company has been facing cautious consumer spending, particularly by lower-income shoppers, as food and fuel costs climb, as well as market share losses to mass retailers including Walmart (WMT.O), discount chains and private-label brands.
The review builds on a restructuring, announced in July, and is expected to finish during the fourth quarter ending February 2027.
Albertsons plans to provide refreshed short- and long-term financial targets alongside a "comprehensive turnaround plan" by its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Executive Chair Meg Whitman said Albertsons' market-share trends had lagged and that despite individual successes across the business, the company was not delivering results consistent with the quality of its assets.
"We must turn things around," Whitman said on a post-earnings call, adding that the grocer needed to move faster to cut costs and reinvest much of those savings to lower prices and improve store experience.
Whitman, the former eBay and Hewlett-Packard CEO, was named Albertsons' executive chair last month in a newly created role aimed at helping the grocer "sharpen its strategy and strengthen execution."
CEO Susan Morris said Albertsons had accumulated too many initiatives, processes and layers of complexity over time, slowing the organization and increasing costs.
"Simply put, we're not satisfied with the results and the current trajectory of our business," she said.
The expanded turnaround effort comes nearly two years after Albertsons' proposed $24.6 billion merger with Kroger (KR.N) collapsed after a federal court blocked the deal in December 2024 on antitrust grounds. Albertsons subsequently terminated the agreement.
Shares rose 2% on Tuesday, reversing premarket losses. They had fallen 27% this year as of last close.
In July, Albertsons outlined plans to expand private-label offerings and improve e-commerce, while restructuring its 11 divisions into four regions and centralizing merchandising. Albertsons now describes those changes as the first step in its broader turnaround.
"We'll exit areas that are underperforming," Morris said on Tuesday.
Albertsons had slashed its annual target prior quarter, forecast fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings per share in the range of $1.75 to $1.85 and said it expected annual identical sales to decline in the range of 0.5% to 1.5%.
Michael Gunther, an analyst at Consumer Edge, said that the research firm's credit and debit card data shows that "traditional supermarkets, including Albertsons, have continued losing grocery market share to specialty and discount format."
The grocer on Tuesday reported that its same-store sales in the second quarter ended September 12 fell 0.8%.
But it posted second-quarter adjusted profit of 36 cents per share, beating estimates of 33 cents per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.
BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Albertsons® Companies, Inc. announced its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend for the third quarter of $0.17 per share of common stock.
The grocery store chain's second-quarter profit came in at $51.5 million, or 11 cents a share, compared with $168.5 million, or 30 cents a share, a year earlier.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Wall Street analysts expect Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI - Free Report) to post quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share in its upcoming report, which indicates a year-over-year decline of 25%. Revenues are expected to be $18.83 billion, down 0.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during this period.
Ahead of a company's earnings disclosure, it is crucial to give due consideration to changes in earnings estimates. These revisions serve as a noteworthy factor in predicting potential investor reactions to the stock. Numerous empirical studies consistently demonstrate a strong relationship between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight.
In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain Albertsons Companies metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.
Analysts expect 'Revenues- Fuel' to come in at $985.50 million. The estimate indicates a change of +8.1% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Number of stores at end of quarter' reaching 2,238 . The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 2,257 .
The consensus estimate for 'Total Square Footage - Retail Square Feet' stands at 111.73 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 112.50 million.
View all Key Company Metrics for Albertsons Companies here>>>
Shares of Albertsons Companies have demonstrated returns of -0.9% over the past month compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.4% change. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), ACI is expected to mirror the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Appointment Is Part of ACI’s Effort to Strengthen AI Readiness, Resilience, and Deployment | Source: California Water Service Group
SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) announced today that its Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Martin A. Kropelnicki, has joined the Alliance for Critical Infrastructure (ACI) Board of Directors.
Kropelnicki’s appointment is part of ACI’s effort to bring together leading companies in communications, energy, financial services, information technology, transportation, and water to strengthen the country’s physical and cyber resilience and address the unique and significant risks and opportunities posed by the emergence of AI.
“We are on the precipice of technological change that is unlike anything we’ve seen before, and it is essential that we work together to identify vulnerabilities, develop protective strategies, advance smart public policy, and share best practices, both within ACI and beyond to all operators of critical infrastructure in America,” Kropelnicki said. “I am pleased to serve on ACI’s Board because I am committed to contributing to efforts to keep my customers’—and our nation’s—water systems safe.”
The expansion of ACI builds upon a foundation of over a decade of private-sector national security work in collaboration with the government and serves as confirmation of the vision of ACI’s nine founding members. For more information, visit https://criticalalliance.org.
California Water Service Group is the parent company of regulated utilities Cal Water, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service, as well as Texas Water Service (TWSC, Inc.), a utility holding company. Together, these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water and wastewater service to more than 2.2 million people in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and Texas. Group’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CWT.” Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) will release its second quarter earnings report before the opening bell on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Analysts expect the Boise, Idaho-based company to report quarterly earnings of 33 cents per share, down from 44 cents per share in the year-ago period. The consensus estimate for ACI’s quarterly revenue is $18.88 billion. It reported $18.92 billion last year, according to Benzinga Pro.
