It has been a disappointing year so far for the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) which is currently down around 2.5% for the period. However, this small decline is nothing in comparison to what some investors have had to endure so far this year.
I have picked out a couple of beaten-down shares which I believe could now be trading at a price which makes them attractive investments. They are as follows:
QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)
Although the insurer's shares have recently climbed around 10% off their 52-week low, they are still down over 14% in 2016.
Last week QBE Insurance launched its revamped website. It aims to tailor its content to meet the needs of consumers and increase engagement. I've been impressed with the design of the website and believe it could lead to a higher sales conversion.
Another aspect I like is that not one geographical region accounts for more than a third of its total gross earned premiums. This diversity sets QBE Insurance apart from its competitors, and at the current price could now make it the better investment in my view.
The shares are priced at an estimated forward price to earnings ratio of 12. This is much lower than competitors Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) and Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) which are priced at 14 and 15 times estimated forward earnings, respectively.
Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)
The shares of the company behind brands such as Amart, Rebel Sport, BCF, and Ray's Outdoors have fallen 24% year-to-date thanks in part to missing market expectations with its half-year results. Although the company produced 6% revenue growth and 34% earnings growth year-over-year, it wasn't enough for the market.
The sell-off which ensued was largely attributable to concerns over its Leisure segment brands BCF and Ray's Outdoors. This segment reported a 40% drop in operating profit from the same period a year earlier.
But management has advised that the segment is undertaking a significant transformation, with new store layouts being rolled out. The early signs have been positive with management explaining that it has been encouraged by the early performance in converted stores.
I believe the sell-off was overdone and now leaves Super Retail Group's shares trading at an attractive entry price with a strong chance of good shareholder returns in the next 12 months.
