Goldman Sachs Provides Color on Utilities Sector

Goldman Sachs provided color on the utilities sector. In a research report published today, Goldman Sachs especially praised the natural gas projects in North Dakota. In the report, Goldman States, "While producers rightly focus on oil production growth, we were impressed by the eye-raising potential for natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs)-driven projects. Our Neutral ratings on OKE/OKS are unchanged, though the trip confirmed for us that ONEOK is entering a multi-year period of infrastructure investment that we believe will, subsequently, drive long-term cash flow growth." On Friday, ONEOK OKE lost 0.70% of its value to close the week at $69.04. At the same time, Oneok Partners OKS closed the week at $84.36. Goldman Sachs was also impressed with Plains All American PAA. In the report, Goldman states, "We also attended PAA's analyst conference last week in Houston, Texas, and came away impressed with its numerous, oil-focused growth opportunities, although we retain our Neutral rating. The company expects to leverage its existing footprint in the Permian Basin, Bakken Shale, and Cushing, and is developing inroads into other plays like the Eagle Ford Shale." On Friday, Plains All American closed the week at $62.49.