On Sept. 9, Albertsons named Meg Whitman as executive chair.
Shares of Albertsons closed at $11.64 on Tuesday.
Benzinga readers can access the latest analyst ratings on the Analyst Stock Ratings page. Readers can sort by stock ticker, company name, analyst firm, rating change or other variables.
Let’s have a look at how Benzinga’s most-accurate analysts have rated the company in the recent period.
UBS analyst Mark Carden downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral and cut the price target from $20 to $12 on July 28, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 66%. Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral and slashed the price target from $17 to $11 on July 27, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 63%. Goldman Sachs analyst Leah Jordan maintained a Buy rating and lowered the price target from $24 to $16 on July 24, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 59%. RBC Capital analyst Steven Shemesh maintained an Outperform rating and cut the price target from $20 to $13 on July 24, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 58%. Telsey Advisory Group analyst Joseph Feldman downgraded the stock from Outperform to Market Perform and cut the price target from $22 to $13 on July 24, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 63%. Considering buying ACI stock? Here’s what analysts think:
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OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $ACIW #Banking--ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), an original innovator in global payments technology, today announced that the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB Cincinnati) is moving the payment processing behind its member funding services to ACI Connetic. FHLB Cincinnati Advances outstanding grew in the first half of 2026. Funding a member Advance and taking a repayment both generate payment activity, and it has to be handled at whatever volume the day brings. Connetic wil.
BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Albertsons Companies, Inc. will release financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 before the market opens on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
All primary endpoints of the study were met, with ACI-7104 shown to be generally safe and well tolerated Strong immunogenicity demonstrated, with 100% response rate after three immunizationsClear antibody penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and signals for target engagement Discussions with FDA regarding future development path planned for early 2027 AC Immune to host webcast & conference call today at 10:00am EDT / 16:00 CEST details below Lausanne, Switzerland, September 23, 2026 – AC Immune SA (NASDAQ: ACIU), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced positive safety and immunogenicity results through week-100 in Part 1 of VacSYn, its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial of ACI-7104 in patients with early-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD). The study is being conducted in two parts with the aim for Part 1 being to show safety, tolerability and immunogenicity while Part 2 is designed to provide evidence of clinical activity as the basis for a Phase 3 decision. The Part 1 data reported today includes results from all 34 patients randomized into the study (25 patients receiving ACI-7104 and nine receiving placebo).
The primary endpoints for Part 1 of the VacSYn trial of ACI-7104 were safety, tolerability and immunogenicity, all of which were met. ACI-7104 was generally safe and well-tolerated and shown to be strongly immunogenic, with 100% of patients developing antibodies against the immunizing a-syn target antigen PD01 after three immunizations. Antibody reactivity against the aggregated species of a-syn was also demonstrated. Robust antibody penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was observed in all patients.
Part 1 of VacSYn was not designed for biomarker or clinical outcomes evaluation; however, additional exploratory analyses included monitoring the impact of ACI-7104 treatment on certain biomarkers (such as total a-syn and Neurofilament Light chain in the CSF), as well as clinical measures of disease activity. A signal was observed for total a-syn in the CSF, providing preliminary evidence consistent with target engagement. Exploratory correlation analyses identified trends suggesting an association between immunogenicity (antibody levels) and disease activity measures. While the sample size in Part 1 was limited, these observations provide a clear basis for further investigation.
The VacSYn trial of ACI-7104 in early-stage Parkinson’s disease continues in Part 1 (2-year extension) and is advancing toward the initiation of Part 2 (expansion). The final design of Part 2 is being consolidated and will be submitted to the FDA for review, with meetings expected early in 2027.
Martin Zügel, Interim CEO of AC Immune SA, commented: “The results from the complete data set at week-100 in Part 1 are encouraging, with all primary endpoints met, strong immunogenicity demonstrated, and a 100% response rate. This program is one of our strongest active immunotherapies, with ACI-7104-induced antibodies demonstrating preferential binding to aggregated a-syn species. We will now refine our approach to the next development steps in the program and discuss our plans with regulators before embarking on an expanded Phase 2 trial designed to provide evidence of clinical activity as the basis for entry into Phase 3.”
Günther Staffler, Executive Vice President, Development at AC Immune SA, commented: “We are pleased to have observed strong and boostable immune responses, with significant antibody penetration into the CSF and signals for target engagement. Together with the favorable safety profile through week-100, and exploratory correlations between antibody titers and disease activity measures, we are confident that these results provide a strong foundation for the continued development of ACI-7104 into Part 2.”
Conference call details:
Participants may call the following numbers, 10 – 15 minutes before conference start
A live and archived webcast will also be accessible in the Investors section of the Company's website at https://www.acimmune.com/.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
SVP, Investor Relations & Corporate CommunicationsGary Waanders, Ph.D., MBA
AC Immune
Phone: +41 21 345 91 91
Email: [email protected] MediaOptimum Strategic Communications
Nick Bastin, Joshua Evans, Aoife Minihan, Ben Cowe
Phone: +44 (0) 20 4566 8543
Email: [email protected]
About VacSYn
VacSYn (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06015841) is an adaptive, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and biomarker-based Phase 2 study in patients with early PD, consisting of two parts. Part 1 includes 34 patients randomized 3:1 to receive ACI-7104 or placebo, respectively. The results reported today include data from all participants 100 weeks since initiation of treatment. The study is being conducted in two parts with the aim for Part 1 being to show safety, tolerability and immunogenicity while Part 2 is designed to provide evidence of clinical activity and support a Phase 3 decision.
