The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, March 12, edition that National Bank analyst Giuliano Thornhill has reaffirmed his "outperform" recommendation for Northwest Healthcare Properties REIT. The Globe's David Leeder writes that Mr. Thornhill gave his unit target a 25-cent boost to $5.75. Analysts on average target the units at $5.70. Mr. Thornhill says in a note: "Q4 results featured a few notable developments for Northwest. First and foremost, a CEO announcement was not made alongside the release, however, Craig Mitchell did indicate he remains on track to step down late Q2. We expect an announcement could be a key catalyst given heightened C-suite turnover. Concerns relating to Healthscope, while realized after Northwest provided a 10-week rent deferral, appear insulated thanks to favourable lease agreements. Overall, this could've been a worse outcome for its key tenant. Lastly, with additional proceeds coming in from Assura and thanks to its recent debenture issuance, Northwest has avoided transacting on harder to sell geographies at a high cap rate for the time being. Despite HSO concerns, given its long-dated WALT and an insulated tenant profile, steady operational performance should persist."