Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? 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 ONE Gas (NYSE:OGS), 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. To calculate this metric for ONE Gas, this is the formula:

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

0.065 = US$379m ÷ (US$7.4b - US$1.6b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2023).

So, ONE Gas has an ROCE of 6.5%. Even though it's in line with the industry average of 6.5%, it's still a low return by itself.

See our latest analysis for ONE Gas

Above you can see how the current ROCE for ONE Gas compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

So How Is ONE Gas' ROCE Trending?

There are better returns on capital out there than what we're seeing at ONE Gas. The company has consistently earned 6.5% for the last five years, and the capital employed within the business has risen 36% 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, ONE Gas' returns on capital haven't increased but it is reinvesting in the business. And investors appear hesitant that the trends will pick up because the stock has fallen 23% in the last five years. Therefore based on the analysis done in this article, we don't think ONE Gas has the makings of a multi-bagger.

On a separate note, we've found 2 warning signs for ONE Gas you'll probably want to know about.

While ONE Gas isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets.

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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.