About ACI-7104
ACI-7104.056 is an optimized formulation of its clinically validated anti-a-syn predecessor active immunotherapy that generated a target-specific antibody response against pathological oligomeric a-syn to inhibit spreading and downstream neurodegeneration in early Parkinson’s disease. The accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates has been shown to cause inflammatory stress in cells and contribute to the degeneration of neurons in the brain. It has been known to play a key role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease.
About AC Immune SA
AC Immune (NASDAQ: ACIU) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of products, including both active immunotherapies and small molecules, targeting key misfolded proteins and pathways for the treatment of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The company has a growing focus on its wholly owned proprietary clinical-stage programs, including: ACI-7104, an active immunotherapy targeting α-synuclein (α-syn) in Parkinson's disease; and ACI-19764, a small molecule inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, an early-stage small molecule development program targeting intracellular a-syn is advancing towards the clinic.
ACIU has a strong track record of securing strategic partnerships with leading global pharmaceutical companies, resulting in substantial non-dilutive funding and >$4.5 billion in potential milestone payments, plus royalties from sales. ACIU’s pharma-partnered programs, all in Alzheimer’s disease, include: a collaboration on ACI-24, an active immunotherapy targeting Abeta; a collaboration on ACI-35 targeting phospho-Tau; and a collaboration developing brain-penetrant small molecule drugs targeting intracellular pathologic Tau.
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. The information on our website and any other websites referenced herein is expressly not incorporated by reference into, and does not constitute a part of, this press release.
Forward looking statements
This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical fact and may include statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or AC Immune’s strategies or expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” “outlook” or “continue,” and other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. These risks and uncertainties include those described under the captions “Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in AC Immune’s Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and AC Immune does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Albertsons Media Collective, the retail media arm of Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI), today announced Retail Media Incrementality-Based Multi-Touch Attribution, a revolutionary measurement solution that enables advertisers to better understand the incremental impact of media investments across major leading digital media platforms through a single, deduplicated view of performance.Developed in collaboration with LiveRamp under a first-to-market, grocery excl.
Investors in Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Sept. 11, 2026 $2.00 Put had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
What do the Analysts Think?Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Albertsons shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Albertsons is a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) in the Consumer Products - Staples industry that ranks in the Bottom 24% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, no analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while six analysts have revised their estimates downward. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from 78 cents per share to 66 cents in that period.
Given the way analysts feel about Albertsons right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
Albertsons named former eBay and Hewlett Packard chief Meg Whitman to the newly created post of executive chair, as the grocery-store operator grapples with falling sales and cautious consumer spending.
BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Meg Whitman has been appointed to the newly created role of Executive Chair of Albertsons Companies' Board of Directors.
Kroger just announced a $1.65 billion grocery acquisition while still fighting its last merger partner in court over the exact same regulatory strategy it plans to use again. The word at the center of both stories is the same, and…
Although Wall Street generally rewards grocery consolidation as a defensive play in a low-margin industry, Kroger (NYSE:KR | KR Price Prediction) is asking regulators to bless a fresh round of store divestitures while still defending itself in Delaware Chancery Court over the divestiture package from its last attempted mega-deal. Kroger announced on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, that it would acquire family-owned Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, consisting of $1.25 billion in cash consideration and the assumption of approximately $400 million in outstanding liabilities. The board unanimously approved the transaction, and the company said the deal is pending regulatory clearance with an expected close in 2027.
Yet the memory here is long, and the receipts are still landing in the financials. Albertsons (NYSE:ACI) and Kroger remain locked in dueling suits over the collapsed $24.6 billion combination that would have been the largest grocery merger ever. What’s particularly notable is that the sticking point in that litigation, which divestitures were adequate to satisfy antitrust regulators, is the same mechanic Kroger is again promising to use to get the Giant Eagle deal cleared. Kroger’s own announcement said it and Giant Eagle “expect to make limited Giant Eagle store divestitures” in connection with obtaining regulatory clearance.
Walking the Timeline From $24.6 Billion to a Courtroom The old deal was announced in 2022, blocked by federal and state courts, and terminated in December 2024, at which point Albertsons sued Kroger and Kroger countersued. Albertsons is seeking the $600 million merger termination fee, plus damages, and alleges Kroger did not take adequate steps to address antitrust concerns. The proposed remedy at the center of the case was Kroger’s plan to divest hundreds of stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers. Albertsons contends many of those stores were poor performers and provided an unappealing solution for state and federal antitrust investigators. Kroger has said it was acting on the advice of its legal advisors, and its countersuit alleges Albertsons worked covertly with C&S to pressure Kroger to divest more stores.
