The brokerage tapped Kinder Morgan as its top pipeline pick, though
Goldman Sachs chimed in on pipeline stocks today, pegging Kinder Morgan Inc (NYSE:KMI) as its top pick in the sector. However, the brokerage firm downgraded Buckeye Partners, L.P. (NYSE:BPL) and TransCanada Corporation (NYSE:TRP) to "sell" from "neutral," citing valuation concerns for both energy stocks.
Buckeye Partners Stock at Risk of More Bear Notes
Buckeye Partners stock hit an annual high of $57.19 on Jan. 29, and has since surrendered roughly 48% -- last seen trading at $30 -- amid steady resistance from the 80- and 120-day moving averages. Plus, the shares are not far removed from their Dec. 26 10-year low of $25.71.
As such, the majority of analysts are already skeptical of BPL stock, with 80% in coverage maintaining a "hold" or worse rating. However, the average 12-month price target of $35.58 is a nearly 20% premium to current levels, meaning the energy stock is at risk of price-target cuts, should this downside continue.
Bigger Losses Could Be Ahead for TransCanada
TransCanada stock has also been sliding over the past 12 months, down 25.3% year-over-year. While the shares have recovered some from their Dec. 26 two-year low of $34.58, they are running out of steam near $37 -- home to a Dec. 21 bear gap -- down 0.5% today at $36.92.
There's plenty of room for more downgrades to come down the pike, considering seven of 10 analysts currently maintain a "buy" or better rating on TRP stock. Short sellers could continue to create headwinds, too, as they continue to climb on board. Short interest jumped 36.2% in the two most recent reporting periods to 12.29 million shares, a slim 1.4% of the equity's available float.