We issued an updated research report on oilfield service company Core Laboratories NV CLB on Apr 12, 2016. The weakness in crude price has considerably dented Core Labs' earnings and revenue prospects as reflected in the company’s current Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), implying that the stock will significantly underperform the broader U.S. equity market over the next one to three months.The low crude price has resulted in a decline in capital spending by exploration and production firms, which in turn is leading to reduced activity for oilfield services firms like Core Laboratories. Moreover, as crude prices are expected to stay low in the near term, cash flows could see a significant decline in the coming months.It is to be noted that for the first quarter, Core Laboratories expects earnings per share of 41–43 cents, lower than the prior-year quarter figure of 72 cents. Moreover, revenues for the first quarter are expected to decrease 10% sequentially to $164 million.Additionally, Core Laboratories relies on its ability to develop and acquire essential products and technologies that drive its operational performance and growth. If its technologies and products become obsolete or cannot be brought to market in a timely and competitive manner, the company may face severe operational and financial dilemma.On top of that, the company has historically acquired businesses that are complementary to its existing technologies, operations and assets. The company may find it difficult to complete accretive transactions in the future, which could negatively impact its growth rate.Investors should note that Core Laboratories plans to release first-quarter 2016 results on Apr 20, after the closing bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s first quarter stands at 37 cents per share.Stocks to ConsiderNot all stocks in the energy sector are expected to perform like Core Laboratories. Some better-ranked players in the energy space include Vanguard Natural Resources LLC VNR, Antero Resources Corporation AR and PetroChina Co. Ltd. PTR. Each of the stocks sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).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 >>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 CORE LABS NV (CLB): Free Stock Analysis Report PETROCHINA ADR (PTR): Free Stock Analysis Report VANGUARD NATURL (VNR): Free Stock Analysis Report ANTERO RESOURCE (AR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research