Returns On Capital Signal Tricky Times Ahead For Taseko Mines (TSE:TKO)

If we want to find a potential multi-bagger, often there are underlying trends that can provide clues. Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing 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 briefly looking over the numbers, we don't think Taseko Mines (TSE:TKO) has the makings of a multi-bagger going forward, but let's have a look at why that may be.

What Is 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. To calculate this metric for Taseko Mines, this is the formula:

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

0.073 = CA$82m ÷ (CA$1.2b - CA$111m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2022).

Therefore, Taseko Mines has an ROCE of 7.3%. On its own that's a low return, but compared to the average of 3.6% generated by the Metals and Mining industry, it's much better.

View our latest analysis for Taseko Mines

roce

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Taseko Mines 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 Taseko Mines here for free.

What Does the ROCE Trend For Taseko Mines Tell Us?

In terms of Taseko Mines' historical ROCE movements, the trend isn't fantastic. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 7.3% from 12% five years ago. On the other hand, the company has been employing more capital without a corresponding improvement in sales in the last year, which could suggest these investments are longer term plays. It may take some time before the company starts to see any change in earnings from these investments.

The Bottom Line On Taseko Mines' ROCE

To conclude, we've found that Taseko Mines is reinvesting in the business, but returns have been falling. And in the last five years, the stock has given away 42% so the market doesn't look too hopeful on these trends strengthening any time soon. In any case, the stock doesn't have these traits of a multi-bagger discussed above, so if that's what you're looking for, we think you'd have more luck elsewhere.

While Taseko Mines doesn't shine too bright in this respect, it's still worth seeing if the company is trading at attractive prices. You can find that out with our FREE intrinsic value estimation on our platform.

While Taseko Mines 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.

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