Alpha and Omega Semiconductor (NASDAQ:AOSL) Shareholders Will Want The ROCE Trajectory To Continue

If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? 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. With that in mind, we've noticed some promising trends at Alpha and Omega Semiconductor (NASDAQ:AOSL) so let's look a bit deeper.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What is it?

For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Alpha and Omega Semiconductor:

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

0.023 = US$15m ÷ (US$853m - US$212m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2020).

So, Alpha and Omega Semiconductor has an ROCE of 2.3%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Semiconductor industry average of 9.8%.

See our latest analysis for Alpha and Omega Semiconductor

In the above chart we have measured Alpha and Omega Semiconductor'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 report on analyst forecasts for the company.

How Are Returns Trending?

We're delighted to see that Alpha and Omega Semiconductor is reaping rewards from its investments and is now generating some pre-tax profits. About five years ago the company was generating losses but things have turned around because it's now earning 2.3% on its capital. Not only that, but the company is utilizing 164% more capital than before, but that's to be expected from a company trying to break into profitability. This can indicate that there's plenty of opportunities to invest capital internally and at ever higher rates, both common traits of a multi-bagger.

The Key Takeaway

In summary, it's great to see that Alpha and Omega Semiconductor has managed to break into profitability and is continuing to reinvest in its business. And a remarkable 152% total return over the last five years tells us that investors are expecting more good things to come in the future. So given the stock has proven it has promising trends, it's worth researching the company further to see if these trends are likely to persist.

One more thing, we've spotted 2 warning signs facing Alpha and Omega Semiconductor that you might find interesting.

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