The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, Feb. 16, edition that Desjardins Securities analyst Keith Howlett says Canadian Tire ($174.32) has "good" momentum with customers to go alongside increasing management "intensity to drive even better results." The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Howlett calls the retailer's fourth quarter 2017 results, released Thursday before market open, as "very strong." Diluted earnings per share of $4.10 exceeded the projections of both Mr. Howlett ($3.87) and the Street ($3.79), representing an increase of 18.5 per cent year over year. Mr. Howlett says in a note: "Canadian Tire is performing well across its businesses, from the core and critical Canadian Tire division to the ancillary retail petroleum business. Same-store sales growth in 4Q was 3.5 per cent at Canadian Tire stores, 5.8 per cent at FGL Sports and 3.4 per cent at Mark's. Financial services grew accounts receivables by 8.1 per cent. Gross margin dollars of the petroleum business increased 19.5 per cent to $51.3-million. Maintaining a "buy" rating for its shares, Mr. Howlett's share target jumped to $200 from $184. Analysts on average target the shares at $184.33.