To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. Put simply, these types of businesses are compounding machines, meaning they are continually reinvesting their earnings at ever-higher rates of return. However, after investigating Ways ElectronLtd (SHSE:605218), we don't think it's current trends fit the mold of a multi-bagger.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?

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. The formula for this calculation on Ways ElectronLtd is:

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

0.044 = CN¥57m ÷ (CN¥1.7b - CN¥468m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2023).

So, Ways ElectronLtd has an ROCE of 4.4%. In absolute terms, that's a low return but it's around the Electronic industry average of 5.0%.

View our latest analysis for Ways ElectronLtd

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 want to delve into the historical earnings, revenue and cash flow of Ways ElectronLtd, check out these free graphs here.

The Trend Of ROCE

In terms of Ways ElectronLtd's historical ROCE movements, the trend isn't fantastic. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 4.4% from 32% five years ago. However it looks like Ways ElectronLtd might be reinvesting for long term growth because while capital employed has increased, the company's sales haven't changed much in the last 12 months. It may take some time before the company starts to see any change in earnings from these investments.

On a side note, Ways ElectronLtd has done well to pay down its current liabilities to 27% of total assets. So we could link some of this to the decrease in ROCE. Effectively this means their suppliers or short-term creditors are funding less of the business, which reduces some elements of risk. Since the business is basically funding more of its operations with it's own money, you could argue this has made the business less efficient at generating ROCE.

The Bottom Line On Ways ElectronLtd's ROCE

Bringing it all together, while we're somewhat encouraged by Ways ElectronLtd's reinvestment in its own business, we're aware that returns are shrinking. Since the stock has gained an impressive 67% over the last three years, investors must think there's better things to come. But if the trajectory of these underlying trends continue, we think the likelihood of it being a multi-bagger from here isn't high.

One final note, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Ways ElectronLtd (including 2 which are concerning) .

While Ways ElectronLtd 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.