What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de's (BMV:OMAB) returns on capital, so let's have a look.
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 Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de, this is the formula:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.38 = Mex$8.0b ÷ (Mex$26b - Mex$4.8b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2024).
Therefore, Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de has an ROCE of 38%. That's a fantastic return and not only that, it outpaces the average of 24% earned by companies in a similar industry.
See our latest analysis for Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de
In the above chart we have measured Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de'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 analyst report for Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de .
The trends we've noticed at Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de are quite reassuring. Over the last five years, returns on capital employed have risen substantially to 38%. The company is effectively making more money per dollar of capital used, and it's worth noting that the amount of capital has increased too, by 45%. This can indicate that there's plenty of opportunities to invest capital internally and at ever higher rates, a combination that's common among multi-baggers.
For the record though, there was a noticeable increase in the company's current liabilities over the period, so we would attribute some of the ROCE growth to that. The current liabilities has increased to 18% of total assets, so the business is now more funded by the likes of its suppliers or short-term creditors. Keep an eye out for future increases because when the ratio of current liabilities to total assets gets particularly high, this can introduce some new risks for the business.
All in all, it's terrific to see that Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de is reaping the rewards from prior investments and is growing its capital base. And with a respectable 79% awarded to those who held the stock over the last five years, you could argue that these developments are starting to get the attention they deserve. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead.
On a separate note, we've found 2 warning signs for Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. de you'll probably want to know about.
If you want to search for more stocks that have been earning high returns, check out this free list of stocks with solid balance sheets that are also earning high returns on equity.
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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.