What Analysts Think of Albertsons Stock Ahead of Earnings

Core Insights - Albertsons (ACI) is set to report its fiscal 2024 third-quarter results, marking its first report since the failed merger with Kroger (KR) due to legal challenges [2][5]. Financial Performance - Analysts expect Albertsons to report $18.81 billion in revenue for the quarter, an increase from$18.56 billion last year [4]. - Net income is anticipated to be $318.1 million, or$0.54 per share, down from $361.4 million, or$0.62 per share in the previous year [4]. Analyst Ratings - Among the seven analysts covering Albertsons, three have "buy" ratings and four have "hold" ratings, with an average price target of $23, indicating a potential recovery of the stock, which lost approximately 15$25 billion, was blocked by a federal judge based on concerns from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding competition in the grocery industry [5]. - Following the termination of the merger agreement, both companies have initiated legal disputes against each other, with Albertsons accusing Kroger of failing to address regulatory concerns [6]. Future Plans - Both Albertsons and Kroger have resumed stock buyback programs after pausing them during the merger approval process, with Albertsons' CEO indicating that more details on future plans will be shared during the upcoming earnings call [7].