U.S. stocks rose at the open on Monday after Schlumberger agreed to buy Smith International for $11.34 billion in stock and Lowe's Co posted better-than-expected earnings, indicating increased confidence among corporate managers and consumers.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 27.96 points, or 0.27 percent, to 10,430.31. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 3.12 points, or 0.28 percent, to 1,112.29. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 7.57 points, or 0.34 percent, to 2,251.44.

(Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)