Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) is preparing to release its financial results for the third quarter before the market opens on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. As the grocery retailer approaches this key reporting date, market analysts have updated their earnings forecasts and price targets, reflecting a nuanced outlook on the company’s near-term prospects.
Current consensus estimates indicate that Albertsons is expected to deliver earnings per share of 68 cents for the quarter. This projected figure is slightly down from the 71 cents per share reported during the same period in the previous year, suggesting a moderate decline in quarterly profitability. Concurrently, revenue is forecast to rise to approximately $19.17 billion, up from $18.77 billion recorded in the third quarter of the prior year, indicating a modest expansion in top-line performance.
The company’s recent financial history offers some insight into these estimates. On October 14, 2025, Albertsons released its second-quarter results, which surpassed market expectations. Following this positive outcome, the company raised its earnings forecast for the full fiscal year 2025, signaling an improved outlook at that point. Despite this, Albertsons’ share price saw a slight decline, falling 0.5% to close at $17.17 on the day of the latest trading session, reflecting some investor caution ahead of the upcoming earnings announcement.
To provide investors with additional context, leading market analysts known for their forecast accuracy have recently reviewed and, in some cases, adjusted their recommendations and price targets for the company. These revisions offer a window into how professional assessments of Albertsons’ financial trajectory are evolving.
- Michael Montani of Evercore ISI Group, an analyst with a forecast accuracy rate of 53%, maintained an In-Line rating on Albertsons but lowered his price target from $21 to $20 as of December 23, 2025. This change suggests a cautious stance on the stock’s near-term valuation potential.
- Ivan Feinseth from Tigress Financial, whose accuracy rate stands at 74%, has retained a Buy rating for Albertsons. He raised his price target slightly from $28 to $29 on October 20, 2025, reflecting a more optimistic view on the company’s growth capabilities.
- UBS analyst Mark Carden, with a 58% accuracy record, also kept a Buy rating but reduced his price target from $27 to $25 as of October 15, 2025, signifying tempered expectations despite a positive recommendation.
- Edward Kelly of Wells Fargo, an analyst with a 66% accuracy rate, maintained an Overweight rating but lowered his price target significantly from $27 to $23 on October 27, 2025, indicating a more conservative outlook on Albertsons’ stock price potential.
- Steven Shemesh at RBC Capital, whose forecast accuracy is 58%, upheld an Outperform rating but decreased the price target from $23 to $21 on October 3, 2025, reflecting adjusted but still favorable views on the company's prospects.
These diverse analyst opinions highlight a range of perspectives on Albertsons’ future, with some forecasting modest gains and others adopting a more cautious approach due to recent performance trends and external market pressures.
Investors considering positions in Albertsons should review the latest analyst ratings available on financial platforms, which allow sorting by variables such as ticker, rating changes, and analyst firms. Staying informed about these updates can provide valuable guidance ahead of the official earnings presentation.
Key Points
- Albertsons is expected to report third-quarter earnings of 68 cents per share, a slight decrease from the prior year's 71 cents.
- Revenue for the quarter is projected to grow to approximately $19.17 billion, up from $18.77 billion year-over-year.
- Following stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, Albertsons raised its full-year 2025 earnings guidance.
- Analysts have maintained mixed ratings, with several lowering price targets despite retaining buy or outperform stances.
Risks and Uncertainties
- There is an expected dip in earnings per share compared to the previous year, which may reflect pressures on profitability.
- Price target reductions by multiple analysts suggest concerns about valuation and possible market volatility.
- Share price movements preceding the earnings call indicate cautious investor sentiment.
- Upcoming earnings could reveal if revenue growth will translate into sustainable gains in profitability.
Shareholders and market participants will be watching the January 7 earnings announcement closely to assess whether Albertsons can capitalize on revenue growth while managing earnings pressures amid a competitive retail environment.