Here's What's Concerning About Nizhnekamskneftekhim's (MCX:NKNC) Returns On Capital

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. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. However, after investigating Nizhnekamskneftekhim (MCX:NKNC), we don't think it's current trends fit the mold of a multi-bagger.

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 Nizhnekamskneftekhim:

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

0.15 = ₽42b ÷ (₽299b - ₽23b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2021).

Thus, Nizhnekamskneftekhim has an ROCE of 15%. In absolute terms, that's a pretty standard return but compared to the Chemicals industry average it falls behind.

See our latest analysis for Nizhnekamskneftekhim

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 Nizhnekamskneftekhim, check out these free graphs here.

How Are Returns Trending?

In terms of Nizhnekamskneftekhim's historical ROCE movements, the trend isn't fantastic. To be more specific, ROCE has fallen from 36% over the last five years. However, given capital employed and revenue have both increased it appears that the business is currently pursuing growth, at the consequence of short term returns. If these investments prove successful, this can bode very well for long term stock performance.

The Bottom Line

Even though returns on capital have fallen in the short term, we find it promising that revenue and capital employed have both increased for Nizhnekamskneftekhim. And the stock has done incredibly well with a 168% return over the last five years, so long term investors are no doubt ecstatic with that result. So while investors seem to be recognizing these promising trends, we would look further into this stock to make sure the other metrics justify the positive view.

If you'd like to know more about Nizhnekamskneftekhim, we've spotted 4 warning signs, and 2 of them are potentially serious.

While Nizhnekamskneftekhim 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.

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.

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