If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look 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. 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 DPC Dash (HKG:1405) 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 DPC Dash, this is the formula:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.058 = CN¥225m ÷ (CN¥5.2b - CN¥1.4b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2025).
Therefore, DPC Dash has an ROCE of 5.8%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Hospitality industry average of 8.3%.
See our latest analysis for DPC Dash
Above you can see how the current ROCE for DPC Dash compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free analyst report for DPC Dash .
What Can We Tell From DPC Dash's ROCE Trend?
The fact that DPC Dash is now generating some pre-tax profits from its prior investments is very encouraging. About five years ago the company was generating losses but things have turned around because it's now earning 5.8% on its capital. In addition to that, DPC Dash is employing 96% more capital than previously which is expected of a company that's trying to break into profitability. We like this trend, because it tells us the company has profitable reinvestment opportunities available to it, and if it continues going forward that can lead to a multi-bagger performance.
What We Can Learn From DPC Dash's ROCE
Long story short, we're delighted to see that DPC Dash's reinvestment activities have paid off and the company is now profitable. Since the stock has returned a solid 22% to shareholders over the last year, it's fair to say investors are beginning to recognize these changes. With that being said, we still think the promising fundamentals mean the company deserves some further due diligence.
Before jumping to any conclusions though, we need to know what value we're getting for the current share price. That's where you can check out our FREE intrinsic value estimation for 1405 that compares the share price and estimated value.
While DPC Dash 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.
About SEHK:1405
DPC Dash
Operates a chain of fast-food restaurants in the People’s Republic of China.
High growth potential with adequate balance sheet.
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