Returns On Capital Are Showing Encouraging Signs At Empresas Copec (SNSE:COPEC)

There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. So when we looked at Empresas Copec (SNSE:COPEC) and its trend of ROCE, we really liked what we saw.

Understanding 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. To calculate this metric for Empresas Copec, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.11 = US$2.6b ÷ (US$28b - US$5.1b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2022).

So, Empresas Copec has an ROCE of 11%. By itself that's a normal return on capital and it's in line with the industry's average returns of 11%.

Check out our latest analysis for Empresas Copec

In the above chart we have measured Empresas Copec'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 Empresas Copec here for free.

What Can We Tell From Empresas Copec's ROCE Trend?

We like the trends that we're seeing from Empresas Copec. Over the last five years, returns on capital employed have risen substantially to 11%. The company is effectively making more money per dollar of capital used, and it's worth noting that the amount of capital has increased too, by 21%. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at Empresas Copec thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital.

The Bottom Line On Empresas Copec's ROCE

To sum it up, Empresas Copec has proven it can reinvest in the business and generate higher returns on that capital employed, which is terrific. Astute investors may have an opportunity here because the stock has declined 30% in the last five years. That being the case, research into the company's current valuation metrics and future prospects seems fitting.

One final note, you should learn about the 5 warning signs we've spotted with Empresas Copec (including 2 which are potentially serious) .

While Empresas Copec isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets.

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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.