Investors Met With Slowing Returns on Capital At CSP (NASDAQ:CSPI)

If we want to find a potential multi-bagger, often there are underlying trends that can provide clues. One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. However, after briefly looking over the numbers, we don't think CSP (NASDAQ:CSPI) 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. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for CSP:

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

0.053 = US$2.5m ÷ (US$68m - US$19m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023).

Thus, CSP has an ROCE of 5.3%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the IT industry average of 14%.

Check out our latest analysis for CSP

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'd like to look at how CSP has performed in the past in other metrics, you can view this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What Does the ROCE Trend For CSP Tell Us?

In terms of CSP's historical ROCE trend, it doesn't exactly demand attention. The company has employed 92% more capital in the last five years, and the returns on that capital have remained stable at 5.3%. 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.

On a side note, CSP has done well to reduce current liabilities to 29% of total assets over the last five years. Effectively suppliers now fund less of the business, which can lower some elements of risk.

Our Take On CSP's ROCE

As we've seen above, CSP's returns on capital haven't increased but it is reinvesting in the business. Since the stock has gained an impressive 48% over the last five years, investors must think there's better things to come. However, unless these underlying trends turn more positive, we wouldn't get our hopes up too high.

If you want to know some of the risks facing CSP we've found 4 warning signs (1 shouldn't be ignored!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

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.