Albertsons Companies Inc (NYSE:ACI) reported second-quarter sales growth of 1.43% year-over-year to $18.55 billion, beating the consensus of $18.48 billion.
The 2.5% rise in identical sales, led by pharmacy growth, and a 24% increase in digital sales boosted revenue, though lower fuel sales partially offset gains. Loyalty members for the quarter increased by 15% to 43 million.
The gross margin rate was flat year-over-year at 27.6%. The operating margin was 1.6%, down 91 bps, and operating income for the quarter declined 35.7% to $292 million.
Excluding fuel and LIFO expenses, the gross margin declined 44 bps compared to a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA of $901 million ...
