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ACI vs KR
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Albertsons Companies (ACI) vs. Kroger (KR) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ACI has trailed sharply, down more than 20% year-to-date, after withdrawing its fiscal outlook and launching a full business review.
- KR has held roughly flat in 2026 while unveiling a self-funded, $5 billion price-investment plan under new leadership.
- Both grocers face the same pressures: soft identical sales, cautious lower-income shoppers, and rising food and fuel costs.
- Kroger brings scale and a clearer multi-year growth algorithm, while Albertsons offers a deeper valuation discount and a potential legal payout tied to the failed merger.
- Relative performance and market positioning currently favor Kroger on trend consistency, while Albertsons carries higher turnaround uncertainty.
Introduction
Albertsons Companies (ACI) and The Kroger Co. (KR) are two of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, and they remain closely linked after their proposed $24.6 billion merger collapsed under antitrust pressure. For traders and investors weighing the grocery sector, this stock comparison is timely: both companies are navigating a difficult consumer environment at a moment when their strategic paths have clearly diverged. Growth-oriented investors may prefer Kroger's scale and self-funded turnaround plan, while value and event-driven investors may find Albertsons' discounted valuation and pending litigation more compelling. Understanding their relative performance and market positioning is essential before taking a position.
ACI Overview and Recent Performance
Albertsons Companies operates roughly 2,240 stores across banners such as Safeway, Jewel-Osco, and Acme, along with pharmacies, fuel centers, and distribution facilities. In recent weeks, ACI has been under sustained pressure. The company withdrew its fiscal 2026 guidance and launched a comprehensive business review, with leadership acknowledging that sales growth and market share have lagged expectations. Recent quarterly results showed revenue slipping modestly while net income fell sharply year-over-year, and identical sales (same-store sales excluding fuel) declined.
Several factors have weighed on sentiment. The company recorded a substantial opioid-settlement charge, is pursuing litigation against Kroger for damages related to the failed merger, and faces intensifying competition from Walmart, Costco, and discount chains. Analysts have trimmed price targets, and at least one major firm downgraded the stock to Neutral. On the positive side, Albertsons continues to generate meaningful cash flow, supports an elevated dividend yield, and has expanded productivity targets, but the market remains in a "show-me" posture regarding its turnaround.
KR Overview and Recent Performance
The Kroger Co. is America's largest supermarket operator by store count, with roughly 2,700 locations spanning banners such as Kroger, Ralphs, and Fred Meyer, plus pharmacies, fuel centers, and a fast-growing retail media business. In recent market activity, KR has been comparatively resilient, holding near flat for the year while the broader food-retail subsector has softened.
The defining development is the arrival of new CEO Greg Foran, a former Walmart executive, who has laid out a multi-year strategy anchored by a $5 billion, self-funded investment in lower everyday prices and simplified promotions. Kroger is targeting roughly 3% comparable sales growth by 2029, alongside mid-single-digit growth in adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). The company is also streamlining its corporate structure, reducing thousands of roles, and pursuing a pending acquisition of regional grocer Giant Eagle. Identical sales without fuel remain modest, but profitability has held up, supporting a cautious but stable outlook.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies share the same sector exposure but differ sharply in scale and momentum. Kroger's market capitalization is several times larger than Albertsons', giving it greater purchasing power, a more diversified footprint, and a faster-growing digital and retail media engine. Albertsons, by contrast, is more dependent on a smaller regional footprint and is working through a heavier debt load relative to its earnings.
On growth drivers, Kroger is betting on price investment, private-label expansion, and digital profitability, with a concrete 2029 framework. Albertsons is prioritizing cost cuts, digital and pharmacy growth, and share buybacks, but has withdrawn near-term guidance. Risk profiles also diverge: Albertsons carries litigation and restructuring uncertainty, while Kroger's main risks are execution on its pricing strategy and the pace of consumer recovery. In terms of market sentiment, analyst consensus leans more constructively toward Kroger, whereas Albertsons has seen more downgrades and target reductions in recent weeks.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor KR in the current environment. Kroger's steadier price behavior, clearer multi-year growth algorithm, and more stable earnings trajectory present a stronger, more consistent technical and fundamental profile. Albertsons' discounted valuation and potential litigation recovery make it a candidate for value-oriented or event-driven strategies, but its withdrawn guidance and ongoing review introduce greater variability. Probabilistically, the AI would lean toward Kroger for trend-following stability while acknowledging that a successful Albertsons turnaround could narrow the gap over time.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ACI is a Hold and KR is a StrongBuy.
