EMLAF (Empire Co) Piotroski F-Score: 7 (As of Jun. 25, 2026) — Near Median


EMLAF Empire Co Ltd EMLAF
78 GF Score
Price $36.31
GF Value $34.55
Valuation Fairly Valued
! 3 Warning Signs
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What is Empire Co Piotroski F-Score?

Empire Co EMLAF 78 Piotroski F-Score is 7 as of Jun. 25, 2026, which is at its 10-year median of 7.00. GuruFocus rates EMLAF with a GF Score™ of 78/100 and a GF Value™ of $34.55 (Fairly Valued). The stock has 3 warning signs investors should review. Among 298 Retail - Defensive companies, Empire Co ranks better than 87.58% on this metric.

Good Sign:

Piotroski F-Score is 7, indicates a very healthy situation.

The zones of discrimination were as such:

Good or high score = 7, 8, 9
Bad or low score = 0, 1, 2, 3

Empire Co has an F-score of 7. It is a good or high score, which usually indicates a very healthy situation.

The historical rank and industry rank for Empire Co's Piotroski F-Score or its related term are showing as below:

EMLAF' s Piotroski F-Score Range Over the Past 10 Years
Min: 5   Med: 7   Max: 8
Current: 7

During the past 13 years, the highest Piotroski F-Score of Empire Co was 8. The lowest was 5. And the median was 7.

Empire Co  (OTCPK:EMLAF) Piotroski F-Score Explanation

The developer of the system is Joseph D. Piotroski is relatively unknown accounting professor who shuns publicity and rarely gives interviews.

He graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in accounting in 1989, received an M.B.A. from Indiana University in 1994. Five years later, in 1999, after earning a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Michigan, he became an associate professor of accounting at the University of Chicago.

In 2000, he wrote a research paper called "Value Investing: The Use of Historical Financial Statement Information to Separate Winners from Losers" (pdf).

He wanted to see if he can develop a system (using a simple nine-point scoring system) that can increase the returns of a strategy of investing in low price to book (referred to in the paper as high book to market) value companies.

What he found was something that exceeded his most optimistic expectations.

Buying only those companies that scored highest (8 or 9) on his nine-point scale, or F-Score as he called it, over the 20 year period from 1976 to 1996 led to an average out-performance over the market of 13.4%.

Even more impressive were the results of a strategy of investing in the highest F-Score companies (8 or 9) and shorting companies with the lowest F-Score (0 or 1).

Over the same period from 1976 to 1996 (20 years) this strategy led to an average yearly return of 23%, substantially outperforming the average S&P 500 index return of 15.83% over the same period.


Empire Co Piotroski F-Score Related Terms


Empire Co Piotroski F-Score Historical Data

* Premium members only.

The historical data trend for Empire Co's Piotroski F-Score can be seen below:

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

Empire Co Piotroski F-Score Chart

Empire Co Annual Data
Trend Apr17 Apr18 Apr19 Apr20 Apr21 Apr22 Apr23 Apr24 Apr25 Apr26
Piotroski F-Score
Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only 7.00 7.00 8.00 6.00 7.00

Empire Co Quarterly Data
Jul21 Oct21 Jan22 Apr22 Jul22 Oct22 Jan23 Apr23 Jul23 Oct23 Jan24 Apr24 Jul24 Oct24 Jan25 Apr25 Jul25 Oct25 Jan26 Apr26
Piotroski F-Score Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only 6.00 8.00 9.00 7.00 7.00

EMLAF vs KR, SFM, ACI: Piotroski F-Score Comparison

For the Grocery Stores subindustry, Empire Co's Piotroski F-Score, along with its competitors' market caps and Piotroski F-Score data, can be viewed below:

* Competitive companies are chosen from companies within the same industry, with headquarter located in same country, with closest market capitalization; x-axis shows the market cap, and y-axis shows the term value; the bigger the dot, the larger the market cap. Note that "N/A" values will not show up in the chart.


