Empire Company reports Q4 profit up from year ago, raises dividend
By The Canadian Press on June 22, 2023.
STELLARTON, N.S. – Empire Company Ltd. raised its quarterly dividend as it reported its fourth-quarter profit rose compared with a year ago. The grocery retailer, which owns Sobeys and Safeway as well as other banners, says it will now pay a quarterly dividend of 18.25 cents per share, up from 16.5 cents per share. Empire says its profit for the 13-week period ended May 6 amounted to $182.9 million or 72 cents per share. The result is up from a profit of $178.5 million or 68 cents per share a year earlier. Empire says its fourth-quarter sales totalled $7.41 billon, down from $7.84 billion in its fourth quarter last year, which included an additional week. Same-store sales were up 1.6 per cent, while same-store sales, excluding fuel sales, were up 2.6 per cent. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22, 2023. Companies in this story: (TSX:EMP.A) 9-8
