BP PLC (BP): Today's Featured Basic Materials Loser

BP (BP) pushed the Basic Materials sector lower today making it today's featured Basic Materials loser. The sector as a whole closed the day down 0.7%. By the end of trading, BP fell 27 cents (-0.7%) to $39.41 on light volume. Throughout the day, 2.8 million shares of BP exchanged hands as compared to its average daily volume of 9.5 million shares. The stock ranged in price between $39.41-$40.06 after having opened the day at $39.56 as compared to the previous trading day's close of $39.68. Other company's within the Basic Materials sector that declined today were: China Precision Steel Inc (CPSL), down 9.9%, Magnum Hunter Resources (MHR), down 7.3%, Golden Star Resources (GSS), down 6.8%, and Entree Gold Inc (EGI), down 6.8%.

BP p.l.c. provides fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail services, and petrochemicals products. BP has a market cap of $125.38 billion and is part of the energy industry. Shares are down 10.2% year to date as of the close of trading on Wednesday.

TheStreet Ratings rates BP as a hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its compelling growth in net income, robust revenue growth and attractive valuation levels. However, as a counter to these strengths, we find that the company's profit margins have been poor overall.

• You can view the full BP Ratings Report.

On the positive front, Royale Energy Inc (ROYL), up 20.2%, Lucas Energy Inc (LEI), up 18.9%, Oilsands Quest Inc (BQI), up 15.1%, and Andatee China Marine Fuel Services Corporat (AMCF), up 11.3%, were all gainers within the basic materials sector with El Paso Corporation (EP) being today's featured basic materials sector winner.

• Use our basic materials section to find sector-relevant news.
• Or find some new ideas from our top rated stocks lists.

For investors not wanting singular stock exposure, ETFs may be of interest. Investors who are bullish on the basic materials sector could consider Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB) while those bearish on the basic materials sector could consider ProShares Short Basic Materials Fd (SBM).

• Find other investment ideas from our top rated ETFs lists.

For more information on BP PLC click any of the following:

• BP PLC Stock Price

• BP PLC Analyst Ratings

• BP PLC Key Stats & Profile

• BP PLC Earnings

• BP PLC Ratio Comparison

• BP PLC Growth Rates

• BP PLC Balance Sheet

• BP PLC Cash Flow

• BP PLC Income Statement