Albertsons Companies (ACI) DIvidends Date & History

Key Takeaways

• Albertsons Companies (ACI) offers a current dividend yield of 3.3%, paid quarterly at $0.15 per share.
• Annual dividend of $0.60 per share, with recent 25% growth from $0.12 to $0.15 quarterly.
• Payout ratio of 39% indicates strong sustainability, well below 60% threshold.
• Levered free cash flow (ttm) of $1.25 billion comfortably covers dividend payments.
• Higher yield than peers like Kroger (KR) at 2% and industry average around 2%.
• Recent ex-dividend date: January 23, 2026; payment on February 6, 2026.

Dividend Overview

Albertsons Companies (ACI), a leading U.S. food and drug retailer operating over 2,200 stores, maintains a consistent quarterly dividend policy. The current annual dividend stands at $0.60 per share, delivering a yield of approximately 3.3% based on recent stock prices around $17.70. Quarterly payments of $0.15 per share reflect a recent increase from $0.12, signaling commitment to shareholder returns. This positions ACI as a high-yield stock in the grocery sector, appealing to income-focused investors seeking reliable payouts amid stable consumer staples demand. While not a long-term dividend aristocrat, its policy balances growth reinvestment with attractive income generation.

Dividend History and Growth

Albertsons initiated regular dividends post its 2020 IPO, starting at $0.10 quarterly. Payments have shown upward momentum, with a notable jump from $0.12 to $0.15 per share in 2025, marking 25% growth over the past year. Over five years, dividends per share have grown at a compound annual rate exceeding 40%, though from a modest base. A one-time special dividend of $6.85 per share occurred in 2022 amid merger discussions. Consistency has held without cuts in regular payouts, supported by steady cash flows from essential grocery operations. This trend underscores a strategy prioritizing progressive increases as earnings allow.

Dividend Sustainability and Payout Ratio

The dividend appears sustainable, with a payout ratio of 39%—comfortably low, leaving ample room for reinvestment and buffers against downturns. Earnings per share cover the dividend over 2.5 times. Trailing twelve-month levered free cash flow of $1.25 billion exceeds annual dividend obligations by a wide margin, even after capital expenditures for store remodels and digital upgrades. Debt levels are elevated, with total debt at $15.43 billion and a debt-to-equity ratio over 600% (total debt/equity), typical for capital-intensive retail. However, net debt to Adjusted EBITDA around 2.3x reflects manageable leverage. Overall financial stability from recurring grocery sales supports ongoing payments.

Dividend Compared to Industry Peers

Albertsons' 3.3% yield outpaces key grocery peers. Rival Kroger (KR) yields about 2%, while Costco (COST) offers just 0.5%, prioritizing growth. Walmart (WMT) stands at 0.8%. Growth-oriented players like Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM) pay no dividend. The grocery industry average hovers around 2%, making ACI's profile attractive for yield seekers in a defensive sector with essential demand.

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Is This Stock Attractive for Dividend Investors?

Albertsons (ACI) suits income investors prioritizing higher yields in a recession-resistant sector, where grocery demand persists regardless of economic cycles. Its 3.3% yield, backed by a low 39% payout ratio and robust free cash flow coverage, appeals to those seeking steady quarterly income without excessive risk. Conservative investors may appreciate the essential business model and peer-leading payout, though elevated debt warrants monitoring amid interest rate shifts or potential mergers. Dividend growth enthusiasts will note recent 25% hikes and multi-year upward trends, but the shorter history tempers aristocrat expectations. Overall, it fits portfolios balancing yield and stability in consumer staples, particularly for moderate-risk income strategies. High-growth seekers may look elsewhere given capex needs and leverage.

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