The discovery fight has produced two 2026 rulings worth noting. On June 26, 2026, Delaware Chancery Court Vice Chancellor Lori Will rejected Albertsons’ effort to compel Kroger to produce all communications with its outside law firms, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer and Weil, Gotshal & Manges, ruling that Kroger’s obligation was limited to documents reflecting actual legal advice and “does not extend to every uncommunicated musing of a law firm associate or a partner’s internal reaction to a meeting.” The court had earlier rejected Albertsons’ bid to compel disclosure around the departure of Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s former board chair and CEO, whom Albertsons had argued may have been distracted by unrelated personal conduct.
Merger Costs That Refuse to Roll Off The financial fingerprints of the terminated deal are still fresh. Kroger booked $684 million in merger-related costs in fiscal 2024, including $186 million in a single quarter, and $143 million pre-tax in another quarter. The most recent quarterly release, filed with the SEC on June 18, 2026, again listed “Merger-related litigation costs from terminated Albertsons transaction” as an explicit risk factor. Albertsons has repeatedly flagged the potential inability to collect the $600 million termination fee in its own filings. Kroger separately settled its lawsuit with C&S Wholesale Grocers on August 11, 2025.
What the Grocer Is Doing Now Kroger’s Q1 fiscal 2027 report delivered adjusted EPS of $1.58 versus $1.59 consensus on revenue of $46.12 billion, up 2.2% year over year. New CEO Greg Foran, who succeeded interim chief Ron Sargent, told analysts on the call that “Our ambition is clear: to be America’s best grocer.” CFO David Kennerly framed the balance sheet in acquisition-ready terms: “At the end of the first quarter, Kroger’s net total debt to adjusted EBITDA was 1.75 compared to our net total debt to adjusted EBITDA target ratio range of 2.3 to 2.5.” He added that the flexibility “gives us optionality to invest in high return opportunities while maintaining our commitment to investment grade credit.”
On the target: Giant Eagle is a Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania-based food and pharmacy retailer founded in 1931, with approximately $9 billion in annual sales, 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic. Foran called it “a well-run, high-quality regional grocer with a strong reputation for fresh products, pharmacy, private label and customer loyalty.” Giant Eagle sold its GetGo convenience network to Alimentation Couche-Tard for about $1.57 billion in June 2025, sharpening its supermarket footprint before the sale.
What Investors Should Keep an Eye On Kroger closed the September 2, 2026, session at $58.22, down 15.2% over the trailing year, while Albertsons finished at $12.48, off 35.2% over the same span. Albertsons’ Q1 fiscal 2027 EPS of $0.42 missed a $0.54 consensus by 21.99%, and management slashed full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $1.75 to $1.85 from $2.22 to $2.32.
Kroger’s next earnings report is scheduled for September 11, 2026, before the open, and it should offer a fresh look at how much of the Albertsons litigation is still bleeding into the P&L while the Giant Eagle divestiture package takes shape. The pattern to watch is straightforward: the same word, divestitures, is doing double duty as Kroger’s regulatory pitch and as the core allegation against it in Delaware. Long term, the largest traditional supermarket operator on Wall Street tends to compound through consolidation. Short term, the receipts from the last attempt are still on the desk.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 25, 2026) - Agereh Technologies Inc. (TSXV: AUTO) (OTCQB: CRBAF) ("Agereh" or the "Company"), a publicly traded Canadian company delivering real-time operational intelligence across airports, logistics networks and critical infrastructure, today announced that Chief Executive Officer Ken Brizel will attend the 2026 ACI-NA Annual Conference & Exhibition, taking place September 14-17 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
The annual conference brings together airport executives, operations leaders, technology providers and infrastructure partners from across North America to discuss the operational, safety, security and infrastructure priorities shaping the future of airports.
Agereh will use the conference to meet with airport leaders and industry partners around a practical challenge facing airport operators: how to gain better visibility of people, ground support equipment and facilities without adding major infrastructure, lengthy integration projects or new dependencies on airport networks.
"Airports already generate enormous amounts of data. The challenge is getting the right operational information at the moment someone can act on it," said Ken Brizel, Chief Executive Officer of Agereh Technologies Inc. "We are seeing the conversation shift from what technology might eventually make possible to what can be deployed today to solve specific operational problems. That is the conversation I am looking forward to having in Philadelphia."
Operational Intelligence Without Infrastructure Projects
GSE safety, security and readiness: Use location, geofence, movement and impact-event data to identify exceptions, confirm staging readiness and improve visibility across ramp operations.Passenger flow and occupancy: Gain anonymous, real-time insight into passenger movement, directionality, occupancy and environmental conditions without cameras or personally identifiable information.Private wireless and cellular-native deployment: Use public cellular or private cellular, including CBRS, to connect distributed sensors without depending on airport Wi-Fi or LAN infrastructure.Rapid installation: Deploy battery-powered sensing without new cabling, external power or airport-wide reader infrastructure, reducing the cost and disruption of modifying existing facilities.API-first integration: Deliver operational data and exceptions into airport-owned dashboards, Digital Twins, safety and security platforms, maintenance systems and artificial intelligence tools.Agereh's airport-focused portfolio includes AGSET™ for outdoor ground support equipment visibility and geofencing, HeadCounter™ for anonymous passenger-flow and occupancy intelligence, DoorSensor™ for wireless facility and access monitoring, MapNTrack™ for indoor asset tracking, and CellTrackerTag™ for wide-area asset tracking.
