Albertsons Companies Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Albertsons Companies Inc. (NYSE: ACI) has launched Albertsons Pay, a zero-touch checkout feature in its updated just for U loyalty app. This allows customers to pay securely, use discounts, and earn rewards seamlessly. Available across all Albertsons Cos. stores, it offers two payment methods: Albertsons Direct for bank payments and Albertsons Cash for pre-loaded accounts. The initiative aims to enhance customer convenience while supporting local charities, having raised nearly $100 million for community hunger relief in 2020.

Albertsons Companies (ACI) has launched a pilot program for contactless PickUp lockers in select Chicago Jewel-Osco and Bay Area Safeway stores. This initiative aims to enhance e-commerce fulfillment options alongside existing Delivery and Drive Up & Go services. Albertsons reported a 276% increase in digital sales in its recent fiscal quarter, highlighting its commitment to leveraging technology for customer convenience. The lockers, provided by Bell and Howell, are modular and temperature-controlled, allowing customers to pick up various grocery items efficiently.

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share for Q3 2020, aligning with its established dividend policy. The dividend is payable on November 10, 2020 to shareholders on record as of October 26, 2020. The company's capital allocation strategy utilizes strong free cash flow to support growth, bolster its balance sheet, and enhance shareholder value, including dividend payments. Albertsons operates 2,252 stores and is committed to community support, contributing $225 million in 2019 to various initiatives.

On October 14, 2020, ACME Markets, a division of Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI), announced it successfully bid for 27 Kings Food Market and Balducci’s locations for $96.4 million. The transaction awaits regulatory and court approvals, including from the Federal Trade Commission, and is expected to close later this fiscal year. Once finalized, these stores will join Albertsons' Mid-Atlantic division. Jim Perkins, Mid-Atlantic division president, expressed optimism about integrating these gourmet brands to enhance customer experience.

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) plans to release its second quarter fiscal 2020 financial results on October 20, 2020, before market opening. The results cover the period ending on September 12, 2020. A conference call is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day, featuring a discussion of the results followed by a Q&A session. Interested investors can access the call via the company's Events & Presentations page. A replay of the call will be available for two weeks post-event.

Albertsons Companies has introduced a festive Wine Advent Box just in time for the holiday season, featuring 24 mini bottles of wines sourced from top regions including Paso Robles and Columbia Valley. The initiative aims to offer adults a fun way to count down to Christmas, addressing the need for joy during a challenging year. Customers are encouraged to explore various wines and food pairings available at 24daysofwine.com. Albertsons remains committed to community support, contributing nearly $225 million in 2019 to various causes.

Albertsons Companies, in collaboration with FishWise and U.S. fishers, is enhancing seafood traceability to improve sustainability practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, highlighted during National Seafood Month, focuses on domestic seafood and the benefits of sourcing locally. This year, Albertsons is emphasizing its BISTRO® wild-caught shrimp from Paul Piazza and Son Inc. The project aims for transparency in the seafood supply chain, reducing environmental impacts and ensuring social responsibility. Customers are encouraged to support responsibly harvested seafood for a positive impact on ecosystems.

Albertsons Companies has partnered with Phosphorus to offer at-home COVID-19 test kits in select markets, with plans for broader availability by October. These saliva tests provide results within 72 hours of lab receipt and received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. The test process includes a brief online questionnaire reviewed by a pharmacist, with results delivered via email or text. Currently, the tests require out-of-pocket payment without direct insurance billing. This initiative aims to enhance testing accessibility while alleviating pressure on healthcare systems.