RBC Capital analysts provided a review of Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) ahead of the upcoming Q4/23 earnings report on April 11.

According to the analysts, food channel dollar sales throughout the company’s regions grew approximately 6% in Q4 (vs. Street estimate of 4.6%) and are trending in the low 5's% in the first four weeks of Q1 (vs. Street’s estimate of 3.1%), both led by low-to-mid teens pricing.

On March 28, RBC Capital hosted an expert speaker call with Numerator's Chief Economist, Dr. Leo Feler, to provide perspective on the FTC’s process, next steps, and likely deal outcomes. The analysts’ perspective was mostly confirmed, which indicated that in order to obtain clearance, ACI/KR would need to sell off approximately 650 stores.

The analysts expect FTC to file a lawsuit in the coming months, recommending the merger be blocked.