Agereh products are designed and manufactured in North America and are NDAA compliant. The Company's approach combines battery-powered sensing, edge intelligence, cellular-native communications and API-first integration to provide actionable operational intelligence while minimizing changes to existing airport infrastructure.
"The most valuable discussions for us are not about technology for its own sake," Brizel added. "They start with the operational problem - what does the airport need to see, know or respond to that it cannot see clearly today? Our objective is to make that information available without turning deployment into another infrastructure project."
Meeting with Airport Leaders in Philadelphia
Airport executives, operations teams, airlines, ground handlers, fixed-base operators, technology partners and other industry participants attending ACI-NA are invited to meet with Agereh during the conference. Interested organizations may contact Agereh at [email protected] to arrange a discussion in Philadelphia.
Agereh Airport Technology Portfolio
AGSET™: Solar-assisted, battery-powered cellular GPS for outdoor GSE safety, security, readiness, geofencing, movement and impact-event intelligence.HeadCounter™: Privacy-by-design people-flow, directionality, occupancy and environmental intelligence using an infrared sensor array and embedded edge processing rather than conventional video cameras.DoorSensor™: Battery-powered wireless monitoring for doors, concessions, access points and other facility activity where rapid deployment is important.MapNTrack™: Compact indoor asset tracking optimized for GPS-denied environments, using Wi-Fi positioning first and cellular tower-based location as a fallback.CellTrackerTag™: Rugged wide-area asset tracking for outdoor and mobile assets, with cellular-based configurations designed for long-duration deployments.About Agereh Technologies Inc.
Agereh Technologies Inc. (TSXV: AUTO) (OTCQB: CRBAF) is a publicly traded Canadian intelligent infrastructure company delivering real-time operational intelligence across airports, logistics networks, and critical infrastructure. By combining accurate data collection, predictive intelligence, and data-driven decision-making for transportation and infrastructure applications, Agereh continues to expand its portfolio with solutions designed to enhance efficiency, optimize operations, and enable the next generation of intelligent transportation systems. All products are patent-pending and made in North America.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information:
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's business, products, strategy, markets, deployments, and future opportunities. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and are based on assumptions and expectations that may not occur.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/311466
Source: Agereh Technologies Inc. (formerly Carbeeza Inc.)
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NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Albertsons Companies, Inc. (“Albertsons” or the “Company”) (NYSE: ACI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Albertsons and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 23, 2026, Albertsons reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, including adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.42, missing consensus estimates. The Company also lowered its full-year 2026 EPS outlook.
On this news, Albertson’s stock price fell $3.11 per share, or 21.63%, to close at $11.27 per share on July 23, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Albertsons Companies, Inc. ("Albertsons" or the "Company") (NYSE: ACI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Albertsons and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 23, 2026, Albertsons reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, including adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") of $0.42, missing consensus estimates. The Company also lowered its full-year 2026 EPS outlook.
On this news, Albertson's stock price fell $3.11 per share, or 21.63%, to close at $11.27 per share on July 23, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
On August 21, 2026, Albertsons Companies Inc (ACI) shares rose 3.3% to a current price of $12.38. This movement comes in the context of a volatile trading perio
OMAHA, Neb. & SÃO PAULO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), an original innovator in global payments technology, and Inter Pag, the merchant acquiring business of Banco Inter, today announced a strategic partnership to help power the next phase of Inter Pag's growth in Brazil. Combining cloud-enabled acquiring capabilities with payments intelligence, AI-driven fraud prevention, analytics, advanced ecommerce tools and orchestration, the partnership will support Inter Pag's modernizat.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Albertsons Companies, Inc. ("Albertsons" or the "Company") (NYSE: ACI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Albertsons and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 23, 2026, Albertsons reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, including adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") of $0.42, missing consensus estimates. The Company also lowered its full-year 2026 EPS outlook.
On this news, Albertson's stock price fell $3.11 per share, or 21.63%, to close at $11.27 per share on July 23, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
AC Immune Announces Positive Preliminary Phase 1 Data for NLRP3 Inhibitor ACI-19764
ACI-19764 is an orally available inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome Preliminary data showed ACI-19764 was safe and well tolerated across single and multiple ascending dose cohorts with confirmed CSF penetrationBased on PK data the therapeutic dose is expected to be ≤10mg once dailyTo rapidly evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of ACI-19764 (effect on hsCRP), dosing of a cardiovascular risk cohort is now underway with initial results expected by year endFull results from the Phase 1/1b trial are expected in H1 2027 Lausanne, Switzerland, August 20 2026 – AC Immune SA (NASDAQ: ACIU), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced positive interim results from a Phase 1 first-in-human clinical study evaluating ACI-19764, its wholly-owned, orally administered small molecule inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
The Phase 1 study is investigating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics of ACI-19764 in healthy volunteers in Europe. Preliminary results demonstrate that ACI-19764 was safe and well-tolerated to date across both single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) cohorts, including doses up to 20mg per day (SAD), with a serum half-life greater than 30 hours. There have been no serious adverse events to date and no treatment withdrawals. Clear evidence of brain penetration was observed based on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exposure. Daily doses ≤10mg achieved PK concentrations above the IC90 and blinded review of whole blood assay data showed dose dependent inhibition of IL-1beta release.