Empire Co Piotroski F-Score vs Retail - Defensive Industry

For the Retail - Defensive industry and Consumer Defensive sector, Empire Co's Piotroski F-Score distribution charts can be found below:

* The bar in red indicates where Empire Co's Piotroski F-Score falls into.


EMLAF
78GF Score
Empire Co Ltd EMLAF
Piotroski F-Score is just one metric. See GF Score™, valuation, warning signs, and more.
View Full Analysis

How is the Piotroski F-Score calculated?

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

This Year (Apr26) TTM:Last Year (Apr25) TTM:
Net Income was 154.846 + 113.669 + -279.573 + 154.137 = $143 Mil.
Cash Flow from Operations was 311.153 + 288.819 + 443.686 + 341.719 = $1,385 Mil.
Revenue was 6031.7 + 5715.613 + 5729.431 + 5676.167 = $23,153 Mil.
Gross Profit was 1632.459 + 1534.887 + 1546.729 + 1564.636 = $6,279 Mil.
Average Total Assets from the begining of this year (Apr25)
to the end of this year (Apr26) was
(12172.949 + 12526.477 + 12298.399 + 12397.792 + 12418.206) / 5 = $12362.7646 Mil.
Total Assets at the begining of this year (Apr25) was $12,173 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was $5,108 Mil.
Total Current Assets was $2,465 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was $3,001 Mil.
Net Income was 151.67 + 125.754 + 101.466 + 123.739 = $503 Mil.

Revenue was 5933.353 + 5653.849 + 5368.684 + 5462.413 = $22,418 Mil.
Gross Profit was 1550.241 + 1501.054 + 1446.939 + 1508.476 = $6,007 Mil.
Average Total Assets from the begining of last year (Apr24)
to the end of last year (Apr25) was
(12278.777 + 12338.778 + 12259.795 + 11641.949 + 12172.949) / 5 = $12138.4496 Mil.
Total Assets at the begining of last year (Apr24) was $12,279 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was $4,751 Mil.
Total Current Assets was $2,242 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was $2,930 Mil.

*Note: If the latest quarterly/semi-annual/annual total assets data is 0, then we will use previous quarterly/semi-annual/annual data for all the items in the balance sheet.

Profitability

Question 1. Return on Assets (ROA)

Net income before extraordinary items for the year divided by Total Assets at the beginning of the year.

Score 1 if positive, 0 if negative.

Empire Co's current Net Income (TTM) was 143. ==> Positive ==> Score 1.

Question 2. Cash Flow Return on Assets (CFROA)

Net cash flow from operating activities (operating cash flow) divided by Total Assets at the beginning of the year.

Score 1 if positive, 0 if negative.

Empire Co's current Cash Flow from Operations (TTM) was 1,385. ==> Positive ==> Score 1.

Question 3. Change in Return on Assets

Compare this year's return on assets (1) to last year's return on assets.

Score 1 if it's higher, 0 if it's lower.

ROA (This Year)=Net Income/Total Assets (Apr25)
=143.079/12172.949
=0.01175385

ROA (Last Year)=Net Income/Total Assets (Apr24)
=502.629/12278.777
=0.04093478

Empire Co's return on assets of this year was 0.01175385. Empire Co's return on assets of last year was 0.04093478. ==> Last year is higher ==> Score 0.

Question 4. Quality of Earnings (Accrual)

Compare Cash flow return on assets (2) to return on assets (1)

Score 1 if CFROA > ROA, 0 if CFROA <= ROA.

Empire Co's current Net Income (TTM) was 143. Empire Co's current Cash Flow from Operations (TTM) was 1,385. ==> 1,385 > 143 ==> CFROA > ROA ==> Score 1.

Funding

Question 5. Change in Gearing or Leverage

Compare this year's gearing (long-term debt divided by average total assets) to last year's gearing.

Score 0 if this year's gearing is higher, 1 otherwise.

