Buy low candidates: Two of the worst-performing ASX 200 stocks this year

Much of my time as an investor is spent reading about S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock market winners, wishing I’d invested in Nvidia five years ago, and panicking over tariffs. 

But the truth is, success comes from buying solid companies at a relative value and holding for the long term. 

So while it’s fun to speculate on a pre-profitable penny stock going to the moon, it’s probably a more valuable use of time to look at blue-chip companies that offer value. 

While there’s no guarantee these companies bounce back, here are two well-known ASX 200 companies that have fallen the most in 2025 and could present a buy-low opportunity. 

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

James Hardie is the world’s leading producer and marketer of fibre cement building products. It is also a major supplier of fibre gypsum and cement-bonded boards in Europe. 

Its share price has tumbled more than 42% in 2025. 

This included a single-day drop of 27% back in August, following the company’s first-quarter FY26 results. 

However, there is reason for optimism, as this ASX 200 stock saw a 9% recovery last week following its Q2 FY26 results.

The company posted a 34% increase in net sales over the prior corresponding period, and EBITDA rose 25%. 

Recent analysis from brokers suggests that this blue-chip stock may be significantly undervalued following its challenging year. 

The team at Morgans has a $35.50 price target on this ASX 200 stock. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $28.78, this indicates an upside of approximately 23%. 

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

Everyone’s favourite on-the-go burrito chain has seen its stock price almost cut in half in 2025. 

Earlier this year, this ASX 200 stock hit yearly highs of more than $45 per share. 

Last week, Guzman y Gomez shares hit an all-time low of $21.89 a piece. 

Today, shares are hovering around $22. 

Overall, year to date, Guzman y Gomez shares have fallen 45%. 

So could these shares be a bargain? Or should investors stay away?

It seems the fall in share price is more about investor sentiment than financial concern. 

It has consistently been one of the most shorted stocks on the ASX this month. 

However, back in August, the restaurant operator reported its FY25 results. It posted a 23% year-on-year increase in global reported sales. It also recorded a 45.5% increase in EBITDA, and a 151.8% surge in net profits after tax (NPAT). 

Last month, analysis from Macquarie indicated that market expectations were overly re-based, with the current share price offering an attractive entry point. 

The broker suggested the stock price was inflated post-IPO, and this has now been overcorrected. 

Macquarie initiated coverage with a price target of $31.10.

This indicates an upside of 41.56%. 

Foolish Takeaway

It’s important that investors are aware that struggling stocks like these are struggling for a reason. 

There may not be a magical turnaround. 

However, it’s worthwhile for investors to monitor not only share market winners, but also stocks that may present long-term value. 

The post Buy low candidates: Two of the worst-performing ASX 200 stocks this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: James Hardie, Reece, and TechnologyOne shares
• Guzman y Gomez shares tumble to all-time low: Is there any upside ahead?
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• These ASX 200 shares could rise 25% to 30%
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.