The trial has now commenced dosing of first patients with cardiovascular disease risk, as determined by elevated serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the presence of either type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. Recruitment of this Phase 1b cohort is ongoing and initial results are expected before year end.
Martin Zügel, interim CEO of AC Immune SA, commented: “These first-in-human data for ACI-19764 are encouraging, and represent not only an important milestone for this program, but also the wider clinical momentum of our wholly-owned programs. Based on these preliminary results, and previous preclinical studies, we are now poised to deliver key clinical evidence of anti-inflammatory activity (hsCRP inhibition) in the coming months. We believe ACI-19764 has the potential to be a powerful NLRP3 inhibitor, and we look forward to further exploring its therapeutic potential.”
Francesca Capotosti, Senior Vice President, Research at AC Immune SA, commented: “Chronic inflammation causes or exacerbates many different conditions, including CNS diseases, and with ACI-19764 we are able to precisely target the intracellular NLRP3 complex to inhibit the production of potentially harmful downstream pro-inflammatory factors.”
Kirsten Scott, Clinical Lead at AC Immune SA, commented: “NLRP3 inhibitors are a growing modality, and with such a wide range of potential therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases and beyond, we are optimistic that ACI-19764 can represent a transformational treatment option for patients with unmet medical needs.”
ACI-19764 targets the NLRP3 inflammasome to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory factors and reduce chronic inflammation thought to be associated with disease progression in multiple inflammatory disorders, metabolic diseases, and neurological diseases. Supported by a strong preclinical data package (including 3-month toxicology data), ACI-19764 continues to advance through its Phase 1/1b clinical study, with additional data expected in H1 2027.
About ACI-19764
ACI-19764 is an orally available, brain penetrant, small molecule drug candidate which specifically inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome. It has shown high potency in vitro as demonstrated by the downstream inhibition of IL-1β production by human macrophages and human whole blood with an IC50 in the range of 2-20.5nM. ACI-19764 statistically significantly inhibited neuroinflammation in vivo through reduced activation of Iba1+ microglial cells and GFAP+ astrocytes in preclinical models (including experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) and chronic LPS-mediated central nervous system (CNS) inflammation), demonstrating its strongly competitive profile and high potential for broad application in both peripheral and neurologic therapeutic areas.
About AC Immune SA
AC Immune (NASDAQ: ACIU) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of products, including both active immunotherapies and small molecules, targeting key misfolded proteins and pathways for the treatment of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The company has a growing focus on its wholly owned proprietary clinical-stage programs, including: ACI-7104, an active immunotherapy targeting α-synuclein (α-syn) in Parkinson's disease; and ACI-19764, a small molecule inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, an early-stage small molecule development program targeting intracellular a-syn is advancing towards the clinic.
ACIU has a strong track record of securing strategic partnerships with leading global pharmaceutical companies, resulting in substantial non-dilutive funding and >$4.5 billion in potential milestone payments, plus royalties from sales. ACIU’s pharma-partnered programs, all in Alzheimer’s disease, include: a collaboration on ACI-24, an active immunotherapy targeting Abeta; a collaboration on ACI-35 targeting phospho-Tau; and a collaboration developing brain-penetrant small molecule drugs targeting intracellular pathologic Tau.
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. The information on our website and any other websites referenced herein is expressly not incorporated by reference into, and does not constitute a part of, this press release.
For further information, please contact:
SVP, Investor Relations & Corporate CommunicationsGary Waanders, Ph.D., MBA
AC Immune
Phone: +41 21 345 91 91
Email: [email protected]
International MediaOptimum Strategic Communications
Nick Bastin, Joshua Evans, Aoife Minihan, Ben Cowe
Phone: +44 (0) 20 4566 8543
Email: [email protected]
Forward looking statements
This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical fact and may include statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or AC Immune’s strategies or expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” “outlook” or “continue,” and other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. These risks and uncertainties include those described under the captions “Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in AC Immune’s Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and AC Immune does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Albertsons Companies, Inc. (“Albertsons” or the “Company”) (NYSE: ACI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Albertsons and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 23, 2026, Albertsons reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, including adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.42, missing consensus estimates. The Company also lowered its full-year 2026 EPS outlook.
On this news, Albertson’s stock price fell $3.11 per share, or 21.63%, to close at $11.27 per share on July 23, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Grocery retailer Albertsons Companies found that the customers who begin using its artificial intelligence-powered online shopping experience make larger purchases almost immediately, Jill Pavlovich, senior vice president of digital shopping experiences at Albertsons, told The Wall Street Journal in a report published Monday (Aug. 17).
The grocer said average order value is higher for online shoppers when they use AI-powered online shopping assistants, helping the company nab a small win in the tricky world of AI economics.
Metro (OTCMKTS:MTTWF - Get Free Report) and Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI - Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations and risk. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Metro and
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Albertsons Companies, Inc. ("Albertsons" or the "Company") (NYSE: ACI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Albertsons and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 23, 2026, Albertsons reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, including adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") of $0.42, missing consensus estimates. The Company also lowered its full-year 2026 EPS outlook.
