Topic: Growth Stocks

Pat: I like the new format of your website—good job. What is your opinion of Empire Co. (EMP.A)? Thanks for taking the time.

Article Excerpt

A: Empire Company Ltd., $21.58, symbol EMP.A on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 271.6 million; Market cap: $5.8 billion; www.empireco.ca), is a diversified Canadian firm based in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. The company split its shares on a 3-for-1 basis in September 2015. Empire sells and distributes food through its 100% ownership of national grocery retailer Sobeys. It also invests in real estate through both public and private companies. Sobeys owns or franchises more than 1,800 stores across Canada. In addition to Sobeys, the company’s banners include IGA, IGA Extra, FreshCo and Safeway (see below). Empire’s real estate division includes commercial and residential property operations. It also owns 41.5% of Crombie REIT (symbol CRR.UN on Toronto). The trust invests in retail, office and mixed-use properties. In November 2013, Empire completed its purchase of the Canadian operations of U.S. grocery store operator Safeway. The deal included 213 grocery stores (200 which had in-store pharmacies), 62 gas stations, 10 liquor stores and four distribution centres. Most of these stores…