The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Oct. 13, edition that Scotia Capital analyst Orest Wowkodaw says that despite "further deterioration" in most commodity prices, he expects North American miners to post "stronger" third quarter financial results driven by a "meaningful improvement" in operating performance. The Globe's David Leeder writes that Mr. Wowkodaw says in a note: "Our estimates appear somewhat mixed relative to current consensus. Although guidance risks remain skewed to the downside given the challenging operating environment, several miners cut expectations in Q2, and we see few obvious candidates to follow suit this quarter. We expect few company-specific catalysts." While seeing it "relatively well positioned" heading into earnings season, Mr. Wowkodaw cut his share target for Champion Iron to $6.50 from $7.25. The Scotiabank stockpicker continues to rate Champion Iron "sector outperform." Analysts on average target the shares at $7.40. Mr. Wowkodaw says in his view Champion Iron appears relatively well positioned heading into the third quarter reporting season. The Globe reported on March 15 that Mr. Wowkodaw said Champion was trading at a good price. It was then worth $6.85.