Gearing (This Year: Apr26)=Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation/Average Total Assets from Apr25 to Apr26
=5108.332/12362.7646
=0.41320305

Gearing (Last Year: Apr25)=Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation/Average Total Assets from Apr24 to Apr25
=4750.733/12138.4496
=0.3913789

Empire Co's gearing of this year was 0.41320305. Empire Co's gearing of last year was 0.3913789. ==> Last year is lower than this year ==> Score 0.

Question 6. Change in Working Capital (Liquidity)

Compare this year's current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) to last year's current ratio.

Score 1 if this year's current ratio is higher, 0 if it's lower

Current Ratio (This Year: Apr26)=Total Current Assets/Total Current Liabilities
=2464.738/3001.309
=0.82122101

Current Ratio (Last Year: Apr25)=Total Current Assets/Total Current Liabilities
=2241.614/2929.69
=0.76513693

Empire Co's current ratio of this year was 0.82122101. Empire Co's current ratio of last year was 0.76513693. ==> This year's current ratio is higher. ==> Score 1.

Question 7. Change in Shares in Issue

Compare the number of shares in issue this year, to the number in issue last year.

Score 0 if there is larger number of shares in issue this year, 1 otherwise.

Empire Co's number of shares in issue this year was 226.85. Empire Co's number of shares in issue last year was 235.177. ==> There is smaller number of shares in issue this year, or the same. ==> Score 1.

Efficiency

Question 8. Change in Gross Margin

Compare this year's gross margin (Gross Profit divided by sales) to last year's.

Score 1 if this year's gross margin is higher, 0 if it's lower.

Gross Margin (This Year: TTM)=Gross Profit/Revenue
=6278.711/23152.911
=0.27118452

Gross Margin (Last Year: TTM)=Gross Profit/Revenue
=6006.71/22418.299
=0.26793781

Empire Co's gross margin of this year was 0.27118452. Empire Co's gross margin of last year was 0.26793781. ==> This year's gross margin is higher. ==> Score 1.

Question 9. Change in asset turnover

Compare this year's asset turnover (total sales for the year divided by total assets at the beginning of the year) to last year's asset turnover ratio.

Score 1 if this year's asset turnover ratio is higher, 0 if it's lower

Asset Turnover (This Year)=Revenue/Total Assets at the Beginning of This Year (Apr25)
=23152.911/12172.949
=1.90199688

Asset Turnover (Last Year)=Revenue/Total Assets at the Beginning of Last Year (Apr24)
=22418.299/12278.777
=1.82577622

Empire Co's asset turnover of this year was 1.90199688. Empire Co's asset turnover of last year was 1.82577622. ==> This year's asset turnover is higher. ==> Score 1.

Evaluation

Piotroski F-Score= Que. 1+ Que. 2+ Que. 3+Que. 4+Que. 5+Que. 6+Que. 7+Que. 8+Que. 9
=1+1+0+1+0+1+1+1+1
=7

Good or high score = 7, 8, 9
Bad or low score = 0, 1, 2, 3

Empire Co has an F-score of 7. It is a good or high score, which usually indicates a very healthy situation.

