Albertsons Withdraws Fiscal 2026 Outlook Amid Business Review

Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) shares were higher Tuesday after the grocery chain posted second-quarter fiscal 2026 results that exceeded analyst expectations. Adjusted earnings were 36 cents per share, above the 33-cent analyst estimate. 867 billion consensus estimate.

8%, while digital sales increased 11%. 5 million, or 30 cents per share, a year earlier. 4 million. 8% from 27% a year earlier.

Excluding fuel and LIFO expense, it was down 17 basis points, primarily reflecting higher digital fulfillment costs and inventory shrink. Improved pharmacy margins provided a partial offset. Pharmacy sales continued to grow despite headwinds from the Inflation Reduction Act. 4 million in the prior-year period.

3 million, reflecting higher average borrowings. 328 billion, and cash and cash equivalents were $282 million. 02 a year earlier. 210 billion in operating cash flow.

6 million and included work on 38 store remodels, seven new stores and digital platforms. 6 million of shares and kept its quarterly dividend at 17 cents per share. Albertsons withdrew its fiscal 2026 outlook while management undertakes a comprehensive business review. Under its ACI Edge initiative, the company combined 11 divisions into four regions and centralized center-store merchandising.

The review includes pricing, customer strategy, costs, operations and store. Albertsons expects to outline an updated financial framework and turnaround plan on its fourth-quarter earnings call, following a review of its businesses and capital allocation. Executives Signal Major Changes Ahead On Tuesday's earnings call, Executive Chair Meg Whitman said the company needs “dramatic improvement” now. She acknowledged that sales growth, earnings and market share have all fallen short of expectations.

Whitman called for quicker cost reductions, lower prices and better store operations. Whitman said Albertsons must assess its business portfolio and consider strategic steps to increase shareholder value. She added that wider structural changes remain possible, with all options under consideration as the company looks for ways to compete more effectively. CEO Susan Morris said Albertsons is speeding up centralized buying, simplifying operations and reinforcing accountability through ACI Edge.

She cautioned that lower-income consumers remain under pressure, with shoppers still looking for discounts, switching to cheaper products and favoring private-label brands. 82 at the time of publication Tuesday, according to Pro data. The section also mentions the company’s competitive pricing position and includes an image credit to JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock. ”