With the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 1.6%, few stocks have been spared, and South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) is no exception. The miner's shares have fallen 5.2% to $1.29 after hitting a fresh low of $1.265 earlier.
South32 made its debut on the ASX in May this year after being demerged from BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP). It floated at $2.13 and quickly ascended to $2.45, but it's been all downhill since then.
Like most other mining stocks, South32 has been dragged down by fears of slowing global economic growth. This has had a profound impact on commodity prices which has, in turn, impacted South32's overall earnings. Although it has slashed costs in a bid to offset this impact, it so far has not been enough.
What's more, hopes that South32 would become a takeover target have also been dashed, especially given the concerns regarding the debt levels of Glencore, which had been considered a likely suitor. It's likely that this has also weighed on the stock's performance.
Should you buy?
Commodity businesses rely on solid commodity prices to maintain reasonable earnings strength. South32's parent entity BHP Billiton is also struggling under the weight of falling commodity prices, as are Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG).
However, just as falling commodity prices can drag a company lower, stronger commodity prices can drastically improve their performances. Given its capacity to improve operating efficiencies of many of its assets considerably, South32 could be a good bet for long-term investors.
In saying that however, I'm not buying the stock – not yet, at least. Although commodity prices are sitting at multi-year lows, I'm not confident enough to suggest the rout has found a floor. Chinese growth seems destined to continue slowing down which will impact the global growth rate and demand for resources, which could see prices fall even further from here.
