A strong rally from the gold miners has pushed the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) more than 0.75% higher today.
Despite the broader index trading firmly in positive territory, these shares have been slammed today:
UGL Limited (ASX: UGL)
Shares of UGL have plunged more than 33% today after the company revealed it could face up to $200 million of contract losses from the Inpex Ichthys LNG project. UGL has already taken a $175 million provision for the project so today's news that there is the possibility for a further $200 million loss will have taken some investors by surprise. UGL has been in prolonged negotiations with a client, JKC Australia LNG Pty Ltd, over project delays and it appears it will be extremely difficult for both parties to come to a mutually acceptable agreement.
Shares of UGL have lost around 8% over the past 12 months.
QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)
QBE and the other major insurers have seen their share prices come under pressure today following the destructive weather events that occurred on the east coast of Australia over the weekend. All of the insurers have seen their share prices fall between 2%-3% today with QBE most heavily sold down. The total amount of damage and claims provisions that will be needed is unknown at this stage but investors should expect announcements from the insurers over the next few days.
Shares of QBE have fallen by around 13% over the past 12 months.
Caltex Australia Limited (ASX: CTX)
Shares of Caltex have fallen by more than 2.5% today after the company revealed a fall in its April refiner margins. Its realised refiner margin fell from US$9.74/bbl in March to US$8.37/bbl in April – a fall of more than 14%. The company's refiner margins are directly impacted by movements in the crude oil price and Caltex had previously enjoyed a huge expansion in its margins following the collapse of the oil price in 2014. With the oil price now recovering, investors are seeing a decline in margins which will obviously have a negative impact on overall earnings.
Shares of Caltex have gained 1% over the past 12 months.
Mobile Embrace Ltd (ASX: MBE)
Shares of Mobile Embrace have fallen by more than 5.5% today after the company resumed trading following a trading halt to raise $12 million via an institutional placement. The shares are currently trading at 31.25 cents which is only marginally higher than the 30 cents per share placement price. Mobile Embrace is also offering a $3.5 million share purchase plan to existing shareholders at the same 30 cent per share price. The company will use the proceeds to expand its operations internationally, fund additional acquisition related payments, and contribute towards the company's growing working capital requirements.
Despite today's fall, shares of Mobile Embrace have gained more than 27% over the past 12 months.
