The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, March 1, edition that Desjardins Securities analyst Benoit Poirier has reaffirmed his "outperform" recommendation for Stella-Jones. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Poirier cut his share target down to $92 from $94. Analysts on average target the shares at $90.57. Mr. Poirier says in a note: "Investors were clearly surprised by new information that U.S. utility customers are softening their pace of pole purchases, as elevated costs of capital delay certain projects from getting off the ground. We believe this is likely a combination of a temporary short-term phenomenon combined with management conservatism. Having said that, given the January weather and the pace of purchases, we have shifted some of our pole revenue forecast to 2025 (from 2024) and reduced our 2024 numbers." The Globe reported on Sept. 29 that Mr. Poirier had reiterated his "buy" recommendation for Stella-Jones. The shares could then be had for $65.32. The Globe reported on Nov. 9 that National Bank Financial analyst Maxim Sytchev had reaffirmed his "outperform" recommendation for Stella-Jones. The shares could then be had for $81.78.