The Australian share market certainly has been in fine form this year. Since the start of the year the All Ordinaries index has carved out a gain of almost 20%.
Unfortunately, not all shares have been able to follow the market higher.
Three shares that have thoroughly underperformed the All Ordinaries this year are listed below. Are these beaten down ASX shares in the bargain bin?
The Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) share price has lost 26% of its value since the start of the year. Investors have been selling the health supplements company's shares due to the release of a disappointing half year update and bleak guidance for the full year. Its poor performance this year has been blamed largely on softening demand in the China market. Although its shares look reasonably good value now, I think it would be prudent to wait for an improvement in its performance before picking up shares.
The Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC) share price has come under significant pressure and is down almost 43% this year. The catalyst for the horticulture company's share price crash was a series of guidance downgrades caused by a combination of tough trading conditions, operational issues, and pricing pressures. Although I'm still a little wary of the company and feel that it could be worth waiting for its next results before making a move, its shares do look good value for a long-term and patient investment.
The Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC) share price has tumbled over 30% since the start of the year. Investors have been heading to the exits in their droves after the fibre optic internet infrastructure company downgraded its full year EBITDA guidance materially at the start of the month. Due to delays in signing a major commercial agreement, Superloop now expects full year EBITDA of $7 million to $8 million in FY 2019. This compares to its previous guidance of between $13 million and $18 million. Whist its shares look very cheap now, I intend to wait and see if things improve in the coming months before considering an investment.
