If we want to find a potential multi-bagger, often there are underlying trends that can provide clues. 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. So on that note, Baker Hughes (NASDAQ:BKR) looks quite promising in regards to its trends of return on capital.
What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?
If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Baker Hughes:
Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)
0.14 = US$3.5b ÷ (US$38b - US$13b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2025).
Thus, Baker Hughes has an ROCE of 14%. In absolute terms, that's a satisfactory return, but compared to the Energy Services industry average of 11% it's much better.
Check out our latest analysis for Baker Hughes
Above you can see how the current ROCE for Baker Hughes compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free analyst report for Baker Hughes .
The Trend Of ROCE
Baker Hughes is showing promise given that its ROCE is trending up and to the right. Looking at the data, we can see that even though capital employed in the business has remained relatively flat, the ROCE generated has risen by 134% over the last five years. So it's likely that the business is now reaping the full benefits of its past investments, since the capital employed hasn't changed considerably. It's worth looking deeper into this though because while it's great that the business is more efficient, it might also mean that going forward the areas to invest internally for the organic growth are lacking.
Our Take On Baker Hughes' ROCE
In summary, we're delighted to see that Baker Hughes has been able to increase efficiencies and earn higher rates of return on the same amount of capital. And a remarkable 201% total return over the last five years tells us that investors are expecting more good things to come in the future. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if Baker Hughes can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead.
On the other side of ROCE, we have to consider valuation. That's why we have a FREE intrinsic value estimation for BKR on our platform that is definitely worth checking out.
While Baker Hughes 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.