There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount 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. So when we looked at ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD (SZSE:002782) and its trend of ROCE, we really liked what we saw.
Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?
Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.14 = CN¥284m ÷ (CN¥4.1b - CN¥2.1b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023).
Therefore, ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD has an ROCE of 14%. In absolute terms, that's a satisfactory return, but compared to the Electrical industry average of 6.4% it's much better.
View our latest analysis for ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD
In the above chart we have measured ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD'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 ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD for free.
The Trend Of ROCE
Investors would be pleased with what's happening at ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD. Over the last five years, returns on capital employed have risen substantially to 14%. Basically the business is earning more per dollar of capital invested and in addition to that, 138% more capital is being employed now too. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital.
For the record though, there was a noticeable increase in the company's current liabilities over the period, so we would attribute some of the ROCE growth to that. Essentially the business now has suppliers or short-term creditors funding about 51% of its operations, which isn't ideal. Given it's pretty high ratio, we'd remind investors that having current liabilities at those levels can bring about some risks in certain businesses.
Our Take On ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD's ROCE
A company that is growing its returns on capital and can consistently reinvest in itself is a highly sought after trait, and that's what ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD has. And since the stock has fallen 27% over the last five years, there might be an opportunity here. So researching this company further and determining whether or not these trends will continue seems justified.
On a separate note, we've found 2 warning signs for ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD you'll probably want to know about.
For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity.
New: Manage All Your Stock Portfolios in One Place
We've created the ultimate portfolio companion for stock investors, and it's free.
• Connect an unlimited number of Portfolios and see your total in one currency
• Be alerted to new Warning Signs or Risks via email or mobile
• Track the Fair Value of your stocks
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.
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 SZSE:002782
ShenZhen Click TechnologyLTD
Designs, produces, sells, and services LED lighting power supplies, power battery chargers, communication power supplies, adapters, magnetic components, electric car chargers, charging piles, and others in China and internationally.
Excellent balance sheet with moderate growth potential.