The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Feb. 13, edition that TD Cowen analyst Mario Mendonca has reiterated his "buy" recommendation for Intact Financial. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Mendonca boosted his share target to a Street-high $324 from $300. Analysts on average target the shares at $285.62. Mr. Mendonca says Intact's "strong" fourth quarter 2024 financial results exhibited both top-line momentum and defensive characteristics, emphasizing that is "precisely" what he "favours." Mr. Mendonca says in a note: "Hard markets persist. DWP [directly written premiums] was up 6 per cent year-over-year (5 per cent cc) and 1 per cent higher than our forecast, reflecting rate actions in domestic personal lines. In Canada, DWP growth in personal auto and personal property of 12 per cent and 9 per cent was supported by rate increases (hard markets continue to drive rate increases). Canadian commercial growth at 4 per cent was softer, driven by rate increases in the mid-single digits offset by competition in large accounts. U.S. top line growth was flat from corrective actions. UK DWP was down 3 per cent reflecting actions to improve profitability from the DLG acquisition."