ACI sees its Stochastic Oscillator ascends from oversold territory
On November 02, 2026, the Stochastic Oscillator for ACI moved out of oversold territory and this could be a bullish sign for the stock. Traders may want to buy the stock or buy call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 61 instances where the indicator left the oversold zone. In 32 of the 61 cases the stock moved higher in the following days. This puts the odds of a move higher at over 52%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
ACI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ACI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 5 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 33%.
Following a +7.27% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ACI advanced for three days, in 143 of 298 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 53 of 143 cases where ACI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 37%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ACI moved out of overbought territory on October 28, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 23 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 16 of the 23 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 70%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 03, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on ACI as a result. In 51 of 92 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 55%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ACI turned negative on November 03, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 29 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 59%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ACI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
ACI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 1 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ACI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 88 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 94 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.129) is normal, around the industry mean (60276.609). ACI's P/E Ratio (85.750) is considerably higher than the industry average of (12.465). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.212) is also within normal values, averaging (0.979). ACI has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.050) as compared to the industry average of (0.017). P/S Ratio (0.080) is also within normal values, averaging (10.259).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ACI’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 77, placing this stock worse than average.
Momentum Indicator for KR turns positive, indicating new upward trend
KR saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 99 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 70 of the 99 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for KR just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where KR's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 37 of 56 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Following a +3.69% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KR advanced for three days, in 169 of 306 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 108 of 210 cases where KR Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 51%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for KR moved out of overbought territory on November 03, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 33 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 17 of the 33 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 52%.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where KR declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
KR broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. KR’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 27 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 77, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 69 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (6.913) is normal, around the industry mean (60276.609). P/E Ratio (36.951) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.465). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.585) is also within normal values, averaging (0.979). Dividend Yield (0.023) settles around the average of (0.017) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.258) is also within normal values, averaging (10.259).
ACI | KR | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 37 | 30 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 94 Overvalued | 69 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 27 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 88 | 58 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 21 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 1 | 4 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
KR's Valuation (69) in the Food Retail industry is in the same range as ACI (94) in the null industry. This means that KR’s stock grew similarly to ACI’s over the last 12 months.
KR's Profit vs Risk Rating (27) in the Food Retail industry is significantly better than the same rating for ACI (100) in the null industry. This means that KR’s stock grew significantly faster than ACI’s over the last 12 months.
KR's SMR Rating (58) in the Food Retail industry is in the same range as ACI (88) in the null industry. This means that KR’s stock grew similarly to ACI’s over the last 12 months.
KR's Price Growth Rating (21) in the Food Retail industry is in the same range as ACI (45) in the null industry. This means that KR’s stock grew similarly to ACI’s over the last 12 months.
ACI's P/E Growth Rating (1) in the null industry is in the same range as KR (4) in the Food Retail industry. This means that ACI’s stock grew similarly to KR’s over the last 12 months.
| ACI | KR | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 66% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 66% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 45% | 1 day ago 59% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 55% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 56% | 7 days ago 50% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 56% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 37% | 1 day ago 51% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ACI’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while KR’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- ACI’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- KR’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ACI’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while KR’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ACI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- KR’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ACI (@Food Retail) experienced а -3.28% price change this week, while KR (@Food Retail) price change was +1.43% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Food Retail industry was -5.20%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.08%, and the average quarterly price growth was -14.86%.
Reported Earning Dates
ACI is expected to report earnings on Jan 12, 2027.
KR is expected to report earnings on Dec 03, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Food Retail (-5.20% weekly)The food retail industry includes companies that sell food, beverage and household products. Items sold include grocery, gourmet food, fresh produce, and frozen food. Kroger Co., George Weston Ltd., Grocery Outlet Holding Corp., and Sprouts Farmers Markets, Inc. are examples of major food retailers. While e-commerce companies like Amazon have increasingly been ramping-up offerings in the food retail space, several traditional players have also been expanding their online presence to stand their ground against rising competition.
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