The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that Raymond James analyst Steve Hansen has elevated his recommendation for Nutrien to "outperform" from "market perform," believing "recent declines in the share price present a more compelling risk-reward at current levels." The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Hansen gave his share target a $2 boost to $60 (all figures U.S.). Analysts on average target the shares at $57.30. Mr. Hansen see "tangible signs of life" in potash. He says management commentary is suggesting "recent efforts to streamline the business are gathering momentum." Mr. Hansen says in a note: "Earlier this week, we sat down with Nutrien management where the team signaled clear momentum in its plan to streamline/optimize its global footprint, highlighting: 1) it is 'ahead of schedule' on extracting $200-million in SG&A savings (with potential upside emerging); 2) it has secured multiple early wins in driving working capital efficiency; 3) Brazilian retail has stabilized after a series of operational improvements; 4) the NA Retail M&A pipeline has been filling back up; and 5) potash automation investments are exceeding IRR target, helping stave off cost inflation."