Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. Put simply, these types of businesses are compounding machines, meaning they are continually reinvesting their earnings at ever-higher rates of return. So on that note, SFS Group (VTX:SFSN) looks quite promising in regards to its trends of return on capital.
What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?
For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on SFS Group is:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) á (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.14 = CHF295m á (CHF2.5b - CHF501m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2022).
Thus, SFS Group has an ROCE of 14%. In absolute terms, that's a pretty normal return, and it's somewhat close to the Machinery industry average of 16%.
See our latest analysis for SFS Group
In the above chart we have measured SFS Group'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 SFS Group here for free.
How Are Returns Trending?
SFS Group's ROCE growth is quite impressive. The figures show that over the last five years, ROCE has grown 79% whilst employing roughly the same amount of capital. So it's likely that the business is now reaping the full benefits of its past investments, since the capital employed hasn't changed considerably. On that front, things are looking good so it's worth exploring what management has said about growth plans going forward.
Our Take On SFS Group's ROCE
To sum it up, SFS Group is collecting higher returns from the same amount of capital, and that's impressive. And given the stock has remained rather flat over the last five years, there might be an opportunity here if other metrics are strong. So researching this company further and determining whether or not these trends will continue seems justified.
One more thing, we've spotted 3 warning signs facing SFS Group that you might find interesting.
While SFS Group 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.
About SWX:SFSN
SFS Group
Supplies precision components and assemblies, mechanical fastening systems, tools, and procurement solutions in Switzerland and internationally.
Excellent balance sheet established dividend payer.
