Oilfield Services Cos. Rise On Oil, Drilling Boost

In the second half of the year, capital spending among smaller U.S. oil companies may get a boost from stronger balance sheets and higher oil prices, said Dahlman Rose & Co. analyst Omar Nokta.

"While this has yet to translate into higher offshore drilling rates or higher utilization, it is becoming apparent that both the floater and jackup markets will be better supported than previously expected," Nokta said.

Elsewhere in the sector, shares of Schlumberger, the world's largest oilfield services company, rose $2.19, or 3.8 percent, to $59.21. Halliburton Co. shares jumped 96 cents, or 4.2 percent, to $23.89.