The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Feb. 14, edition that Citi analyst Jon Tower has reaffirmed his "neutral" stance on Restaurant Brands International. The Globe's David Leeder writes that Mr. Tower gave his share target a $2 boost to $67 (all figures U.S.). Analysts on average target the shares at $79.01. Mr. Tower thinks Restaurant Brands' growth to 8-per-cent adjusted operating income in the current fiscal year "remains opaque" following Wednesday's release of its fourth quarter 2024 results. Mr. Tower says in a note: "We see little shifting the debates/sentiment on the name despite Restaurant Brands staying anchored to 8-per-cent AOI growth in 2025 when: (1) Restaurant Brands wouldn't commit to the KPIs that flow into it, and (2) like others, '25 is starting on softer footing (weather in core markets, increased competitive deal activity, leap day laps). We expect investors view the 8-per-cent skeptically, (with 1-per-cent below target SSS pressuring our '25 AOI by $30-million and contributing to our own 6-per-cent AOI growth estimate). Combined with capex/TI spend resetting higher and questions about how a China resolution ultimately plays into LT unit targets, we expect the multiple remains under pressure."