Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is one of those companies that everyone loves to talk about ... even though the stock has deflated like a soufflé in recent months.

Remember how much buzz Martha Stewart's stock was getting at this time last year? Shares were trading around $35 and the hope was that Martha's imminent release from prison would serve as a huge boost to the company's fortunes. Ad sales and circulation are on the upswing for several Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia publications, most notably at the flagship magazine. Ad sales and circulation are on the upswing for several Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia publications, most notably at the flagship magazine. Not a good thing: Shares of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia have plunged during the past year. Not a good thing: Shares of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia have plunged during the past year.

But ironically, now that Martha is a free woman again, shares of her namesake company have been handcuffed. The stock has been cut in half over the past year and, at about $17, trades just a touch above its 52-week low.