Albertsons Slashes Outlook, Stock Plunges Over 20% on Weak Q1
Albertsons Companies cut its fiscal 2026 sales and profit forecasts on July 23, 2026, after reporting a sharp drop in first-quarter earnings, sending its stock down over 20%. The Boise-based grocer cited customer loss to Walmart, Amazon, and Aldi, with lower-income shoppers trading down. Net income fell to $84.7 million from $236.4 million. In response, Albertsons is restructuring into four regions, centralizing merchandising, and accelerating price investments. CFO Sharon McCollam plans to retire.
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Albertsons Stock Plunges After Slashing Outlook on Consumer Weakness
Albertsons Companies (ACI) stock is under heavy selling pressure after the grocery retailer sharply lowered its fiscal 2026 outlook, citing a more cautious U.S. consumer. The company cut both sales and earnings guidance due to declining customer traffic, softer grocery demand, and increased promotional spending. CEO Susan Morris noted that middle- and lower-income shoppers are trading down to cheaper proteins and private-label products, shifting spending to value-focused rivals like Walmart, Amazon, and Aldi. Higher gasoline and food prices are squeezing household budgets. Albertsons is responding by accelerating investments in lower prices, digital capabilities, and its loyalty program, but these initiatives are expected to pressure near-term margins. The stock has plunged 42.65% over the past 52 weeks and hit a new 52-week low of $10.86 on July 24. First-quarter fiscal 2026 results showed revenue up 0.2% YoY to $24.9 billion, with identical sales down 0.8% and digital sales up 13%.
Albertsons stock plunges 22% after profit warning and consumer pullback
Albertsons Companies (ACI) saw its stock plunge 22% on July 23, 2026, hitting a fresh 52-week low of $11.02 after reporting disappointing first-quarter earnings and slashing its full-year profit forecast by roughly 21%. The company earned $84.7 million (17 cents per share) in the 16 weeks ending June 20, down from $236.4 million a year earlier. Revenue barely rose 0.2% to $24.94 billion, driven by fuel sales rather than groceries. Identical sales fell 0.8%, indicating same-store shoppers bought less. CFO Sharon McCollam noted the sharpest weakness among lower-income customers, who are trading down to private label and cheaper proteins. CEO Susan Morris said the company is losing market share primarily to Walmart, Amazon, and Aldi. Adjusted earnings guidance was cut to $1.75-$1.85 per share from $2.22-$2.32, well below analyst expectations of $2.27. The company attributed 100 basis points of pressure to pharmacy pricing under the Inflation Reduction Act and 50 basis points to egg deflation.
Albertsons Cuts Fiscal 2026 Outlook, Stock Plunges Over 20%
Albertsons Companies cut its fiscal 2026 sales and profit forecasts on July 23, 2026, after reporting a steep decline in first-quarter earnings, sending its stock down more than 20%. The Boise-based grocer now expects identical sales to fall between 0.5% and 1.5%, down from a prior target of flat to up 1%. Adjusted EPS guidance was reduced to $1.75-$1.85 from $2.22-$2.32, and adjusted EBITDA guidance was lowered to $3.55-$3.625 billion. First-quarter net income fell to $84.7 million ($0.17 per share) from $236.4 million ($0.41 per share) a year earlier. CEO Susan Morris cited pressure from Walmart and Amazon as primary drivers of customer loss, along with softer industry unit trends and cautious consumer behavior. In response, Albertsons is accelerating pricing investments, restructuring its 11 operating divisions into four regional units, and centralizing merchandising functions. CFO Sharon McCollam is stepping down before year-end. The company repurchased 13.4 million shares for $226.5 million and increased its quarterly dividend by 13% to $0.17 per share.
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Albertsons Cuts Fiscal 2026 Outlook, Stock Plunges Over 20%
Albertsons Companies cut its fiscal 2026 sales and profit forecasts on July 23, 2026, after reporting a sharp drop in first-quarter earnings, sending its stock down more than 20%. The Boise-based grocer now expects identical sales to fall between 0.5% and 1.5%, down from a prior target of flat to up 1%. Adjusted EPS guidance was reduced to $1.75-$1.85 from $2.22-$2.32, and adjusted EBITDA guidance was lowered to $3.55-$3.625 billion. First-quarter net income fell to $84.7 million from $236.4 million a year earlier. CEO Susan Morris identified Walmart and Amazon as primary competitors drawing customers away. In response, Albertsons is accelerating pricing investments, restructuring its 11 operating divisions into four regional units, and centralizing merchandising functions. CFO Sharon McCollam is stepping down before year's end. The company also repurchased 13.4 million shares and increased its quarterly dividend by 13%.
Albertsons announces new operating model, president’s retirement after weak Q1
Albertsons announced a new regional operating model called 'ACI Edge,' consolidating 11 divisions into four regions (California, Portland/Seattle, South, East) and centralizing center store merchandising. President and CFO Sharon McCollam plans to retire later in 2026 but will remain until a successor is found, then serve in an advisory role through February 2027. The changes follow a weak Q1 fiscal 2026, with comparable-store sales down nearly 1% and flat net sales growth. CEO Susan Morris cited lower volumes and price-sensitive shoppers as key challenges. The company plans to accelerate price investments, expecting short-term earnings pressure but long-term gains in traffic and loyalty. Albertsons also lowered its full-year same-store sales forecast to a decline of 0.5% to 1.5%. Shares fell over 23% on the announcement.