The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Aug. 8, edition that TD Securities analyst Scott Treadwell now rates Essential Energy Services "buy," up from "hold." The Globe's Darcy Keith and Tim Shufelt write in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Treadwell, however, shaved his target to $3 from $3.25. Mr. Treadwell says the stock's 20-per-cent reversal since late June presents a buying opportunity. He says: "Essential's Q2 results were well ahead of forecasts, with nearly the entire business exceeding expectations. ... Well servicing activity was strong as mild weather in Q2 boosted operating hours along with increased producer urgency in the period." Canaccord Genuity also upgraded Essential Energy Services to "buy" from "hold" while keeping its $3.25 price target. National Bank Financial kept its rating the same at "sector perform," but hiked its price target to $2.90 from $3.15. The Globe notes that the rating changes came after Essential Energy posted impressive second quarter results. Mr. Treadwell downgraded his rating on Essential Energy to "hold" from "buy" and cut his price target to $3.25 from $3.50 in the Eye column on May 8. The shares could then be had for $2.55.