Albertsons and H&R Block: Two Defensive Consumer Stocks Nobody Is Talking About

Albertsons (NYSE:ACI) conscionable reported Q3 FY2026 net showing identical income maturation of 2.4% driven astir wholly by pharmacy. H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) posted Q2 FY2026 results with gross of $198.87 million, up 11.1% twelvemonth implicit year. Two antithetic businesses, some flying nether the radar, some leaning into exertion to support their turf.

Albertsons bushed connected the bottommost line, posting adjusted EPS of $0.72 against a statement of $0.68. Pharmacy is doing the dense lifting connected identical income portion compressing margins. Gross borderline slipped to 27.4% from 27.9% the anterior twelvemonth due to the fact that pharmacy is lower-margin than center-store groceries. Digital income grew 21% twelvemonth implicit year, and loyalty rank deed 49.8 cardinal members, up 12%. New CEO Susan Morris framed the strategy: "Our investments successful exertion and AI are fundamentally reshaping however we run and service our customers; driving smarter decisions, greater efficiency, and much personalized experiences."

H&R Block's Q2 is ever a nonaccomplishment 4th — taxation play hasn't peaked yet. But off-season results were strong. Assisted taxation prep gross jumped 15.6% twelvemonth implicit year, DIY bundle climbed 22.3%, and Wave, the tiny concern platform, grew 12.1%. New CEO Curtis Campbell acceptable the tone: "In a twelvemonth of heightened uncertainty for galore filers, our client-first strategy and disciplined execution support america focused connected durable maturation and semipermanent value."

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