The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Desjardins Securities analyst Keith Howlett believes Rona ($16.85) is showing a high level of confidence in its business by aggressively repurchasing its own shares. The Globe's David Kennedy and David Leeder write in the Eye On Equities column that Rona repurchased nearly eight million shares between Nov. 18, 2014, and March 31, 2015. The analysts says: "There remains considerable uncertainty surrounding the expected level of GDP growth in Canada, the outlook for single-family housing starts and house prices, and the consumer appetite for renovations. ... Recently reported results, however, have been strong across Rona, Home Depot, Lowe's and Canadian Tire. Internally, Rona is now in good shape, with strong leadership, a good balance sheet and improving operational execution." He says Rona has the financial capacity to increase its semi-annual dividend of seven cents to a quarterly dividend of four cents. Mr. Howlett reiterated his "buy" call. He boosted his target to $18.50 from $16. Analysts on average target the shares at $14. Canaccord analyst Derek Dley elevated Rona to "hold" from "sell" in the Eye column on Feb. 19. It was then worth $14.13.