It's fun to follow stocks that soared recently, and it can be sobering to see which ones have plunged -- especially if you're a shareholder. So here's a look at the worst-performing stocks in the S&P 500 index of 500 of America's biggest companies -- in September.
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CarMax: Down 24.8%
CarMax (KMX -0.33%) sells, finances, and services new and used cars at more than 250 locations. Much of its loss happened after it posted a very disappointing second-quarter report, featuring revenue down year over year and profits really down -- by 25%. This reflects lower car-buying enthusiasm from consumers.
FactSet Research Systems: Down 22.3%
FactSet Research Systems (FDS 0.80%) offers financial data and analytics for professional investors. It also posted results below analyst expectations.
Kenvue: Down 21.9%
Kenvue (KVUE -0.83%) was spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023 to focus on consumer products. Its brands include Listerine, Zyrtec, Motrin, Band-Aid, and... Tylenol. As you might have guessed, much of its recent downfall is tied to President Trump and others asserting that Tylenol is linked to autism.
Deckers Outdoor: Down 17.5%
Deckers Outdoor (DECK 3.08%) is an outdoor apparel company with brands such as Uggs, Teva, and Hoka. It has fallen in value in part due to concerns about tariff effects -- as well as general worries about economic uncertainty reining in consumers' eagerness to buy. It also disappointed investors with its last earnings report.
Synopsys: Down 16.7%
Synopsys (SNPS 2.30%) specializes in software used for designing and testing semiconductor chips. Its shares have fallen in part due to weakened demand from a major customer and export restrictions from the Trump administration (now removed).
While these stocks retreated, the S&P 500 index gained 3.5% in September. Remember, too, that when stocks plunge, you should steer clear if the company is facing lasting, intractable problems. But if the market seems to have overreacted and the company's future is promising, a much lower stock price can be a great buying opportunity.
