Yahoo Finance Investors Met With Slowing Returns on Capital At Bowler Metcalf (JSE:BCF)
If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an eye out for. Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. However, after briefly looking over the numbers, we don't think Bowler Metcalf (JSE:BCF) has the makings of a multi-bagger going forward, but let's have a look at why that may be.
What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?
If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Bowler Metcalf:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.14 = R100m ÷ (R808m - R75m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2022).
Therefore, Bowler Metcalf has an ROCE of 14%. In isolation, that's a pretty standard return but against the Chemicals industry average of 17%, it's not as good.
View our latest analysis for Bowler Metcalf
In the above chart we have measured Bowler Metcalf's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Bowler Metcalf here for free.
What Can We Tell From Bowler Metcalf's ROCE Trend?
Over the past five years, Bowler Metcalf's ROCE and capital employed have both remained mostly flat. This tells us the company isn't reinvesting in itself, so it's plausible that it's past the growth phase. So don't be surprised if Bowler Metcalf doesn't end up being a multi-bagger in a few years time.
The Bottom Line
We can conclude that in regards to Bowler Metcalf's returns on capital employed and the trends, there isn't much change to report on. Investors must think there's better things to come because the stock has knocked it out of the park, delivering a 156% gain to shareholders who have held over the last five years. However, unless these underlying trends turn more positive, we wouldn't get our hopes up too high.
On a separate note, we've found 3 warning signs for Bowler Metcalf you'll probably want to know about.
While Bowler Metcalf may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list here.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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