Many analysts’ advice for service stocks in 2013 is fairly straightforward: Go deep. The sweet spots for the sector, many say, lie in exploring the fathoms of the Gulf of Mexico, African waters and even the icy seas of the Arctic.

Oil and Gas Investor talked to analysts about their expectations for the sector and their picks for the year’s success stories. In addition to ultra-deep and deepwater exploration, they see oil service consolidation in North America, increased drilling efficiencies and strength in internationally leveraged companies. Overall, service companies should ...