Valeant, Whiting Petroleum, Whole Foods Market Downgraded

Analysts are weighing in on drug firm Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc (NYSE:VRX), oil-and-gas stock Whiting Petroleum Corp (NYSE:WLL), and grocer Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM). Here's a quick roundup of today's bearish brokerage notes on VRX, WLL, and WFM shares.

Valeant Call Buying Stays Hot 

VRX is once again in analysts' bearish cross hairs, with RBC cutting its price target on the stock to $18 from $21. This still represents a huge premium to shares' current perch at $10.74, however, and territory not seen since November. In the meantime, VRX options traders continue to target calls over puts. Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc has a 10-day call/put volume ratio of 2.63 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), which tops four-fifths of readings from the past year. 

Whiting Petroleum in Danger of More Downside

WLL is down 2.9% today at $8.18, following a downgrade to "sell" from "neutral" at UBS, which also cut its price target to $8 from $12. The shares are now on pace for their lowest close since early November, and more losses could be in store if additional bearish analyst notes come through. At present, seven brokerage firms still consider Whiting Petroleum Corp a "strong buy," even though the stock is down 32% year-to-date. 

Analysts Say Sell Whole Foods Stock Amid Slowing Growth

UBS also weighed in on WFM, initiating coverage with a "sell" rating, citing slowing growth that hasn't been priced into the shares. Analysts apparently aren't the only skeptics, as short interest on Whole Foods Market, Inc. surged by nearly 30% in the last two reporting periods. WFM stock was last seen 1.2% lower at $29.57, which brings its 12-month deficit to 8%.