Our Take On The Returns On Capital At Bloomsbury Publishing (LON:BMY)

If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an eye out 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. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. However, after briefly looking over the numbers, we don't think Bloomsbury Publishing (LON:BMY) has the makings of a multi-bagger going forward, but let's have a look at why that may be.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What is it?

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 Bloomsbury Publishing:

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

0.092 = UK£16m ÷ (UK£242m - UK£67m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to August 2020).

So, Bloomsbury Publishing has an ROCE of 9.2%. Even though it's in line with the industry average of 9.2%, it's still a low return by itself.

View our latest analysis for Bloomsbury Publishing

roce

In the above chart we have measured Bloomsbury Publishing's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Bloomsbury Publishing here for free.

So How Is Bloomsbury Publishing's ROCE Trending?

There are better returns on capital out there than what we're seeing at Bloomsbury Publishing. The company has employed 35% more capital in the last five years, and the returns on that capital have remained stable at 9.2%. 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 Bottom Line

In conclusion, Bloomsbury Publishing has been investing more capital into the business, but returns on that capital haven't increased. Yet to long term shareholders the stock has gifted them an incredible 132% return in the last five years, so the market appears to be rosy about its future. But if the trajectory of these underlying trends continue, we think the likelihood of it being a multi-bagger from here isn't high.

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

For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. 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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