US December Core CPI Rises 2.6% YoY, Significant Food Price Increases
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 13 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Core CPI Data: The US December core Consumer Price Index rose 2.6% year-over-year, slightly below economists' expectations, indicating persistent inflationary pressures that could influence future monetary policy decisions.
- Food Price Increases: Food prices rose 3.1% year-over-year in December, with dining out prices up 4.1% and at-home food prices up 2.4%, directly impacting consumer spending and corporate profits.
- Beef Price Surge: Beef prices soared, with uncooked ground beef up 15.5%, roasts up 17.5%, and steaks up 17.8%, reflecting a combination of supply shortages and strong demand, with this trend expected to last for several years.
- Coffee Price Rise: Coffee prices increased by 19.8% year-over-year in December, and despite tariff relief in November, it remains unclear when retail prices will decline, potentially affecting the profitability of several coffee chain companies.
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Analyst Views on ACI
Wall Street analysts forecast ACI stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for ACI is 22.27 USD with a low forecast of 17.00 USD and a high forecast of 29.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
16 Analyst Rating
10 Buy
5 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 16.690
Low
17.00
Averages
22.27
High
29.00
Current: 16.690
Low
17.00
Averages
22.27
High
29.00
About ACI
Albertsons Companies, Inc. is a food and drug retailer in the United States. The Company is engaged in the operation of food and drug retail stores that offer grocery products, general merchandise, health and beauty care products, pharmacy, fuel and other items and services in its stores or through digital channels. It operates approximately 2,257 retail stores with 1,720 in-store pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. Its own brands include Signature SELECT, Open Nature, Lucerne, Waterfront BISTRO, Signature Reserve and Value Corner, among others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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Albertsons Companies Prices $1.2 Billion Senior Notes Offering to Redeem Debt
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