On this news, Albertson's stock price fell $3.11 per share, or 21.63%, to close at $11.27 per share on July 23, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
[url="]Albertsons Companies[/url], Inc. [NYSE: ACI] pharmacies are helping customers prepare for the back-to-school season and the busy months ahead by making
BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Albertsons Cos. pharmacies are helping customers prepare for the back-to-school season and fall with free flu immunizations and grocery savings.
Albertsons CEO Susan Morris bought 39,409 shares of company stock on July 28, marking her first open-market purchase. (Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
Top leadership at Albertsons Cos. snapped up company stock after a disappointing earnings report and a grim outlook for the year sent shares of the grocery chain tumbling to record lows.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Albertsons Companies, Inc. ("Albertsons" or the "Company") (NYSE: ACI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Albertsons and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 23, 2026, Albertsons reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, including adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") of $0.42, missing consensus estimates. The Company also lowered its full-year 2026 EPS outlook.
On this news, Albertson's stock price fell $3.11 per share, or 21.63%, to close at $11.27 per share on July 23, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
MAMA Says a Fresh High Could Come Before Mid-YearAlbertsons Companies NYSE: ACI said shareholders approved five management proposals at its 2026 annual meeting, including the election of 10 directors, the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as its independent auditor and amendments to the company’s certificate of incorporation.
Shareholders also approved, on an advisory basis, compensation paid to the company’s named executive officers for fiscal 2025. The company said the amendment eliminating certain supermajority voting requirements and a separate amendment limiting certain officer liability as permitted under Delaware law also passed.
Get Albertsons Companies alerts:
Albertsons—Is It the Best Buy in the Grocery Aisle?A shareholder proposal from Oxfam seeking a report on the company’s human-rights policy and human-rights due-diligence practices did not receive a majority of votes cast and failed to pass. Albertsons’ board had recommended shareholders vote against the proposal.
Gina Cummings, vice president of policy and program at Oxfam America, told shareholders that Albertsons faced human-rights-related risks in its operations and supply chain. She cited workplace injury fines, labor disputes, reporting on child labor at milk suppliers and alleged forced labor in seafood supply chains. Cummings also said the company lacked a published human-rights policy and a clearly outlined due-diligence process. The company’s board said its reasons for opposing the proposal were detailed in its proxy statement.
New Operating and Leadership Structure 3 Contrarian "Buy the Dip" Picks—and One Area to AvoidIn a business update following the formal meeting, Chief Executive Officer Susan Morris outlined Albertsons’ strategy to become “the most loved grocer in every community” it serves. Morris said the company operates more than 2,200 retail stores, over 1,700 pharmacies, 405 fuel stations, 22 distribution centers and 19 food and beverage manufacturing plants.
The company also reported approximately 280,000 employees, service to more than 36 million customers per week, and a $16 billion own-brand portfolio that includes O Organics, Open Nature and Signature brands.
Morris highlighted changes to the company’s leadership organization. Michelle Larson expanded her responsibilities as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer to include digital operations. Evan Rainwater serves as chief supply chain officer, while Mike Withers now leads operations across the company’s store network as executive vice president of operations. Allison Pinkham joined as executive vice president and chief human resources officer.
Morris also said President and Chief Financial Officer Sharon McCollam plans to retire. McCollam will remain in her role until a successor is named and then will serve in an advisory capacity through the end of the fiscal year.
Albertsons is also restructuring its operating model under what Morris called the “ACI Edge.” The initiative will consolidate 11 divisions into four regions and centralize center-store merchandising. The four regions will be California, West, South and East.
According to Morris, the changes are intended to speed decision-making, improve product availability and preserve localized execution in fresh food, service and other store-level functions. She said the company aims to combine the benefits of national scale with the local customer connections of its individual store banners.
Fiscal 2025 Results and Capital Returns Albertsons said it ended fiscal 2025 with $83.2 billion in sales, $3.9 billion in adjusted EBITDA and $2.06 billion in adjusted free cash flow.
The company invested $1.84 billion in capital expenditures during fiscal 2025, including spending to modernize its store fleet, expand artificial intelligence, digital and technology capabilities, and enhance its supply chain. Albertsons remodeled 94 stores and opened nine new locations during the year, Morris said.
The company returned approximately $1.8 billion to shareholders during fiscal 2025, including $323 million in dividends and nearly $1.5 billion in share repurchases. That total included completion of a $750 million accelerated share repurchase program.
Morris said Albertsons increased its fiscal 2026 dividend rate by 13% to $0.68 per share. Its capital-allocation priorities are to invest in the business, maintain and grow the dividend over time, and repurchase shares opportunistically while maintaining a strong balance sheet, she said.
Fiscal 2026 Outlook For fiscal 2026, Albertsons said it is planning for a softer unit-sales environment as lower-income consumers remain under pressure, grocery-industry unit trends soften and potential supplier cost increases could add affordability pressure.
The company expects identical sales to decline between 0.5% and 1.5%. Excluding an expected 150-basis-point full-year headwind from the Pharmacy IRA, it expects identical sales to range from flat to up 1%.
