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If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, 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. Ergo, when we looked at the ROCE trends at Kuehne + Nagel International (VTX:KNIN), we liked what we saw.
Understanding 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 Kuehne + Nagel International:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.32 = CHF1.9b ÷ (CHF11b - CHF5.5b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2023).
So, Kuehne + Nagel International has an ROCE of 32%. That's a fantastic return and not only that, it outpaces the average of 17% earned by companies in a similar industry.
View our latest analysis for Kuehne + Nagel International
In the above chart we have measured Kuehne + Nagel International's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for Kuehne + Nagel International.
So How Is Kuehne + Nagel International's ROCE Trending?
It's hard not to be impressed by Kuehne + Nagel International's returns on capital. The company has consistently earned 32% for the last five years, and the capital employed within the business has risen 114% in that time. With returns that high, it's great that the business can continually reinvest its money at such appealing rates of return. You'll see this when looking at well operated businesses or favorable business models.
One more thing to note, even though ROCE has remained relatively flat over the last five years, the reduction in current liabilities to 49% of total assets, is good to see from a business owner's perspective. Effectively suppliers now fund less of the business, which can lower some elements of risk. Although because current liabilities are still 49%, some of that risk is still prevalent.
The Bottom Line
In the end, the company has proven it can reinvest it's capital at high rates of returns, which you'll remember is a trait of a multi-bagger. And long term investors would be thrilled with the 104% return they've received over the last five years. So even though the stock might be more "expensive" than it was before, we think the strong fundamentals warrant this stock for further research.