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Most people hate plumbing jobs. When I'm asked to replace an angle valve to a toilet or faucet, and the valve uses a compression fitting, I rarely go through the hassle of replacing the compression ferrule and nut. You can't get the nut off without removing the ferrule anyway, but you don't need to, unless you want to change colors, for example from chrome to gold. You might also have to remove them if you want to replace the escutcheon trim ring behind them. The ferrule is a soft anyway, and will mold to the new valve when you tighten down the nut that squeezes it.
If you do need to remove the ferrule and nut, you can try one of several methods. First, I would use a large pair of channel locks, or pliers and firmly grab the ferrule. Then move the pliers up and down to get the ferrule moving. While you are doing this, force the ferrule towards the end of the pipe. The ferrule should come off of the pipe after a minute of moving it.
You can also try to cut the ferrule. Score it with a hacksaw blade to the point where you can break the ferrule. Remember though that the last thing you want to do is damage the bare pipe. So cut to the point where you comfortable and then use a large standard screwdriver and insert it into the groove that you just cut. With a quick twist of your wrist, you should be able to snap the ferrule.
If you have no plans on changing colors or finishes, I would simply re-use the old ferrule and nut.
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