Pandemic shopping drives Empire gains in Q4

STELLARTON, N.S. — Empire Co. reported that its Q4 profits rose to $177.8 million, from $122.1 million a year ago, as the pandemic motivated shoppers to stock up on groceries. The parent company of Sobeys and Safeway logged sales of $7.01 billion, compared to $6.22 billion, while same-store sales rose 15 percent. Adjusted earnings of $0.67 per share exceeded analyst expectations of $0.62 per share.