The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, April 18, edition that Desjardins Securities analyst Gary Ho has reaffirmed his "buy" recommendation for Dominion Lending Centres. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Ho raised his share target to $3.50 from $3.25. Analysts on average target the shares at $3.75. Mr. Ho says in a note: "We increased our funded mortgage volume to $10.3-billion (from $10.1-billion) and adjusted EBITDA slightly to $3.4-million on a higher EBITDA margin of 29.7 per cent (from 29.5 per cent). For 2024, we expect healthy funded mortgage volume growth of 7.9 per cent, which should lead to EBITDA margin improvement to the high-40-per-cent range. The gold rush initiative has progressed well and should drive refinancing volumes. Our investment thesis is predicated on: (1) funded mortgage volumes should recover in 2024 and 2025; (2) similarly, EBITDA margin likely bottomed in 2023, and the DLC model has significant torque when mortgage volumes return; (3) there could be further upside in Newton penetration; (4) attractive valuation and 4-per-cent yield; and (5) potential privatization scenario could provide share price upside."