"Seadrill (SDRL) is the best-placed contract driller in my coverage universe," says energy sector specialist Elliott Gue.

The editor of The Energy Strategist explains, "The company doesn't produce or explore for oil and natural gas; rather, it is in the business of owning drilling rigs that are leased out to major producers for a daily fee known as a day rate.

"There are three major reasons to buy Seadrill. First, the company has the youngest and most advanced fleet of drilling rigs of any of the major contractors.

"We see smooth seas ahead for deepsea driller Oceaneering International (NYSE: OII)," says Richard Moroney.

The editor of the blue chip advisory, Dow Theory Forecasts, explains, "Most of the world's untapped oil reserves lie under the ocean floor, and oil producers are spending an increasing portion of their capital budgets on deepwater drilling."

"While oil prices don't directly affect Oceaneering International's profits and cash flows, they do move the stock. Oil prices fell by two-thirds in the second half of 2008, pushing Oceaneering shares under $20 for the first time since July 2005.