ACES Projects Improved Growth Prospects through Strategic Expansion

Enhanced Market Penetration Strategy

PT Aspirasi Hidup Indonesia Tbk (ACES) is expected to experience improved growth prospects entering 2026, driven by a strategic expansion into second and third-tier cities. This approach is complemented by the company's commitment to operational efficiency, which is anticipated to create new growth opportunities in markets with relatively lower competition.

Recent Performance Analysis

ACES recorded stagnant performance during the first nine months of 2025. However, the company has continued to demonstrate strong expansion capabilities. Christofer Kojongian, Analyst at Sucor Sekuritas, noted that ACES's strategy of expanding stores while maintaining strong operational efficiency has helped maintain performance balance.

Key Operational Highlights

1. Accelerated Store Expansion: ACES has increased its annual store expansion rate to 25 units, up from the previous average of 15 units per year over the last five years.
2. Workforce Optimization: The company reduced its workforce to 14,226 employees from 14,597 in 2024, indicating a strategic focus on efficiency.
3. Improved Productivity: Sales per employee rose to Rp594 million from Rp588 million in 2024, demonstrating enhanced operational productivity.

Future Prospects

The strategic shift towards second and third-tier cities is expected to provide ACES with new growth opportunities. These markets typically exhibit lower competition compared to major urban centers, allowing the company to establish a stronger presence. The combination of targeted expansion and operational discipline positions ACES for potentially stronger performance in 2026.