Deutsche Bank has resumed coverage of Albertsons Companies (ACI) with a $18 price target and a 'Hold' rating, signaling renewed analyst attention to the U.S. grocery retailer amid evolving retail sector dynamics.
- Deutsche Bank reinitiates coverage on Albertsons (ACI) with a 'Hold' rating
- Price target set at $18, implying ~12% upside from ACI’s January 18, 2026 closing price of $16.07
- ACI operates more than 2,300 stores across the U.S.
- Analysts cite cautious optimism driven by cost management and operational stability
- Recent market performance has been range-bound, with ACI trading between $15.50 and $16.80 over the past year
- Future upside contingent on execution in digital initiatives and category profitability
Deutsche Bank has re-entered coverage of Albertsons Companies (ACI), assigning a 'Hold' rating and setting a $18 price target for the stock. The move marks a strategic return to follow the company after a period of discontinued coverage, reflecting updated assessments of its operational performance and market positioning. The $18 target price represents a 12% upside from ACI’s closing price of $16.07 on January 18, 2026. This valuation implies moderate growth expectations, consistent with a cautious stance on near-term earnings momentum. The 'Hold' rating indicates that analysts view ACI as fairly valued relative to sector benchmarks, with no strong conviction for either outperformance or underperformance in the near term. Albertsons operates over 2,300 stores across the United States, making it one of the largest supermarket chains in the country. The company has been navigating a competitive landscape shaped by inflationary pressures, shifting consumer spending patterns, and consolidation in the grocery sector. Deutsche Bank's resumption suggests that recent operational adjustments and cost optimization efforts may be stabilizing its outlook. The stock’s performance over the past 12 months has been flat, with ACI trading in a narrow range between $15.50 and $16.80. Analysts note that potential upside will likely depend on execution in category management, digital transformation, and continued margin improvement. The renewed attention from Deutsche Bank could influence institutional and retail investor positioning in the consumer staples sector.