Albertson’s (Acme)

Albertsons Companies, Inc. is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, operating under well-known banners such as Albertsons, Acme, Safeway, Vons, and others.

**History and Growth:** Founded in 1939 by Joe Albertson in Boise, Idaho, the company has expanded through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Safeway and several regional chains. This growth has positioned Albertsons as a dominant player in the grocery sector, with a strong presence across the country.

**Operations and Store Concepts:** Albertsons operates approximately 2,300 stores under multiple banners, offering a mix of traditional supermarkets, combination food and drug stores, and specialty formats. The company also runs fuel centers at about 20% of its locations and pharmacies at 75% of its stores, catering to a wide range of customer needs.

**Financial Performance:** As of fiscal year-end 2024, Albertsons reported robust financials, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $3.95 billion and $3.99 billion. The company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, margin expansion, and strong cash flow, enabling share repurchases and dividend increases.

**Corporate Structure and Ownership:** Albertsons went public in 2020 after years under private equity ownership by Cerberus Capital Management, which still holds a significant stake. The company is publicly traded on the NYSE under the ticker ACI and is governed by a board with substantial institutional and insider ownership.

**Strategic Focus:** Albertsons continues to invest in digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and customer engagement initiatives. Its 'Customers for Life' strategy emphasizes operational efficiency, private label growth, and omnichannel retailing to maintain competitiveness in the evolving grocery landscape.