Yahoo Finance Ero Copper (TSE:ERO) Shareholders Will Want The ROCE Trajectory To Continue
There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, 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. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in Ero Copper's (TSE:ERO) returns on capital, so let's have a look.
Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)
Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. The formula for this calculation on Ero Copper is:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.16 = US$164m ÷ (US$1.1b - US$101m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2022).
Thus, Ero Copper has an ROCE of 16%. In absolute terms, that's a satisfactory return, but compared to the Metals and Mining industry average of 2.4% it's much better.
View our latest analysis for Ero Copper
Above you can see how the current ROCE for Ero Copper 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 Ero Copper here for free.
So How Is Ero Copper's ROCE Trending?
The fact that Ero Copper is now generating some pre-tax profits from its prior investments is very encouraging. About five years ago the company was generating losses but things have turned around because it's now earning 16% on its capital. And unsurprisingly, like most companies trying to break into the black, Ero Copper is utilizing 260% more capital than it was five years ago. We like this trend, because it tells us the company has profitable reinvestment opportunities available to it, and if it continues going forward that can lead to a multi-bagger performance.
On a related note, the company's ratio of current liabilities to total assets has decreased to 9.1%, which basically reduces it's funding from the likes of short-term creditors or suppliers. This tells us that Ero Copper has grown its returns without a reliance on increasing their current liabilities, which we're very happy with.
The Key Takeaway
Overall, Ero Copper gets a big tick from us thanks in most part to the fact that it is now profitable and is reinvesting in its business. And a remarkable 132% total return over the last five years tells us that investors are expecting more good things to come in the future. Therefore, we think it would be worth your time to check if these trends are going to continue.
Ero Copper does have some risks, we noticed 2 warning signs (and 1 which is a bit concerning) we think you should know about.
While Ero Copper isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.
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.
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