Albertsons Companies, Inc. - ACI STOCK NEWS

Kroger and Albertsons Companies have announced a merger agreement, valuing the deal at approximately $24.6 billion, including $4.7 billion in Albertsons' net debt. Shareholders of Albertsons are set to receive $34.10 per share, with a special cash dividend of up to $4 billion. This merger aims to create a national footprint, enhancing customer accessibility to affordable food across 85 million households. Kroger plans to invest $1 billion in associate wages and $1.3 billion to improve customer experience, while expecting $1 billion in annual synergies post-merger.

Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) will announce its Q2 fiscal 2022 financial results on October 18, 2022, prior to market opening. The conference call is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET on the same day and will be accessible via their investor website. As of June 18, 2022, Albertsons operated 2,273 stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia, with significant community contributions amounting to nearly $200 million in 2021, including $40 million through the Nourishing Neighbors Program.

Albertsons Companies has recalled 34 ReadyMeals and prepared items due to possible Listeria contamination from specific Brie and Camembert cheeses supplied by Old Europe Cheese. The recall affects various store banners across 34 states, including popular brands like Safeway, ACME, and Jewel-Osco. Consumers are advised not to consume these products and should return them for a refund. Although there have been no reported injuries, Listeria can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations. Cleaning surfaces and containers is also recommended to prevent cross-contamination.

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) announced new goals to combat hunger and promote health at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The company aims to donate over 100 million meals in 2023 and 1 billion by 2030. They also plan to help 50,000 neighbors enroll in SNAP and WIC benefits this year. Albertsons will provide 50 million nutrition recommendations and expand meal planning tools for customers by 2025, further enhancing access to nutritious meals through its stores and digital platforms.

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) has partnered with WinnCompanies to provide grocery, prescription, and vaccination services to over 133,000 residents across 520 properties. This initiative aims to reduce accessibility barriers and enhance the health and wellness of communities served. The collaboration includes prescription drop-offs, grocery deliveries, and on-site immunizations. Through this long-term partnership, Albertsons will also integrate EBT SNAP benefits into its digital platforms, promoting equitable access to nutritious food.

Albertsons Companies has announced new investments in technology and patient services to enhance immunization access at over 1,700 pharmacy locations. These enhancements allow for the co-administration of flu vaccines and COVID-19 boosters, including the new bivalent formulations from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Customers can schedule multiple vaccinations using online tools, and walk-in services are available. Additionally, recipients of vaccinations will receive a discount on their next grocery purchase. The initiative aims to support community health and streamline access to vaccines, particularly during flu season.

Albertsons Companies announced a voluntary recall of its ReadyMeals seafood items due to undeclared allergens not listed on ingredient labels. The recall follows an internal review and aligns with regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Customers at Safeway and Albertsons stores in Oregon and select locations in Washington are urged to discard affected products or return them for a full refund. No injuries have been reported, but consumers with allergies are warned of potential severe reactions.

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) is voluntarily recalling 18 store-prepared items made with King’s Hawaiian pretzel rolls due to potential microbial contamination. The recall was initiated as a precaution after concerns over Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum. No illnesses have been reported, and no pathogens have been found in King’s Hawaiian products. Consumers are advised to discard or return affected products for a full refund. The recalled items were sold under various banners across multiple states, with details available on the Albertsons website.