Investors Could Be Concerned With Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services' (TADAWUL:4200) Returns On Capital

Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? 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. Although, when we looked at Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services (TADAWUL:4200), it didn't seem to tick all of these boxes.

What is 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. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services:

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

0.076 = ر.س283m ÷ (ر.س5.4b - ر.س1.7b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2021).

So, Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services has an ROCE of 7.6%. Even though it's in line with the industry average of 7.6%, it's still a low return by itself.

View our latest analysis for Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services

In the above chart we have measured Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services' prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services.

The Trend Of ROCE

On the surface, the trend of ROCE at Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services doesn't inspire confidence. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 7.6% from 14% five years ago. 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. And if the increased capital generates additional returns, the business, and thus shareholders, will benefit in the long run.

On a related note, Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services has decreased its current liabilities to 31% of total assets. So we could link some of this to the decrease in ROCE. Effectively this means their suppliers or short-term creditors are funding less of the business, which reduces some elements of risk. Some would claim this reduces the business' efficiency at generating ROCE since it is now funding more of the operations with its own money.

The Bottom Line On Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services' ROCE

In summary, despite lower returns in the short term, we're encouraged to see that Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services is reinvesting for growth and has higher sales as a result. And the stock has done incredibly well with a 430% 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.

One more thing to note, we've identified 1 warning sign with Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services and understanding it should be part of your investment process.

While Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets.

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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.