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. Although, when we looked at Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial (SHSE:600452), it didn't seem to tick all of these boxes.

What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. To calculate this metric for Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial, this is the formula:

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

0.10 = CN¥492m ÷ (CN¥6.9b - CN¥2.0b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2023).

Therefore, Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial has an ROCE of 10.0%. On its own that's a low return, but compared to the average of 6.2% generated by the Electric Utilities industry, it's much better.

Check out our latest analysis for Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial here for free.

So How Is Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial's ROCE Trending?

The returns on capital haven't changed much for Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial in recent years. The company has employed 88% more capital in the last five years, and the returns on that capital have remained stable at 10.0%. 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.

One more thing to note, even though ROCE has remained relatively flat over the last five years, the reduction in current liabilities to 29% of total assets, is good to see from a business owner's perspective. This can eliminate some of the risks inherent in the operations because the business has less outstanding obligations to their suppliers and or short-term creditors than they did previously.

The Key Takeaway

As we've seen above, Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial's returns on capital haven't increased but it is reinvesting in the business. Investors must think there's better things to come because the stock has knocked it out of the park, delivering a 208% gain to shareholders who have held over the last five years. But if the trajectory of these underlying trends continue, we think the likelihood of it being a multi-bagger from here isn't high.

Like most companies, Chongqing Fuling Electric Power Industrial does come with some risks, and we've found 2 warning signs that you should be aware of.

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.