10 Worst Performing Shares of 2014

The index of UK’s 100 largest companies has tracked sideways over the past year, gaining less than 2% since January - which have been the companies dragging down performance?

Emma Wall 29 December, 2014 | 12:01PM
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Twelve months ago, stock investors were predicting 2014 would be the year the FTSE 100 reached an all-time high, smashing through the record level of 6,930 set 15 years ago tomorrow.

But instead the index of UK’s 100 largest companies has tracked sideways over the past year, gaining just 1.95% at the time of writing. Part of the problem has been several key sectors dragging down market performance. The FTSE 100 is heavily reliant on energy and oil stocks – which have faced some of their biggest losses in recent history thanks to the plummeting price of underlying commodities. Brent crude oil went from $100 a barrel to less than $60 in the second half of 2014, which provided significant headwinds for oil and gas stocks.

The accounting debacle at Tesco and the ongoing challenge from e-commerce has badly affected the supermarket stocks too. Using Morningstar Direct to rank the largest stocks in the UK, here we reveal the 10 stocks which lost the most value over the past 12 months, starting with the worst performer.

Tullow Oil (TLW)

London-based Tullow Oil is an independent oil and gas producer that targets oil in underexplored areas of the world. The company focuses largely on Africa; its key assets are in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda.

Tesco (TSCO)

Tesco operates a network of more than 6,500 retail stores in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. A majority of Tesco's revenue comes from the sale of food products, although the firm also sells gasoline and a variety of general merchandise products in multiple channels.

BG Group (BG.)

BG Group is an integrated energy company primarily engaged in the exploration for and production of natural gas in Egypt, the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kazakhstan.

Rolls-Royce (RR.)

Rolls-Royce is one of the world's leading suppliers of gas turbines and reciprocating engines and services to the aerospace, marine, and industrial power system markets

Sainsbury (SBRY)

Sainsbury is one of the largest grocery store operators in the United Kingdom, with more than 550 supermarkets and 600 convenience stores.

Standard Chartered (STAN)

Standard Chartered has its headquarters in the United Kingdom but operates almost exclusively in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its biggest markets are India and Hong Kong, which combine to produce about 31% of the group's operating profits in 2013.

Morrisons (MRW)

Morrison is the fourth-largest grocery store operator in the U.K., with nearly 500 supermarkets and about 100 convenience stores. The firm began selling food online in early 2014.

Smiths (SMIN)

Smiths Group PLC is a technology company. The Company is engaged in the development, manufacturing, sale and support of detection technologies, engineered products & services, medical devices and electronic components.

Intertek (ITRK)

Intertek Group PLC provides quality and safety solutions. It helps customers to assess their products and commodities against various safety, regulatory, quality, and performance standards.

BHP Billiton (BLT)

BHP Billiton is a diversified miner that supplies aluminium, coal, copper, iron ore, mineral sands, oil, gas, nickel, diamonds, uranium, and silver.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Intertek Group PLC4,866.00 GBX2.31Rating
Sainsbury (J) PLC267.60 GBX1.52Rating
Smiths Group PLC1,767.00 GBX0.28
Standard Chartered PLC970.40 GBX0.27Rating
Tesco PLC374.50 GBX0.40Rating
Tullow Oil PLC21.80 GBX-9.02

About Author

Emma Wall  is former Senior International Editor for Morningstar

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