To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? 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. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in ATON Green Storage's (BIT:ATON) returns on capital, so let's have a look.
Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?
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 ATON Green Storage is:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.22 = €7.8m ÷ (€50m - €14m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023).
Thus, ATON Green Storage has an ROCE of 22%. That's a fantastic return and not only that, it outpaces the average of 16% earned by companies in a similar industry.
Check out our latest analysis for ATON Green Storage
In the above chart we have measured ATON Green Storage'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 ATON Green Storage for free.
The Trend Of ROCE
The fact that ATON Green Storage 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 22% on its capital. And unsurprisingly, like most companies trying to break into the black, ATON Green Storage is utilizing 563% more capital than it was five years ago. 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.
The Bottom Line
In summary, it's great to see that ATON Green Storage has managed to break into profitability and is continuing to reinvest in its business. And since the stock has fallen 63% over the last three years, there might be an opportunity here. That being the case, research into the company's current valuation metrics and future prospects seems fitting.
One more thing: We've identified 4 warning signs with ATON Green Storage (at least 3 which make us uncomfortable) , and understanding these would certainly be useful.
If you'd like to see other companies earning high returns, check out our free list of companies earning high returns with solid balance sheets 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 BIT:ATON
ATON Green Storage
Manufactures and sells storage systems for photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage system.
Good value slight.