The S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) was awash in red today, losing 1.1% to 5,210 points after a weak lead from overseas markets.
Several stocks fell considerably further, although at least some of them appear interesting at today's prices:
BT Investment Management Ltd (ASX: BTT) shares fell 5.6% to $11.92 in possible profit-taking, after a strong run in share price saw the company gain 77% in the past year. Investors like BT and similar companies for the superannuation industry's substantial tailwinds, both in the form of regular super payments as well as lifts in the minimum payment percentage to 12% (from 9.5% currently) over the next decade.
Spotless Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SPO) slipped 5.5% to $1.03 – a new all-time low – as the company's share price continues to dwindle on the back of last month's market update. While Spotless appears to be in no danger of doing a 'Dick Smith' and going into administration, investors are understandably a little nervous about recent Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) right now.
Nevertheless, a Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio of 8 might be enough to get bargain hunters interested, and directors have been buying heavily over the past month, while big names like UBS and National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) have been reducing their exposure.
Sims Metal Management Ltd (ASX: SGM) shares dropped 5.4% to $6.81 on no news. Shares have been rising recently after the company announced an on-market buyback for up to 10% of the company's securities. Management is currently working to improve shareholder returns by avoiding acquisitions and focussing on making the company leaner and meaner. While they are making some headway, trading conditions remain difficult.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) lost 3.1% to $8.07 on no news, although shares are still up 38% in the past year and some 10% since I suggested they were fully valued back in November. Fisher & Paykel appears to have decent tailwinds in its industry as well as opportunities to grow through continued R&D and efficiencies, but at a price tag of 40 times earnings I believe there are better value opportunities out there.
