Why these 3 ASX shares have delivered a shocking month

The S&P/ASX 200 (Index:^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) may have put on a solid 2.7% gain in the last 30 days, but Independence Group NL (ASX:IGO) and two other ASX shares certainly haven't contributed to this.

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Although there have been a few ups and downs along the way, in the last 30 days the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has managed to put on a solid gain of 2.7%.

Going against the trend and no doubt giving their shareholders a few sleepless nights are three shares in particular. Here are the reasons why these shares are amongst the worst performers on the market during this time:

Cardno Limited (ASX: CDD)

Cardno shares took a dive after the leading infrastructure and environmental services provider released an update to the market recently downgrading its full year earnings guidance.

Previously management had provided earnings guidance of between $65 million and $70 million. But due to lower demand for its services from the energy sector, the company now expects full year earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation to come in between $40 million and $45 million.

Making things worse was the news that Cardno may need to undertake a capital raising to ensure it stays within its bank leverage covenants. Because of this the shares have dropped by around 17% in the last 30 days.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre's share price has fallen 15% in the last 30 days thanks largely to a recent profit downgrade which shocked the market and had many investors running for the exits.

The company is now expecting full year underlying profit before tax to be down by up to 5% on last year's result of $366 million. Previously, Flight Centre's management team had forecast profit growth of 2% to 4% year-on-year.

Flight Centre has placed the blame for lower booking levels on numerous factors such as the Australian election, Britain's EU referendum, the Zika virus, and airfare price wars.

I believe most of these factors should be temporary, which could make the Flight Centre sell-off an opportunity for bargain hunters to snap up its shares on the cheap.

Independence Group NL (ASX: IGO)

Shareholders of Independence Group have seen their investments drop in value by around 13% in the last 30 days. Its shares have come under heavy selling pressure since it released its quarterly report at the end of April.

Independence Group delivered a disappointing quarter which saw year-on-year declines in revenue to $88.5 million, and net profit after tax declines of almost 86% to $2.8 million.

The sudden deterioration of its balance sheet was what worried me most when reading its reports. This time last year the company was looking incredibly healthy with $103 million cash in the bank and just $1.1 million of debt.

But here we are 12 months later and the company now has $240 million of debt and a cash balance of just $37 million. With the gold price looking like it could start falling lower and 45% of its revenue coming from its gold projects, I personally would stay away from Independence Group for now.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »