Rollins Stings as Analysts Cut Ratings and Targets

Pest control giant ROL took the sharpest hit in Thursday's analyst activity. The consensus rating was downgraded as the average target price plunged from $55.29 to $47.94. That is a 13% cut. Rollins carries a $20.9 billion market cap and short interest sits at 4.6% of free float — modest, but worth watching if selling pressure builds.

WST received a new analyst recommendation. West Pharmaceutical Services drew fresh coverage with an average target of $394.62. The prior consensus sat at $384.29. The $25.3 billion drug delivery company now has 14 holds and one buy in its coverage mix.

AMD continued its slow-burn target price creep upward. The consensus target edged from $545.91 to $547.29. AMD now has 41 buy ratings against just 10 holds. Short interest is only 2.5% of free float. Bulls clearly dominate the Street.

Rail stocks also caught upgrades. Both NSC and UNP saw target price increases. Norfolk Southern's consensus target rose to $355.17. Union Pacific's moved to $319.57.

CMCSA was the other notable loser. The telecom giant's consensus target slipped from $30.85 to $30.65 amid three sell ratings in its coverage pool.