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. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. However, after investigating Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI), we don't think it's current trends fit the mold of a multi-bagger.

What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

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 Service Corporation International:

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

0.056 = US$836m ÷ (US$16b - US$688m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023).

So, Service Corporation International has an ROCE of 5.6%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Consumer Services industry average of 7.0%.

See our latest analysis for Service Corporation International

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Service Corporation International compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for Service Corporation International.

What The Trend Of ROCE Can Tell Us

The returns on capital haven't changed much for Service Corporation International in recent years. The company has employed 22% more capital in the last five years, and the returns on that capital have remained stable at 5.6%. 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

Long story short, while Service Corporation International has been reinvesting its capital, the returns that it's generating haven't increased. And with the stock having returned a mere 36% in the last five years to shareholders, you could argue that they're aware of these lackluster trends. So if you're looking for a multi-bagger, the underlying trends indicate you may have better chances elsewhere.

If you'd like to know more about Service Corporation International, we've spotted 2 warning signs, and 1 of them is a bit unpleasant.

While Service Corporation International may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list here.

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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.