Returns At Ashtrom Group (TLV:ASHG) Appear To Be Weighed Down

What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. Having said that, from a first glance at Ashtrom Group (TLV:ASHG) we aren't jumping out of our chairs at how returns are trending, but let's have a deeper look.

What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. The formula for this calculation on Ashtrom Group is:

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

0.055 = ₪755m ÷ (₪18b - ₪4.5b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2022).

Thus, Ashtrom Group has an ROCE of 5.5%. On its own, that's a low figure but it's around the 6.3% average generated by the Construction industry.

Check out our latest analysis for Ashtrom Group

Historical performance is a great place to start when researching a stock so above you can see the gauge for Ashtrom Group's ROCE against it's prior returns. If you're interested in investigating Ashtrom Group's past further, check out this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

So How Is Ashtrom Group's ROCE Trending?

In terms of Ashtrom Group's historical ROCE trend, it doesn't exactly demand attention. The company has employed 91% more capital in the last five years, and the returns on that capital have remained stable at 5.5%. Given the company has increased the amount of capital employed, it appears the investments that have been made simply don't provide a high return on capital.

One more thing to note, even though ROCE has remained relatively flat over the last five years, the reduction in current liabilities to 25% of total assets, is good to see from a business owner's perspective. This can eliminate some of the risks inherent in the operations because the business has less outstanding obligations to their suppliers and or short-term creditors than they did previously.

The Bottom Line

In summary, Ashtrom Group has simply been reinvesting capital and generating the same low rate of return as before. Yet to long term shareholders the stock has gifted them an incredible 352% return in the last five years, so the market appears to be rosy about its future. But if the trajectory of these underlying trends continue, we think the likelihood of it being a multi-bagger from here isn't high.

If you'd like to know more about Ashtrom Group, we've spotted 4 warning signs, and 1 of them is significant.

If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity.

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.