01:07 PM EDT, 08/29/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Empire is expected to report its first quarter results on September 12. National Bank has lifted its one year target to $42 (from $41) and kept its Sector Perform rating.

Analyst Vishal Shreedhar expects first quarter EPS to be higher by 13.4% reflecting positive Food Retailing sssg, gross margin expansion, share repurchases, and partly offset by lower sales due to the sale of the Western Fuel business last year and modestly higher SG&A.

National Bank is modeling F2025 EPS of $3.02, versus consensus at $3.01, noting that despite near-term consumer pressure, if sales meaningfully improve, EPS growth could accelerate further."

For now, National Bank remains on the sidelines as it looks for confirmation of sustainable momentum.

Maintain Sector Perform; price target lifted to $42 from $41.

Price: 37.95, Change: +0.05, Percent Change: +0.13