The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, March 6, edition that CIBC World Markets analyst Paul Holden is sticking with his "outperform" recommendation for National Bank of Canada. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Holden gave his share target a $3 boost to $196. Analysts on average target the shares at $191.09. Mr. Holden says in a note: "National Bank of Canada was the best-performing stock during the week of earnings. We do not attribute this to the magnitude of the beat, which was in line with the group, but rather to the increase in its F2026 ROE target, new disclosure on the F2027 ROE bridge, and an upsized NCIB. F2027 consensus EPS estimates increased 3 per cent. We think there is still more left on the table as consensus is not quite giving full credit for a 17-per-cent ROE, in our view, and National Bank has a history of operating above a 17-per-cent ROE. We also like National Bank thematically, with a trading business that benefits from equity market volatility and proportionally lower exposure to Ontario (where consumer stress is highest)." Mr. Holden adds, "Near-term momentum and macro conditions suggest next quarter should also be strong."