To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in Lucky Strike Entertainment's (NYSE:LUCK) returns on capital, so let's have a look.
Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?
If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. To calculate this metric for Lucky Strike Entertainment, this is the formula:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.053 = US$162m ÷ (US$3.2b - US$191m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2024).
So, Lucky Strike Entertainment has an ROCE of 5.3%. Ultimately, that's a low return and it under-performs the Hospitality industry average of 9.7%.
Check out our latest analysis for Lucky Strike Entertainment
In the above chart we have measured Lucky Strike Entertainment's 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 Lucky Strike Entertainment .
So How Is Lucky Strike Entertainment's ROCE Trending?
We're glad to see that ROCE is heading in the right direction, even if it is still low at the moment. The numbers show that in the last five years, the returns generated on capital employed have grown considerably to 5.3%. Basically the business is earning more per dollar of capital invested and in addition to that, 78% more capital is being employed now too. The increasing returns on a growing amount of capital is common amongst multi-baggers and that's why we're impressed.
The Bottom Line
To sum it up, Lucky Strike Entertainment has proven it can reinvest in the business and generate higher returns on that capital employed, which is terrific. Astute investors may have an opportunity here because the stock has declined 13% in the last three years. That being the case, research into the company's current valuation metrics and future prospects seems fitting.
One more thing: We've identified 5 warning signs with Lucky Strike Entertainment (at least 2 which are concerning) , and understanding them would certainly be useful.
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.