What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can 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. Put simply, these types of businesses are compounding machines, meaning they are continually reinvesting their earnings at ever-higher rates of return. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in CYMECHS' (KOSDAQ:160980) returns on capital, so let's have a look.
What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?
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. To calculate this metric for CYMECHS, this is the formula:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.034 = ₩5.6b ÷ (₩205b - ₩39b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2024).
Therefore, CYMECHS has an ROCE of 3.4%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Semiconductor industry average of 6.5%.
View our latest analysis for CYMECHS
In the above chart we have measured CYMECHS' prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free analyst report for CYMECHS .
How Are Returns Trending?
CYMECHS has recently broken into profitability so their prior investments seem to be paying off. About five years ago the company was generating losses but things have turned around because it's now earning 3.4% on its capital. And unsurprisingly, like most companies trying to break into the black, CYMECHS is utilizing 41% more capital than it was five years ago. This can indicate that there's plenty of opportunities to invest capital internally and at ever higher rates, both common traits of a multi-bagger.
What We Can Learn From CYMECHS' ROCE
Long story short, we're delighted to see that CYMECHS' reinvestment activities have paid off and the company is now profitable. And given the stock has remained rather flat over the last five years, there might be an opportunity here if other metrics are strong. With that in mind, we believe the promising trends warrant this stock for further investigation.
CYMECHS does come with some risks though, we found 4 warning signs in our investment analysis, and 1 of those is concerning...
While CYMECHS may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list 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 KOSDAQ:A160980
CYMECHS
A tool automation company, engages in the provision of core system components for semiconductor manufacturing in South Korea.
Flawless balance sheet average dividend payer.