Adjusted EBITDA is projected at $3.55 billion to $3.625 billion. Adjusted earnings per share are expected to range from $1.75 to $1.85, including approximately $600 million in planned share repurchases. The effective income tax rate is expected to be 24% to 25%. Capital expenditures are forecast at $1.9 billion to $2 billion. Morris said the company expects its investments in customer value to pressure near-term earnings but views them as necessary to improve customer engagement, accelerate unit growth and strengthen its longer-term business trajectory. She added that pharmacy trends remain healthy and digital continues to generate outsized growth.
About Albertsons Companies (NYSE:ACI)Albertsons Companies, Inc NYSE: ACI is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, operating a diversified portfolio of grocery store banners. Founded in 1939 by Joe Albertson in Boise, Idaho, the company has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Its core business activities encompass the sale of fresh produce, meat, bakery items, deli offerings, pharmacy services, and general merchandise. The company's retail operations are complemented by an in-house private-label program, featuring brands such as O Organics, Open Nature, and Lucerne, which cater to a range of customer preferences and price points.
Throughout its history, Albertsons Companies has pursued growth via mergers and partnerships.
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BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Albertsons Companies announces its Safeway plugin in ChatGPT, making grocery shopping faster, easier and more intuitive.
Sharon McCollam, President & Chief Financial Officer, purchased 9,000 shares of Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI -1.82%) at $11.48 per share on July 31, 2026. SEC Form 4 filing.
Today's Change
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Transaction summaryMetricValueShares purchased9,000Transaction value$103,320Post-transaction shares (directly held)567,051Post-transaction value$6.6 millionTransaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($11.48); post-transaction value based on July 31, 2026 market close ($11.58).
Key questionsWhat is the scale of this transaction relative to the CFO's existing position?
The purchase of 9,000 shares represents a 2% expansion of Sharon McCollam's direct equity holdings in Albertsons Companies, which now total 567,051 shares of Class A common stock.How does the acquisition price compare to recent market levels?
The CFO executed the purchase at $11.48 per share, which was slightly lower than the $11.58 market close on the July 31, 2026 transaction date.What is the current market value of the total direct position?
Based on the Aug. 3, 2026 market close of $11.50, the CFO's 567,051 directly held shares have an approximate market value of $6.5 million.Are there any indirect holdings or other share classes involved?
No indirect holdings were reported in this filing, and the insider holds no other share classes beyond the Class A common stock involved in this transaction.Company OverviewMetricValueShare Price (as of market close 2026-08-03)$11.50Market Capitalization$5.6 billionRevenue (TTM)$83.2 billionNet Income (TTM)$65.7 millionCompany SnapshotAlbertsons operates a diversified portfolio of food and drug retail stores across the United States, generating revenue through the sale of grocery products, general merchandise, health and beauty care items, pharmacy services, vaccines, and fuel.The company generates revenue through multi-banner retail operations including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Shaw's, Star Market, United Supermarkets, and Market Street, leveraging regional brand recognition and operational synergies.Albertsons primarily serves U.S. consumers seeking convenient access to grocery staples, pharmacy services, and general merchandise, with a customer base spanning diverse geographic markets and demographic segments.Albertsons Companies operates one of the largest food and drug retail networks in the United States, with 280,000 employees and TTM revenues of $83.2 billion. The company maintains a competitive position through its multi-banner strategy, which allows it to serve distinct regional markets while capturing operational efficiencies across procurement, supply chain, and shared services. As a defensive consumer staple, Albertsons benefits from essential-demand characteristics while managing margin pressures inherent in the grocery retail sector.
What this transaction means for investorsThere are multiple reasons an insider may sell shares in a company. One reason could be the need to raise cash to fund a large personal expense, another could be for a reasonable portfolio diversification unrelated to their opinion on the company’s prospects. A third reason is one investors dread: a bearish outlook on the company’s future.
However, there is only one reason an insider buys stock: they believe the share price is going up.
By that rule of thumb McCollam’s purchase is bullish for Albertsons’s shares. A bullish factor, too, is the likelihood ACI will be at a higher price in 30 days: studies show that more often than not (around 55%) insider purchases foretell a higher stock price 30 days later.
While Albertsons faces intense competition, the simple fact is that grocery and drug stores are essential to daily life. The fact, too, that the company manages to eke out profits in such a competitive environment is a testament to the business acumen of McCollum and her fellow executives. While current fiscal year sales are expected to dip slightly, net income is expected to more than double to over $500 million. That’s a strong positive for investors. As CFO, McCollum should have the best sense that these numbers will come to pass.
The executive has been a veteran executive at various retailers over the course of her career, including Best Buy Inc (BBY -2.14%) and Williams Sonoma Inc (WSM -0.26%) , so she knows the signals of a retail business that is executing well and one that is not.
Coupled with her vote of faith in the business by purchasing shares with her own money and Albertson’s profitability, it’s a bullish signal for ACI that investors should take into account.
[url="]Albertsons Companies, Inc.[/url](NYSE: ACI) continues its digital transformation today announcing its [url="]Safeway plugin in ChatGPT[/url], making gr
