Companies in the Oil & Gas Drilling & Exploration sector have posted surging top lines in recent quarters as global oil consumption continues to grow. With profits on the upswing, several explorers have begun boosting dividend payments. The Bedford Report examines the outlook for companies in the Oil & Gas Sector and provides equity research on SeaDrill Ltd.SDRL +1.38% and Pengrowth Energy Corporation PGH +1.16% CA:PGF +0.88% . The US drilling sector will need to work through new safety and environmental regulations that arose out of last year's Gulf of Mexico oil spill. While acquiring permits was initially difficult, the US government has recently released a new, more-efficient, application process that should make the sector's battle a little easier.