I feel it is fair to say that the month of October was a big disappointment for investors. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) fell almost 3% last month, weighed down by drops across the board.
But that 3% drop was nothing compared to what shareholders of the following three shares had to endure. These three shares sunk like stones in October, but has this made them bargain buys?
Class Ltd (ASX: CL1)
The shares of this self-managed super fund software provider fell 13% in October. Although its shares are still on the expensive side of the market after this drop, I believe the growth it is exhibiting goes some way to justifying the premium. In the most recent quarter, Class added a further 12,030 billable portfolios onto its platform, bringing the total number of billable portfolios to an impressive 124,471.
Healthscope Ltd (ASX: HSO)
Private hospital operator Healthscope was one of the worst performers in October. Its shares fell a massive 28% last month after a trading update warned that it was experiencing weak demand for its hospitals. Management went on to say that if things do not improve as the year goes on there will be no EBITDA growth in the segment in FY 2017. At 19x full year earnings its shares are beginning to look a little more reasonable, but I would suggest waiting until there is sign of improvement.
Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR)
This casino operator's share price dropped 19% in October after being caught up in an industry-wide sell off following the arrest of several Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) employees in China. Whilst things could remain volatile until the matter is fully resolved, I feel there is a long-term investment opportunity here in Star Entertainment. I believe the tourism boom that Australia is experiencing should allow the company to grow earnings at a solid rate for at least the next few years.
