Were these the 3 worst shares on the ASX in 2017?

The iSentia Group Ltd (ASX:ISD) share price was one of three that destroyed the wealth of unlucky shareholders in 2017…

| 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 number of horror shows on the local market this year, I thought I would pick out three which I consider to be amongst the worst.

They are as follows:

iSentia Group Ltd (ASX: ISD)

After a shocking 2016, this media monitoring company followed it up with another stinker in 2017. Its shares are down a further 51% this year, extending its two-year decline to a staggering 71%. The company's disastrous acquisition of the King Content business was initially the key driver of its decline. But since then its core business has struggled from higher levels of customer churn. As a result, management expects FY 2018 EBITDA to be as much as 22% lower compared to a year earlier. While I do like the company, I would keep a safe distance until it starts delivering consistent profit growth again.

Innate Immunotherapeutics Ltd (ASX: IIL)

The worst performer on the market this year has been this biotechnology company with its massive 97.5% decline. The catalyst for this was the release of negative results from its Phase 2b trials in June for its MIS416 treatment for multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately for its shareholders, those results found that the multiple sclerosis treatment was no better than a placebo. In October the company advised that it is actively reviewing a number of possible options for the company to acquire a new technology that could be merged into the business. It had planned to make a definitive statement about the company's future prior to Christmas, but has failed to deliver on this.

Quintis Ltd (ASX: QIN)

Remember Quintis? The shares of the sandalwood plantation manager have been suspended from trade since May 15. But prior to that they had lost 82% of their value since the start of the year due largely to a report from short-seller Glaucus Research. That report alleged that the company's business model was a Ponzi-scheme and the true value of its shares was zero. In November Quintis posted a massive statutory net loss after tax of $416.8 million after making a significant reduction to the fair value of its biological assets. If its shares ever return to trade, I would suggest investors avoid them at all costs.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iSentia Group Ltd. 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 »