Amazingly, incredibly, almost impossibly, the number one performing stock on the ASX 100 this year is set to be Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) with a return close to 120% so far. It would have taken a very brave investor that took a punt on the stock when it was languishing at 96 cents following a monster loss and downbeat outlook, but then again fortune sometimes favours the brave.
Accordingly, here are the eight large-cap companies that have fallen the most in 2014. They vary in quality and outlook but no doubt speculators and investors will buy some or all of these in the new year with the expectation of striking it rich in 2015.
Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) has led the pack with a 56% decline in 2014, to levels not seen for years. Some analysts and investors are banking on a lower Australian dollar, lower oil prices and marginally higher iron ore prices in 2015 to allow the company to report a surprisingly strong profit.
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) were tracking nicely until November, when the oil price started its precipitous plunge towards $60. Santos' high debt load and Origin's exposure to energy prices have seen their stock values fall by 47% and 23% respectively.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) shares have fallen 24% and 19% respectively, due to their exposure to iron ore and oil.
Explosives company Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI) has experienced slowing demand for its products and guided for soft conditions going forward due to plunging commodity prices. The stock has consequently lost 27% of its value since the start of 2014 with a turnaround seemingly some way away.
Finally, diverging from the resources theme, shares in casino group Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) and beverage distributor Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) have fallen 21% and 28% respectively, after giving investors reason to query previous growth estimates. Could they surprise to the upside?
