-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:
We keep our 12-month target at $21, based on 8.8x our FY 27 (Feb.) EPS of $2.38 (raised from $2.36; FY 28 initiated at $2.64). This multiple is near its long-term mean of 9.1x but remains a discount to its closest publicly-traded peer Kroger (~13x). Pharmacy headwinds from the Inflation Reduction Act are weighing on identical sales this fiscal year, though they are benefiting margins through a mix shift toward higher-margin generics. Margins should also improve with better digital profitability, easing GLP-1 pressure, and ongoing productivity initiatives. We expect identical sales growth to remain pressured in May-Q due to egg deflation, with both growth and profitability improving in subsequent quarters. We also believe ACI's investments in value, including lower prices and targeted promotions, should begin to drive an improvement in core grocery trends as the year progresses. Our Buy view reflects double-digit total shareholder return potential, including share repurchases and a ~4% dividend yield.