Empire Co. Ltd., owner of Sobeys, yesterday reported a fourth-quarter profit of $66.5-million, up from $64.8-million a year earlier on increased sales. Profit per share came in at $1.01, compared to 99 cents in the prior-year quarter. Empire reported earnings before one-time items of $73.6-million, or $1.12 a share, compared with $64.1-million, or 98 cents, in the prior-year period. "Our fourth-quarter earnings before capital gains and other items was a record level for the company," chief executive officer Paul Sobey said in a release. Consolidated revenue rose to $3.56-billion from $3.35-billion. For the full year, Empire reported profit of $315.8-million, $4.80 a share, compared to $205.8-million, or $3.13, in the prior year. Annual revenue was $14.06-billion, up 5.2 per cent. EMP.A (TSX) rose 49 cents to $42.