Empire Reports EPS of $0.94 in the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2026 Results

Increases dividend 10.2 per cent; 31 st consecutive year delivering increase Quarterly earnings per share ("EPS") and adjusted EPS (1)(2) of $0.94, an increase of 27.0% Sales of $7,807 million, an increase of 2.2% Same-store sales (1) growth - food increased by 1.5% Operating income increase of 10.9% Adjusted EBITDA (1)(2) margin of 8.2%, an increase of 40 basis points STELLARTON, NS , June 18, 2026 /CNW/ - Empire Company Limited ("Empire" or the "Company") (TSX: EMP ) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended May 2, 2026. For the quarter, the Company recorded net earnings and adjusted net earnings of $212 million ($0.94 per share) compared to $173 million ($0.74 per share) last year, an increase of 22.5% (or 27.0% on a per share basis). "We delivered a solid finish to fiscal 2026, with adjusted EPS growth of 27 per cent, reflecting disciplined execution and continued progress against our strategic priorities," said Pierre St-Laurent, President & CEO, Empire. "As we enter fiscal 2027, our focus remains on driving growth within our existing network, advancing key growth engines, and continuing to elevate our value proposition for customers in what remains a challenging economic environment." (1) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures & Financial Metrics" section of the fourth quarter fiscal 2026 MD&A. (2) Adjusted Metrics include adjusted operating income, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), adjusted net earnings, and adjusted EPS. During the fourth quarters of fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2025, there were no adjusting items. Strategic Focus The Company's ambition is to be the best retailer in Canada, providing quality and value with differentiated offerings and seamless experiences, with a strong focus on serving local cultures in every community. Empire recently launched its new th