The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Jan. 25, edition that Scotia Capital analysts Andrew Weisel and Robert Hope see valuations for North American utility and power companies as "modestly attractive" heading into earnings season. The Globe's David Leeder writes that Mr. Hope has reaffirmed his "sector outperform" recommendation for Emera. Mr. Hope boosted his share target by $2 to $56. Analysts on average target the shares at $55.50. Mr. Hope says in a note: "Emera remains our favourite 'pure-play' utility. Its latest capital plan devoted 75 per cent of spend toward its assets in Florida, driving continued robust growth at both Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. We view the state of Florida as one of the most favourable regulatory environments, and we expect the upcoming rate case filing for TECO to be a focus for 2024. We also view its credit metrics improving in 2024 driven by new customer rates and rate base growth, and any asset sale announcements to bolster the funding plan could be well-received. We see Emera's valuation as overly discounted versus Fortis and Hydro One, and believe this spread should narrow as the company improves its balance sheet."