Precision to convert early

Article Excerpt

PRECISION DRILLING TRUST $8.68 (Toronto symbol PD.UN; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Resources sector; Units outstanding: 275.6 million; Market cap: $2.4 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.0; No dividends paid since February 2009; SI Rating: Extra Risk) provides contract-drilling services to oil and natural-gas producers. The trust will convert to a corporation in May 2010. That’s because Ottawa will start taxing income trusts in 2011. Precision did not reveal the details of the conversion. However, investors will only be liable for capital-gains taxes when they sell. The switch will also make it easier for Precision to attract foreign investors. Precision Drilling is a buy. buy…