Frequently Asked Questions Learn more about Piotroski F-Score →
What does a Piotroski F-Score of 7 mean?
Empire Co (EMLAF) has a Piotroski F-Score of 7 as of Jun. 25, 2026. The Piotroski F-score grades a company's business operating strength from 0-9. View historical data on Empire Co and its competitors. This is near median its historical median of 7.00. Over the past decade, Empire Co's Piotroski F-Score has ranged from 5.00 to 8.00. According to the industry distribution chart, Empire Co ranks #37 out of 298 companies in the Retail - Defensive industry, placing it in the top 12.4%.
Is Empire Co's Piotroski F-Score too high?
Empire Co's current Piotroski F-Score of 7 is near median its 10-year median of 7.00. Over the past 10 years, this metric has ranged from a low of 5.00 to a high of 8.00. The Retail - Defensive industry median Piotroski F-Score is 6.00. Empire Co's value of 7 is 16.7% above this industry median. Based on the distribution chart, Empire Co ranks #37 out of 298 companies in the Retail - Defensive industry, which is in the top quartile — a strong position relative to peers. Overall, Empire Co has a GF Score™ of 78/100 and is considered Fairly Valued, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does Empire Co's Piotroski F-Score compare to KR and SFM?
According to the Retail - Defensive industry distribution chart, Empire Co ranks #37 out of 298 companies for Piotroski F-Score. This places Empire Co in the top 12% of its industry — outperforming the majority of peers. The industry median Piotroski F-Score is 6.00. Empire Co's value of 7 is 16.7% above this benchmark. Historically, Empire Co's own Piotroski F-Score has ranged from 5.00 to 8.00 over the past decade. While the company's 10-year median is 7.00 vs. the industry median of 6.00, Empire Co has consistently been above the industry average. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good Piotroski F-Score for a Retail - Defensive company?
The median Piotroski F-Score among Retail - Defensive companies is 6.00, based on 298 companies in the industry. Companies in the top quartile (top 25%) have a Piotroski F-Score significantly above this median, while those in the bottom quartile fall well below. However, Piotroski F-Score should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Empire Co's current Piotroski F-Score of 7 is 16.7% above the industry median. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high Piotroski F-Score mean?
A high Piotroski F-Score can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. The Piotroski F-score grades a company's business operating strength from 0-9. View historical data on Empire Co and its competitors. For the Retail - Defensive industry, the median Piotroski F-Score is 6.00 — values significantly above this may indicate overvaluation, while values below may suggest a bargain or underlying issues. Empire Co's current Piotroski F-Score is 7, which is near median its own 10-year median of 7.00. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is Empire Co stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Empire Co (EMLAF) is currently considered Fairly Valued. The stock's GF Value™ is $34.55, compared to a current price of $36.31 — trading 5.1% above its estimated fair value. The current Piotroski F-Score is 7, which is near median its 10-year median of 7.00 and 16.7% above the Retail - Defensive industry median of 6.00. Empire Co's overall GF Score™ is 78/100 with 3 warning signs to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is Piotroski F-Score calculated?
Piotroski F-Score is calculated from a company's financial statements. For Empire Co (EMLAF), the current Piotroski F-Score is 7 as of Jun. 25, 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.

Is Empire Co (EMLAF) Overvalued in 2026?

Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Empire Co stock appears to be overvalued. The current stock price of $36.31 is trading 5.1% above its estimated GF Value™ of $34.55. GuruFocus considers Empire Co to be Fairly Valued.

Key valuation signals for EMLAF:

  • Piotroski F-Score: 7 (near median its 10-year median of 7.00)
  • GF Value™: $34.55 vs. price of $36.31 (5.1% above fair value)
  • GF Score™: 78/100 with 3 warning signs
  • Industry Position: 16.7% above the Retail - Defensive median (#37 of 298)

No single metric tells the full story. See the EMLAF stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.


Empire Co Business Description

Other Exchanges C15:GermanyEMP.A:Canada
Address 115 King Street, Stellarton, NS, CAN, B0K 1S0
Empire Co Ltd is a Canadian company whose key businesses are food retailing and related real estate. The Company's business operations were conducted through its two reportable segments: Food retailing and Investments and other operations. The Food retailing segment is comprised of three operating segments: Sobeys National, Farm Boy and Longo's. Food retailing consists of corporate and franchisee-owned retail food stores, and includes convenience and fuel stores, retail pharmacy stores and in-store pharmacies, as well as an e-commerce grocery-business, providing customers offerings in fresh and non-fresh grocery, fuel, pharmacy, health and beauty care and general merchandise. The Investments and other operations consists of investments in Crombie REIT, real estate partnership.
78GF Score

Get the complete analysis for EMLAF

Piotroski F-Score is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.

$36.31
Price
$34.55
GF Value