Pangaea Logistics Solutions (NASDAQ:PANL) Has Some Way To Go To Become A Multi-Bagger

What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base 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. Having said that, from a first glance at Pangaea Logistics Solutions (NASDAQ:PANL) we aren't jumping out of our chairs at how returns are trending, but let's have a deeper look.

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. To calculate this metric for Pangaea Logistics Solutions, this is the formula:

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

0.08 = US$31m ÷ (US$450m - US$61m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2021).

Therefore, Pangaea Logistics Solutions has an ROCE of 8.0%. On its own that's a low return, but compared to the average of 6.2% generated by the Shipping industry, it's much better.

See our latest analysis for Pangaea Logistics Solutions

In the above chart we have measured Pangaea Logistics Solutions' prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Pangaea Logistics Solutions here for free.

What The Trend Of ROCE Can Tell Us

The returns on capital haven't changed much for Pangaea Logistics Solutions in recent years. The company has consistently earned 8.0% for the last five years, and the capital employed within the business has risen 34% in that time. 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.

The Key Takeaway

As we've seen above, Pangaea Logistics Solutions' returns on capital haven't increased but it is reinvesting in the business. Yet to long term shareholders the stock has gifted them an incredible 108% return in the last five years, so the market appears to be rosy about its future. Ultimately, if the underlying trends persist, we wouldn't hold our breath on it being a multi-bagger going forward.

If you'd like to know about the risks facing Pangaea Logistics Solutions, we've discovered 3 warning signs that you should be aware of.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. 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.
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