Today's Falling Knife: Cape Slumps 37%
LONDON -- Cape (ISE: CIU.L) slumped 37% to 184 pence this morning to become the session's heaviest casualty in early trade.
The engineering services contractor admitted the trading performance of its Far East/Pacific Rim division had "deteriorated sharply" during the second quarter, with margins at the operation expected to reduce to approximately half of those seen during 2011.
Cape said it was more exposed to the "construction support services cycle" in the Far East/Pacific Rim area than in other, more mature regions in which the firm enjoyed leading market positions.
Cape also claimed the deterioration at the Far East/Pacific Rim operation would have a significant effect on the group's overall performance in the near term. Cape added that the challenging conditions in the Far East/Pacific Rim would persist into 2013.
Today's statement reinforced the old adage that "profit warnings come in threes." In May, Cape's shares plunged 27% after the firm warned of problems with a contract in Algeria that would cost the mid cap 14 million pounds. And in November of last year, a cagey statement that referred to "ongoing margin pressures in the Middle East and the risk of project scheduling delays during 2012" wiped 29% from the share price.
Cape's shares are down a thumping 69% since their 2011 peak. In today's knife-edge market, smaller companies can be punished severely if they hit trouble.
But Cape does have a history of collapses and strong recoveries. During 2008, for instance, the shares plunged from more than 300 pence to as low as 18 pence -- but have since generated a tenfold return, despite the aforementioned profit warnings. Then, between 2000 and 2002, the shares crashed 90% to as low as 6 pence but went on to expand 50-fold within five years.
Such life-changing returns suggest it may pay to keep an eye on Cape for another recovery.
In fact, if you are keen to earn handsome returns from higher-risk shares, this free Motley Fool report could help you on your way. The report explains how taking a contrarian view and backing unloved companies can be vital steps on the path to the magic million-pound milestone. Maybe one day a recovering Cape could be the share that transforms your wealth. Just click here to download the report today, but hurry -- all Fool reports are free for a limited time only.
Investing is by no means easy in today's uncertain economy. That's why we've published "Top Sectors for 2012" -- our guide to three favorable industries. This free report will be dispatched immediately to your inbox.
Further Motley Fool investment opportunities:
The article Today's Falling Knife: Cape Slumps 37% originally appeared on Fool.com.
Maynard does not own any share mentioned in this article. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days.
Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
