On Jul 11, oilfield service player Schlumberger Limited SLB was downgraded to a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Key FactorsIn term of upstream operations, North America is the most active region in the world. As per the latest rig count data released by Baker Hughes Incorporated BHGE, shale players in the U.S. have started returning to oil patches following the rare fall in the weekly U.S. rig count last week. We can say that exposure to those resources is lucrative for oilfield services players that can clinch significant contracts for setting up oil and gas wells.Unfortunately, Schlumberger has lesser exposure to shale resources as is reflected from the fact that during 2016, 2015 and 2014, the oilfield service player generated 80%, 76% and 71% of consolidated revenues from non-U.S. operations. Thus, the company has been losing out on the opportunity to gain profitable contracts from shale drillers of late.Moreover, since 2014, long-term debt at Schlumberger has been on the rise, which is a matter of concern. Also, the company’s cash balances have been on the decline over the last five quarters. Investors should also note that the company has to comply with stringent U.S. laws to ensure that its activities do not pollute the environment. For this, Schlumberger has to incur significant expenses that might dent earnings and also dent shareholders’ returns.On top of that, along with the broader industry, Schlumberger’s stock price declined over the last one year. During the aforesaid period, shares of the company have lost almost 18%, compared with the 20.9% decline of the Zacks categorized Oil & Gas-Field Services industry.Owing to those events, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2017 earnings has been slashed to $1.46 per share from $1.49 over the last 60 days. Stocks to ConsiderA few better-ranked players in the energy sector are Canadian Natural Resources Limited CNQ and Pembina Pipeline Corporation PBA. Both Canadian Natural and Pembina Pipeline sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. We expect year-over-year earnings growth of almost 725% at Canadian Natural in 2017. Pembina Pipeline’s 2017 earnings will likely grow over 87% year over year.More Stock News: 8 Companies Verge on Apple-Like RunDid you miss Apple's 9X stock explosion after they launched their iPhone in 2007? Now 2017 looks to be a pivotal year to get in on another emerging technology expected to rock the market. Demand could soar from almost nothing to $42 billion by 2025. Reports suggest it could save 10 million lives per decade which could in turn save $200 billion in U.S. healthcare costs.A bonus Zacks Special Report names this breakthrough and the 8 best stocks to exploit it. Like Apple in 2007, these companies are already strong and coiling for potential mega-gains. Click to see them right now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ): Free Stock Analysis Report Schlumberger N.V. (SLB): Free Stock Analysis Report Pembina Pipeline Corp. (PBA): Free Stock Analysis Report Baker Hughes Incorporated (BHGE): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research