Precision Drilling (NYSE: PDS) announced the purchase of Grey Wolf (NYSE: GW) for $5.00 in cash and 0.1883 newly-issued Precision trust units for each GW share.

The transaction will establish PDS as one of the largest U.S. land drillers with a combined fleet of 371 drilling rigs.

PDS September option implied volatility of 46 is near its 26-week average of 43 according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movements.

GW overall option implied volatility of 45 is near its 26-week average, suggesting non-directional price movements.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Option Update: Precision Drilling and Grey Wolf volatility flat into merger originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• Merriman initiated shares of Suntech Power (NYSE: STP) with a Buy rating and believes the company is benefiting from strong worldwide demand for solar PV technology. The firm suggests a potential 12-month stock price range of $56-$64.
  
• Merriman also started shares of First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) with a Sell rating, as they believe the company's market is limited to ground-based systems because of its cadmium-based technology, which they feel could lead to environment concerns over time.
  
• Deutsche Bank resumed coverage of Banco Santander (NYSE: STD) with a Buy rating. The firm is positive on the bank's agreement with ABN Amro (NYSE: ABN) and feels the company has a lack of exposure to risky assets.
  
• Jefferies believes Internap (NASDAQ: INAP) is well-positioned with its suite of services to address a rapidly growing market, starting shares off with a Buy rating and $20 target.
  
• Nollenberger believes NetGear (NASDAQ: NTGR) provides a pure-play opportunity to capitalize on the global penetration of broadband connectivity. The firm resumed coverage with a Buy rating and $36 target.

• ThinkEquity initiated Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) with a Buy rating and $800 target and Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO) with an Accumulate rating.
  
• Banc of America initiated U.S. land drillers, including Grey Wolf (AMEX: GW), Nabors Industries (NYSE: NBR) and Patterson-UTI Energy (NASDAQ: PTEN) with Neutral ratings and Parker Drilling (NYSE: PKD) with a Buy rating.

Analyst initiations: STP, FSLR, STD, INAP and NTGR originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.