Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key financial metrics. Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, 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. So, when we ran our eye over Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd's (KLSE:F&N) trend of ROCE, we liked what we saw.
Understanding 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. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.16 = RM692m ÷ (RM5.7b - RM1.4b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2025).
Thus, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd has an ROCE of 16%. That's a pretty standard return and it's in line with the industry average of 16%.
View our latest analysis for Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd
Above you can see how the current ROCE for Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd 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 Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd .
So How Is Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd's ROCE Trending?
While the current returns on capital are decent, they haven't changed much. The company has consistently earned 16% for the last five years, and the capital employed within the business has risen 57% in that time. 16% is a pretty standard return, and it provides some comfort knowing that Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd has consistently earned this amount. Over long periods of time, returns like these might not be too exciting, but with consistency they can pay off in terms of share price returns.
The Bottom Line On Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd's ROCE
To sum it up, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd has simply been reinvesting capital steadily, at those decent rates of return. Despite the good fundamentals, total returns from the stock have been virtually flat over the last five years. For that reason, savvy investors might want to look further into this company in case it's a prime investment.
One more thing to note, we've identified 1 warning sign with Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd and understanding this 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. 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.