The share market is full of losers and winners each year, with the winners usually outnumbering the losers over the long-term.
That's the danger of investing in individual shares, your portfolio's average return might be good, but there could be one or two stinkers in there.
Here are the four worst performing shares in the ASX200 over the past year:
HT&E Ltd (ASX: HT1)
The media company has seen its share price hit by 34% over the last year. News and media outlets are finding it harder to raise money in the face of Google and the Facebook. I'm not sure there is anything in-particular that the company can do to turn around its fortunes in the long run.
Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX)
Mayne is a pharmaceutical company focused on applying its drug delivery expertise to commercialize branded and generic pharmaceuticals. The changes to the drug industry in the USA has changed the landscape for Mayne significantly, which is why the share price is down by 37% over the last year.
Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR)
The high-end retailer can't catch a break at the moment, with the share price down by 50% during the past year. Online shopping, competition, a confusing store layout and high prices are all hurting performance.
I think Myer could turn it around, but there will have to be major changes at the department store operator, otherwise it will continue on its downwards trajectory.
Retail Food Group Limited (ASX: RFG)
The master franchisor business has been accused have pushing its franchisees up against the wall, with the balance of power and costs too much in its favour.
The model has clearly been profitable, but the long-term success of the business could be in danger if current franchisees close and there aren't many new ones to take their place. The share price is down by 66% over the past year. The current price could be good value, but I believe the business needs to be fairer to franchisees for the whole ecosystem to work properly.
Foolish takeaway
I'm glad I don't own shares of any of these companies. Any business can see its share price hit hard in the short term, but it's hard to see any of the above four turning things around unless fundamental changes are made to their business models.
