Schlumberger 2Q profit jumps 64 pct

NEW YORK (AP) - Schlumberger Ltd., said Friday that the benefits of the second quarter of fried 64 percent on an increase in North American oil drilling.The Houston oil company reported earnings of 1.34 billion, or 98 cents per share, for the three months ended June 30. Last year compared to $ 818 million, or 68 cents per share, for the same period. Income increased by 62% to $ 9.62 billion.Analysts expected earnings of 85 cents per share on revenue of 9.19 billion, according to the President of FactSet.Outgoing and CEO Andrew Gould said that profits were supported by the "very strong growth" for projects focused on land in the United States and "renewed interest in exploration in the Gulf of the Mexico activities."Growth in North America to drilling is happening at a time when international operations are picking up. Revenues increased during the quarter for Schlumberger in Latin America, Europe, Africa, Middle East operations and Asia.Gould said that it will be a continuing challenge for the company "" supply the North American and international markets with the required equipment and the people."" Average, profits will be even more this year. A increased activity usually benefits oil companies by increasing the amount they can charge for the drilling equipment and other services of drilling.Schlumberger increased remuneration in all of its sectors of activity. Income before tax increased by 31% to 602 million for operations of characterization of the reservoir - which helps plan oil production companies - 15 p. 100, 538 million for its activities and its 16 per cent to the 613 million for the production of reservoir drilling.Rival Halliburton Co. posted an increase of 54% of the quarterly profit of $ 739 million earlier in the week.Gould, 64, announced this week that he will retire on August 1. Chief Operating Officer Paal Kibsgaard will replace Gould as CEO. Gould, who spent 36 years with the company, will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board until the next meeting of shareholders at April.Schlumberger share rose $2.64, or 2.9%, $93.60 in premarket trading.