If we want to find a potential multi-bagger, often there are underlying trends that can provide clues. 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 briefly looking over the numbers, we don't think Alimak Group (STO:ALIG) has the makings of a multi-bagger going forward, but let's have a look at why that may be.
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 Alimak Group is:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.088 = kr1.0b ÷ (kr14b - kr1.8b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2025).
Thus, Alimak Group has an ROCE of 8.8%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Machinery industry average of 15%.
Check out our latest analysis for Alimak Group
Above you can see how the current ROCE for Alimak Group compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free analyst report for Alimak Group .
The Trend Of ROCE
There are better returns on capital out there than what we're seeing at Alimak Group. Over the past five years, ROCE has remained relatively flat at around 8.8% and the business has deployed 120% more capital into its operations. Given the company has increased the amount of capital employed, it appears the investments that have been made simply don't provide a high return on capital.
In Conclusion...
Long story short, while Alimak Group has been reinvesting its capital, the returns that it's generating haven't increased. Although the market must be expecting these trends to improve because the stock has gained 95% over the last five years. Ultimately, if the underlying trends persist, we wouldn't hold our breath on it being a multi-bagger going forward.
On a separate note, we've found 1 warning sign for Alimak Group you'll probably want to know about.
For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high 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.
About OM:ALIG
Alimak Group
Alimak Group AB (publ) desigs and manufactures vertical access solutions in Europe, Asia, Australia, South and North America, and internationally.
Solid track record with adequate balance sheet.
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