ACI lowers fiscal 2026 guidance as adjusted EPS of $0.42 falls short amid weaker grocery demand and higher investments.
Albertsons Companies reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results below expectations, prompting a reduction in its full-year outlook. Adjusted earnings per share reached $0.42, while identical sales declined 0.8% due to softer spending from lower-income shoppers and ongoing grocery sector pressure.
The company cited higher investments in value initiatives and a challenging operating environment. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $1.013 billion for the quarter. Albertsons plans to streamline operations by consolidating 11 divisions into four regions under a new model, expecting $200 million in annual savings by fiscal 2027.
Digital and pharmacy sales remained bright spots, with digital revenue up 13%. Leadership emphasized targeted pricing and AI-driven tools to improve performance amid persistent headwinds.