By Street Authority
When it comes to money management styles, there is no consensus. Some investment pros look for stocks showing "relative strength," meaning they've been trading very well in recent sessions. Yet some money managers shun that approach, preferring out-of-favor stocks. These pros often turn to the list of stocks making new 52-week lows as a source of ideas.
It's been slim pickings for these investors, but this week's sharp selloff brings a silver lining: The number of stocks hitting new 52-week lows is now rising quickly. In fact, new lows outnumbered new highs for this first time all year on April 4. Among the stocks that are plumbing the depths are some intriguing names.
Here's a small sample of rebound candidates, all of which hit a fresh 52-week low at some point this past week.
1. Titanium Metals (NYSE: TIE)
This company provides raw and processed titanium to airplane makers, sporting goods firms and others that need the metal's high strength and low weight. Shares have been slumping on concerns of a global economic slowdown, which would crimp demand. Right now, analysts expect sales to rise 13% in 2012 to $1.18 billion and another 20% to $1.45 billion in 2013. Then again, management doesn't hold conference calls, so analysts are just making their best guess. Perhaps the weak stock chart tells you that near-term estimates are too high.
But this stock has one huge backer: Chairman Harold Simmons. He's been buying shares for more than a year -- at prices above current levels. Along with other insiders, he controls more than 50% of the stock. Even as the stock has been falling, rumors have swirled that Simmons' heavy insider buying is a prelude to a takeover. His $9 billion net worth gives him ample firepower to take the company private.
2. Deckers Outdoor (Nasdaq: DECK)
This footwear and accessories vendor was a scorching hot growth stock in recent years, thanks to insatiable demand for its UGG boots. Shares rose from $12 in early 2009 to above $110 this past fall, but have since fallen by nearly half.