Albertsons ACI 2026Q1 Earnings Preview Downside Alert Amid Lowered EPS Expectations

Forward-Looking Analysis
Analysts have adjusted expectations for Albertsons Companies (ACI) significantly downward for the upcoming 2026Q1 earnings report. The expected earnings per share (EPS) have been reduced by 25.6% over the past year, now projected at $0.54 per share, down from an initial estimate of $0.72. This revision reflects a cautious outlook on the company’s immediate financial performance. Albertsons has also guided fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings to be between $2.03 and $2.16 per share, with identical sales growth anticipated at 1.5% to 2.5%. Despite a trailing EPS of $1.64 and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13.58, earnings are forecasted to grow by 3.74% next year. Revenue and earnings are expected to grow annually by 1.9% and 2.1%, respectively, while EPS is projected to increase by 6.4% per annum. Analyst consensus seems to remain cautious ahead of the earnings release.

Historical Performance Review
In the 2025Q4 earnings report, Albertsons Companies reported net sales and revenue of $18.80 billion, marking a year-over-year increase of 2.51%. The company achieved a net income of $171.80 million, with earnings per share (EPS) recorded at $0.30. Gross profit for the quarter was reported at $5.15 billion. Despite these positive figures, the company has lowered its guidance for fiscal 2025, reflecting potential challenges in sustaining growth momentum.

Additional News
Albertsons faced a significant setback in Q3 2025 with the failed merger attempt with Kroger. This failure led to a $600 million termination fee dispute and necessitated a strategic shift within the company. The disruption has impacted the company's future strategies and financial outlook. Recent earnings announcements have shown that while Albertsons beat Q4 2025 forecasts, it has adjusted its financial projections for fiscal 2025, setting expectations below previous estimates. The company's focus now seems to be on navigating these hurdles and recalibrating its growth strategies amid a challenging retail environment.

Summary & Outlook
Albertsons Companies is navigating a period of cautious growth with adjusted earnings expectations indicating potential challenges. Despite a solid historical performance, the revised EPS projections and recent merger-related disruptions present headwinds. The company's financial health remains stable, with a modest increase in revenue and net income. Growth catalysts include strategic adjustments following the Kroger merger fallout, while risks lie in maintaining momentum amid lowered fiscal 2025 guidance. Overall, the outlook appears neutral, with a need for strategic recalibration to bolster future growth prospects.