Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. However, after investigating SIMPAC (KRX:009160), we don't think it's current trends fit the mold of a multi-bagger.
Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)
If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on SIMPAC is:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.0053 = ₩2.4b ÷ (₩676b - ₩220b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2020).
Thus, SIMPAC has an ROCE of 0.5%. Ultimately, that's a low return and it under-performs the Machinery industry average of 5.4%.
Check out our latest analysis for SIMPAC
While the past is not representative of the future, it can be helpful to know how a company has performed historically, which is why we have this chart above. If you want to delve into the historical earnings, revenue and cash flow of SIMPAC, check out these free graphs here.
What Does the ROCE Trend For SIMPAC Tell Us?
On the surface, the trend of ROCE at SIMPAC doesn't inspire confidence. To be more specific, ROCE has fallen from 10% over the last five years. Given the business is employing more capital while revenue has slipped, this is a bit concerning. If this were to continue, you might be looking at a company that is trying to reinvest for growth but is actually losing market share since sales haven't increased.
In Conclusion...
In summary, we're somewhat concerned by SIMPAC's diminishing returns on increasing amounts of capital. And, the stock has remained flat over the last year, so investors don't seem too impressed either. Unless there is a shift to a more positive trajectory in these metrics, we would look elsewhere.
One more thing to note, we've identified 3 warning signs with SIMPAC and understanding these should be part of your investment process.
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.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. 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.
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About KOSE:A009160
SIMPAC
Manufactures and markets mechanical, hydraulic, and servo press machines worldwide.
Proven track record with adequate balance sheet.
