Empire Posts Drop In Q1 Earnings

Canada's Empire Co

reported a 24% drop in its first-quarter earnings from continuing operations. Its quarterly net profit from continuing operations declined to C$82.6 million ($79.9 million), or C$1.21 a share, versus C$108.1 million, or C$1.59 a share, in the year-ago period. Empire shares closed at $78.38 yesterday.