Shares in Rollins, owner of the Orkin pest control business, soared by the most in three years after it reported strong sales and adjusted profit growth in the third quarter. Atlanta-based Rollins’ profit took a hit from a $50 million charge to end its pension plan last month. Excluding that charge, it made 22 cents a share in the quarter, up from 20 cents a year ago. Revenue jumped 14%, which
Rollins said was a record. Rollins shares have struggled to recover from disastrous first-quarter earnings in April and second quarter results in July. Wednesday’s gain leaves the stock down about 12% from its 2019 high set in April. CEO Gary W. Rollins said the company is confident it can continue to grow organically and through acquisitions.