OutperformThe Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Feb. 20, edition that CIBC World Markets analyst John Zamparo, touting Hexo's ($7.50) "home field advantage," commenced coverage with an "outperform" rating. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Zamparo targets the shares at $8.50. Analysts on average target the shares at $9.43. Mr. Zamparo says in a note: "We believe one name that presents investors with a greater element of safety in a cannabis industry plagued by uncertainty and risk is Hexo. A landmark deal with Quebec's wholesale buyer, paired with a partnership with one of the largest beverage companies in North America, and a knack for innovative product design help distinguish Hexo from many of its peers. Its balance sheet and pedigree of senior management may not match some other competitors, but we believe reasonable upside exists with a much higher floor than most other producers in the cannabis space. The willingness shown by provinces to reward homegrown companies that invest significant dollars locally to build infrastructure and generate employment has been very apparent through the growth of this industry, and we believe it will persist."