01:33 PM EDT, 08/22/2025 (MT Newswires) -- BMO is "mindful" of a potential deceleration to same-store sales growth and upward SG&A pressures for Empire Company (EMP-A.TO) as it heads into first-quarter results.

Over the past three months, Empire has delivered a +13% return, outperforming both Loblaw (+6%) and Metro (-3%), notes analyst Tamy Chen.

"Market Perform rating is predicated on the view sustained execution in achieving +8-11% earnings growth is required for multiple expansion," Chen adds.

Empire has a price target of $55.

Price: 54.36, Change: -1.38, Percent Change: -2.48