Albertsons (ACI) Climbs 13.6% on Impressive Earnings, Higher Growth Outlook

Core Insights - Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) experienced a significant stock price increase of 13.63% to close at $19.26 following the release of its improved earnings report for Q2 FY2025 and an upward revision of its growth outlook [1][4]. Financial Performance - The company reported a net income growth of 15.8%, reaching $168.5 million compared to $145.5 million in the same quarter last year [2]. - Net sales increased by 2.16% to $18.9 billion from $18.5 billion year-on-year, driven by a 2.2% rise in identical sales, with the pharmacy segment contributing positively despite lower fuel sales [2]. - Digital sales surged by 23% year-on-year, indicating strong performance in the online segment [2]. Growth Outlook - Albertsons raised its identical sales growth outlook for the full year to a range of 2.2% to 2.75%, up from the previous expectation of 2% to 2.75% [3]. - The adjusted EBITDA outlook remained stable, projected between $3.8 billion and $3.9 billion [4]. Shareholder Returns - The company announced a cash dividend of $0.15 per share to all common shareholders, with a record date of October 24 and payment scheduled for November 7, 2025 [4].