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We're Watching These Trends At Spire (NYSE:SR)

Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. However, after investigating Spire (NYSE:SR), we don't think it's current trends fit the mold of a multi-bagger.

What is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

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 Spire, this is the formula:

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

0.047 = US$318m ÷ (US$7.8b - US$1.1b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2020).

Therefore, Spire has an ROCE of 4.7%. In absolute terms, that's a low return but it's around the Gas Utilities industry average of 5.7%.

Check out our latest analysis for Spire

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In the above chart we have measured Spire'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 Spire here for free.

How Are Returns Trending?

On the surface, the trend of ROCE at Spire doesn't inspire confidence. To be more specific, ROCE has fallen from 6.2% over the last five years. However it looks like Spire might be reinvesting for long term growth because while capital employed has increased, the company's sales haven't changed much in the last 12 months. It may take some time before the company starts to see any change in earnings from these investments.

The Bottom Line On Spire's ROCE

Bringing it all together, while we're somewhat encouraged by Spire's reinvestment in its own business, we're aware that returns are shrinking. And with the stock having returned a mere 15% in the last five years to shareholders, you could argue that they're aware of these lackluster trends. So if you're looking for a multi-bagger, the underlying trends indicate you may have better chances elsewhere.

Spire does have some risks, we noticed 4 warning signs (and 1 which is concerning) we think you should 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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