Albertsons Withdrew Financial Forecasts

The grocery giant initiated a strategic review following two quarters of declining sales growth.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Business Strategy

Isometric editorial illustration of a single wooden shipping pallet in an empty warehouse, reflecting a corporate strategic review. — Albertsons withdrew its financial forecasts following two consecutive quarters of declining sales, triggering a strategic review by company leadership. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Albertsons withdrew its financial forecasts on October 13, 2026, as the company grapples with consecutive quarters of declining sales. Executive Chairman Meg Whitman has launched a comprehensive review of the firm's brand portfolio and operational structure.

Why it matters

The move signals a major pivot as Albertsons faces higher operational costs than industry rivals. The company is re-evaluating its business model amid ongoing legal tension over a collapsed merger with Kroger.

Albertsons reported $18.9 billion in net sales for the second fiscal quarter, accompanied by a 0.8% decline in identical store sales. The company currently operates 22 grocery chains and is seeking $9 billion in damages from its lawsuit against Kroger.

The players

Albertsons

A major American grocery company that operates 22 different supermarket chains, including Safeway, Vons, and Jewel-Osco.

Meg Whitman

The Executive Chairman of Albertsons who joined the company in September 2026 to oversee a comprehensive strategic review.

Susan Morris

The CEO of Albertsons who introduced the ACI Edge strategic plan in July 2026 to address declining sales and operational costs.

Kroger

A retail giant currently involved in a $9 billion legal dispute with Albertsons following the collapse of their proposed $24 billion merger.

The details

Under the direction of CEO Susan Morris and Executive Chairman Meg Whitman, the company is analyzing its cost structure and brand portfolio. As part of an effort to streamline operations, Morris has already reduced the number of corporate operating regions from 11 down to 4.

The planned $24 billion Albertsons-Kroger merger collapsed in 2025.
CEO Susan Morris announced the ACI Edge strategic plan in July 2026.
Meg Whitman joined Albertsons as Executive Chairman in September 2026.
Albertsons withdrew its financial forecasts on October 13, 2026.

Market Landscape

This strategic pivot follows the failed $24 billion Albertsons-Kroger merger, highlighting the company's struggle to find a path to growth as a standalone entity. The review positions Albertsons to shed underperforming assets as it battles higher costs than its major retail competitors.

Shoppers at chains like Safeway, Vons, and Jewel-Osco may see changes in store operations or available products as the company attempts to reduce costs. Additionally, the company plans to invest in price reductions to help stabilize declining store traffic and sales.

The takeaway

The company's focus on price reductions may provide temporary relief for household grocery budgets as the firm attempts to stabilize its market position. Investors and customers should monitor the outcomes of the strategic review to see which brands remain in the core portfolio.