7 More Surprising Stocks

In an earlier article, we had a look at seven poorly regarded stocks that nonetheless delivered outstanding returns over the past month. Today, we consider the opposite scenario: seven highly regarded stocks that have underperformed over the past 30 days.

Where the earlier article looked at stocks that growth investors might love, this one highlights companies that may appeal to the value investor. Hmmm. Well-regarded companies that are now trading at anywhere from 20% to 30% lower in just one month's time? These stocks might be worth a closer look.

The table below was created with data from our new Motley Fool CAPS community stock-picking database, which is currently in beta testing. The Fool community gave these stocks its highest rating a mere 30 days ago, only to see them deliver woeful short-term returns:

A couple of companies, like Peru Copper and McDermott International, have since been demoted and are now one-star and two-star stocks, respectively. But Helix Energy remains a five-star stock, and it may well be an attractive value play in the current environment.

Helix Energy, which sells its services to major oil and gas companies, has likely seen its share price drop because of plummeting oil and natural-gas prices in recent weeks. Our community, however, continues to see it as one of the most attractive companies in its industry, with enormous future growth opportunities. To read more on what our CAPS community is thinking, get in the game today. We've already signed up more than 8,000 players and have rated in excess of 1,300 stocks. If you're looking for great stock ideas, this is the place to be.

For additional value stock ideas, start up a free trial of Motley Fool Inside Value .

John Reeves does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article. He did, however, rate Helix Energy an "outperform" on CAPS just a few minutes ago. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.